Fresh Finance Challenge #2: Did You Win?

Sarah Brumley

Sarah Brumley

Did you know that the smallest actions can actually create the biggest changes? Whether it’s canceling an unused subscription or having a no-spend day, those small financial wins can really add up over time. That’s exactly why today, we’re chatting about how to create momentum in the upcoming year with small, actionable habits that can help you reach your financial goals. Sound like something you want? Well then, let’s get started!

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Fresh Finance Challenge #2: Did You Win?

Well hey there and welcome back to the Financial Fix Up Podcast. I’m your host, Sarah Brumley, and we’re on Day 2 of our Fresh Finance Challenge. And today, we’re talking about small wins. You know, those little actions that don’t feel like a big deal in the moment but can lead to massive results over time?

The best part of this is that these small wins are often the easiest and most practical way to get started – especially when life feels busy or overwhelming. So, if you haven’t yet – grab something to drink or, hey, maybe you, like me are using every opportunity to catch up on the post-holiday laundry – I’m totally with you there! But whatever you’re doing, let’s talk about how we can take small, doable steps toward achieving those big financial goals.

Is doable even a word? I’m not entirely sure, but it seems appropriate. So… doable steps. Okay? That’s what we’re looking for.

The Power of Small Financial Wins

So, obviously small wins can be game-changers for goals in general, but this becomes increasingly obvious when it comes to achieving your financial goals. Think about it. If you avoid one impulse purchase a week, how much money could you save by the end of the year? These little choices, like sticking to your grocery budget or skipping a takeout meal, might seem insignificant in the moment, but they really add up.

And even better – small wins don’t just save you money, they also build your confidence. They remind you that you CAN take control of your finances, even if it’s just one tiny step at a time. And the best part? Small wins are manageable. You don’t have to overhaul your entire lifestyle to make progress.

Examples of Small Financial Wins

Of course, your small wins might differ based on where you are in your financial journey, but I do have a few ideas to help you get started:

  1. Canceling unused subscriptions: I talk about this a lot, but if you have a streaming service or a delivery subscription or anything along those lines that you haven’t used in months, then that’s money you could use elsewhere.
  2. Setting a grocery budget and sticking to it: You can just challenge yourself to shop with a plan and resist those extra snack-aisle purchases and who knows, that might just be the small win that makes a huge difference in the long-term.
  3. Implementing one no-spend day each week: It just one day but if you commit to not spending a single dollar, let’s say on Wednesdays, that amount can definitely add up.
  4. Using cash instead of cards: For certain expenses like dining out or entertainment or even going to Target (hehe), paying in cash can help you stay on budget and avoid overspending.

Creating Momentum

The beauty of these small wins is how they build momentum. When you see progress – no matter how small – it encourages you to keep going. It’s like rolling a snowball down a hill. That first little push might not seem like much, but as it picks up speed, it grows bigger and bigger and may even result in your toddler going down the hill with it.

So, maybe you start by meal planning for just one week. That saves you money on groceries, which you can then use to pay down debt. Seeing that balance drop gives you the motivation to find even more ways to save. It’s a positive cycle and it all starts with just that one small action.

Day 2: Take Action

Alrighty, so here’s today’s action step: I want you to choose just one small habit that you can start in January. Maybe it’s committing to that no-spend day, canceling an unused subscription, planning your meals for the week, or something else that strikes your fancy. Pick something realistic for your family and also something that you know you can stick with.

Now, if you’re anything like me, you’re already overthinking this. DON’T. Don’t overthink it – just choose one thing. Small steps lead to big results and this habit will be the foundation for what’s next.

How Will You Win?

And there you have it – that’s Day 2 of the Fresh Finance Challenge. Remember, it’s not about tackling everything at once; it’s about starting small and building momentum. These little changes can have a big impact not only on your finances, but on your confidence as well.

Tomorrow, we’ll take things a step further and refresh your budget for the new year. So, don’t forget to hit subscribe if you haven’t already. And hey, if you want even more tips and resources, head over to lemonblessings.com/news to join the Financial Fix Up Community.

Whatever you decide, just know that I’m cheering you on! You’ve got this! Have an amazing day and I’ll chat with you again tomorrow!

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