Boss Up Your Finances: How to Reset Your Financial Goals for 2025
- Davina Jackson
- Jan 5
- 15 min read
Updated: Jan 13
Welcome to The Woman CFO – a space crafted just for you, where we help you take control of your money, heal your financial past, and create a financial future you love.
The new year isn’t just about new gym memberships or half-hearted resolutions. It’s a clean slate, a chance to re-imagine what’s possible and start fresh.
And let’s face it: there’s something undeniably powerful about stepping into January with clarity and purpose, especially when it comes to your finances.
But here’s the thing: financial goals shouldn’t feel like chores or another checklist of “I need to save more” or “I should start investing.” No, lady – your money goals should be empowering, not exhausting. And they definitely need to match your life goals.
The key is creating a plan that works for you, reflects your lifestyle, and keeps you inspired all year long. That’s when the real magic happens - when your financial habits align with what you truly value and desire.
In this post, I’m sharing actionable steps to help you reset your money habits and set meaningful financial goals, so that you don’t just talk about financial freedom – you live it.
We’re going beyond generic advice and showing you exactly how to set goals that make you feel empowered, excited, and ready to take on the year - without the burnout.
This is your year, girl. Let's make it count!
Key Points
Audit your finances to reflect on your wins and lessons learned.
Set lifestyle-driven financial goals that align with your passions and values.
Create a financial vision board to inspire and motivate you throughout the year.
Automate your savings and investments to simplify your money management.
Build accountability by joining a financial community or having an accountability partner.
Track your progress and celebrate every win, no matter how small.
Instant Gratification Zone: Skip to the Good Stuff
Why Resetting Your Financial Goals Matters for 2025
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of setting new financial goals, let’s take a step back and reflect on 2024 for a second…
Was it full of lessons like what worked, what didn’t, and how your money story unfolded? I hope so because this reflection is going to give you the insight needed to chart a new course.
But what does a reset really look like when it comes to your money?
Think of a financial reset like refreshing your computer when it’s lagging. Sometimes, you need to clear the clutter, refocus your energy, and give yourself a reboot to perform at your best.
This isn’t just looking at your bank account and saying “Yikes, I need to save more.” It’s about reflecting on your whole financial journey, understanding where you’ve been, and then making the conscious decision to move forward with clarity and purpose.
Ask yourself:
What went well?
What didn’t go well?
Did you stick to a budget but let the joy of spending on things you didn’t need creep in?
Perhaps you saved more but never felt quite in control of your spending
… Whatever your 2024 money story is, now is the time to assess it with a fresh perspective.
Why Financial Resets Matter
Clarity Over Chaos
Without clearly defined goals, your financial life can feel like a whirlwind of to-dos and “I’ll get to that later” moments. A reset allows you to prioritize what’s truly important.
Adapting to Change
Life happens, and your goals should evolve with it. Maybe 2024 brought unexpected expenses, new opportunities, or shifting priorities. Resetting ensures your financial plan stays relevant.
Renewed Motivation
Let’s be real. Financial planning can feel overwhelming or, let’s face it, boring. But starting fresh with goals that excite you can reignite your passion and keep you inspired.
Remember, your 2025 reset is more than just tweaking a few numbers – you’re aligning your money with the life you want to live.
And let’s be clear: you’re in charge here. Your finances should serve your goals, not the other way around.
Let the new year be more than just a calendar change. Let it be a natural reset point. The momentum of a fresh start will give you the perfect opportunity to assess, adjust, and achieve.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Your Financial Goals
Now that we’ve explored why resetting your financial goals matters for 2025, it’s time to get down to business.
Resetting doesn’t have to be overwhelming - it’s about making small, intentional changes that lead to big results. Think of it as building a roadmap that gets you from where you are today to where you want to be in the new year.
Ready to reset your financial habits and build a foundation for your best year yet? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do just that.
Step 1: Audit Your Current Financial Story
Before you can move forward, it’s important to understand where you stand right now. This means looking back at 2024 and assessing your finances with fresh eyes.
The goal is not to beat yourself up over past mistakes, but to gain insight:
Track your spending: Go through your bank statements and see where your money went. What patterns are you noticing? Were there areas where you overspent or missed opportunities to save?
Reflect on your financial habits: Ask yourself: Did my spending align with my values and goals? Where could I have made better choices? What lessons have I learned?
Celebrate the wins: Don’t forget to recognize what worked. Did you pay off debt? Did you increase your savings? Recognizing these wins will give you confidence to move forward.
This audit will provide the foundation for the next steps in your financial reset.
Step 2: Set Lifestyle-Driven Goals for 2025
Now that you’ve assessed where you are, let’s focus on where you want to go. It’s time to set purposeful, lifestyle-driven goals that inspire you and align with your life.
