Can you believe we’re already halfway through 2025?!
Time does fly when you’re lounging poolside. Before you know it, the holidays will be here again. But that’s no reason to panic! I’m here to help you break down your financial resolutions into achievable steps and build small, sustainable habits that will prepare you for holiday expenses…without the overwhelm.
Working with numerous clients over the years, I’ve seen how easy it can be to drift off-course without even realizing it after the New Year’s hype wears off. Especially during these beautiful summer months, when all we want to do is enjoy vacations, backyard BBQs, and happy hour drinks on the patio with friends. Am I right?
Here’s the good news: I’m not here to stop you. I’m here to tell you that you can have both. Yes, you can enjoy life’s little luxuries and still make progress towards your financial goals. It just takes self-awareness, accountability, and a little thing called balance.
So let’s hold each other accountable! July is the perfect time to pause, reset, and realign. Whether you’re working on paying down debt, building your credit, or simply trying to get your finances under control, this midway point is a golden opportunity to check in and commit to making it happen!
Pause & Reflect: Your Financial Health Check-In
First, get honest with yourself.
Awareness is everything when it comes to achieving financial goals. Avoiding bank statements, credit card balances, and bills doesn’t make the problem go away (trust me, I’ve tried that once upon a time!). It usually just sets you back further and spikes stress levels unnecessarily. So take inventory and take action ASAP!
Start by asking yourself:
- Did I set any financial goals back in January?
If you did, when was the last time you looked at them? And if you didn’t, now is a great time to start. - What’s working well?
Maybe you’ve been consistent with budgeting, or you made your first credit card payoff. Those small wins matter! Now, challenge yourself to add one new habit to keep the momentum going. For example, if your next goal is to save a certain amount by the holidays, start small and commit to setting aside a specific dollar amount each week and watch how quickly it adds up. - What’s been neglected?
You’re human, it happens. Be kind to yourself. If you haven’t checked your credit report, automated your savings, or followed through on a financial plan, now is a great time to get back on track. Starting six months into the year is still better than not starting at all! - Am I making progress?
Think back to the promises you made to yourself on New Year’s Eve. Were you planning to pay off debt, build savings, or improve your credit score? Take a moment to recognize even the smallest progress and CELEBRATE it. Remember, making the journey enjoyable is the best way to stay consistent and find fulfillment along the way.
5 Minute Financial Clarity Check Points
Here’s a quick check-in that takes less than 5 minutes to complete and will provide a clear next step towards your goals.
- Emergency Fund Status:
Do you have one month of expenses saved? If not, what’s the gap? - Current Debt Load:
How much do you owe across credit cards, loans, or BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) services? - Credit Utilization:
Are you keeping your credit usage under 30% of your available limit? Lower is better when it comes to your score. - Score Movement:
Has your credit score gone up, down, or stayed the same since January? Pull your free credit snapshot here: https://myfreescorenow.com/en/creditsnapshot/user/register/11725?source=default#
Once you know where you are, you can plan where you’re going!
Rework Your Goals: No Guilt, Just Growth
Goals evolve and change right alongside us. They reflect where we’re at personally and globally. Sometimes, life even throws us curveballs – medical bills, job changes, inflation. Instead of fearing these changes, embrace them and adjust.
Here’s how:
- Break big goals into smaller, achievable steps
- Choose 1–2 priorities for the next 90 days
- Adopt a “progress over perfection” mindset
Consistency beats speed every time!
Start Saving Now: Your 5-Month Holiday Prep Plan
Let’s talk holidays. As a credit coach, I see too many clients scramble financially in November and December—overspending on gifts, opening new store cards, or falling into the BNPL trap. And, let’s be honest, it steals all the joy out of the season.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Now is the best time to start preparing in order to avoid these pitfalls that derail progress.
Here’s a simple system to save and reduce stress:
- Estimate Your Total Holiday Spending
Include gifts, travel, food, decorations, and charitable donations. - Divide the Total by 5
That’s how much you need to save each month from now through November. - Create a Holiday Fund
Out of sight, out of mind! Open a dedicated savings account or use a labeled cash envelope to avoid dipping into your holiday savings. - Automate It
Set up a recurring transfer; even $25 a week adds up fast. - Reduce Where You Can
Cut back on one extra cost a week (like a night out or morning coffee run), cancel unused subscriptions, or sell unused items to jumpstart your holiday savings goal.
Bonus Tip: Start setting boundaries and creating low-cost gift ideas now to avoid feeling emotionally pressured during the holiday season.
How To Avoid a Credit Hangover This Holiday Season
Holiday cheer shouldn’t come with a credit hangover. Keep these tips in mind to stay ahead of it all:
- Avoid “Buy Now, Pay Later” unless you have a repayment plan in place
- Don’t open store credit cards just for a one-time discount
- Use credit cards with cashback or rewards only if you can pay the balance in full
- Track all spending and set alerts to avoid going over budget
Final Thoughts: It’s Never Too Late To Start!
You still have time to finish 2025 stronger than you started and enjoy the holidays without the guilt and stress that come from overspending. Follow these small, practical steps and you’ll be surprised by how much progress you can make in just a few short months!
For more financial advice and credit tips, be sure to:
- Follow on Instagram: @creditjeanne
- Visit my website: https://www.jeannekelly.net/
Tune into the podcast: https://www.jeannekelly.net/podcast/
