As we get closer and closer to the new year, you’re probably already thinking forward. Setting goals for the new year, making travel plans, scheduling time to start going to the gym (it’s definitely going to happen this year)…
Can we just hit pause together?
Before we rush full-tilt into 2025, let’s take a moment to reflect.
Because life moves fast. Before you know it, we’re going to be toasting to 2026.
And while it’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day without considering the bigger picture, it’s important to take a step back to celebrate all that you’ve accomplished over the past 12 months, acknowledge ways you can still grow, and strategize how to strengthen your financial position by the time stores start blasting “All I Want for Christmas is You” again.
Here are some thought-provoking questions to help you reflect, improve, and plan!
🎉 Celebrate Your Financial Growth
1) What financial goals have you achieved?
This can be as simple as committing to a weekly money ritual or it could be a huge milestone, like paying off credit card debt, buying a house, or investing for your future.
Whatever it is, be proud and celebrate! Even small steps are bringing you closer to a life of financial security and wellness.
Financial goals to make 2025 your best year yet!
2) How has your money mindset improved?
Have you stopped avoiding your bank statements? Do you feel less guilt when you make a purchase? Do you see money as a helpful tool instead of an overbearing limitation?
5 tips to transform your money mindset for success!
3) How has your income changed over the past year? Have you found new streams of revenue or opportunities?
Maybe you started growing your money through passive income, opened a high yield savings account, or launched a side hustle. Or maybe you just increased your savings so you're able to hold onto more money. Whatever it is, celebrate!
7 types of income streams ANYONE can have!
4) What big financial wins or milestones did you experience this year?
Maybe this is something that wasn't even on your radar. In your mind, it would be years before you put money in the stock market. You didn't have a goal to save up an emergency fund because you didn't even know what that was.
Be proud of every win you've had over the past year!
5) How are your financial decisions reflecting your personal values?
Were you able to spend less money on things that don't really serve you? Did you adjust your investment portfolio to support companies that reflect your values?
6) What financial habits have you improved this year?
A huge part of financial success are the little things you do consistently. Small habits—like checking your accounts regularly, automating savings, or sticking to a budget—create long-term success.
Recognize your new positive money habits and keep the momentum going!
7) If you could describe your financial situation a year ago compared to now in one sentence, what would it be?
This reflective summary allows you to measure progress emotionally and practically. For example:
- “I used to live paycheck-to-paycheck, but now I have a cushion.”
- “I used to feel like my money controlled me, but now I feel like I control my money.”
- “Back then, I spent mindlessly; today I’ve adopted habits that align my spending with my values.”
- “A year ago, I was afraid to check my bank account; now my weekly money ritual is a treat.”
This comparison captures growth and inspires further change.
Pick a few of your favorite wins and share them on Instagram! Be sure to tag us @dow.janes so we can celebrate with you!
🔍 Identify Areas to Improve
1) What financial challenges or setbacks did you face, and what lessons did you learn from them?
Remember: missteps are opportunities to learn, and challenges can offer valuable lessons. For example, “I learned I need a better emergency fund because I had to rely on credit when my car broke down.”
2) Are there any areas of spending where you still feel out of control or uncertain?
Recognizing areas of weakness helps pinpoint where you need better systems or a mindset shift. For instance, maybe it's hard to just walk past the little goodies TJ Maxx puts next to the cash register or when you go out, you're tempted to spend extra for a fancy cocktail. Being honest about these areas is key to growth.
5 questions to ask before you buy!
3) How do you feel about your current emergency savings? Is it where you’d like it to be?
An emergency fund ensures that you can maintain financial security during unexpected events, like medical emergencies or home or car repairs.
At minimum, you should aim to have $1,000 in your emergency fund, but ideally you want enough money to cover 3-6 months of expenses.
4) Are there any financial habits you intended to build but didn’t fully implement?
We've all been there. You set intentions—like creating a budget or starting to invest—but struggle to follow through. Identifying obstacles (e.g., lack of time, knowledge, or motivation) can help you plan for better execution moving into the new year.
5) What new goals or skills do you want to focus on in the next year?
Growth requires setting new, actionable goals. Maybe you want to learn about the stock market, pay off your student loans early, or increase your income. Identifying skills or areas to focus on sets a clear path forward.
💸 Plan for a More Prosperous Future
1) What is one financial success you want to build on next year?
This helps you identify momentum you can carry forward. For example, if you started saving consistently, you might want to increase the amount or put it into a higher-yield account.
2) What emotions or thoughts come up when you think about your financial future?
Money can bring up feelings like anxiety, hope, or confidence. Acknowledging these emotions helps you approach financial growth with awareness and positivity.
3) What resources or support systems can you tap into to help you grow financially?
Growth often requires support, whether through financial education, mentors, budgeting apps, or accountability partners. We know how important different resources and tools are, which is why we build community, accountability partners, and group coaching into our educational programs, like Million Dollar Year or Intentional Investing.
Ready for Financial Success in the New Year?
I hope that answering these questions helps you celebrate your progress while gaining clarity on the steps you need to keep improving.
Remember: this is a journey. And it's not easy. Be proud of everything you've accomplished -- big or small -- and every change you've implemented -- practical or emotional.
If you want to set yourself up for the highest possible level of financial success in the year, be sure to check out our free masterclass, Master Your Money! In it, we'll teach you our simple formula for stress-free money management, so this time next year, you can be celebrating more wins than you thought possible.
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