I’m passionate about helping businesses unlock their greatest potential by demystifying finances and driving purposeful growth. Over the past two decades, I’ve consulted and trained leaders and CEOs around the globe, collaborating with realtors, contractors, and a wide range of professionals seeking to streamline operations and amplify profits.
I always love the energy of a new year: the idea that anything is possible, the calendar is wide open, and we can commit to being better versions of ourselves. But if you’re like me, and countless other go-getters, you’ve probably broken more New Year’s resolutions than you’ve kept. That’s perfectly normal; the human brain loves the idea of change but isn’t always so keen on the work of change. Let’s switch things up and craft resolutions that actually stick. We’ll focus on seven practical and forward-looking money habits. By structuring them with varied timelines (four quick wins, one medium-range goal, and one bigger, long-term objective), you’ll set yourself up for success every step of the way.
Why money resolutions fail
Before we dive in, let’s talk about why money resolutions often fall apart by mid-January. Financial goals can feel too big or vague. For instance, “save more money” sounds good, but it doesn’t have specific metrics or a system behind it. It’s like telling yourself you’ll “get healthier” without a plan for meal prepping or scheduling workouts. Without specifics, the momentum fizzles out.
Another reason is that we often treat our future selves like strangers. We think, “Tomorrow I’ll be more disciplined.” But when tomorrow arrives, old habits win because they’re comfortable and familiar. This time, let’s work on small changes that feel doable right now, not at some imaginary future date.
Four fast, easy goals by spring
Cut back on daily spending & attack one debt
Sit down, flip through your credit card statements, and find one area where you can reduce discretionary spending, maybe it’s cutting that streaming or music service you barely use. Take the saved money and put it directly toward one debt with the highest interest rate. This laser-focused approach is simple and yields quick psychological wins.
Start tracking every penny
I know, I know, budgeting can feel tedious. But sometimes, it’s not about giant leaps; it’s about awareness. Tracking your spending for even a month can be a game-changer. Just open a note on your phone or use an app like Mint. Once you see where the money actually goes, you can make better decisions. We do this for clients at GrowthPoint Bookkeeping LLC, and the “aha!” moments are incredible.
Automate, automate, automate
Automation is your friend. Set up automatic transfers so a slice of every paycheck goes directly to a savings account, even if it’s just $10 or $50 a week. The less you see that money passing through your hands, the easier it is to save. If you’re self-employed or a realtor working on commission, adjust the timing to match your income flow, but don’t skip it.
Utilize receipt-scanning apps
QuickBooks Online and similar apps let you snap photos of your receipts, no more piles of crumpled paper. When you do your bookkeeping, or when your friendly neighborhood bookkeeper (hint, hint) does it for you, you’ll have a digital paper trail. By spring, you’ll have an organized system that will keep you from drowning in admin tasks.
One medium-range goal by summer
Build an emergency fund & pay yourself first
Picture this: you’re a busy real estate broker, balancing client calls and property showings every day. Now imagine your car’s transmission gives out. Do you have an emergency fund to handle it without panic? If not, summer is a realistic timeline to save a few thousand dollars, enough to cover minor business or personal emergencies. And while you’re at it, pay yourself first. That means for every commission check you receive, a percentage is automatically earmarked for you before you pay any other bills. This is the opposite of a scarcity mindset. You’re making yourself and your future well-being a priority.
If you find you don’t have room in the budget, consider reducing or eliminating one or two expenses. For some, it’s a gym membership that rarely gets used; for others, it might be subscription boxes that pile up.
Divert that freed-up cash into your emergency fund. Aim to save at least three months of basic expenses. You can ramp it up from there if your income is variable.
One larger, long-term goal by fall
Pay down debt above 6% or max out retirement contributions
If you carry any debt with an interest rate above 6%, such as credit cards or certain car loans, it generally makes sense to prioritize paying that down before investing heavily in retirement. The math is straightforward: why pour extra money into investments earning 5–7% when you’re effectively losing that much in interest on debt? But if your high-interest debt is already under control, or your employer offers a 401(k) match, consider boosting your retirement contributions.
According to Fidelity, a solid rule of thumb is to match or exceed your employer’s 401(k) contribution if you have access to one. It’s essentially free money. If you don’t have a 401(k) through an employer, opening an IRA or SEP IRA can be a smart move. Set a goal to achieve this by fall, so you have something significant to celebrate when the leaves start changing color.
Bonus resolution: Change your money mindset
Make a mindset shift
We can talk about apps, automation, and budgeting hacks all day, but lasting transformation starts in the mind. If you believe you don’t deserve wealth or that money is a constant struggle, your actions will reflect those beliefs. Start by catching self-defeating thoughts like, “I’ll never be able to afford that,” or “People in my industry can’t make that much.” When you hear them, pause and reframe.
Try an affirmation: “My knowledge and determination create endless opportunities for my financial growth.” It may feel cheesy at first, but remember, you’re battling years, maybe decades, of ingrained money beliefs. This shift won’t happen overnight. However, with consistent effort, you’ll see a difference in how you approach income, debt, and saving.
Coaching and accountability
Many of us thrive when we have someone in our corner, a coach, mentor, or even a financial professional who can keep us accountable. If you’re juggling a busy real estate business, trying to grow your team, or simply looking for ways to scale your small business, let me just say that you don’t have to figure this out alone. Over the years, I’ve coached countless leaders, both men and women, to streamline their finances while staying motivated. Trust me, it’s a game-changer to have consistent feedback and support.
The bottom line
Most of us feel a spark of optimism when the new year rolls around. But to keep that momentum alive, you need resolutions grounded in reality, specific, practical, and structured by timeline. So let’s make a pact: no more pie-in-the-sky promises to “be better with money.” Instead, commit to a handful of tangible steps that will build your confidence, boost your bottom line, and help you crush your business goals. By this time next year, you might look back and realize these small, consistent steps have created a whole new financial future for you.
Remember, big changes rarely happen overnight. They result from small shifts repeated daily, whether it’s scanning receipts, automating your savings, or paying off that nagging debt. As you lean into these seven savvy resolutions, take note of your progress. Celebrate each win along the way, no matter how minor. Sometimes, all it takes is noticing that your credit card balance is finally dropping or that your emergency fund could actually cover a few real-life hurdles. Those moments of recognition keep you motivated and moving forward.
Final thought
2025 (and beyond) can be the year you truly transform your finances, not just dream about it. The only thing left to do is take the first step, even if it’s a small one. And if you need a partner on this journey, I’m here. With the proper support and a few clever tweaks, I believe you can fully stick to these resolutions and unlock a new level of financial freedom.
Charlie McClain, Bestselling Author, Bookkeeper & Strategist
I’m passionate about helping businesses unlock their greatest potential by demystifying finances and driving purposeful growth. Over the past two decades, I’ve consulted and trained leaders and CEOs around the globe, collaborating with realtors, contractors, and a wide range of professionals seeking to streamline operations and amplify profits. My hands-on experience flipping houses opened my eyes to the unique financial challenges of irregular income, complex expense tracking, and nuanced tax requirements, insights that now inform my specialized bookkeeping and advisory services.
As the founder of GrowthPoint Bookkeeping LLC, I empower realtors and business owners to save valuable time, increase profitability, and make informed decisions based on real-time financial data. With fast, accurate bookkeeping, cleanup, payroll support, and advanced QuickBooks integrations, we deliver clarity that fuels confidence and strategic growth.
