Optimal Finance Daily · Sunday, August 16, 2026
Justin Mollick suggests a 'backward planning' technique for financial goals, using Jen Hayes' student loan debt as an example. By breaking down large goals into smaller, daily steps, individuals can create a more manageable and actionable plan.
“If you're struggling to come up with a plan or just find yourself staring at a blank piece of paper, try working from a specific end goal and go backwards.”
“So in Jen's example, let's say they had $90,000 of loans. To make it more specific, her end goal could have been to have the full $90,000 paid off in three years.”
“That's around $83 a day. Between the two of them, two people, that's $40 each per day.”