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Hello Reader,

Today's question is from Kendra, age 29,

It’s not too late to make progress, and give yourself grace

As we approach the end of the year, it’s common to put extra pressure on ourselves. We doubt what we’ve accomplished and beat ourselves up for not doing more.

But with just a few months left, there’s still time to make real progress. You can tackle one or two goals, build momentum, and finish the year proud of yourself.

Maya Angelou once said, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. You can still come out of it.” Let that quote sink in as we explore how you can reset and get back on track.

Pause and reflect

Wherever you are, pause for a moment and take a deep breath. It may sound simple, but intentional breathing has both physical and emotional benefits.

Once you feel a bit calmer, reflect on this past year. You can do this mentally, or make a list on paper or your phone. Write down everything, big or small, that has gone well.

Celebrate wins like paying bills on time, saving even $20 a month, making credit card payments, or keeping a positive bank balance. Aim for at least 10 items to remind yourself that you have made progress.

By shifting your focus toward accomplishments instead of what’s unfinished, you’ll boost your confidence.

Revisit your goals

You mentioned wanting to save more, spend less, and stay organized, these are excellent goals. Instead of trying to tackle all three at once, choose one or two to prioritize before the end of the year.

Look back at your notes or journal where you wrote down your goals. With them in front of you, identify the ones that will have the biggest impact on your finances and are realistic to implement now.

If your goal feels too big, like saving $10,000 or starting a side hustle, don’t let it overwhelm you. Break it into smaller, achievable steps. For example, aim to save $300 to jump-start that larger savings goal.

Likewise, consider following the 80/20 method. Focus on the small number of actions that create the biggest results.

Identify the single habit that causes the most financial stress, maybe overspending, over reliance on credit cards, or eating out too often, and start by changing just that.

Each time you hit one of these mini goals, celebrate it. The more you acknowledge your progress, the more motivated you’ll stay.

Do a money reset

Sometimes the best way to move forward is with a financial reset. Start by reviewing your spending. Ask yourself: Am I spending intentionally or impulsively?

Then, identify a few small changes—perhaps eating out less, carpooling instead of using Uber, or avoiding impulse buys.

Next, consider whether your budget still works for you. If not, try a new method such as:

• ​The cash envelope system​
• ​Reverse budgeting​
• ​Zero-based budgeting​

Once you set a budget, focus on saving consistently. Even $5 a week adds up. You can set up automatic transfers through your bank or employer to effortlessly save.

Avoid the comparison trap

You’re making a plan to finish the year strong, and then, BAM; you open Instagram and see someone’s long highlight reel of accomplishments. Suddenly, your confidence tanks.

It happens at work, too, when someone wins an award or gets recognition. The key is remembering: comparison is the thief of joy.

To reframe, from comparing, remind yourself of the following:

• Social media doesn’t share the whole story
• Their journey is not your journey
• Even if your accomplishments are different, you can be happy for others while still being proud of yourself

If certain people’s posts derail you, don’t hesitate to mute, unfollow, or take a social media detox.​

Lean into support

You’ve already taken the important first step: asking for help. Beyond our advice, there are plenty of resources available, like financial blogs, budgeting apps, and personal finance books.​

Don’t forget about people as resources too; an accountability partner, a friend, or a financial coach can help you stay more consistent.

Prepare for the new year now

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed looking at the year ahead. If the last few months of the year feel like a lot to take on, give yourself permission to keep things simple.

Set aside one day to plan for 2026. Reflect on what you want to leave behind in 2025 and what you want to carry into the next year. Write out a few concrete goals and action steps with as much detail as possible, so you can enter January prepared and focused.

Celebrate your awareness, and show yourself compassion

Seeking help is already something to celebrate. It shows awareness and the willingness to change.

As you move forward, commit to loving yourself through the process. Starting over, taking breaks, and finding your rhythm again is never a failure. Whether your progress is big or small, compassion should always come first.

Remember: as long as you’re here, you have the power to make positive change.

We’re rooting for you. And if you need personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to connect with one of our financial coaches.​

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Need help setting some financial goals to help with your mindful spending? Check out our free course on financial goals.

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