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A New Year, A Fresh Perspective: Financial Planning for the Year Ahead 

January 15, 2025 By Mark Brinser
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The new year often brings with it a sense of renewal—a chance to step back, reflect, and evaluate where we’re headed. While traditional resolutions might fizzle out by February, a deeper and more meaningful approach to the new year can make a lasting difference. What if, instead of focusing on quick fixes, you used this time to align your financial plan with your personal values and long-term goals? 

 

This year, I encourage you to take a fresh perspective on financial planning—not just as a set of numbers or accounts, but as a tool to help you align your financial decisions with your values.  Below are five things to consider as you review your financial plan for 2025. 

 

 1. Start With Your “Why”

Financial planning isn’t about having the most money; it’s about living a life that reflects what matters most to you. Before diving into spreadsheets or accounts, ask yourself: 

  • What do I truly value? 
  • What brings me joy and fulfillment? 
  • What kind of legacy do I want to create for my family or community? 

For some, this might mean prioritizing travel and experiences. For others, it could be building financial security, supporting a cause they care about, or leaving an inheritance for the next generation. Your “why” is the foundation of a financial plan that feels meaningful and sustainable.   

 

 2. Reflect on the Past

Before setting goals for the new year, take some time to reflect on the financial decisions you made in 2024. 

  • What went well? 
  • What challenges did you face? 
  • Were your financial choices aligned with your values? 

Use these questions to guide your plans for 2025. If you realized that stress about debt overshadowed your ability to enjoy other areas of life, make debt repayment a priority. If you felt joy spending time with loved ones on a memorable trip, start setting aside funds for your next adventure.  

 

 3. Set Goals That Reflect Your Values

Reflecting on your past will help identify what matters most, and then you can translate those values into specific, actionable financial goals. For example: 

  • Value: Family security. 
    Goal: Build an emergency fund covering six months of expenses. 
  • Value: Lifelong learning. 
    Goal: Open and fund a 529 plan for your child’s education or set aside money for personal development courses. 
  • Value: Giving back. 
    Goal: Increase charitable giving by 10% or establish a donor-advised fund. 

By tying your goals to your values, you’ll find them more motivating and easier to stick to throughout the year.  I’m sure many of you have heard of the traditional acronym for goal setting called SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Tangible.  While this is certainly a valid goal setting approach, for this year it may be worth trying a different set of SMART goals: Significant, Meaningful, Attracting, Rewarding, Timely. 

 

 4. Reevaluate What “Enough” Means

In a world that often encourages more—more income, more possessions, more investments—it’s easy to lose sight of what “enough” looks like for you. Take time to consider: 

  • Are you working toward a financial goal that no longer serves you? 
  • Is there an opportunity to simplify your life and focus on what truly brings you joy and fulfillment? 

A financial plan that reflects your version of “enough” allows you to enjoy the present without sacrificing the future.   

 

 5. Take Action, One Step at a Time

Creating a life aligned with your values doesn’t happen overnight. Break your goals into manageable steps. For instance: 

  • Automate savings for a specific goal, such as a home down payment or a dream vacation. 
  • Set up a regular meeting with your spouse or partner to discuss financial priorities and progress. 
  • Schedule a meeting with a financial planner to ensure your investments, retirement plans, and tax strategies align with your vision for the future. 

Research has shown time and time again that small steps lead to big changes over time.  The journey may seem daunting, but breaking it into small, manageable steps can make it both achievable and rewarding. 

 

 6. Revisit and Adjust Regularly

Life is dynamic, and your financial plan should be too. Set aside time quarterly—or at least annually—to review your progress and make adjustments as needed. Whether it’s a change in income, a new family member, or shifting priorities, being flexible ensures your plan continues to support the life you want. 

 

Resources to Support Your Financial Journey 

As you reflect on your financial goals for 2025, here are some helpful resources to guide you along the way. Many of these tools are built into our financial planning process, but they can also provide valuable insights at any stage of your journey. 

 

Books for a Fresh Perspective: 

  • Start with Why by Simon Sinek: Discover the power of identifying your “why” to drive meaningful decisions. 
  • The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel: Gain insights into how behavior and mindset influence financial success. 

Tools We Offer 

  • Personal Insights About Money: Reflect on your relationship with money and how it shapes your financial decisions. 
  • Personal Insights About Life Balance: Explore how financial choices can enhance or detract from your overall well-being. 
  • Defining True Wealth: Identify your personal definition of “enough” and focus on what truly matters to you. 
  • When S.M.A.R.T. Goals are Not Always Wise: Try a fresh approach to goal setting with Significant, Meaningful, Attracting, Rewarding, and Timely goals. 

 

Final Thoughts 

Financial planning isn’t just about dollars and cents; it’s about designing a life that reflects your deepest values and goals. As you step into 2025, take this opportunity to approach your finances with a fresh perspective. By focusing on what truly matters to you, you can create a plan that not only provides financial security but also brings you closer to the life you’ve always envisioned. 

 

If you’re looking for guidance in aligning your financial decisions with what matters most to you, we’re here to help. If you would like a copy of any of the tools we offer or you would like to start a conversation around those tools, please reach out to our office. Together, we can create a financial plan for the life you want—this year and beyond. 

 

Here’s to a purposeful and fulfilling 2025! 

 

Schedule an introductory phone call with Mark at this link: Mark Brinser – Introductory Phone Call

Like this article? Check out Mark Brinser’s Article Archives where Mark has compiled helpful articles to help you plan your financial future. 

Mark Brinser
mbrinser@MyStewardshipAdvisor.com ‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‎‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎T: 717.492.4787 F: 717.283.4049