How to Set Up Your Best Financial Year Yet
As 2025 winds down, it’s easy to slip into holiday mode, but this is actually the perfect time to give future you a head start. A little reflection and planning now can make 2026 feel less about scrambling and more about feeling calm, confident, and in control with your money. A new year always feels full of potential, and when it comes to your money, it is the perfect time to get intentional and set yourself up for success.
Your "best financial year yet" is going to look different depending on your life stage, income, and goals, but there are a few key things anyone can do to give themselves the best shot at making this year feel financially empowered.
Here is how to get started:
1. Define What "Best Year" Actually Means to You
Before you jump into goal setting, take a minute to reflect on what would make this your best financial year yet.
Is it building up savings?
Getting on top of debt?
Starting investing?
Feeling more organised?
Being able to say yes to more life experiences?
Your definition matters. You do not have to copy someone else’s goals or timelines. Set goals that feel meaningful and exciting to you.
2. Create One Clear Money Goal Per Quarter
Big goals are great, but trying to tackle everything at once can get overwhelming fast.
Instead, break it down: set one clear, achievable financial goal for each quarter of the year.
For example:
Q1 → Build a $3k emergency fund
Q2 → Pay off credit card debt
Q3 → Start investing $100 a month
Q4 → Save for a 2026 holiday
This keeps you focused and gives you regular wins to celebrate.
3. Know Your Numbers
If you want this to be your best money year, you need to know your numbers.
Take time to review:
✅ How much you earn
✅ Where your money is going each month
✅ What debts you have (and interest rates)
✅ How much you have in savings and super
✅ Any upcoming big expenses
Clarity is power. When you know where you stand, it is so much easier to plan your next steps.
4. Build an Automated Money System
Life is busy, so the more you can automate good money habits, the easier it will be to stick with them all year long.
Set up:
→ Automated transfers to savings and investments
→ Direct debits for bills
→ A system for tracking and checking in on your money monthly
Once the system is rolling, you are doing the work behind the scenes, even when life gets hectic.
5. Stay Flexible and Kind to Yourself
Life happens. Plans change. Unexpected costs pop up.
Having your best financial year does not mean being perfect or never spending on fun things. It means staying engaged with your money, adjusting as you go, and continuing to move in the direction of your goals.
If you have a month where things go off track, that is normal! The key is to reset and keep going.
6. Use Your Community
You do not have to do this alone. Whether it is listening to the pod, joining the She’s on the Money Facebook group, doing one of our Masterclasses, or chatting with friends who get it, community makes a massive difference.
Surround yourself with people who support your goals, cheer you on, and remind you it is okay to be learning as you go.
Your Year Starts Now.
Your best financial year is not about waiting for the perfect moment or knowing everything. It is about starting with what you have, where you are, and taking small, consistent steps.
You do not have to overhaul your life overnight. Pick one thing to start with, and build from there. We will be right here with you, every step of the way. You’ve got this.
P.S. we have sooo many FREE downloadables to help with budgeting and saving!
***Please remember our blogs aren’t intended as financial advice - they’re intended only as a starting point to give you a little extra info! For more in-depth advice catered to your personal financial position, please see a certified financial advisor.
