Before You Set Another Money Goal. . .Start HERE!

A new year has a way of stirring hope.

Fresh calendars. Clean pages. Big intentions.

We feel motivated to set goals and imagine what could be different this time around, especially with money. And while setting money goals feels hopeful and energizing, most of us know a convicting truth:

Setting money goals is easy. Achieving money goals is tough.

Not because we lack desire. Not because we don’t care. But because real life happens. Motivation fades. Unexpected expenses show up. Accountability slips. And before we know it, another year has passed with good intentions but limited progress.

The invitation of a new year isn’t to rush ahead or pretend we have everything figured out. It’s an invitation to pause—to pay attention— and before we decide where we’re going, we need to learn from where we’ve been.

Why Looking Back Matters

Wisdom often begins with reflection. And when it comes to money, the past holds lessons that can either weigh us down or propel us forward.

Learning your lessons isn’t about regret. It’s about wisdom. Because a positive way to build a faithful financial future is to honestly learn from your financial past.

A mistake becomes costly when nothing is learned from it - a mistake becomes valuable when it produces wisdom.

When we take time to reflect, last year stops being a ceiling and starts becoming a foundation.

Three Questions That Help You Move Forward

Faithful reflection doesn’t require perfection—just honesty.

As you look back, consider these three questions.

1. What worked well—and why?
We often skip remembering all our good decisions and rush into what needs to be fixed, but this question is critical. Chances are, you made more good financial decisions than you realize. Where did you experience progress? What habits, beliefs, or rhythms supported those wins? Understanding why something worked allows you to build on it intentionally.

2. What didn’t work well—and why?
This isn’t about judgment. It’s about awareness. Where did money feel stressful or reactive? Where did decisions feel out of alignment with your faith? Ask not just what happened, but why. What pressures or emotions were present? Wisdom grows when we understand the heart behind the choice.

3. What lesson did I learn?
This is where reflection becomes direction. What insight from last year can help you steward money more faithfully this year? When lessons are named, progress becomes possible. 

Wisdom Leads to Peace

Scripture reminds us that learning isn’t just about information—it’s about formation.

Philippians 4:9 says,“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

When we Learn our Lessons well, we recognize strengths to build on, weaknesses to address, and patterns we no longer want to repeat. We move forward not with guilt, but with gratitude and clarity—grounded in God’s faithfulness and expectant for what He has ahead.

A Better Way to Begin the Year

This year doesn’t have to follow the familiar pattern of unachieved goals. It can be different. Not just because you try harder, but because you move forward with more wisdom and information.

God doesn’t waste seasons and He won’t waste your reflection either. So take time to slow the pace. Look back with honesty. Learn Your Lessons. And honor God with your faithful first steps forward this year!

NEXT STEPS:

Download your free Achieve Your Money Goals in 2026 workbook  . The link will take you to the MMF website. On the home page, click ACCESS THE HUB. There will you be able to follow the steps to get the free resource. 

If you’d like to go deeper, listen to Money Made Faithful podcast Episode #209: Achieve Your Money Goals in 2026 – Step 1 of 4: Learn Your Lessons (approx. 18 minutes).

Apple: Episode #209 – Achieve Your Money Goals in 2026 – Step 1 of 4: Learn Your Lessons
Spotify: Episode #209 – Achieve Your Money Goals in 2026 – Step 1 of 4: Learn Your Lessons