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With the holiday season behind us and the fresh start that a new year provides, it’s a perfect time to take a closer look at your finances.  Whether it’s saving for a vacation, paying off debt, or preparing for the next holiday season, setting clear and actionable goals is the first step toward success.

Start with SMART Goals

Grab a pen and paper (or your favorite note-taking app) and write down your financial goals for 2025. To maximize your success, make sure your goals are SMART:

• Specific – Define exactly what you want to achieve.
• Measurable – Assign numbers or milestones to track progress.
• Achievable – Ensure your goal is realistic within your resources.
• Relevant – Focus on goals that truly matter to you.
• Time-bound – Set a deadline to stay motivated.

For example, instead of saying, “I want to save money,” try:

"I plan to save $100 each month starting in January 2025 for holiday shopping. By including it in my budget and cutting back on miscellaneous expenses, I will have $1,200 saved by December 2025."

What’s something you’ve been wanting to save for? Start by turning your dream into a SMART goal, and you’ll be well on your way to making it a reality.

Build a Spending Plan That Works for You

Creating and following a budget is essential to reaching your financial goals. There are many tools to help you get started, including apps, online programs, printable worksheets, or even just a notebook.

The key is to choose a method that fits your lifestyle. If technology isn’t your thing, sticking with a simple paper-based system may work best. Start by tracking all your expenses, from your daily coffee to monthly bills. Seeing where your money goes can help you adjust and prioritize your goals. For everyday ways to save, check out this resource.

Overcoming Financial Hurdles

Sometimes, despite the best intentions, managing finances can feel overwhelming. If you’re facing challenges like living paycheck to paycheck, dealing with unexpected expenses, or struggling to get started on your financial journey, don’t worry—you’re not alone.

Here are a few steps to help you regain control and build momentum:

1. Start Small – Even slight changes can make a big difference over time. Begin by setting aside a few dollars each week, skipping a small purchase, or identifying one area to cut back on.
2. Prioritize Needs vs. Wants – Take a hard look at your spending habits. Focus on necessities like housing, food, and transportation, and minimize spending on non-essentials.
3. Break It Down – Big goals can feel daunting. Break them into smaller, manageable milestones. For example, if saving $1,200 feels out of reach, aim for $100 a month or $25 a week.
4. Seek Support – It’s okay to ask for help. Talking to someone who understands your situation can make a world of difference. That’s where we come in.

At MCCU, we understand that everyone’s financial journey is different. Whether you’re starting from scratch, catching up, or rebuilding after a setback, we’re here to provide judgment-free guidance tailored to your unique situation.

Let Us Be Your Financial Accountability Partner

Through our Financial Wellness Program, CUExcel, we offer free access to Financial Wellness Coaches—certified experts dedicated to helping you succeed. Our coaches can:

• Work with you to set financial goals.
• Help create a customized spending plan.
• Provide tips to maximize savings.
• Celebrate your financial milestones with you!

With over ten certified financial counselors on staff, MCCU is here to guide and support you every step of the way. We’re passionate about helping our community achieve financial success, and we want to see you thrive in 2025 and beyond.

The best part? This service is completely free and available to anyone in our community. We’re passionate about helping our members and neighbors succeed financially and celebrating their milestones.

To connect with a Financial Wellness Coach and start your journey today, visit marshallcommunitycu.com and schedule an appointment or call 269.781.9885 and ask for Lisa Slaughter.