First Quarter Check-in: Is Your Money Moving in the Right Direction? - 26

Action Item: Figure out one goal you want to work towards over the next three months and write it down. Send it to me in an email and I will help keep you accountable as you work towards it over the next few months.Schedule a call: https://cal.com/earlybirdfp/chatSummaryIn this episode I walk you through exactly what to track, what to review, and how to set goals so you have real proof your money is moving in the right direction. I cover four key financial metrics including net worth, net worth growth rate, savings rate, and expense rate, and explain why tracking the direction of your money matters way more than just staring at a balance that doesn't feel impressive yet. I also introduce the Coast FI concept as a way more approachable target for young adults who feel overwhelmed by a $2 million retirement number. From there I walk through three things that are quietly costing you money or putting you at risk right now, your insurance, your credit report, and your recurring bills, and give you practical steps to review and tackle each one. Then I wrap it all up with a framework for setting real, specific, and automated goals heading into Q2. The case study follows Derek, a 26 year old making $72,000 with no real financial system, and shows exactly how he gets one in place without making any dramatic changes to his lifestyle.Resources & Links MentionedThree Financial Metrics You Need to Track Every Month: https://breakyourbudget.com/3-financial-metrics-you-need-to-track-every-month/Top Personal Finance Metrics 2025: https://thegildgroup.com/financial-health-metrics/Time for an Insurance Checkup via Consumer Action: https://www.consumer-action.org/english/articles/insurance_checkupHow to Get Your Free Credit Report via CFPB: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-get-a-free-copy-of-my-credit-reports-en-5/AnnualCreditReport.comSave Money on Bills, A Practical Guide to Negotiate and Reduce Your Bills: https://www.finhabits.com/save-money-on-bills/How to Set Financial Goals via Fidelity: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/how-to-set-financial-goalsFree Healthcare with an HSA - 6: https://youtu.be/dnOr-lkNxo8How to Adjust Your Goals Without Giving Up on Them - 23: https://youtu.be/075vDBDMMr0Timestamps[02:01] The four financial metrics you need to start tracking right now[08:40] Coast FI explained and why it is a game changer for young adults[10:36] Insurance, credit reports, and bills: three things quietly costing you money[17:09] How to set specific, automated, and attainable Q2 goals[19:58] Case study intro: meet Derek and his situation[23:08] Building Derek's baseline with no major changes yet[24:33] Automating an emergency fund, tackling student loans, and investing with intention[28:24] Your action itemEmail me at [email protected]