Family goals: How to set goals together and meet them

As an adult, you probably have all kinds of personal goals you're working toward — such as a work promotion, healthier eating habits, or making time for self-care. However, you might not think about group-oriented objectives, such as setting family goals. Much like personal goals, family objectives aim to improve well-being or educate in some way. However, instead of working toward the objective on your own, you'll have your favorite people around you — your family — working toward the same outcome. 

Family goal-setting has a lot of benefits. You'll teach your kids teamwork and show them how accomplishing a goal provides a sense of achievement. Here's how to get started!

How to set goals together as a family

Family goal setting starts with gathering everyone to discuss what they want to accomplish. Ensuring all family members have a say during the goal-setting process ensures they feel listened to and invested in the outcome. You can guide the conversation to ensure your family selects reasonable goals that you can achieve over the short or long term.

Once your family decides on a few goals, write them down and set a timeline to meet them. It's a good idea to check on your progress at different points before the deadline, especially for longer-term objectives. 

15 fun goal ideas for families

Consider these fun family goals examples if you're unsure where to start.

1. Go on a weekly family walk

Walking is a great way to exercise while spending quality time together. Designate a weeknight or a few hours on the weekend to get the whole family outside and walking through your neighborhood or local park. If you have a dog, don't forget to bring them, too!

Make family finances fun!

Make family finances fun!

With Greenlight’s award-winning debit card and app for kids and teens, financial literacy is one step away.

Try Greenlight today

2. Set a time for chores

Is your house looking a little messier than you'd like? Perhaps it's time to get everyone on a regular cleaning schedule. Divvy up the tasks you want to be done among your family members, and set a time for everyone to complete them. 

3. Create a weekly family budget

Parents make many financial decisions, such as how much to spend on groceries or a night out. Give your kids some insight into the process by asking them to join you in making a weekly financial budget. Look at specific areas of your budget, so your kids can see how much things cost. That way, they can start learning the basic tenets of financial responsibility.

4. Spend less money on dining out

It's all too easy to swing through a fast food drive-thru or pick up a pizza rather than make a homemade meal — particularly on nights you work late or your kids have extracurricular activities. However, takeaway meals can put a big dent in your wallet, especially if you rely on them several times a week. Get everyone involved in weekday cooking to cut down on costs.

5. Tackle a home project together

Do you have a shed or a garage that could use some cleaning? Or, maybe it's time to devote some TLC to the overgrown bushes in your front yard. Pick a day (or a weekend) and work on it together!

6. Plan a family vacation

Everyone needs a break from their responsibilities now and then. Rather than planning the next family vacation yourself, get your kids involved. Let them pick the place and activities and enjoy the planning process together.

7. Teach your kids how to cook a favorite meal

Is there a special meal you make that your kids love? Get them involved in the cooking process, and show them how it's made. You can pick one meal every week or two, then slowly transition some of the cooking workload from you or your partner to your preteens or teenagers.

8. Take a tech break

Is your family spending a little too much time with their smartphones, tablets, and video game consoles? You could designate a tech-free day and spend it together doing family activities. You can also set a few boundaries for tech usage, such as no phones during dinner or before bedtime.

9. Set college savings goals

College tuition is one of the biggest expenditures you will face as a parent. Help your kids understand the financial impact of going to college and include them in the savings process. For example, you might explain the 50/30/20 rule and ask them to contribute 20% of their allowance toward their college fund.

10. Try something new each month

It's easy to get stuck in a routine, doing the same things you always do on the weekends. Try to get everyone out of their comfort zones by exploring something new every month. You might visit a local museum, take a hike, or try a new restaurant.

11. Learn a new skill

Broadening the family horizons is a worthy goal to work toward. Perhaps you'd like your kids to learn a second language or try a new sport, like rollerblading. Choose a skill and master it!

12. Volunteer for a cause

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and support a worthy cause. Choose something your family is passionate about — such as the environment, cancer research, or caring for animals — and give your time together. Check with local agencies and nonprofits to find out where they need help.

13. Start a fund toward a big-ticket item

Is there something your family wants that isn’t currently in the budget? Maybe a TV upgrade or a vacation somewhere special? Sit down together and establish a financial plan to save for it. Get everyone to contribute, whether it's through doing extra chores or taking on odd jobs like babysitting or mowing the neighbor's lawn.

14. Have a weekly family night

Between work, friends, school, and extracurricular activities, spending regular time as a family can be a real challenge. Reserve one evening each week exclusively for family time. Use the evening to strengthen relationships and do fun activities, such as eating a homemade meal or playing board games.

15. See distant relatives

Do you have a few relatives your family rarely sees because they live far away from you? Perhaps some grandparents or an aunt and uncle? Plan a visit and strengthen your family's bonds! If visiting is out of the question, schedule some time for a video call. 

Tips to stay on track

Once your family decides on a goal or two (or three!), keep them working toward a positive outcome with these tips.

Regularly discuss progress

Set aside a few minutes every week to discuss your objectives. That way, your family doesn't lose sight of the goal and they can see their ongoing progress.

Get feedback

Involve everyone in the goal-setting process so they feel invested. As they start working toward goals, seek their insights on what's working (and what's not).

Adapt to your family's current situation and adjust goals when necessary

As your circumstances change, you may find that some goals no longer fit your family's needs. If you need to make adjustments to your family goals, do so. Be willing to pivot and choose new objectives when it's necessary.  

Greenlight helps families stay connected

Get the whole family involved with Greenlight’s Infinity plan. Kids and teens can earn up to 5% on savings, while parents get family location sharing, investing, and more! Learn more about Greenlight's exclusive offerings and power your child's independence today.

Greenlight + Invest families can earn monthly rewards of 1% per annum, Greenlight Core and Greenlight Select families can earn 2% per annum, Greenlight Max families can earn 3% per annum, and Greenlight Infinity families can earn 5% per annum on an average daily savings balance of up to $5,000 per family. Only Greenlight Max and Infinity families can earn 1% cash back on spending monthly. To qualify, the Primary Account must be in Good Standing and have a verified ACH funding account. See Greenlight Terms of Service for details. Subject to change at any time.