The First 3 Money Moves To Make In January

Happy New Year! Hope you had a good break and got to relax a bit.

Now that we’re back, everyone’s talking about fresh starts and new goals. But here’s the thing – most people jump straight into resolutions without actually looking at where they’re starting from.

So before you make any big plans for your money this year, there are three moves you need to make first.

These aren’t complicated. They don’t require a complete financial overhaul. But they’ll set you up to actually follow through instead of giving up by February.

Money move #1: Get clarity on your numbers

You can’t make progress if you don’t know where you’re starting.

Pull up your accounts and look at your income, your expenses, your savings, and your debt. Write it all down.  

How much did you actually make last month? How much went out? What’s sitting in your savings account right now? What debt are you carrying?

Most people skip this step because it feels uncomfortable. But you need to know your actual starting point before you can move forward.

Money move #2: Set 1-2 realistic priorities for the year

Forget vague resolutions like “save more money” or “get better with finances.”

Pick one or two specific things you want to accomplish this year.

It could be building a $1,000 emergency fund, paying down a specific credit card, or finally starting to invest.

Whatever it is, make it clear and measurable, so you’ll be able to track your progress and know exactly what success looks like.

Focusing on one or two specific goals beats having ten vague ones you never follow through on.

Money move #3: Put one system in place early

This is the move that makes everything else easier.

Pick one thing to automate right now in January. Not next month. Not when you “feel ready.” Now.

Think about what would make the biggest difference for you. Automatic savings transfers every payday? Bills that pay themselves? Investment contributions that happen without you logging in?

Pick one and set it up.

Here’s the thing – motivation fades. Willpower runs out. However, when you automate a financial task now, it will keep working for you all year. 

This way, you free up mental space for other decisions while your money management runs in the background.     

If you don’t know where to start…

Sometimes you know what you should be doing, but actually doing it feels overwhelming.

That’s exactly why I created the Don’t Go Broke Collective accountability group.

This group goes far beyond just learning what to do with money. You get a group of people holding you accountable to actually do it.

We meet twice a month. You get practical guidance, weekly prompts that push you to take action, and a community of people working on the same goals.

In 2025, members collectively saved and invested over $1M. If you’re serious about making 2026 different and you want support to actually follow through, join us.

[Join the Don’t Go Broke Collective]

Take a few hours this week to make these three moves happen. 

Get clarity on where your money stands right now. 

Pick your one or two priorities for the year. 

Set up one automation that’ll keep working for you.

This is how you build lasting consistency. In February, when everyone else is giving up, you’ll already be making progress.

Until next time,
xoReni