Your Money Journey: Lisa Sakai
If you want to reset your finances before the new year, the best time to start isn’t January—it’s right now.
Why Start Now Instead of Waiting?
Waiting for January is like waiting for Monday to start a diet. It sounds good, then by Friday, it falls apart. Start now and ride the momentum into 2026. Think of it like starting last Thursday. You get faster wins, less regret, and fresh energy.
The Pitfall of New Year’s Resolutions
Goals get forgotten.
Priorities shift.
No follow-through.
Just too busy.
Step 1: Review Your Original 2025 Goals
Pull out your list. If you never wrote it down, take a quiet minute to recall. They might have been goals like: save more, a house down payment, progress toward financial freedom, or even a special splurge like that Prada dress. Maybe “get rich” has become “peace of mind for car repairs.” Both are valid. You don’t need to finish everything by December; you need to start.
Ask yourself: What did I want? Has it changed? Why?
Handwrite your updated goals. Keep them simple now, add details later. Write daily so you don’t forget and drift.
Step 2: Reassess Your Current Financial Landscape
Are you spending more or less than late 2024? What changed, like travel or a loss? If you don’t know your starting line, you can’t map the route. Review:
- Spending trends
- Life events
- Bank and credit card statements
How to Reset Your Finances Before the New Year: Start With Awareness
Check September and October statements, then group spending by category. Expect a few surprises. Awareness leads to action.
Step 3: Rebuild a Simple Two-Month Plan
Pick three targets:
- One savings goal
- One debt strategy (if needed)
- One habit tweak
Example habit: a 15-minute weekly money review with coffee. Small tweaks = big differences.
Step 4: Automate Your Finances Smartly
Set auto-transfers for savings and investments, then set calendar reminders to check in. It’s like meal prepping for your money, so you avoid emotional takeout spending.
Pros: consistency, less effort.
Cons: easy to tune out, missed chances to improve.
Don’t check out. Review and raise your savings goal when you can.
Step 5: Cut Unnecessary Spending
Scrub subscriptions, unused memberships, and lingering app charges. Re-think gym passes, streaming services, and old trials. Try a 30-day no-buy, no-buy weekends (Saturday is pricey), or a $100 reset. Shift savings to your goal.
Peace of mind comes quickly when the leaks stop.
Step 6: Reconnect with Your “Why”
Write why this matters: more time with family, leaving a toxic job, going back to school, no panic when a bill hits, and helping loved ones. Fill a page, read it often, and update as life shifts. Your why fuels follow-through.
Making “Why” a Weekly Habit
- Write it.
- Read it.
- Update it.
Step 7: Get the Support You Need
Don’t go solo. Ask a money-savvy friend to be an accountability buddy, start Money Monday check-ins, or work with an adviser. Keep it supportive, not scolding.
Final Encouragement
You have time. Start with refreshed goals and a clear why, then set one savings target, one debt move, and one habit change. Be kind to yourself and keep going. The clock is ticking, but momentum starts today. What will you tackle this week?
Investment advice offered through Integrated Financial Partners, doing business as One Vision Retirement, a registered investment advisor. The information in this material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Integrated Financial Partners does not provide legal/tax advice or services. Please consult a qualified legal/tax advisor regarding your specific situation.
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About the Author:
Lisa Sakai is a Financial Consultant who works with clients on Bucket List Acceleration and getting to live the life they want now. As the co-founder of One Vision Retirement, she has been working with clients across the country for over 12 years. Lisa’s advice provides easy to understand, logical steps and exercises that people can take action on right away. Learn more about Lisa Sakai here at One Vision Retirement.
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