Hey friend,
So... Monday was my birthday! 🎉
And you know what happens when you have a birthday in December? You automatically start doing that thing where you reflect on the entire year. It's like a built-in life audit that comes with a cake. 😂
Actually, I had a candle stuck in a homemade brownie, and my kids sang happy birthday to me. It was perfect. And it's become my tradition—every year around my birthday, I look backward and forward. It's my annual reset, my check-in with myself.
But this year felt different. The looking forward part hit harder than usual. And I want to talk about that with you today.
First, Let Me Ask You Something...
Did anyone actually do the exercise from last week's newsletter? You know, the one where I challenged you to look back at 2025 and think about everything you accomplished?
I'm genuinely curious! Hit reply and tell me—what's one thing you're proud of from this year? It doesn't have to be huge. Maybe you paid off a debt. Maybe you said no to something that wasn't right for you. Maybe you just kept showing up even when it was hard.
I want to hear it. Really. Your wins matter, and I love celebrating them with you.
What My Birthday Got Me Thinking About
So as I was looking ahead to the next year and the next five years, something really hit me:
I have a bunch of teenagers right now. In five years, most of them will be in their twenties.
That stopped me in my tracks.
And it looks a little different in my family because I have two special needs kiddos. My future doesn't look like the typical "empty nest" scenario. So starting my rough draft plan of the future? It's really important.
Because here's what I know to be true: If I don't know where I'm headed, the small steps I make now can really derail my future.
Think about it like this—if you're driving to a new place and you don't have directions, every turn you make is just a guess. There's a chance you'll make it there. Or you might end up completely lost, wasting time and gas trying to figure out how to get back on track.
But if you know where you're going? Every small decision you make gets you closer to that destination.
The Small Actions That Make Huge Impacts
This is something I work on with my clients all the time—finding what small actions they can make NOW that will make huge impacts LATER.
Like:
- Starting to save $50 a month now means having $3,000 saved in five years (plus interest!)
- Paying an extra $25 on a debt now could cut months or even years off your payoff timeline
- Learning to say no to things that don't align with your values now means protecting your future peace and financial freedom
It's not about making massive, dramatic changes overnight. It's about making intentional choices today that your future self will thank you for.
So Here's My Challenge for You
As we head into the final weeks of 2025, I want you to do two things:
1. Look Back What did you accomplish this year? Write it down. Give yourself credit. You've done more than you think.
2. Look Forward Where do you want to be in five years? Not in some vague "I want to be happy" way—get specific. What does your life look like? What does your bank account look like? What kind of freedom do you have?
And then ask yourself: What's one small action I can take THIS WEEK that moves me toward that future?
That's it. Just one small action. But make it intentional.
A Little Holiday Fun 🎄
Okay, let's lighten things up for a second!
I'd love to hear about YOUR holiday traditions. How do you spend Christmas? What about New Year's? Do you have any family rituals that you absolutely love?
I'm always fascinated by how different families celebrate, and I love stealing—I mean, borrowing—good ideas. 😉
Hit reply and share! I read every email, and I genuinely love hearing your stories.
Ready to Make 2026 Different?
If you're sitting here thinking, "I have NO idea where I want to be in five years, and honestly, I'm just trying to survive December"—I get it. I've been there.
And that's exactly why I created the Group Coaching Program—Financial Fresh Start—starting January 6th.
Because sometimes you need someone to help you see the bigger picture. Someone to help you make those small, intentional choices. Someone to cheer you on and keep you accountable.
Click here to learn more and join us!
Let's make 2026 the year everything shifts.
You've got this. And I've got you.
Let's finish this year strong and start the next one even stronger—together.
Cheering for you always,
Jenny 💙
P.S. Have questions about the group coaching program? Hit reply—I read every email and I'm here to help! Click here to grab your spot!
P.P.S. Check out the Hopebook Advent Devotional if you're looking for some grounding and intentionality through the holiday season. Being part of this project has been such a gift, and I think you'll love it too!
See you next week!
