Short-term, midterm and long-term savings goals: How to save

Not all savings goals are the same. Saving for a vacation, for example, may be a short-term goal you plan to reach within the next year. Paying for your child's education is likely a long-term goal you'll save toward over several years.

Your approach to saving for each of your goals will vary based on your current financial situation, stage of life and when you'll need the money. Assigning a timeline to each goal helps guide how you save and which strategies make the most sense. Let's take a closer look at short-term, midterm and long-term financial goals and strategies for saving for each.

What are short-term, midterm and long-term savings goals?

A savings goal is something you want or need to set money aside for. What matters most to you, where you are in life and your current financial situation likely shape your current savings goals. These financial goals may be grouped into short-term, midterm and long-term timeframes:

• Short-term financial goals (one year or less): Goals you plan to reach soon or that may require quick access to cash, like building an emergency fund, are typically short-term goals.
• Midterm financial goals (one to five years): Goals that are one to a few years away, such as saving for a home or paying off credit card debt, often fall into the midterm category.
• Long-term financial goals (more than five years): Goals that are many years in the future, such as retirement or education savings, are considered long-term goals.

5 steps to determine your savings goal timeline

Understanding which category each of your financial goals falls into can help you prioritize your savings. Think about when you'll need the money and how flexible that timeline is. Consider these steps to help determine where your financial goal fits:

1. Identify your savings goal: Be specific about what you're saving for and why it matters to you.
2. Determine when you'll need the money: Is the goal flexible or does it have a firm deadline, such as a tuition payment or a planned purchase?
3. Review your income and expenses: Understand how much you can realistically save each month.
4. Create a budget and prioritize your goals: Determine which goals require funding first, decide how much you can allocate to each and choose a budgeting strategy.
5. Track your progress and adjust over time : Review your progress regularly and update goals as your needs or timeline change.

Planning your savings goal timeline by age

Your financial goals will likely vary based on your age, but remember it's just one factor among many. Career changes, family needs and personal priorities can all influence what you save for and when. The examples below illustrate how goals at different life stages can potentially fall into each timeframe:

Financial goals in your 20s: Building a financial foundation

This stage is often a mix of short-term, midterm and long-term goals designed to help you set the stage for financial success.

Short-term savings goals in your 20s

• Building an emergency fund
• Paying toward car loans
• Establishing financial independence

Midterm savings goals in your 20s

• Paying down student loans
• Saving for a vacation
• Establishing a good credit score

Long-term savings goals in your 20s

• Starting to save for retirement
• Paying off high-interest debt
• Saving for a down payment on a home

Financial goals in your 30s and 40s: Short-term, midterm and long-term planning

As responsibilities grow, savings goals continue to expand across all three timeframes.

Short-term savings goals in your 30s and 40s

• Strengthening your emergency fund
• Managing family-related expenses

Midterm savings goals in your 30s and 40s

• Saving for a home purchase or renovations
• Putting money aside for a child’s education

Long-term savings goals in your 30s and 40s

• Increasing retirement contributions
• Paying for a new car

Financial goals in your 50s and 60s: Prepping for retirement

As retirement gets closer, timelines shift and some long-term goals may move into the midterm category:

Short-term savings goals in your 50s and 60s

1. Helping fund family milestones, such as weddings or graduation trips
2. Paying down non-mortgage debt

Midterm savings goals in your 50s and 60s

1. Planning for near-term retirement expenses
2. Making catch-up contributions to retirement accounts

Long-term savings goals in your 50s and 60s

1. Paying off mortgages
2. Saving for long-term health care expenses

Strategies for each savings timeline

The timeline of your goal plays a significant role in determining how you save for it and which financial tools may be most suitable.

Savings strategies for short-term financial goals (1 year or less)

Since short-term financial goals are those you can reach within a year, examples include:

• Establishing an emergency fund
• Saving for a purchase, such as a new TV or upgraded appliance
• Paying off a small amount of debt

When saving for a short-term goal, a strategic approach can help you make the most of your intentions. Because your goals are only a year away, you want to prioritize liquidity to keep your money readily accessible for when you need it.

You can do this is with low-risk bank accounts that let you access your money as you need. Consider a savings account, money market account or certificate of deposit (CD) to take advantage of compounding interest while retaining access to your funds in the short term:

• Savings account: No required minimum balance or withdrawal restrictions gives you frequent, unlimited access to your money.
• Money market account: May have minimum balance requirements but can earn you more interest.
• Certificate of deposit: A short-term CD (less than one year) can help you save with a higher APY than other savings options.

For your short-term savings goals, focus on stability over returns. Money market accounts and CDs may earn less than investment accounts, but are FDIC-insured so your original balance is protected from loss.

Savings strategies for midterm financial goals (1 to 5 years)

Midterm financial goals can take up to five years to achieve. Common examples might include:

• Paying off student loans or other larger debts
• Saving for a down payment on a home
• Planning a home renovation

When saving for a midterm goal, consider balancing accessibility and growth. You’ll need the money within a few years, but not immediately, which gives you a few more options.

You can still consider a mix of lower-risk accounts, like traditional savings accounts, money market accounts and CD accounts. The further out your goal is, the longer CD term you can choose, which may come with a higher interest rate. A savings bond can also be a good low-risk option, especially if you can wait five years to redeem your money.

No matter which options you choose, track your progress regularly with tools like Citizens Savings Tracker® to help you visualize your goals and stay on course.

Savings strategies for long-term financial goals (5+ years)

Look five to 20 years into your future, and that's where your long-term goals sit. Examples include:

• Saving for retirement
• Funding your current preschooler's college education
• Buying a second home
• Taking your family on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation

Reach your savings goals through every stage of life

Planning for short- and long-term goals doesn't have to be overwhelming. Turn your goals into reality by starting your savings journey today with the help of the Citizens Savings Tracker®.