January always arrives with that clean slate feeling. A rare pocket of calm, a fresh diary and enough leftovers to see you through the first week. Perfect conditions for a simple financial reset that will have your future-self cheering by the time 2027 rolls round. 

At Credabl we see it all the time. Doctors, dentists and vets who know exactly what they earn but have no clue where the money vanishes. You are not alone. Long hours, rising costs and life admin that piles up faster than scrubs in a laundry basket will do that. 

So here are six useful guides to get your finances back in shape before the year kicks off. Your future self will thank you! 

1. Set your goals 

Money follows clarity. Decide what matters this year. A home purchase. Clearing a credit card. Building a buffer. Funding parental leave. Taking a real holiday where patients cannot reach you. 

Write down your top priorities for 2026 and sketch out any big career or life changes in the next few years. Clear goals make every decision easier. 

2. Review your spending 

This part is never glamorous and can make even the most frugal feel uncomfortable. Look at the last month of transactions to get the truth, avoiding gut-feel on spend. 

Cancel subscription creep. Spot categories swelling quietly. Challenge the “I think I spend about…” stories we all tell ourselves. You cannot change what you do not track. 

3. Audit your bills 

This is where you often free up the most money without changing your lifestyle. 

Compare mobile and internet plans. Review insurance policies. Check energy rates. If your home loan has been sitting untouched for more than a year, it is overdue for a review. A few calls can return surprisingly big wins. 

4. Tidy up your debts 

List every debt: balance, interest rate and repayment. Prioritise anything high interest, especially credit cards. 

If it makes sense, look at interest free balance transfers or refinancing options. The goal is simple: reduce the cost of your debt and speed up how fast you clear it. 

5. Build your financial system 

This is where the magic happens. 

Set up separate accounts for bills, savings and spending. Automate transfers with each pay cycle. Choose a budget style you will actually stick to. Track your credit score. Download a money app if you want accountability without effort. 

Your system does the heavy lifting so you do not have to. 

Invest in your future 

Lock in the personal development you want this year. Get your calendar sorted early so you do not miss your favourite Prime Practice courses or CPD you have been eyeing. 

Then check your safety nets. If it has been a while since you reviewed income protection or life insurance, touch base with Experien Insurance Services and make sure your cover still fits your needs. 

We have your back 
A reset is meant to feel refreshing, not exhausting. And you do not have to handle the whole thing solo. Credabl specialises in supporting doctors, dentists and vets with smart, simple financial solutions built around how you live and work. 

Whether you want to understand your borrowing capacity, tidy up existing loans or plan your next step, we can help.