Why is Reflecting on Your Finances Important? with Kylie & Sam

Welcome to another episode of Financially Naked: Stories from the Financial Gym. As we approach the end of 2024, hosts Kylie and Sam invite you to join them on a reflective personal finance exercise. Discover the potential of aligning your financial goals with your values and gain insights on staying accountable as you embark on a financial wellness journey. 

In this episode, Kylie and Sam discuss the power of looking back on your financial progress and sharing insights on how this practice can serve as a catalyst for setting meaningful goals for the upcoming year. They'll provide tips and tricks for financial self-discovery, offering strategies to help you achieve your biggest goals. 

Podcast Notes

  • If you want to set any goal, understanding where you are starting is an important step. It's hard to know where you're going if you're unsure where you are right now. 

  • This is a huge part of your First Financial Session, aka Financially Naked Session at The Gym. Being a Financial Gym client is how Sam started regularly tracking her progress. 

  • Each quarter, your Trainer records your numbers, checks in on your goals, and helps you set action steps. It's a time to celebrate wins, discuss opportunities, and have a record of your progress. 

The Power of Reflection 

  • Recording your goals and feelings over time is a powerful measure of your progress. Sometimes, growth can be hard to feel in the moment, so pausing to reflect is important.  

  • Life moves fast. It can be hard to remember things, and having a record of your progress can help you set realistic goals and expectations for the future.  

  • Your goals and what's important to you will change over time. Without pausing to reflect, you may be working towards goals that aren't important to you. 

Reflection & Accountability Tools 

  • The easiest way to start is by journaling. You can create your own prompts or use a system like SWOT.  

    • SWOT goal setting system - write down everything you can think of in each category – SStrength |Weakness | Opportunity | Threat

  • Many reflection prompts already exist; you can search online for one that resonates with or inspires you. Try a few different prompts and make them your own. 

  • Plenty of free resources and PDF downloads allow you to try different planner styles for free before purchasing one. 

Finding Community and Accountability 

  • Find an accountability buddy. A Financial Trainer is great, but you can do this exercise with a friend. There are so many ways to find accountability or community. 

  • You can become a Financial Gym member or find a friend to hold you accountable! 

  • Some planners have Facebook communities, which are great ways to find others using the same prompts and tools as you. 

  • Reflection will lead to meaningful goals and greater progress.  

If you want to work with a Certified Financial Trainer to help you set goals for the new year, schedule a free warm-up call today! If you have any ideas or questions for the show, send an email to trainerpodcast@fingyms.com.

Resources

Meet The Trainers

Kylie Lipinski, Level 2 Certified Financial Trainer  
Sam Cash, Level 2 Certified Financial Trainer

The Financial Gym Team Comment