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Hey Simplifiers,

Let’s be honest — 2025 was a year. Some of us made progress. Some of us survived.
Most of us? A little bit of both.

But there’s something powerful about the final week of the year.
Not pressure.
Not perfection.
Just… a pause.
A moment to breathe, check in with ourselves, and ask:

“What do I want my money to feel like next year?”

- Someone Who Isn’t Looking To Repeat The Last Year

No overwhelm. No 52-step systems. Just a clean, simple reset you can do even if you're closing out the year exhausted.

Happy New Year! Gif by CuteAnimations on Giphy

Let’s end 2025 with clarity — and walk into 2026 feeling prepared, not panicked.

1️⃣ Do a 10-Minute Mini Money Audit

No spreadsheets needed.
Just answer these four questions:

  • What were my top 3 expenses this year?

  • What made me feel financially stressed?

  • What actually helped me?

  • What do I want to change in 2026?

Awareness is the first step to control.

2️⃣ Unsubscribe From Financial Drains

Go through your bank statement and cancel:

  • subscriptions you forgot about

  • memberships you don’t use

  • apps you thought you needed

  • trials you said you’d cancel (but didn’t)

Most people save $50–$150 instantly from this step alone.

3️⃣ Choose ONE Money Priority for January

Not three.
Not ten.
Just one.

Examples:

  • Build a $300 emergency buffer

  • Pay an extra $50 toward debt

  • Save for a single big purchase

  • Start investing something, even $25

You don’t need a full life makeover — you need a starting point.

4️⃣ Create a 10-Minute Paycheck Plan

Before your next paycheck hits, decide:

  • What percentage goes to bills

  • What percentage goes to you (savings/investing)

  • What percentage goes to lifestyle

When you give your money direction, it stops disappearing.

5️⃣ Set Up Your 2026 Financial Dashboard

No fancy tools — literally, the notes app works.

Create 3 sections:

  • Savings Goals (monthly targets)

  • Debt Plan (what you’re prioritizing first)

  • 2026 Wins (track every win, even the small ones)

This is the difference between “I’m trying” and “I have a plan.”

A Reset Doesn’t Require Perfection — Just Intention

You do not need to have your whole life figured out by January 1st.
You don’t need to catch up to anyone.
You don’t need to do everything at once.

You just need to take the next right step — consistently.

Little steps turn into habits.
Habits turn into progress.
Progress turns into a life that feels easier, lighter, and finally yours.

You’re not behind.
You’re just beginning your next chapter.

Talk soon,
C
Founder of The Simple Adult 🩶

P.S. If you want a simple roadmap for 2026, our Financial Freedom Starter Guide breaks everything down. You’ll get step—by—step budgeting, debt management, saving, and building a future-proof financial system to hold yourself accountable.

More than $10k in debt? We can help.

Debt happens. Getting out starts here.

Millions of Americans are tackling debt right now.

Whether it’s credit cards, loans, or medical bills, the right plan can help you take control again. Money.com's team researched trusted debt relief programs that actually work.

Answer a few quick questions to find your best path forward and see how much you could save. answer a few short questions, and get your free rate today.

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