It’s January 1st, and there’s no better time to set the tone for your financial success for the upcoming year. But instead of diving straight into resolutions, let’s talk about something even more powerful—setting financial intentions. These simple, guiding principles can shape every decision you make this year and help you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed. Ready to start fresh today? Well then, let’s get started!
Links for This Episode
- Check out these DIY Resources and Templates
- Download your FREE Family Budget Worksheet
- Join the Financial Fix Up Membership
Podcast Episode Recommendations
- #21: So You Failed in Your Monthly Budget, Now What?
- #10: How to Avoid the Comparison Trap with Your Finances
- #1: The Truth About What Financial Freedom Actually Means to Me
Fresh Finance Challenge #7: Start Fresh Today!
Happy New Year, everyone, and welcome back to the Financial Fix Up Podcast! I’m your host, Sarah Brumley, and can you believe it? We’ve made it to Day 7 of the Fresh Finance Challenge. A full week of laying the foundation for a stronger, more intentional financial year—and here we are, ready to wrap it all up.
Since it’s January 1st, what better time to focus on setting financial intentions? And no, I’m not talking about rigid goals or resolutions. Intentions are more about guiding your mindset—shaping how you think about and approach your money.
Maybe it’s an intention like ‘spend mindfully’ or ‘embrace gratitude over comparison.’ These aren’t just phrases; they’re daily reminders that help keep you grounded and on track, even when life throws a curveball. Sound good? Let’s go ahead and jump right in.
Why Financial Intentions Matter
So, why are intentions such a big deal? Well, while goals are great for checking things off a list – and we do still want to have goals – intentions are more about how you feel and think about your money. They guide your decisions in the day-to-day moments that add up over time.
Think of intentions as your internal GPS. If a financial goal is ‘save $5,000 this year,’ the intention behind it might be ‘spend less on things I don’t need.’ That mindset will shape your choices—even when you’re just standing in the checkout line debating that fancy coffee maker you probably don’t need.
And let’s face it—life is unpredictable – but having a solid intention can help you adapt, stay positive, and keep moving forward, even when things don’t go exactly as planned. It’s all about creating a financial approach that works with your life, not against it.
Examples of Financial Intentions
Let me give you a few examples:
- First, you might use the financial intention: ‘I will prioritize my family’s financial health this year.’ That might mean saying no to some extras so you can grow your emergency fund or stay on track with some other goal that really matters to you.
- Another possibility could be: ‘I will find small ways to save without feeling deprived.’ Think meal prepping instead of takeout or shopping sales for the stuff you already planned to buy. It’s not huge, but it allows you to make small steps in the right direction without sacrificing everything you love.
- And another example could be: ‘I will choose gratitude over comparison.’ This one’s big because, let’s be honest, it’s so easy to look at what other people have and feel like you’re not doing enough. Gratitude keeps you focused on what truly matters—your own journey.
The beauty of intentions is that they’re personal. They don’t have to sound perfect or be what someone else is doing—they just have to resonate with you.
Use Daily Reminders
Now, here’s the thing about intentions—they only work if you keep them front and center. You could jot them down in a journal or on a sticky note for your bathroom mirror. Or, if you’re like me, maybe you make it your phone wallpaper because, let’s be real, we’re all staring at our phones anyway.
Having those little reminders in places you see daily keeps them fresh in your mind. They’ll help you refocus when you’re tempted to stray or feel like giving up. It’s like a quick check-in with your future self saying, ‘Hey, remember what we’re working toward?’
Day 7: Take Action
Okay, it’s time to take action. I want you to grab a piece of paper, open your notes app, or do whatever works for you, and write down one or two financial intentions for the upcoming year.
Don’t overcomplicate it. Maybe your intention is as simple as ‘I’ll focus on spending less on takeout’ or ‘I’ll prioritize peace of mind over stress.’ Whatever feels right for you, write it down and keep it somewhere visible.
Then, take a moment to think about how that intention could guide your decisions this week, this month, or even this year. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to start somewhere, right?
Are You Ready to Start Fresh Today?
And just like that, we’ve reached the end of our Fresh Finance Challenge! If you’ve followed along through the entire week, then by now you’ve set goals, created systems, and now you’ve got the mindset to carry you through the year ahead. I’m so proud of the progress you’ve made this week—so take a moment and give yourself a pat on the back!
Now, here’s what’s next: Keep the momentum going! Take the intentions you wrote today and revisit them regularly—maybe once a week or at the start of each month. Use them to guide your financial decisions, celebrate your wins, and adjust your plan as needed.
If you’re looking for even more support, be sure to subscribe to the podcast, because we’ll continue diving into practical strategies to help you crush your financial goals all year long. And if you want to take a deeper dive into getting that budget ready to accomplish those short- and long-term goals you have, then make sure to grab your copy of the Financial Fix Up Planner. It’ll walk you through everything you need to get you on the right path for financial success.
Whatever you decide, just know that I’m cheering you on. You’ve got this! Here’s to a year full of growth, full of optimism – hopefully, and full of financial success. Happy New Year, and I’ll chat with you again next time.