These aren’t just any financial goals - they’re goals that will help you live the life you deserve.
Think beyond the basics: Instead of vague goals like "save more," set goals tied to something meaningful, like "Save $5,000 for a dream vacation" or "Invest $2,500 to grow my side hustle."
Make them emotionally rewarding: Choose goals that excite you. When your financial goals are tied to something that lights you up—whether it’s a dream trip, starting a business, or building an emergency fund—you’ll have the motivation to follow through.
Be specific: The more specific your goals are, the easier they’ll be to track. For example, rather than saying “pay off debt,” set a goal to “pay off $3,000 of credit card debt by June.”
These lifestyle-driven goals will keep you focused on what truly matters, helping you stay on track all year long.
Step 3: Build Your Financial Vision Board
Vision boards aren’t just for dreamers - they’re for doers. Creating a visual representation of your financial goals will help you stay connected to your intentions throughout the year.
Gather inspiration: Use magazines, Pinterest, or Canva to find images, quotes, and numbers that represent your goals. Want to buy a house? Find a picture of your dream home. Want to grow your savings? Find an image that represents financial security.
Go digital: You don’t have to create a physical board. Canva makes it easy to create a digital vision board that you can keep on your phone or computer, giving you constant access to your vision.
Get creative: Your vision board should feel like an extension of your dreams. Use colors, words, and symbols that energize and inspire you.
A financial vision board helps you visualize your success. It’s a constant reminder that your goals are within reach, as long as you keep taking action.
Step 4: Automate and Simplify Your Money
Once you’ve set your goals and created a vision for the future, it’s time to make your money work for you. Automating and simplifying your financial plan can make managing money easier and ensure that you stay on track.
Automate savings: Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a savings account, so you don’t have to think about it. Apps like Chime, Digit, or Qapital can help with this.
Use micro-investments: Tools like Acorns round up your purchases and invest the change. This is an effortless way to grow your investment account without having to commit big chunks of money at once.
Simplify bill payments: Set up automatic payments for recurring bills, like utilities or subscriptions. This ensures you never miss a payment and helps you avoid late fees.
Automation reduces the mental load of managing money and keeps your goals in motion, even when life gets busy.
Step 5: Build Accountability into Your Habits
It’s easy to set goals, but it’s harder to stay committed. Accountability is key to keeping you motivated and on track.
Whether it’s a partner, a friend, or a financial group, having someone to check in with can make all the difference.
Find an accountability partner: This could be a friend or family member who shares your financial goals or someone who can hold you accountable to your progress.
Join a financial community: Consider joining a women’s financial group (shameless plug: The Woman CFO community is the perfect space for this!). Engaging with others who are on the same journey can help you stay motivated and exchange tips.
Track your progress: Use apps or journals to track your progress weekly. Check in on your goals and celebrate small wins.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Resetting Financial Goals
Now that you’ve got your goals set, your vision board in place, and your action steps mapped out, it’s time to take a moment to pause and reflect on what might trip you up along the way.
While resetting your financial goals is an exciting and empowering process, there are a few common pitfalls that can derail even the best-laid plans. But don’t worry—by knowing what to watch out for, you’ll be better prepared to stay on track and avoid slipping back into old habits.
Let’s dive into the key traps to avoid as you work toward resetting your financial goals for 2025:
Trap #1: Overloading Yourself with Unrealistic Goals
It’s easy to get carried away when the excitement of a fresh start hits. We all want to achieve big things, but trying to do too much at once can lead to burnout and frustration.
The problem
Setting goals that are too ambitious - like paying off your entire mortgage in one year or saving a ridiculously high amount in just a few months - can feel overwhelming and set you up for failure.
The fix
Be realistic. Break big goals down into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of aiming for a huge, impossible financial target, focus on incremental progress that’s achievable and rewarding.
Remember, this is about steady growth, not perfection.
Trap #2: Ignoring Your Emotional Relationship with Money
Money isn’t just numbers - it’s deeply tied to emotions, and those emotions can drive your financial decisions. If you’re not paying attention to your money mindset, you could unknowingly sabotage your financial goals.
The problem
If you view money as a source of stress or guilt, you might avoid thinking about it altogether, or, on the other hand, you might overspend to cope with feelings of inadequacy or fear.
The fix
Start by acknowledging how you feel about money. Do you find yourself anxious when looking at your bank balance? Are you prone to guilt about spending or saving?
Understanding your emotional triggers will help you approach your finances with more compassion and balance. Consider reading books or listening to podcasts that focus on money mindset to shift how you view and approach money.
