​

Learn, plan, and grow! Check out​ our 30+ free courses, 40+ free worksheets, and our 1-on-1 coaching offerings!

Did you get this email forwarded to you? Join thousands of women​ in the CGF community, follow us on ​Instagram​, and watch on ​YouTube!​

View this and previous newsletters anytime: Online newsletters.

​

​​​​​

Hello Reader,

We’re approaching the end of the year, and what a year it has been! You may be eager to start fresh in the new year, but it’s important to stay grounded in the present moment. Focusing on building better habits now will make it much easier to set and achieve your goals once the new year begins.

Here are some simple habits you can start today to help you reach your goals and become a better version of yourself!

1. Weekly money check-ins

By creating a habit of doing short weekly money check-ins, you can stick to your budget, build your savings, and reach your financial goals.

Pick a time and day when you feel calm. This could be while enjoying your morning coffee or during the 20 minutes you usually spend scrolling through social media after work. Use this time to review your finances; check your bank account, look over recent transactions, and adjust your budget if needed.

Even something as simple as reviewing your past pay stubs can help you feel more in control of your money.

2. Automate what you can

If you know us, you know that automation is one of our favorite words. Automating payments to your savings or debt is one of the easiest ways to stay on top of your finances.

Even if you normally make weekly payments, the holidays can easily throw off even the most consistent habits. Save yourself the hassle and regret by setting up automation. It’s one of the simplest ways to stay consistent and stress-free.

3. Declutter spending & subscriptions

You might have decluttering your closet on your end-of-year to-do list, but have you thought about decluttering your spending?

Take some time to review your transactions from the last three months. Be honest with yourself: Are you really using all the subscriptions you signed up for? Have you been eating out more than necessary? Which purchases felt good, and which leave you feeling guilty?

Try cutting out three types of spending that no longer serve you. Yes, we know it’s hard to let go of that wine subscription, but remember, most subscriptions you cancel can be renewed later if you change your mind.

4. Set a clear holiday budget

We all get caught up in a spending frenzy during the holidays. Filled with cheer, we swipe our cards without hesitation, only to nearly have a heart attack when the credit card bill arrives.

Let’s avoid the drama by setting a realistic holiday budget.

Make a list of people you want to buy gifts for, not just those you feel obligated to give to. For each person, think about what you want to purchase and add the expected price of each gift. This will give you a spending limit. If that number isn’t within your budget, consider making gifts instead of buying them.

Within your budget, remember to include extra costs such as traveling for family dinners, higher electricity bills, and attending various events. You don’t have to attend every event; it's okay to politely decline functions that are outside your price range.

5. Practice gratitude over guilt

The end of the year can be bittersweet, like a high school graduation, saying goodbye to the good times while embracing something new. Other times, it can feel like a weight pressing on your chest, with your mind racing through all the things you didn’t accomplish.

If the end of the year feels overwhelming, start a daily gratitude practice. This could look like keeping a gratitude journal, sharing three things you’re grateful for with your partner before bed, or simply maintaining a running list of achievements.

Practicing gratitude can help you override feelings of guilt and appreciate what you already have.

6. Track small wins

Whether you followed your budget, put a little extra toward your debt, or saved $20 while grocery shopping, no win is too small.

Make tracking your small wins a habit so you can stay motivated, whether you’re making small or big progress toward your goals.

Start by keeping a running list on your phone or in a notebook. You can add to your list daily, weekly, or monthly.

Another way to build this habit is by sharing your wins with a friend or partner. Instead of answering the question, “How’s everything going?” with “Things are good,” share a win. Don’t be shy about celebrating paying off a debt, reaching a savings goal, or resisting that expensive pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing.

It's important to celebrate yourself. When you acknowledge your efforts, you remind yourself of how capable and resilient you are.

7. Revisit your goals

Creating new goals can feel like a dopamine hit. You have your sights set on making more money, saving more, keeping your home organized, or starting a new business. But before setting goals for 2026, take a moment to review your goals from this year.

Be honest but compassionate with yourself. Which goals did you achieve, and what helped you succeed? Which goals were not started or unfinished, and why?

Reviewing your 2025 goals will help you set better goals for 2026, and you might even feel motivated to start working on them before the new year begins.

8. Celebrate progress, not perfection

Sometimes you need to give yourself a pat on the back just for making an effort. Life rarely goes exactly as planned, so acknowledging your progress helps you focus on growth rather than perfection.

With your goals planned out, consider adding small rewards for reaching milestones. For example, if you have a savings goal of $1,000, treat yourself to a slice of carrot cake once you hit $500!

---

Creating these end-of-year habits will help you close the chapter feeling proud, and set you up to be intentional and focused in the new year.

Building better habits is easier with a strong financial foundation.

Start building your financial future from the ground up with our free course on transforming your money mindset!

📺 On YouTube

Check out this YouTube video on the topic of money habits: 7 “Normal” money habits that are sabotaging your goals (Fix these fast!)

​

Tune into the Clever Girl Finance YouTube channel for more great videos!

​

📖 On the blog

• How to stop online shopping: Break the habit!​
• How to avoid living a wasted life: You deserve better!​
• How to rebuild your life after a financial downturn​
  ​

🎧 On the podcast

• These money mistakes are derailing your finances

🔊 Learn, plan, and grow, for free!
Enjoy 30+ courses, 40+ worksheets, and free mentor calls.

If you know anyone that would benefit from ​our completely free courses and worksheets​, please share! You can simply forward this email.

PLUS when you sign up for a free course, you can schedule a completely free call with one of our amazing Clever Girl Finance mentors. WE ARE IN YOUR CORNER!

📲 Follow us on social media

• Checked out our IG Reels? ​You are going to love them!​​
• Be sure to follow ​@clevergirlfinance ​on Instagram if you don't already!
• You can also ​subscribe to our YouTube channel!​

Talk soon ❤️
Team CGF
(Bola & Kiersten)

Some images and links in this newsletter are affiliate or sponsored links from companies we trust, which means if you make a purchase or sign up, Clever Girl Finance may get something in return. This helps us grow!

Are you a business? Learn more about sponsoring this newsletter!

Unsubscribe | Update your profile | Opt-out of preference-based advertising | 1 Sentry Lane, #81, Chester, NJ 07930