It is the end of the year, which means it is time for a quick, honest look back at how your 2025 financial intentions actually played out. No judgement and no guilt, just a simple way to take stock before stepping into 2026 with clarity.
Tick what applies and see which zone you fall into. Then follow the suggested next steps to start the new year feeling organised, not overwhelmed.
- Goals
Tick all that apply
□ I set clear 2025 goals
□ I stuck to most of them
□ I forgot what they were by April
□ I need to choose new 2026 goals
Your 2026 next steps:
- If you mostly ticked the first two: refine your 2026 targets
- If the second two ring true: book 30 minutes with yourself and rewrite your goals now – we recommend a coffee and a comfy chair!
- Spending
□ I know exactly where my money goes
□ I still have a few mystery transactions each month
□ I cancelled unused subscriptions
□ I slipped back into old habits by winter. I blame the need for coffee!
Your 2026 next step:
Pick one:
- Track one month of spending again
- Choose a money app that does the detective work for you
- Ask a friend or partner to do a “spending audit swap” for laughs and accountability
- Bills and Contracts
□ I reviewed my insurance policies
□ I checked my energy and phone plans
□ I revisited my home loan
□ I meant to do all of this and absolutely did not
Your 2026 next step:
Do one comparison this month. Just one. Momentum beats motivation.
- Debts and buffers
□ I reduced high-interest debt
□ I built or topped up my emergency fund
□ I improved my credit score
□ I forgot this existed
Your 2026 next step:
- If you made progress: you're on track
- If not: choose the smallest debt or smallest saving target and knock it over first
- Your safety nets
□ I reviewed my income protection
□ I reviewed my life insurance
□ I connected with Experien Insurance Services
□ I have not checked my insurance since pre-pandemic and pre-kids!
Your 2026 next step:
Book a review this month. Future you will be very smug.
- Invest in your future
□ I locked in Prime Practice or CPD training early
□ I did the courses I booked
□ I forgot to register and missed out
□ I want 2026 to be a growth year
Your 2026 next step:
Check your calendar and register early. Courses sell out faster than coffee in a junior doctor break room.
- Do you need a finance buddy?
Choose your vibe:
□ I’m sorted. My systems work and I just need to maintain them
□ I’m nearly there. A bit of guidance would tidy things up
□ I’m winging it. A finance buddy would be ideal
□ Please someone take the wheel.
Your 2026 next step:
If you picked anything other than “I’m sorted”…
You might need a finance buddy.
A human one. Not an app. Not a spreadsheet. Someone who gets doctors, dentists and vets and can keep you on track without judgement.
Yes, that is exactly where Credabl shines. We’re your buddy, but we also bring coffee and 20+ years of insights.
Scorecard summary
Count your ticks:
- 0 to 2: no shame. January is the perfect month to reset and begin again.
- 3 to 6: you made a start but need a clearer plan for 2026.
- 7 to 11: solid work. A few tweaks this month will level you up.
- 12 or more: you absolutely crushed 2025. Maintain the rhythm.
If you know a little accountability will make all the difference, reach out. Credabl is the real-life finance partner who can help make a real difference to guide your plans into progress for 2026 and beyond.
