In this episode of The Good Cents by Payactiv Podcast, host Eric Rosenberg and guest Jen Smith, budgeting expert and author, share practical strategies for effective year-end financial planning. As the year winds down, it's the perfect time to reflect on your financial habits and set the stage for a successful new year. Here are the key takeaways:

• Conduct a 90-day transaction inventory to identify patterns and spending triggers.
• Use tools like Google Sheets to categorize expenses by frequency or amount.
• Focus on modifying small habits, like limiting emotional support purchases, to reallocate funds effectively.
• Prioritize high-interest debts and create a manageable repayment plan based on seasonal spending trends.
• Break goals into quarterly milestones to maintain momentum without feeling overwhelmed.
• Review all recurring bills and subscriptions, negotiate better rates, or cancel unnecessary ones.
• Spread these tasks throughout the year for a less daunting process.
• Set inspiring short- and mid-term goals, such as saving for vacations or family milestones.
• Automate retirement savings through employer plans or IRAs, ensuring contributions are actively invested.
• Visualize goals with tools like dream boards to maintain focus on the bigger picture.
• Balance financial discipline with fulfilling immediate aspirations to stay motivated.