I’ve learned something important about myself: I’m good with money when I’m paying attention to my money.

The issue is that most of the time I’m busy working, earning, and juggling responsibilities, and not slowing down enough to really look at how I’m spending.

I know I’m good at making money.

I also know I can be good at spending money.

Money doesn’t manage itself just because it comes in, so 2026 is the year I start knowing exactly what’s going on with my money.

This year isn’t about perfection. It’s about clarity, respect, and structure.

If I want my money to grow, I need to respect it.

My Finance Goals for 2026

1.   Figure out exactly what is going on with my money.  No more guessing, avoiding, or assuming. I want facts, not feelings. (Okay, there will be feelings too. Let’s be honest.)

2.   Respect my money by paying attention to it.  Part of respect is awareness and knowing where money comes from and where it goes.                                                                                                             

3.   Track all income and expenses using a monthly Google spreadsheet.  One system. One source of truth. Monthly tracking so I can clearly see spending patterns.

4.   Record every transaction for 2026 as it happens.  This year stays fully up to date before I move on to any other year.

5.   Complete bookkeeping for all past years from 2018 to 2025.  One year at a time, without skipping steps. Starting with 2025 and working backward.

6.   Spend approximately one focused week completing each past year.  Progress over perfection, but still done properly.

7.   Print all bank and credit card statements for every year.  No missing data. No relying on memory.

8.   Sort all receipts and statements into accordion file folders by year.  Physical organization creates mental clarity.

9.   Record monthly income and expenses for each year on Google Sheets.  Clear monthly snapshots instead of financial blur.

10.               Review taxes for each completed year after bookkeeping is finished.  I want to make sure all eligible expenses are claimed. I’m not giving the CRA more than necessary.

11.               Meal plan before shopping and only buy what I know I will use for specific meals in the next three days.  This reduces food waste and overspending. No buying ingredients for my “fantasy cooking self.” Good intentions don’t cook dinner. A plan does.

12.               Create & Follow a monthly budget consistently.  A budget only works if it’s actually used.  Not a fantasy budget. A livable one.

13.               Pay all bills on time.   No late fees, no scrambling, no unnecessary stress. On-time payments protect my credit, my cash flow, and my peace of mind.  This means using reminders, calendars, and autopay where it makes sense, so nothing slips through the cracks. 

14.               Get one full month ahead on expenses.  This is about breathing room, not luxury.

15.               Pay off debt strategically by putting credit cards in a clear payoff order.  No more random payments or emotional decisions.

16.               Pay off credit cards one by one and cancel certain cards once paid.  Less clutter. Less temptation.

17.               Keep only two credit cards total.  One personal and one business.

18.               Pay off the remaining credit cards monthly.  No carrying balances on the cards I choose to keep.

19.               Switch to a no-fee chequing account that earns interest.  There’s no reason to pay banks for basic access to my own money.

20.               Save money every month, no matter the amount.  Consistency matters more than size.

21.               Increase my income intentionally.  There are multiple ways to make money, and I will work on them strategically.

Spending Boundaries That Support These Goals

22.               Keep a “To Buy” list instead of impulse buying.  Ideas are allowed. Impulse purchases are not. Delay, don’t deny. I’ll adjust the list as my wants change. What I want at midnight when I’m half asleep is usually not what I want the next day after a full night’s sleep. I’ve had enough regrettable purchases to prove that point.

23.               Do not buy anything from the list unless it is budgeted in a future month.  Planning replaces impulse.

24.               Do not buy anything until I am one month ahead on expenses.  Stability comes first.

25.               Do not buy anything until at least three credit cards are paid off.  Debt reduction is a priority.

26.               Do not buy anything until all bookkeeping and taxes are up to date.  Clean foundations come before upgrades.

27.               Do not buy from Amazon until credit cards are paid off.  Convenience is expensive. Amazon, I love you. We’ve had a great relationship for years, but I can’t be your sugar mama anymore. Not until I pay off the last decade of purchases. We’ll meet one day again, with more responsibility.

28.               Do not eat out until credit cards are paid off.  Exceptions apply only for work expenses or when someone else is paying. Even then, I’ll limit work meals since only 50% is deductible with the CRA.

Cleanup and Long-Term Maintenance

29.               Review tax filing and amendment dates for all past years.   Accurate timelines matter before clearing records.

30.               Shred tax records that are seven years past filing or last amendment, per CRA rules.  Less physical clutter, less mental weight.

Accountability

31.               Review all of these goals every Friday through Finance Fridays.  Weekly check-ins keep things honest.

32.               Write a Finance Friday blog to track progress and adjustments.  Clarity grows when I write things out.

33.               Eventually record Finance Friday vlogs for additional accountability.  Not for perfection, but for follow-through—and hey, maybe a few dollars from social media too. Who knows.

Why I’m Doing This Publicly

I’m sharing these goals because accountability works in groups. Some people say to go away for three months and come back a different person. Lol. That is true, but for me, I usually come back a different person in the wrong direction. Knowing people might be watching actually makes me want to do better.

When I say things out loud and write them down, I follow through. I have proof of this. Every once in a while, I find random lists from years ago, and somehow I’ve accomplished everything on them. Apparently, past me knew what she was doing.

Finance Fridays give me a built-in pause every week to look at the numbers, tell the truth, and course-correct when needed.

This isn’t about shaming my past. I worked hard and supported myself the best way I could manage at the time. Now, I’m choosing to do better.

My Boss Lady year.

Every receipt filed, every number recorded, every Friday check-in brings me closer to calm, control, and choice.

That’s the real goal.

Disclaimer: This is personal commentary, reflection, and opinion. I don’t fact-check everything, and this is not professional advice. Please verify anything important independently and seek professional advice if needed.