Four Questions for Better Financial Planning in 2025

Now’s the perfect time to reflect on 2024 and make plans for 2025. I’ve tried various planning and strategy tactics over the years, both personally and in business. The following is what is working well for me now and may work well for you too.

The purpose of all planning is not to be right today, just less wrong over time. Perfection is not the answer or even the destination when looking forward. Instead, it’s all about slowing down and working at a natural pace. Make the most of the past year by answering these questions.

What went well this year?

What didn’t go so well?

What did you learn?

What is it that you still don’t know?

For the best results, use a piece of paper to record your answers instead of a computer. There’s something about writing things out, like a grocery list, to transfer the noise in your head on to the page. Go in any order, just start writing and see what arrives.

Once you’ve completed this, put your responses away and review them again in a week. What themes are jumping off the page as you read your work? Clarity comes from within, which is a big confidence booster leading to action. Your own words can provide guidance and direction for a better New Year.

Taking this approach to the next level includes looking back at prior years’ responses. Save your answers for future reading. As I review my responses, I can see patterns appearing. Some things that mattered a lot in the past simply aren’t that important any longer. Why is that?

Life changes. We change. What we want will change. This is not easy but can be rewarding IF you know what matters. What went well this year can be the fuel that drives your daily habits. What didn’t go so well isn’t nearly as problematic as time passes. Knowing what matters, and what doesn’t, has provided me with purpose in exploring new ideas and themes.

The lessons learned question is where all future opportunities hang out. Spend time sorting through what you’ve learned, as it is the key to getting closer to what you want.

What’s really fascinating is what I still don’t know. It’s a lot. I have a high degree of confidence in most areas in life, but not all. This is natural. No one knows everything and we all have blind spots. I’m okay not having all the answers, as figuring things out is part of the journey.

It’s questions, not a resolution, that make planning work. Your possibilities are much greater when you have all the answers, and you do!  You just need to set time aside and discover them. Then revisit your responses and create a plan.

When it comes to implementation, start small and keep it simple. Large significant changes can seem like the answer but if you can’t repeat small steps, you’ll never see the change you want.

Don’t be overwhelmed, you don’t need to do everything on your own. Find a friend who can listen, remind you of your answers, and keep you from making mistakes along the way. I can be that friend for you. Reach out below if you’d like to chat.

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