The start of a new year is the perfect time to evaluate your financial habits and budget for the year. Setting aside some dedicated time to review your 2025 spending plan allows you to make changes based on your income, expenses, and financial goals. In this article, we’ll share tips on how to approach revisiting your spending plan as the year begins.
- Reflect on the Previous Year’s Financial Performance
Start by looking back at the past year to identify what worked and what didn’t. Analyze your spending habits, areas where you stayed within budget, and categories where you exceeded expectations. This reflection can offer insight into adjustments that may be needed in the current plan.
- Adjust Spending Plan for New Circumstances
A new year can bring changes like a different job, altered income, new recurring expenses, or lifestyle shifts. These changes should be factored into your updated 2025 spending plan. For instance, if you got a raise at work, have a new loan to pay off, or even just signed up for a gym membership, include those costs and adjustments to maintain an accurate budget.
- Prioritize Financial Goals
Re-evaluating your spending plan is also a chance to realign with your current financial goals. Whether you are saving for an upcoming vacation, planning for a large purchase, or working to pay off debt, prioritize these goals within your plan. Making these goals a budget priority can help guide spending choices throughout the year.
- Identify Areas for Adjustment in Your Spending Plan
Reviewing your plan should include an analysis of areas that could be fine-tuned. Look for categories that have room to cut back, such as dining out, entertainment, or discretionary shopping. Shifting funds from these areas to more essential categories or savings goals can support more balanced spending.
- Implement a Flexible Budget Strategy
Life can be unpredictable, and an overly rigid budget can be difficult to maintain. Consider building in a cushion for variable or unexpected expenses. This budgeting approach can help make your spending plan more adaptable and easier to stick to when expenses don’t go exactly as planned.
- Utilize Tools and Technology
To stay on top of your spending plan, consider using budgeting apps or financial tracking software. These tools can help monitor your spending in real time and provide a clear view of where your money is going. Regularly reviewing these updates can help you stay informed and make proactive changes as needed.
- Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Your spending plan is not a set-it-and-forget-it task. Schedule monthly or quarterly reviews to assess how well you are sticking to your plan and whether any adjustments are needed. These check-ins allow you to stay engaged with your financial strategy and make informed decisions throughout the year.
- Make Room for Unexpected Changes
In addition to incorporating a cushion for variable expenses, consider having a plan for addressing unexpected larger expenses. This could include building a small emergency fund or allocating funds toward a savings account that you can tap into if needed. Being prepared for surprises can make it easier to manage changes without major disruptions.
- Celebrate Progress and Reevaluate as Needed
Revisiting your spending plan isn’t just about finding areas to improve—it’s also a time to recognize progress. Acknowledge when you successfully stay within budget or achieve milestones toward your goals. This can help maintain motivation and set a positive tone for ongoing financial planning. Additionally, be open to making further changes as needed throughout the year. Flexibility can make a spending plan more practical and effective over time.
Have You Developed a 2025 Spending Plan?
Revisiting your spending plan in the new year can help you align your budget with your current financial goals and any new circumstances. By reflecting on past spending, prioritizing new objectives, and building in flexibility, a refreshed plan can better support your financial journey. Regular check-ins and small adjustments can contribute to a more manageable and realistic approach to spending throughout the year.
Sources:
- [1] https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/100516/setting-financial-goals
- [2] https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-budget
Amy Anderson joined the ILG Financial team in 2023 as the client relations coordinator. Her responsibilities include scheduling of appointments, annual check-up notifications, and annuity and required minimum distribution assistance. She is a graduate of Harding University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Amy and her husband have two children and she enjoys reading, crocheting, music and spending time with her family.
Chase Lopez joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Chase is a 2016 James Madison University graduate with a degree in management. Chase has been trained under the tutelage of Dave Lopez, who is not only the founder and managing member of ILG Financial, but also is Chase’s uncle and godfather. He also enjoys working alongside his cousin, Megan, who is Dave’s daughter. Chase, as a fiduciary, believes in putting his clients interests first, and building out plans for his clients where they can have a happy and fruitful retirement. He married his beautiful wife in February 2022 and both use most of their free time chasing around their little pup, Aurora.
Jessica Carson joined the ILG Financial team in 2018 as an agent. Jessica and her husband have four children, two dogs, 3 barn cats, 5 chickens, and three parakeets. She indeed loves her children and pets! When not at work, Jessica enjoys playing the piano and cello as well as traveling and spending time outside with her family, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Terri Center joined the ILG Financial team in 2019 as client services manager. She handles client records, application processing, and gathering information to provide a professional and friendly experience with all of our clients. Terri is a graduate of Oakland University. She is married and has two children. She enjoys hiking, family time, and puzzle challenging video games. She also likes to share her creativity in her canvas paintings and sewing projects.
Megan Jones joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as marketing director. Megan and her husband live in Fredericksburg, VA with their German Short Haired Pointer, Gus. Megan is a graduate of Longwood University and holds a degree in communications. Megan is the oldest of Dave Lopez’s three children and not only enjoys working alongside her father, but also with her cousin, Chase, who joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. When not at work, Megan enjoys sitting on the back porch with family and friends enjoying food and music.