When it comes to setting goals, money trumps family. When asked what areas people set goals in, financial goals come out on top:

Financial (72 percent)
Family (62 percent)
Fitness (57 percent)
Work (55 percent)
Diet (54 percent)

When it comes to the self-discipline required to achieve goals, family and work trump money. When asked what areas people have the most self-discipline in, the responses were:

Family (77 percent reporting 7 or higher on a 1-10 scale)
Work (70 percent)
Financial (55 percent)
Diet (38 percent)
Fitness (36 percent)

People need the most help with finance, fitness and diet. When asked what areas people feel they could use more self-discipline in, the responses were:

Fitness/Diet (62 percent)
Financial (47 percent)
Work (20 percent)
Family (18 percent)

In terms of specific financial goals, Americans have a strong desire for long-term protection. Top financial goals include:

Maintaining a comfortable standard of living during retirement (78 percent reporting 7 or higher on a scale of 1-10)
Not falling below your current standard of living (73 percent)
Protecting your income in the event of a disability (60 percent)
Protecting your family's standard of living in the event that the household breadwinner passes way unexpectedly (55 percent)
Building a sizable investment portfolio (47 percent)
Making a major purchase such a car, boat or furniture (30 percent)
Financing your children's college education (29 percent)

The study also explored how some people successfully achieved goals. The No. 1 strategy that works is "setting small interim goals," with 67 percent reporting this as a key step to ensure a long-term goal is achieved. The two next most common strategies seemingly go hand-in-hand – "allowing yourself to make mistakes" (62 percent) while "holding yourself accountable" (60 percent).

Instant Insights /

Study: Financial goals trump personal, career goals

More From HR Executive

Related Stories

Recommended For You