Source: Rockaa / Getty

With 2025 coming to an end, it’s the perfect time to start focusing on the goals that will help us level up next year — and that definitely includes our finances. Money habits should be a priority every year, but with the economy shifting and politics impacting so much over the last 12 months, how we manage money has a bigger effect on our lives than ever.

Last year, I noticed some patterns quietly draining my wallet (and my peace of mind). So here’s my honest, real-world guide to the money habits I’m letting go of, and how you can swap them for smarter, more intentional habits that will help to make our cash flourish. 

1. Overspending

Source: Rockaa / Getty

Overspending often feels like self‑care in the moment, but it adds up fast. Trust me, I know! Next year, this bad habit will be tossed out like a rotten apple. A great way to stop this is by creating a budget that distinguishes needs vs. wants:  the classic 50‑30‑20 rule (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings/debt) can help you stay in control of your finances. 

Clearly list all of these items out and be honest with yourself. While it’s tempting to splurge on that fancy handbag with your “need” money, essentials like rent, groceries, and utilities should always come first. Once those are covered, you can realistically budget for splurges in your “wants” bucket by setting aside a little money each month.

As we step into the new year, I’m going to focus on the things that are truly essential for my everyday life and identify what I can actually live without. Here’s a strategy I started trying this month that might help you too: before spending on non-essentials, ask yourself, “Does this move me closer to my goals or further away?” For example, instead of going out for brunch every weekend, plan just one social coffee date and put the money you save toward something more meaningful later.

RELATED CONTENT: 3 Essential Money Moves To Rebuild After A Natural Disaster

The post 9 Broke Behaviors I’m Dropping In 2026 — Because Peace Costs Money appeared first on MadameNoire.



Source link
#Broke #Behaviors #Dropping #Peace #Costs #Money

powered by Auto Youtube Summarize

Categories News

Tags Behaviors Broke Costs Credit Dropping Finances Habits Money Peace Retirement saving money Spending