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Reflect on your wins, tackle challenges, and step into the new year with financial confidence.
As the year wraps up, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect. What went well for you financially? What didn’t? Take a moment to hit reset, reduce the stress of financial uncertainty, and start 2025 with a clearer, stronger plan! These five simple questions will help you pinpoint where you stand, identify what’s causing stress, and make small but powerful changes for the year ahead.
What’s my biggest financial win from this year?
Life gets busy, and it’s easy to forget about the little wins we’ve achieved—especially when the bigger problems are feeling heavy or stressful.
Think about one thing you’re proud of this year. Maybe you paid off a debt, saved more than you thought you could, or stuck to a budget for the first time. Whatever it is, take a moment to celebrate it.
Write it down and hold onto it—because those wins are proof that you can keep moving forward! Acknowledging your wins shifts your mindset from focusing on stress to recognizing progress, which can reduce feelings of financial overwhelm.
Wins can look like:
Made consistent minimum payments on all debts
Paid off a debt completely
Increased long-term savings
Stuck to a budget for the first time
Raised your credit score
Made a major purchase, like a car or house
Where do I feel most out of control with my money?
Awareness is always the first step. It might feel uncomfortable—like ripping off a band-aid—but naming your stressors gives you clarity. When you identify the specific areas that feel out of control, you take the first step toward reducing the anxiety they cause.
Ask yourself: Where do I feel most out of control with my money? Is it overspending? Too much debt? Not enough savings? Whatever it is, pinpointing the root cause helps you focus your energy where it’s needed most.
How prepared am I for unexpected expenses?
Unexpected expenses—like car repairs or medical bills—can throw anyone off course. Think back: How did you handle surprises this year? What could you do differently next time?
Make two lists:
Expenses that are “unexpected but expected” (like car repairs).
Expenses that were true surprises (like an emergency).
The reality is, some less common or unexpected expenses can be predicted if you learn the lesson the first time and budget for it in the future (ie random car brake job that isn’t so random if you remember that you are meant to do maintenance every 40 to 70KM). The more you plan ahead for the predictable, the better you’ll be able to handle the unpredictable—and that peace of mind reduces the panic and stress when surprises come your way. By preparing for predictable surprises, you'll reduce the anxiety that comes with feeling blindsided by expenses.
Am I prioritizing my financial goals or just reacting to life as it comes?
In so many ways we live reactive lives as humans, but the magic is in looking just a few steps ahead. Are you building toward your financial goals, or just reacting to expenses as they pop up? It’s easy to get stuck in reactive mode, but a little forward-thinking can make all the difference.
Think about one big expense you faced this year. Could it have been expected or planned for with a little more preparation? When you prioritize your financial goals and shift from reacting to planning, you regain a sense of control. This proactive mindset helps reduce the constant worry that comes with feeling unprepared.
What one change can I make to reduce financial stress immediately?
Sometimes, small changes make the biggest difference. By choosing one step—like automating savings or pausing unnecessary subscriptions—you create immediate relief, showing yourself that even small actions can reduce stress and make a big impact.
What’s one simple thing you can do right now to reduce financial stress?
Some ideas:
Set up an automatic transfer of even $10/week into an emergency fund.
Pause unnecessary subscriptions that you either don’t need or don’t use
Plan your vacation budget now, including gifts, travel, and meals.
Call your lender to negotiate lower interest rates or a manageable payment plan.
Declutter and sell unused items to generate quick cash and clear space.
Mark your calendar: January 21, 2025. Let’s make 2025 your best financial year yet!
Answering these five questions is a simple yet powerful way to start the new year with clarity and confidence. Remember, it’s not about fixing everything overnight—it’s about small, intentional steps that move you closer to your goals.
Ready to combat money stress with a plan? Join me for Secure the Bag, a FREE transformative VIRTUAL financial planning workshop on January 15, 2025.
This event is designed to:
Provide actionable tools and insights that help you take charge of your money,
Tackle financial challenges, and
Lay the foundation for a wealthier future.
👉🏾 SIGN UP HERE Let's secure the bag together and make 2025 your year of financial empowerment!
Until then, join my email list for exclusive strategies and updates, follow me on Instagram @thebudgetdoctor and visit my website to continue your journey toward financial confidence.
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