News & Updates

Every January, millions set ambitious, overarching resolutions: “I’ll save $10,000 this year,” or “I’ll pay off all my debt.” These goals sound inspiring, but by February, reality often sets in. Life happens, and those big, bold promises start to feel overwhelming.

“The problem isn’t the resolution itself—it’s the scale,” said Chelsey Cargen, Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor at Evergreen Credit Union. “When goals are too large, they feel unattainable. Breaking them down into smaller, actionable steps means they’re far more likely to follow through and succeed.”

Why Big Goals Can Backfire

Large financial goals often lack clarity. For example:

• Save $10,000 — How? By cutting expenses? Increasing income? Both?
• Pay off debt — Which debt first? How much monthly?

Without a roadmap, these resolutions become intimidating and easy to abandon.

The Power of Micro-Goals

Instead of aiming for $5,000 in one leap, break it down:

• Save $200 per biweekly paycheck.
• Automate transfers to a high-yield savings account or share certificate.
• Cut one discretionary expense each month.

 “Small wins create momentum. When you hit a $500 milestone, you feel accomplished. That keeps you moving toward the bigger target,” said Cargen.

Practical Steps to Start

1. Define the Big Goal: Example: Save $5,000 in 12 months.
2. Break It Down: $5,000 ÷ 52 weeks = $96.15 per week
3. Automate Savings: Set up recurring transfers.
4. Track Progress: Use apps or spreadsheets to celebrate milestones.
5. Adjust as Needed: Life changes—your plan should too.

By turning lofty ambitions into bite-sized actions, you can transform overwhelming goals into achievable victories. As Cargen puts it, “Small steps, taken regularly, lead to big results.”

Evergreen Credit Union is Maine’s 4^th largest credit union with over $620 million in assets. They serve over 33,000 individuals, families, and businesses across Maine’s six southern counties. Reinforce your financial foundation with Evergreen’s free online interactive tools or schedule a chat with a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor at egcu.org/tips.