Hey,

This time of year can feel like a blur — gifts, travel, celebrations, last-minute spending.

And for many people, there’s this quiet worry underneath:

“I’m not actually sure where my money is going… but I hope it works out.”

You’re not alone. Most people overspend during the holidays not because they’re careless, but because they’re overwhelmed. The solution isn’t guilt or a stricter budget — it’s clarity.

This email isn’t about calling you out.

It’s about calling you forward.

So here’s a simple year-end check-in with three grounding numbers and three gentle habits that can make next year feel calmer, more generous, and more aligned with your values.

1️⃣ What You Earned: Face the Reality, Not the Story

Many people don’t know their real income.

They’re working hard… and guessing.

But guessing keeps you stressed.

Clarity sets you free.

Look at what actually came in this year.

Not to judge yourself — but to finally see what’s true.

Because you cannot build a calm financial life on blurry numbers. Many banks and credit cards will allow you to download a full spreadsheet of your income/expenses to make this easier.

Look at total income, including income that might not come from your paycheck (side hustles, interest/returns on investments, etc.)

2️⃣ What You Saved: Be Honest About the Gap

You may not want to look at this number.

Look anyway.

If you feel behind, that feeling isn’t failure. It’s information.

Here’s the challenge:

If you want next year to be different, increase your investing or saving by just 1%.

If you don’t change this number, next year will feel exactly the same.

One percent is tiny. But tiny is how transformation starts. Increase this number even more if you feel capable.

Calculate: Total Income – Total Expenses = Total Saved

3️⃣ What Snuck Up on You: Stop Letting Life Ambush You

This is where most people stay stuck.

Unexpected bills.

Holiday overspending.

Kids’ activities.

Car repairs.

Travel.

Every year feels like: “Ugh, not again.”

If the same thing "surprises" you every year, it’s not a surprise. It’s an unaccounted for regular expense.

If holiday gifts always stress you out, stop letting December derail your peace.

Turn your generosity into a monthly habit — $30, $50, $75 set aside automatically from January – December.

Your future self deserves a calmer holiday. Your family deserves a less stressed version of you.

And your kids? They don’t need the biggest gifts. They need a parent who isn’t drowning in financial worry. Be honest with your children about your financial situation — they'll thank you when they grow up.

Did you intentionally budget for gifts this year?

Click one of the options below to let me know anonymously:

• 👍 Yes — I saved ahead or set money aside monthly.
• 😐 Sort of — I had a general idea, but nothing structured.
• 👎 No — I’m winging it and hoping for the best.

What I Do to Close Out my Year

Every year, I make intentional space to reflect—because clarity doesn’t happen by accident.

Some people roll their eyes at New Year’s resolutions. Call it reflection, recalibration, or a reset. Whatever the label, one thing is true:

If you don’t pause to look back, you’ll drift aimlessly by default.

And maybe this year was heavy.

Health challenges. Family stress. Financial pressure.

As a therapist, I see this all the time: reflection isn’t about reliving the past or getting stuck in regret. It’s about honoring what actually happened —and choosing, with intention, what comes next.

Here’s the process I use every year:

1️⃣ I use an Annual Review document (reflection and direction)

One I’ve used both last year and this year to give me some structure is the reThink Annual Review (linked below).

This isn’t just reflection—it’s a bridge between where I’ve been and where I’m going.

As part of this review, I:

• Write down about 10 goals for the coming year
• Identify my top 3 priorities (the ones that truly matter)
• Break those priorities into what I call Quarterly Quests

Instead of obsessing over big, intimidating goals, I focus on small, concrete action steps I can take this quarter (Quarter 1=January–March). Bite-sized progress keeps me motivated and grounded—and actually moving forward.

2️⃣ I compare “where I was” vs. “where I am now”

I write down what life looked like exactly 12 months ago:

Job changes.

Family dynamics.

Habits and routines.

What I was watching, reading, or playing.

Then I write where I am today.

Sometimes that comparison brings gratitude. Sometimes sadness. Sometimes motivation. I don’t judge any of it. I simply notice what comes up—and let those emotions point me toward what matters most going forward.

3️⃣ I review my financial patterns (not just totals)

I look for trends that might be invisible month-to-month.

Because I’ve tracked my net worth since 2020, I now have five years of data to guide smarter decisions for 2026. I review spending patterns, identify pressure points, and calculate how much I need to set aside to support the goals I’ve already named.

If you haven't been tracking your financials, it's never too late to start!

This step isn’t about perfection.

It’s about seeing clearly enough to choose wisely .

Yes, this process takes time.

Yes, parts of it can feel tedious.

And yes —it is incredibly powerful.

Because when you close your year with clarity, you don’t walk into the next one guessing. You walk in with direction, momentum, and systems that support the life you actually want to live.

Download the Annual Review PDF

To Close

If you don't change anything, nothing changes.

You don’t have to overhaul your life.

You don’t need a complicated budget.

You don’t need perfection.

You just need to know your numbers — and build one or two simple systems that support your actual life.

This is how you break the pattern.

This is how you create calm.

This is how your financial life becomes something you’re proud of, not scared of.

If You Want Help Getting There…

I’d be honored to walk with you — one step at a time.

💬 Book a financial coaching session

(If you schedule before January 15th , you lock in 2025 rates through June 2026.)

You're capable of more peace than you realize.

Let’s build the systems that support it. 2026 will be the year of financial health for you.

Happy New Year,

P.S. Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission. No extra cost to you, and I only share what I trust!