Fallen Off Track with Your Budget? Here’s How to Start Fresh Today!
Be honest—did your New Year’s money resolutions fizzle out before February even began? If so, you’re in good company. Nearly 80% of people abandon their financial goals within the first few weeks of the year. But here’s the truth: starting over is always an option—and today is a great day to do it.
Feeling Stuck/Discouraged? Start with One Simple Shift
Instead of trying to fix everything at once, focus on one small but powerful habit—a Hinge Habit. This is the one action that, when done consistently, makes everything else easier.
Let’s talk about Hinge Habits—the one habit that, when in place, naturally triggers other positive behaviors. I thought I coined this term, but a quick AI search proved otherwise! (Check out Hannah Brencher’s blog post on the topic.) The concept isn’t new—books like Atomic Habits by James Clear, The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg, and All It Takes Is a Goal by Jon Acuff all highlight the power of a single keystone habit.
But your hinge habit doesn’t have to be small—it just has to be effective.
For me, waking up at 4:45 AM is that habit. When I do, I follow my morning routine, make time for prayer, and hit the gym—all things that set my day up for success.
For your money, your hinge habit could be:
💰 Setting a weekly money check-in to stay on top of spending
💵 Using a cash envelope system to prevent impulse purchases
🥘 Meal planning to slash your grocery bill
📅 Scheduling bill payments and savings transfers so they happen automatically
One Habit Can Change Your Finances—Here’s How
Want to spend less, save more, and feel in control of your money? Start with one habit:
✅ Overspending? Use cash for groceries, dining out, or fun money.
✅ Feeling disorganized? Set a weekly reminder to update your budget in an app like YNAB or EveryDollar.
✅ Struggling to save? Automate your savings—so you “pay yourself first” before you even see the money.
For my husband and me, our key habit is going to the bank on the last day of every month. We finalize our budget, withdraw cash for the upcoming month, and set ourselves up for success. When we do this, we always stay on track.
The Best Time to Restart Your Financial Goals? Right Now.
If your budget, debt payoff plan, or savings goals didn’t stick in January, don’t wait until next year. Pick one key habit today and let it be the foundation of your financial success.
What’s your hinge habit? Find it, commit to it, and take control of your finances—starting now! 🚀
