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How to save for short-, medium- and long-term goals

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 1:13 GMT by KIRO-TV
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Putting Your Money Where Your Goals Are: A Guide to Short‑, Medium‑ and Long‑Term Saving

When we think about saving, we’re often tempted to focus on one big goal—retirement, a house, or a child’s education. But the reality is that most of us have a stack of objectives that span a wide range of time horizons. A practical savings plan recognizes that short‑, medium‑ and long‑term goals are interlinked, and that the tools and tactics you use for each can differ dramatically. The recent Kiro7 feature “How to Save Short, Medium and Long‑Term Goals” dives deep into this very topic, offering a step‑by‑step roadmap that anyone can follow.

1. Define the Horizon: What Counts as Short, Medium, and Long?

The article begins by clarifying the three categories:

By labeling each goal, you can tailor your savings strategy and avoid confusing your money‑moving priorities.

2. Start with the Basics: Building a Solid Foundation

Emergency Fund – The “Safety Net”

The Kiro7 article emphasizes that a short‑term goal—an emergency reserve—is non‑negotiable. “If your savings are tied up in stocks or a vacation account, you’ll be scrambling in an emergency,” the guide warns. The recommended target is 3‑6 months’ worth of living expenses, kept in a highly liquid account such as a money‑market or high‑yield savings account. The piece also links to a calculator that helps you determine how much you need based on your monthly spend.

Automate the Transfers

Automation is the backbone of disciplined saving. “Set up automatic transfers to each account immediately after you receive your paycheck,” the article advises. Most banks allow you to set up recurring transfers that can be adjusted as your salary changes.

3. Medium‑Term Goals: The “Ready‑to‑Roll” Strategy

Once you have a cushion, you can move on to medium‑term goals. The Kiro7 guide points out that these are usually financed through “low‑risk, short‑term instruments” that still offer a bit more yield than a simple savings account.

Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

For goals like a car or home renovation, the article recommends 12‑ to 36‑month CDs. The longer the term, the higher the rate—but remember, early withdrawal penalties apply. The guide links to a comparison site where you can compare local bank rates.

Short‑Term Bonds and Money‑Market Funds

If you’re comfortable with a modest amount of risk, a short‑term bond fund or a money‑market fund can provide a better return than a savings account while still protecting your principal.

Separate “Goal” Accounts

Creating separate bank accounts for each medium‑term goal keeps the money from being “slid back into the regular spending pile.” Kiro7 highlights how to label these accounts (e.g., “Car Savings – 2025”) to maintain focus.

4. Long‑Term Goals: Investing for the Future

Long‑term objectives—retirement, college, buying a house—are best addressed with investment vehicles that have higher potential returns, even if they carry a bit more risk.

401(k) / IRA / Roth IRA

The article stresses the importance of maxing out tax‑advantaged retirement accounts. It even links to the IRS retirement account comparison tool to decide between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA based on your current tax bracket.

Mutual Funds & Index Funds

For those with a longer time horizon, diversified index funds or mutual funds can provide compounding growth. The guide recommends a “core‑plus” strategy: a solid base of low‑cost index funds with a smaller allocation to actively managed funds for higher upside.

College Savings Plans

The article recommends a 529 plan for children’s education, noting the state tax advantages and the flexibility to withdraw without penalties for qualified expenses. It also offers a link to an online calculator to estimate how much you’d need based on projected tuition rates.

Regular Portfolio Review

Even long‑term plans need periodic check‑ins. The guide suggests an annual review to rebalance and adjust contributions, especially when you experience significant life changes like a new job or a new child.

5. Putting It All Together: The “Three‑Bucket” System

The Kiro7 piece outlines a simple visual model: the “Three‑Bucket” system. Think of each bucket representing a time horizon:

1. Bucket 1 – Immediate needs (Emergency, travel)
2. Bucket 2 – Near‑future plans (Car, home, wedding)
3. Bucket 3 – Future dreams (Retirement, college, home ownership)

You allocate a portion of each paycheck to each bucket, automatically. Over time, the money in each bucket grows with the appropriate instruments: a savings account for Bucket 1, CDs for Bucket 2, and diversified funds for Bucket 3.

6. Tips to Stay on Track

The article also highlights real‑world success stories from local residents who used the Three‑Bucket approach to pay off debt, buy a first home, and retire earlier than expected.

7. Where to Go Next

The Kiro7 article finishes with a “resources” section, including:

• A link to a free budgeting spreadsheet template.
• A calculator for determining the required monthly contribution to hit a retirement goal.
• A guide to choosing the right investment account based on risk tolerance.

By following these steps, you’ll not only secure the money you need now but also lay a robust foundation for your future.

Bottom Line

Short‑term goals protect you from the unexpected, medium‑term goals keep your life on track, and long‑term goals ensure your future is bright. The Kiro7 feature teaches you that the difference between living paycheck‑to‑pay and living on purpose is largely a matter of separating and treating each goal with the appropriate strategy. With a clear plan, automated transfers, and regular reviews, you can turn those dreams—whether it’s a vacation, a new car, or a comfortable retirement—into a reality.