Why Most People Avoid Setting Financial Goals (and What to Do)
If writing down financial goals feels like a burden, this simple story will make you feel understood - and show you how to begin without the stress.
“Mujhse na ho payega”
Bunny looked at me like I had just asked him to run a marathon in a dhoti.
"Uncle, how do people even write financial goals? I mean… main toh monthly kharcha bhi theek se likh nahi paata!”
We were sitting in a cafe at the end of the road, which still had Diwali lights hanging even though it was April.
Bunny’s head was spinning with EMI notifications, random UPI spends, and weekend guilt-shopping.
I took a slow sip of chai, smiled, and said —
"Bunny, duniya ka sabse bada financial mistake hai - sochna zayada, likhna kam."
Bunny’s Problem: “Kya likhun, kaise likhun, aur likhne se hoga kya?”
Bunny is like most of us:
Works hard
Earns good
Has dreams (like owning a house, Europe trip, ladki ki padhai, early retirement and so on…)
But sab kuch dimag ke Google Drive mein saved hai.
Every time he tries to set goals, his brain says:
"It’s Too early bro"
"It’s Too complicated bro"
"Abhi toh loan chal raha hai"
"Kya fayda likhne ka?"
And worst of all:
“What if I did not reach my goals?”
I let Bunny complete.
And then I said,
"Bunny, likhne se tumhare goals reality ki taraf ek step badate hain."
He blinked, “But Uncle, itna burden lagta hai. So many numbers, so many dreams. What if I go wrong and did not achieve my goal?”
I laughed,
"Tum seedha MasterChef banna chahte ho. Shuru toh karo. First step toh lo Bunny."
The Plan: The 3-Cup Chai Method for Writing Goals
I gave Bunny my secret formula - no Excel needed.
Cup 1: Choti Si Chinta
Write one thing that bothers you most about your money today.
Example: “Mera kharcha zayada ho raha hai.”
Cup 2: Badi Si Khwahish
Write one dream you really want to achieve.
Example: “Retire at 50 in Himachal with a homestay.”
Cup 3: The Date
Write one date when you want that khwahish to become reality.
Example: “March 2040.”
That’s it. Just write one worry, one wish, one date.
Bunny Sees His Future
Bunny looked unsure, but he scribbled his 3 answers in his diary. Then he smiled.
“Uncle, this actually feels good.”
I said, "Bunny, ab goal ko kaise fulfil karoge, uspe sochana shuru karo.
Take baby steps.”
And suddenly,
That Europe trip felt possible.
That early retirement didn’t feel like a joke.
That SIP vs Lumpsum confusion he had last week? Now he had clarity.
Bunny 2.0 - Calm, Clear, and in Control
2 weeks later, Bunny sent me a photo.
His fridge now had sticky notes:
“Debt-free by 2029”
“Invest ₹15,000 per month in SIPs”
“Goa trip in March 2026”
And on top of all notes, one read:
“Thank you, Uncle. Writing = Winning.”
Dear Reader - Bunny Was You. And You Can Be Bunny 2.0.
If you’ve been postponing your financial goals…
If you’re scared to look at your savings account...
If you feel like you’ll start “next month”...
You’re not alone.
But remember - clarity doesn’t come before you write your goals. It comes after.
Don’t try to be perfect.
Try to be honest.
Write one worry. One dream. One date.
And then let Investing Uncle help you with the rest, one blog at a time.
“Socho kam, likho zayada - paisa bhi tabhi samjhega tumhare iraade.”
Liked this blog?
Felt like a conversation, not a lecture?
Hit Subscribe, so next Sunday, your goals get wiser.
Also read:
SIP vs Lumpsum – Investing Uncle’s Guide for Investors
See you next Sunday at 9:15 AM sharp. With Tea in hand.
Hope this blog adds real value to your long-term investing journey.
If YES, Maybe you treat Uncle with a cup of Tea?
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Any person referred to in this post is purely coincidental. The characters, names, and situations mentioned are for illustrative and educational purposes only and are not intended to represent any real individual.
‘Investing Uncle’ is NISM Series V-A Certified (Mutual Fund Distributor’s Certification Examination) conducted by National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM).
Investing Uncle is not SEBI/AMFI Registered.