As November fades into December, the realization hits: another year is almost behind us. Time seems to be moving faster and faster, and with it, our financial habits sometimes slip. I’ve noticed that my expenses start to creep up when life gets busy. We order more takeout, opt for delivery instead of shopping in person, and overlook small habits that save money.
The good news? It doesn’t take a financial overhaul to regain control. Small, consistent actions, or “micro-habits”, can make a big difference over time. Here are five simple ways to improve your financial health in the coming year:
1. Track Expenses Daily or Weekly
Before I became intentional about personal finance, logging into my bank account felt like a chore. It often meant facing a lower balance than I’d hoped and grappling with guilt over unnecessary spending.
Now, I spend less than five minutes a day checking my accounts. This habit helps me stay on top of our finances, ensures there are no surprise charges, and keeps recurring expenses–like unused subscriptions in check.
Taking control of our spending gave me confidence and accountability. I no longer dread seeing my balance; I feel empowered to make informed decisions.
2. Pack Lunch Instead of Ordering Out
When I need to cut expenses, the first thing I focus on is eating out–especially at work. Packing lunch requires a bit of effort, but it’s far easier than planning an order, waiting for delivery, and interrupting the flow of my day.
It’s not glamorous, but it’s effective. This simple habit can save $200–$300 a month without much sacrifice. If you’re looking for a quick way to lower expenses, start here.
3. Automate Savings and Investments
Decision fatigue is real, especially when you’re balancing a busy career. Automating your savings and investments eliminates the need for constant decision-making.
Set up your 401(k) contributions to deduct directly from your paycheck. Schedule automatic transfers to a savings account or brokerage account. This way, your money works for you before you even notice it’s gone.
Automation has been a game-changer for me–I don’t have to think about it, and I wouldn’t go back to a manual process.
4. Apply the 24-Hour Rule for Non-Essential Purchases
Impulse purchases are the Achilles’ heel of modern spending. Whether it’s the convenience of Amazon’s “Buy Now” button or a tempting sale email, we’ve all made purchases without fully processing what we’re spending money on.
The 24-hour rule is simple: when you want to buy something non-essential, wait 24 hours. This removes the impulse and gives you time to consider if you truly need/want it. You’ll be amazed at how often the urge to buy fades when you give yourself some breathing room.
5. Listen to Financial Podcasts During Your Commute
Your commute is a great opportunity to refocus your mindset. Instead of defaulting to entertainment or guilty-pleasure podcasts, try swapping one out for a financial or investing podcast.
I’ve found that listening to real estate, finance, or business podcasts often sparks ideas or inspires me to make small changes that benefit my financial health. It’s an easy way to learn, stay motivated, and improve your money habits without adding more to your to-do list.
Conclusion
These small changes can help you take control of your financial journey and build momentum for a healthier financial future in 2025. By making a few adjustments, you’ll not only keep your spending in check but also increase your financial literacy and confidence.
Take ownership of your finances, one micro-habit at a time. The new year is the perfect time to step into the driver’s seat and steer toward your goals.
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