U.S. Bank provides goals coaches to assist clients at various life stages, with some specializing in supporting college students across the country. As the new academic year begins, here are some key insights from these coaches on topics frequently discussed by students.
Setting Goals
When establishing goals, it's important to start by assessing your current situation and setting clear personal, professional, and financial objectives, each with a timeline, advises goals coach Holly Kierstead.
"For instance, if you're a college freshman, your goals might include figuring out effective study habits, meeting new people, and creating a budget," she suggests. "A senior's goals could involve self-discovery, preparing their resume and cover letter, and growing their savings."
Goals coach Barry Saeger emphasizes the importance of making goals specific and actionable.
"By ensuring that your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound, you can focus more intentionally on your future plans," Saeger explains.
Utilizing Resources
To meet your goals, it’s beneficial to leverage the resources available to you, Saeger points out.
"Academic advisors, financial aid counselors, and even goals coaches are there to help you succeed in reaching your academic objectives. Use them as accountability partners and take charge of your future," he recommends.
Kierstead encourages students not to hesitate when seeking help.
"Don't be afraid to reach out for assistance," she advises. "Whether you're struggling with course material, finances, or personal matters, it’s essential to ask for help."
Time Management
With numerous demands on a college student's time, effective time management is crucial, says goals coach Haitham Suleiman.
"We encourage students to list all their tasks and deadlines, then prioritize them based on urgency and importance, starting with the most critical," Suleiman explains. "Using a planner or digital calendar can help map out daily, weekly, and monthly schedules to allocate time for each task."
Timothy Klecker, another goals coach, adds that many young adults face challenges with time management, often stemming from larger issues like procrastination and distractions.
"Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day; the key is using that time productively toward a central goal," Klecker notes.
Managing Finances
Suleiman often helps students develop a budget by listing income and expenses for a month to get a clear financial picture.
"Once students understand where their money is going, they can categorize expenses into essentials like rent and groceries, and non-essentials like dining out," he says. "From there, they can allocate funds and start saving."
Klecker highlights the importance of understanding credit management early.
"Learning about debt management is crucial as you enter adulthood. While it might be tempting to buy now and pay later, it’s important to avoid getting into financial trouble just as your life is starting to take off," he advises.
Saeger also suggests being mindful of social spending, such as dining out or participating in activities with friends.
"Set a weekly allowance for entertainment that fits within your budget, allowing you to enjoy yourself without stressing your finances," Saeger says.
The Right Mindset
Beyond setting goals, having the right mindset is essential to achieving them, according to goals coach Tamra Clark Champion.
"The most important gift you can give yourself is a positive mindset," she says.
"For the past, reflect on the lessons learned from mistakes. In the present, appreciate where you are and what you're becoming. When thinking about the future, focus on who you want to be, rather than just what you want to achieve," she concludes.
Setting Goals
When establishing goals, it's important to start by assessing your current situation and setting clear personal, professional, and financial objectives, each with a timeline, advises goals coach Holly Kierstead.
"For instance, if you're a college freshman, your goals might include figuring out effective study habits, meeting new people, and creating a budget," she suggests. "A senior's goals could involve self-discovery, preparing their resume and cover letter, and growing their savings."
Goals coach Barry Saeger emphasizes the importance of making goals specific and actionable.
"By ensuring that your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound, you can focus more intentionally on your future plans," Saeger explains.
Utilizing Resources
To meet your goals, it’s beneficial to leverage the resources available to you, Saeger points out.
"Academic advisors, financial aid counselors, and even goals coaches are there to help you succeed in reaching your academic objectives. Use them as accountability partners and take charge of your future," he recommends.
Kierstead encourages students not to hesitate when seeking help.
"Don't be afraid to reach out for assistance," she advises. "Whether you're struggling with course material, finances, or personal matters, it’s essential to ask for help."
Time Management
With numerous demands on a college student's time, effective time management is crucial, says goals coach Haitham Suleiman.
"We encourage students to list all their tasks and deadlines, then prioritize them based on urgency and importance, starting with the most critical," Suleiman explains. "Using a planner or digital calendar can help map out daily, weekly, and monthly schedules to allocate time for each task."
Timothy Klecker, another goals coach, adds that many young adults face challenges with time management, often stemming from larger issues like procrastination and distractions.
"Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day; the key is using that time productively toward a central goal," Klecker notes.
Managing Finances
Suleiman often helps students develop a budget by listing income and expenses for a month to get a clear financial picture.
"Once students understand where their money is going, they can categorize expenses into essentials like rent and groceries, and non-essentials like dining out," he says. "From there, they can allocate funds and start saving."
Klecker highlights the importance of understanding credit management early.
"Learning about debt management is crucial as you enter adulthood. While it might be tempting to buy now and pay later, it’s important to avoid getting into financial trouble just as your life is starting to take off," he advises.
Saeger also suggests being mindful of social spending, such as dining out or participating in activities with friends.
"Set a weekly allowance for entertainment that fits within your budget, allowing you to enjoy yourself without stressing your finances," Saeger says.
The Right Mindset
Beyond setting goals, having the right mindset is essential to achieving them, according to goals coach Tamra Clark Champion.
"The most important gift you can give yourself is a positive mindset," she says.
"For the past, reflect on the lessons learned from mistakes. In the present, appreciate where you are and what you're becoming. When thinking about the future, focus on who you want to be, rather than just what you want to achieve," she concludes.