The challenge of saving for a home and getting $15,000 into a Roth IRA is the most difficult principle of goal setting. There are many challenges to saving for a down payment and also getting a significant amount into a Roth IRA. What makes this dimension of goal setting so challenging are the unforeseen events and older appliances that tend to break, and the car repairs. It's my observation that challenges can either crush your commitment to your goal or make it stronger. Whenever an appliance breaks or a car needs a major repair, it is easy to lose focus and begin to give up. I have found that the principles of goal setting help significantly in this regard.

The third principle of goal setting is commitment. This specific principle of goal setting is invaluable in that it underscores and supports all the rest. It also helps in the decision-making...
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