Your 6-Month Financial Check-In Starts Here

Hi Reader,

Welcome to The Money Series, and if you are new here, thank you for signing up. Personal Finance can feel ambiguous and overwhelming, but I am here to help simplify the journey.

How are we already halfway through the year?😯

Time really does move fast. One minute, it’s January, we’re setting goals, building budgets, and making grand plans, and the next, we’re at the halfway point. It can feel like a blur. Maybe you started the year with big plans, saving more, spending less, and finally tackling that debt, but somewhere along the way, life got busy, and your financial intentions took a back seat.

You’re not alone! We’ve all been there.

The start of the second half of the year is the perfect opportunity to check in with yourself, regroup, and get back on track. Think of it as a fresh start: a chance to reflect on what’s working, what isn’t, and what you want to achieve by year’s end.

Below is a list of questions that I believe can help you get started. These aren’t just budgeting questions. They’re reflection points designed to help you realign your money with your values, your reality, and your goals.

1. Am I spending with intention, or just reacting?

Take a fresh look at your expenses. Are they aligned with your priorities, or are you spending out of habit? Are there subscriptions or purchases that don’t serve you anymore?

2. How well am I saving right now, and is it enough?

Check your progress since January. Has your savings grown or stalled? Consider the actual saving amount as well as the proportion of income that you’re saving. If it’s not where you want it to be, what got in the way? Can you adjust your approach for the next six months?

3. Is my income still supporting the lifestyle I want?

Has anything changed with your job, side hustle, or business? Are you earning enough to meet your goals, or is it time to explore new opportunities, negotiate a raise, or rethink your income streams?

4. How am I managing my debt? - If you have debt

Are you on track with your repayment plan? Could you save money by refinancing or changing your strategy? Or do you need to consolidate your debts?

5. Is my emergency fund in good shape?

If your income stopped today, how many months could you cover your expenses? Is your emergency fund easily accessible and earning a reasonable return? Do you need to adjust the amount you’re setting aside for unexpected events?

6. Are my investments working for me?

Are your returns consistent with your expectations, and are the fees you pay reasonable? Is your portfolio diversified, or concentrated in one asset class/sector/currency? Have any recent life changes (like a new job or move) affected your investment needs or risk tolerance?

7. What are 1–2 financial priorities I want to focus on through December?

Pick one or two clear intentions for the next six months. Whether it’s building your emergency fund, increasing your savings, paying debt, or automating your investments, clarity is important.

Next Steps…

Set aside a quiet hour this weekend, download your bank statements from January to June end, and with your favorite playlist in the background, walk through these questions honestly.

You don’t need perfect answers. You just need a clear picture of where you are and where you’d like to go next. You need the clarity and confidence that those answers will give.

Reflect on This:

• What's one small financial adjustment you can make today that will have a big impact by year-end?

Till next week, I am rooting for you, money-ly!

Dee

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Disclaimer: This does not constitute financial advice. Please conduct your research or consult your financial advisor for important financial advice.