As we step into a new year, I can’t help but reflect on what last year has taught me. Like many, I take this opportunity to extract powerful lessons and use them to decide what I want to take with me and what I want to leave behind. And if I’m being honest, 2024 felt a bit…scattered. Maybe you can relate? Between the daily demands of work, and just the flow of life, I often found myself struggling to stay present. So, as we turn the page, one of my biggest goals is to get centered. In fact, this is my big word for the year!
So what does that look like? For me, this means limiting distractions that don’t provide any real value, like endless social media scrolling (we’ve all been hooked into this one!), and making more time for the people I care about. It means building better habits—habits that support my health, my business goals, and align with my personal values. Most importantly, it’s about finding balance. I noticed that my focus was always distributed unevenly, and came at the cost of sacrificing my self-care, my relationships, or my business growth. I know there’s a better way and I’m committed to finding it this year!
As I reflect on this word “centered,” I also see a beautiful connection when it comes to credit (as you knew I would!). Because I know that being equally intentional and focused in finances is what significantly moves the needle forward towards success. Let’s take a peek!
The Power of Being Centered with Your Credit Goals
Just like the scattered feeling I had last year with my focus in too many directions, many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or unsure when it comes to their financial roadmap. With the noise of online advice, the barrage of credit card offers, and the stress of living paycheck to paycheck, it can be easy to lose focus. Where does one even begin, right??
Being in this financial dilemma can create a cloud of chaos. Trust me, I’ve been there! You start to perceive everything as a problem, and perpetuate limiting beliefs that the money monster is too big to conquer. It can be all too easy to become paralyzed by these beliefs, slip into poor habits, get pulled into “quick fixes”, and delay taking the necessary steps to build sustainable solutions for financial freedom.
Here’s the thing, staying centered on your credit goals and future vision can bring about powerful, positive results! When you prioritize what needs to get done, and take small intentional actions, you will see success. Guaranteed.
5 Intentional Actions To Improve Your Credit
- Clarify Your Goals: Prioritize! When you’re centered on your financial objectives, it’s easier to define exactly what steps to take. Whether that’s raising your score, paying off debt, or simply improving your financial habits, a clear focus on your primary goals will help to create a roadmap and alleviate outside noise.
- Consistency Over Time: Credit improvement doesn’t happen overnight—it requires dedicated, consistent action. Commit to paying bills on time, reduce credit card balances, and regularly check your credit report. It’s the little things you do every day that add up to big changes. The more consistent you are, the more progress you’ll see.
- Focus on What You Can Control: Distractions are everywhere, and they’re designed to derail your progress. This is especially true when it comes to managing money. Staying focused on what you can control gives you the power to take charge of your financial future. For instance, you can’t control economic downturns or how others handle their finances, but you can control your credit card spending, how often you check your credit report, and the way you approach debt.
- Mindful Spending and Saving: Rather than reacting impulsively or making purchases based on panic, check in with your long-term financial goals. Write these goals down to reference frequently! By being present in your decisions—asking yourself whether a purchase aligns with your priorities or not—you can avoid unnecessary spending and save for the things that truly matter.
- Trust the Process: Just like creating habits in any other area of your life, credit health requires patience and trust. By making aligned choices, your efforts will pay off in the long run. Credit repair is a marathon, not a sprint. When you’re focused on your long-term goals, you can let go of instant gratification and stay focused on the big picture.
A Pocket Checklist For Your 2025 Credit Goals
☑️ List Your Credit Goals
☑️ Prioritize Your Goals
☑️ Break Each Goal Down into Actionable Steps
☑️ Limit Distractions
☑️ Review Your Credit Reports Regularly
☑️ Track Your Progress
Final Thoughts
As we begin this new year, I invite you to join me in centering on what’s truly important to you, with credit and beyond. I know I’d love the extra accountability and support! If you’re in, you can connect with me over on Instagram @creditjeanne (I want to know your word for the year too!). From a credit perspective, I want you to take this with you: when you stay committed and focused on your goals, you will set yourself up for lasting success! Small habit adjustments between your spending, saving, and debt management, will lead to healthier credit and a brighter financial future. If you’re ready to go all in on this in 2025, check out my Empower Your Credit course! It’s the perfect way to receive it all — expert advice, an actionable success blueprint, and a community cheering you on every step of the way! Check it out here and I’ll see you inside. Together, we can create positive, empowering results and make 2025 one for the books!