Welcome to 2025! A new year is upon us, bringing fresh opportunities to reflect, reset, and realign our financial goals. Did you know that 73% of Americans set financial resolutions each year, but only 46% feel confident they?ll achieve them (source: CNBC)? Let?s make this the year we not only set goals but also create a solid plan to achieve them. Whether 2024 was a year of triumphs, challenges, or a mix of both, now is the time to chart your course for the year ahead with clarity and purpose.

At Precision Planning Financial Group, we believe financial planning is about more than just numbers. It?s about creating a life of balance, intention, and well-being?one where your financial decisions reflect your values and bring you closer to your vision for the future.

Practical Steps to Guide You

1. Reflect on 2024: What Worked, and What Can Improve?

Before setting new goals, it?s important to look back and evaluate the year that just ended. Ask yourself these key questions:

• Did I meet the financial goals I set for 2024? Why or why not?
• What financial decisions served me well, and which ones didn?t align with my values or priorities?
• Are there habits or systems I need to adjust to achieve better results this year?

Reflection isn?t about dwelling on past mistakes; it?s about learning from them. For instance, if you found yourself overspending on non-essential items last year, consider how adopting a monthly budget or using expense-tracking tools could prevent this in the future. Use these insights to build a stronger foundation for 2025.

2. Set SMART Financial Goals for 2025

When setting goals, aim to make them Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). This framework transforms vague intentions into actionable plans. For instance:

• Instead of saying "save more money," set a goal like "save $5,000 for a vacation by setting aside $500 each month."
• Replace "I want to invest" with "increase my 401(k) contributions from 10% to 12% by March 31."

By adding clarity and structure, SMART goals help you stay motivated and track your progress effectively.

3. Prioritize Financial Wellness Alongside Your Overall Well-Being

Financial health is deeply connected to your overall well-being. In fact, a 2024 survey found that over 50% of respondents reported experiencing financial stress or anxiety at least three days a week, with an intensity level averaging 3.2 out of 5 (source: The Motley Fool). Reducing financial stress can improve your mental and physical health, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.

• Build an Emergency Fund: If you don?t already have one, aim to save three to six months of living expenses. This safety net provides peace of mind during unexpected events.
• Reduce Debt Strategically: Tackle high-interest debt first while maintaining minimum payments on other accounts. Consider using strategies like the snowball or avalanche method.
• Invest in Your Future: Review your retirement contributions and consider increasing them if possible. The earlier you start, the more time your investments have to grow.

Remember, progress?not perfection?is the goal.

4. Align Your Finances with Your Values

A financial plan isn?t just about accumulating wealth; it?s about living a life that reflects what matters most to you. Ask yourself:

• Are my financial habits supporting my long-term goals?
• How can I use my resources to make a meaningful impact on my family, community, or faith?
• What steps can I take to feel more in control of my financial future this year?

By grounding your financial decisions in your values, you?ll find greater satisfaction in the journey?not just the destination.

5. Schedule Your First Financial Check-In of the Year

The best way to stay on track is to start the year with a clear plan. Accountability plays a crucial role in achieving your goals. Partnering with someone you trust ensures you remain committed and focused. Schedule a financial check-in with your advisor to:

• Review your 2024 progress.
• Update your financial plan for 2025 based on any life changes.
• Discuss opportunities for saving, investing, or tax efficiency.

At PPFG, we?re here to partner with you every step of the way. Together, we can create a customized plan that reflects your unique goals and circumstances.

Closing Thoughts: Start 2025 with Confidence and Purpose

A new year is a fresh chapter, and every decision you make today lays the groundwork for the future you envision. By reflecting on the past, setting clear goals, and taking intentional steps forward, you can make 2025 a year of progress, purpose, and financial peace.

If you?re ready to chart your course for 2025, I invite you to reach out. Whether you need guidance on creating a plan, reviewing your portfolio, or tackling a specific goal, we?re here to help. Let?s make this the year you move closer to your financial dreams with confidence and clarity.

Here?s to a successful and fulfilling 2025!