Trap #3: Sticking to What Worked in the Past, Even if It’s Not Serving You Anymore
Sometimes, we cling to financial strategies or habits that worked in the past, even when they no longer align with our current goals or lifestyle.
The problem
Just because something worked for you last year doesn’t mean it will continue to work in 2025. Maybe you’ve been relying on a strict budget that feels stifling, or you’ve been investing in certain assets that no longer match your risk tolerance.
The fix
Allow yourself the flexibility to evolve. Your financial plan should grow and shift as you do. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to pivot. This might mean trying a new budgeting method, re-evaluating your investment strategy, or finding new ways to automate your savings.
Financial success isn’t about following rigid rules - it’s about finding what works best for you in this season of your life.
Trap #4: Focusing Only on the Numbers, Not Your Values
It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers - tracking your savings, investments, and debt payments - but focusing solely on the numbers can leave you feeling unfulfilled, even if your financial picture looks perfect on paper.
The problem
If your goals are driven only by financial targets - like saving a certain amount by the end of the year or hitting a specific net worth - you may miss out on the emotional rewards that come from aligning your money with your values.
The fix
Make sure your financial goals are tied to your lifestyle and values. Ask yourself: What do I truly want to experience with my money in 2025? Do you want to save for a sabbatical? Invest in a business? Support a charity?
Make sure that your financial strategy reflects what truly matters to you—not just numbers on a spreadsheet.
Trap #5: Underestimating the Power of Consistency
Finally, one of the most common pitfalls is the temptation to go all in at the beginning of the year and then burn out mid-way through. Without consistency, even the best plans will fizzle out.
The problem
You might hit January full-force - savings accounts on autopilot, budgets in place, and all systems go - but by March, life has gotten in the way, and your financial habits start to slip.
The fix
Consistency is key. Focus on building sustainable, repeatable habits that you can maintain throughout the year.
Whether it’s setting up automatic savings, doing a monthly money check-in, or reviewing your goals quarterly, make sure you’re regularly revisiting your financial habits and adjusting as needed.
The Bottom Line: Stay Mindful and Flexible
Avoiding these pitfalls doesn’t mean you’ll have a perfect financial year (spoiler: nobody does). But it does mean you’ll move forward with intention and grace.
When you stay mindful of your habits, flexible in your approach, and kind to yourself along the way, you’ll build money habits that truly serve you.
Ready to go beyond the basics? Try These Unique Money Habits
If you’re ready to go beyond the basics, try these unique, game-changing money habits into your routine.
These are not your typical “save more, budget better” tactics; these are habits that will not only help you stick to your goals, but will also keep things fun, intentional, and totally doable.
Unique Habit #1: The Monthly “Money & Life” Check-In
Life changes, and so does your relationship with money. Instead of waiting until December to assess your finances, create a monthly “Money & Life” check-in.
This habit is a powerful way to connect your financial goals with your life goals and see where things are truly aligning (or where they need a little nudge).
How to do it
Every month, set aside 30 minutes to review your goals, spending, and savings. Ask yourself: “Does my spending reflect my priorities? Are there any adjustments I can make to feel more aligned with my goals?”
If you’ve had a great month, celebrate it! If things haven’t gone as planned, don’t stress. This is your opportunity to recalibrate.
Why this matters
Your financial journey isn’t just about hitting numbers; it’s about aligning your money with your values. A monthly check-in allows you to evaluate how your money is supporting the life you want to build.
Monthly Money & Life Check-ins ensure your money isn’t just working hard—it’s working smart for the life you want to live.
Bonus: pair this check-in with your favorite coffee or wine for a little extra flair.
Unique Habit #2: The “Non-Negotiable” Fund
Let’s face it - there are moments in life that feed our soul, whether it’s a solo spa day, a weekend road trip, or investing in a new skill.
Enter the “Non-Negotiable” Fund, a dedicated savings bucket for experiences or self-care that keeps you thriving.
How to do it
Identify your non-negotiables: those things that fill your cup and bring you joy. Whether it’s a spa day every quarter or saving for a dream vacation, set aside a portion of your income each month specifically for these things. You deserve it.
Why it matters
As women, we often feel pressure to spend money only on practical or “necessary” things. But taking care of ourselves and enjoying life should be non-negotiable.
A fund that’s dedicated to experiences or self-care reminds you to prioritize your happiness while still being financially responsible.
When you have a guilt-free stash of cash for things that matter to you, it’s easier to stay disciplined with your other financial goals. Why? Because it’s not about indulgence - it’s about ensuring your well-being stays a top priority!
Unique Habit #3: Digital Detox for Impulse Spending
We all know how easy it is to fall into the trap of mindless scrolling, adding things to our online carts, and suddenly spending money we didn’t plan on.
