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New Year, New Me? How To Make Financial Resolutions You Can Actually Stick To In 2025

As 2025 begins, it’s the perfect time to revisit your financial goals and build a plan for success. Whether it’s tackling debt, saving for retirement, or planning for major expenses, a clear and actionable approach can set the tone for a prosperous year.

Here’s how to make—and stick to—financial resolutions that work:

1. Reflect on Your Life and Finances

Take stock of where you are and how your priorities have shifted. Did you get married, start a family, or experience other big changes? Adjust your goals to reflect your current stage of life. The new year is an opportunity to reassess and refine your financial roadmap.

2. Build a Realistic Budget

Start by understanding your monthly expenses. Whether you create a detailed budget or a loose spending plan, this foundation ensures you stay on track.

3. Plan for Major Expenses

Big-ticket items like vacations, home renovations, or education costs can derail your finances if unplanned. Estimate these expenses for the year and allocate funds accordingly, whether through monthly savings or year-end bonuses.

4. Set SMART Goals

Vague resolutions often fail. Instead, set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound (SMART) goals. For example, rather than saying you want to “save more,” decide how much to save each month and track your progress regularly.

5. Prioritize High-Interest Debt

If you have credit card balances or other high-interest debt, make paying them off a top priority. Create a plan to tackle this aggressively, as unchecked debt can undermine even the best financial plans.

6. Automate Savings and Investments

Simplify your resolutions by automating savings to a high-yield account or retirement plan. Even small adjustments, like increasing your 401k contribution by 1%, can add up over time. Automation ensures consistency without requiring ongoing effort.

7. Organize for Tax Season

Prepare early by organizing your tax documents and planning for potential liabilities, especially if you have investments or pay quarterly taxes. This minimizes stress and ensures you’re ready when the deadlines approach.

8. Set a Big Financial Goal

Choose one major financial objective, such as reaching a savings milestone or paying off a significant debt. Write it down, track your progress, and celebrate small wins to stay motivated throughout the year.

9. Address Long-Overdue Financial Tasks

Finally, tackle one lingering financial chore you’ve been putting off, like drafting a will, updating your estate plan, or purchasing life insurance. Completing this task can bring peace of mind and strengthen your financial position.

By reflecting on your priorities, creating a clear plan, and taking small, consistent actions, you can set yourself up for a healthier financial future in 2025. Here's to progress and prosperity in the new year!

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If you want more resources on building wealth as a solopreneur/entrepreneur, check these out:

• The Solo 401k handbook

• The Roth IRA handbook

• The Self-Directed IRA handbook

• The Guide to Paying Less in Taxes

• What is a Solo 401k?

• How to Open a Solo 401k