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Stop Procrastinating! 5 Steps to Finally Make Progress on Your Financial Goals Before the Year Ends

Woman creating financial goals

So here it is. The season has officially changed and you realize that the end of the year is right around the corner! You start to panic a little bit and you think about all of the times that you told yourself "I'll start next month" or "I'll get serious after the holidays" or "I'll fix it when things slow down."


The reality is that if you're being honest, you're not as far along with your financial goals as you hoped you'd be at this point in the year. And if this is your truth, let me stop you from spiraling into guilt or frustration right now because you don't have time to waist.

See, procrastination doesn't always look like laziness. Sometimes, it shows up as overthinking, perfectionism, or just being mentally drained from carrying financial stress. And even when you want to make changes, the pressure of doing it "right" can keep you stuck in the same spot.  How do I know this? Because I have to remind myself of this literally EVERYDAY!!!


Ok now let's get into some good news. You still have time to shift your energy, redirect your focus, and move into the end of the year feeling confident, clear, and back in control of your money. In case you missed it, the point here is to get moving. Take action because that's the only way you will see progress.


So, let's look at 5 ways to stop procrastinating on your financial goals and start MOVING with clarity, confidence, and consistency.


Step #1 - Identify the Delay Pattern


Procrastination with money often hides behind legit-sounding excuses like some of these:

  • "I need to make more money first before I can start working on things."

  • "I just want to get through this one big expense and then I'll start."

  • "I'm going to just wait until the New Year starts so I can start fresh!"


If any of those sound like you, don't feel bad. Literally as I typed the second excuse I felt myself being called out. But if you really want to make progress, you have to start doing something different. Which often looks like holding yourself accountable when you slip into old habits.


The goal here is to figure out what's really going on underneath your excuses. Try asking yourself:

  • Am I overwhelmed with something financially and unsure of where to start?

  • Am I afraid to face what my numbers may actually show?

  • Am I waiting for the "perfect time" that never comes?


Do yourself a favor right now: Write down the financial goal you've been avoiding, and name the real reason you've been putting it off. Trust that this is awareness is your starting point so hold yourself accountable here and get it done!



A woman getting things done

Step #2 - Break your Goal Into Bite-Sized Actions


So listen. Big goals can feel paralyzing if you haven't broken them down. I promise you, this has been my biggest obstacle and I'm finally getting to a point where I'm actually following my own advice.


So here, instead of trying to "take a huge step all at once," ask yourself: What's one small step I can do today to move me closer to my larger goal? Check out these examples below:


  1. ✅ Instead of: “Pay off my debt”

    ➡️ Try: “Make an extra $25 payment this Friday”


  1. ✅ Instead of: “ I need to fix my whole budget”

    ➡️ Try: “I'm going to track my spending for the next 3 days”


  2. ✅ Instead of: “I'm going to start investing”

    ➡️ Try: “I'm going to open a basic investment account this weekend”


Remember, you don't need to move fast, you just need to move forward!


Step #3 - Use a Deadline That Motivates You


"I still have time" sounds good and all...but sometimes WE (myself included) need a little pressure to get things done.


Try to reframing it this way:

"I have 90 days left in the year. So what am I going to do with them to see changes?


Use the natural energy that shows up end of year as motivation, not panic. Set a mini-deadline between now and December 31st that keeps you focused and honest with yourself.


Ask yourself:

  • What's one thing I want to say I accomplished by the end of this year?

  • What financial win would make me feel proud heading into 2026?


Write it down. Set a date. Then start working backwards!


Step #4 - Choose Progress Over Perfection


Let's be clear: Perfection is just procrastination under a different name.


Youn don't need a perfect budget, perfect income, or perfect life circumstances to get started. You just need the courage to begin before you feel "ready."


💡 Try this instead.Take messy action:

  • Open your budget app.

  • Log into your bank account.

  • Set up a weekly money check-in. Even if you don’t know what to do during it yet.


Clarity actually comes through action. Not by waiting for clarity to come first AND then acting.



A woman taking accountability

Step #5 - Build In Accountability That Works For You


Now this is where things will start to shift long term. Honestly, most of us don't fail because we don't care. We fall off because we're trying to do it all in our heads and in ways that don't actually work for us.


That's why you need accountability that fits your personality. No shame. No pressure. Just support.


Take a look at some of these suggestions to see if they'd work for you:


  • Text a friend your money goal for the week

  • Set a recurring reminder for a weekly "Money Check-In"

  • Use a visual tracker to mark your daily or weekly wins

  • Join a community where you can share progress (or struggles) without judgment


If you're ready for support that's flexible and real, join my Free Coin-Conscious Accountability Group. Or if you're ready to go deeper with a plan and personalized coaching, book a Free Support Call and let's walk through your next steps together.


Final Thoughts: You Don't Have to Finish the Year Feeling Behind


You've got a little less than 90 days before the year ends. That means that you still have time to shift your habits, show up for your goals, and finish the year in alignment with your plans.


Again, you don't need to do it all. You just need to Do Something and do it on purpose!!


Are you ready to stop procrastinating and take action? Try any or ALL of these actions steps:



Do yourself a favor. Stop delaying your goals and start building them NOW! 💛

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