In 2025, break that cycle with a digital detox for your finances. This habit is designed to curb impulse spending and help you regain control of your purchasing decisions.
How to do it
Schedule regular app-free days or weeks to give your mind a break from retail therapy. If you can, unfollow accounts that trigger impulse buying or set up spending alerts to keep yourself accountable.
By stepping away from digital distractions, you’ll find that you’re able to spend more mindfully and with intention.
Why it matters
Online shopping can quickly become an emotional escape - whether you’re bored, stressed, or looking for a quick dopamine hit. A digital detox helps you step back and re-evaluate whether your purchases align with your long-term financial goals.
Use this time to journal, create, or spend time with loved ones. You’ll be surprised how much clarity (and cash) you gain when you take a breather from the constant stream of tempting ads and deals.
Unique Habit #4: Pay Yourself First - Even If It’s Just $1
One of the most empowering habits you can adopt is paying yourself first. This is a principle where you prioritize saving or investing before paying for anything else - before bills, before dining out, before anything.
How to do it
As soon as you get paid, set up automatic transfers to a savings or investment account. Even if it’s a small amount, the key is consistency.
The more you make this a habit, the easier it’ll be to save without thinking about it. And as your financial situation grows, you can increase the amount.
Why it matters
Paying yourself first ensures that your future self is always a priority. It reinforces the mindset that your financial security and growth come first, and it helps you build wealth over time.
Unique Habit #5: Automate Micro-Investments
Investing doesn’t have to be complicated, and it doesn’t require a huge initial deposit to get started. In 2025, make investing a consistent habit by automating micro-investments: small, regular contributions to your investment accounts, based on your everyday spending.
How to do it
Many apps and financial platforms allow you to automatically invest spare change or small amounts of money from your regular purchases.
Set it up to make automatic micro-investments from each purchase, and let the magic of compound growth work for you. It’s effortless, and before you know it, your investments will grow!
Why it matters
You don’t need to be a financial expert to build wealth. Micro-investments make it easy to start investing without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, automating it means you won’t have to think twice about contributing to your future.
The beauty of micro-investing is that it happens in the background, so you’re building a nest egg without even thinking about it. It’s like having a money fairy working on your behalf.
Unique Habit #6: Intentional Money Conversations with Your Tribe
Money talks can feel awkward, but they are essential for creating a supportive environment around your financial journey. Start having more intentional money conversations with your friends, family, or accountability partners in 2025.
How to do it
Schedule a “money date” with a friend or family member where you check in on each other’s goals and share financial wins (and struggles).
You can also join or create a group of like-minded women who meet monthly to talk about money, share tips, and hold each other accountable.
Why it matters
Talking about money helps normalize the conversation and holds you accountable. It also creates a sense of camaraderie - when you share your goals with others, you might find that you inspire someone else to take charge of their finances as well.
Bottom Line: Create Habits That Empower You
These unique habits aren’t just about dollars and cents - they’re about creating a financial routine that empowers you to live your best life. So go ahead - pick one (or more!) that resonates with you and start weaving it into your 2025 plans.
Make 2025 Your Year of Financial Alignment
In a world that’s constantly pulling us in different directions, aligning your money with your purpose is the key to not just financial success but also personal fulfillment. You deserve to live a life that reflects who you are, what you value, and what you want out of this year - and that includes your finances.
When your money habits are aligned with your vision, you’re no longer just “surviving” in your financial journey; you’re thriving.
So, here’s the deal: 2025 is your year to take control of your financial destiny. It’s your time to show up for yourself, prioritize your goals, and make your money work for you in a way that feels empowering and authentic.
Start small, stay consistent, and remember that your money journey is yours. It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. Every step you take is a step toward a stronger, more empowered version of yourself.
So, what’s next? Take one step today. Just one. Maybe it’s auditing your 2024 finances, creating a vision board, or setting up an automated savings account.
And if you ever feel stuck, remember: you’re not alone.
There are resources, tools, and communities (like The Woman CFO) that are here to support you as you build the life and financial future you deserve. Whether it’s through our coaching programs, workshops, or simple, practical advice, we’ve got your back.
So, take a deep breath... lower your shoulders from around your ears... and tell yourself this is your time to make 2025 the year you get aligned, get empowered, and get everything you deserve.
Let’s Do This Together
Taking control of your finances is not a one-time event but a journey that requires consistent effort and guidance.
That’s where The Woman CFO comes in.
Our coaching programs are specifically designed to help women like you break through these mental barriers and create personalized strategies that work for your financial situation.
If you're ready to take the next step, The Woman CFO's Financial Coaching programs are available now to guide you through transforming your mindset, building wealth, and achieving financial independence.
Book a free consultation today and learn how our coaching programs can empower you to reach your financial goals!
