Midyear Check-In Keeps Goals on Track
Small wins and smart resets help turn financial plans into progress
Midyear is a smart time to check financial goals. A quick review can reveal blind spots, revive stalled plans and build fresh financial momentum.
According to a 2024 Bankrate survey, 57 percent of Americans said inflation derailed their ability to save. But even small steps — like automating transfers or trimming spending — can build financial confidence. Experts say regular check-ins turn vague intentions into lasting habits.
One of those experts is Jason Vitug, a wellness advocate, bestselling author, entrepreneur, producer and founder of Phroogal, a financial wellness website. His most recent book is “Make Your Money Smile: 5 Pillars to Your Best Financial Life.”
Good Money Habits Start With a Financial Health Check-In
He and money experts at Experian, a consumer credit reporting company, looked at the essentials of checking in on money at mid-year — or any time — to ensure staying on track with financial goals.
Akin to a financial halftime, a mid-year check-in helps to adjust spending, savings and debt plans while there’s still time.
“Mid-year check-ins are like wellness visits for your money,” Vitug said. “Reflect on goals, adjust your budget, check progress and re-align with your priorities. It’s your chance to reset, refocus and finish the year strong.
“This is a good time to review what’s worked and make necessary adjustments,” Vitug said. “Reflect without judgment, then restart if needed.”
Prepare for the Unexpected
Everyone should key on a particular financial goal.
“Build a 30-day emergency buffer,” Vitug said. “Start small, automate it and watch peace of mind grow. Life’s unpredictable, but your finances don’t have to be.
“Emergencies happen,” he said. “It’s not a matter of if, but when. We can be financially prepared. For example, I have used my Christmas club account at my credit union for over a decade. It helps me save for the holidays.”
As Experian added, even a small cushion can make a big difference when life throws a curveball.
Good Habits Pay Off With Grand Results for Financial Health
Airlines use autopilots to ease the burden for flight crews. Automation serves a similar purpose for personal finance.
“Automation equals consistency,” Vitug said. “It removes the guesswork and willpower from saving, investing and paying bills. Set it, forget it — and let your goals grow on autopilot.
“Automating finances has been a very understated tool in financial wellness,” he said. “Personal finance is truly personal. We need to find what works for us.”
Naturally, any dealing with today’s highly technical world of money management would not be complete without a nod to artificial intelligence.
“AI tools can analyze your spending, suggest smart habits and even coach you toward your goals,” Vitug said. “It’s like having a money buddy in your pocket — 24/7. But be wary — some answers won’t fit your specific situation.”
“Tools can definitely help us do the mundane things so we can work on the bigger picture,” he said. “These tools help me see things clearly.”
Use Tech, But Stay Smart
Those resistant to such technological advances might end up hurting themselves.
“AI tools are here to stay and can make things easier for us,” Vitug said. “They can help us make better decisions and manage our time better.”
As enthusiastic as he is, Vitug urges anyone handling money to be sensible for their own good.
“I do have one important rule for AI,” he said. “Please do not upload your personal financial information like bank statements, credit reports and so on. ChatGPT and similar platforms are public and trained on broad data sets, so uploaded documents may not stay private.
“While AI is a useful tool, be mindful to never share personal identifying information or upload financial documents into any public AI platform,” Vitug said.
Grow an Emergency Fund on Any Budget
People need to protect themselves against times when unexpected expenses or life changes impact their financial plan.
“Car repairs, medical bills, job loss — life happens,” Vitug said. “Safeguard with an emergency fund, review insurance and keep a flexible budget. Preparation is better than panic.”
Experian emphasizes building an emergency fund and monitoring credit to stay ready.
Be ready to reset financial goals when well-intentioned plans go awry.
“Start with grace, not guilt,” Vitug said. “Reflect, realign with your current reality and break big goals into smaller steps. A reset is powerful progress.”
Reset Without Regret
Flexibility, patience and perseverance will win out at the end.
“It’s never too late,” Vitug said. “Get started — and if you stop, just start again.”
In that way, as Experian explained, setting smaller, achievable goals for the rest of the year will help to get closer to greater goals.
Creative or unconventional financial goals can reenergize plans for the rest of the year.
“Try a no-spend weekend challenge,” Vitug said. “Save for a solo trip. Open a brokerage account, or build a ‘fun fund’ that makes your future self smile.
“I have done a similar goal, too,” he said. “For an entire year I bought no new clothes or accessories and saved a ton.”
Financial Freedom Begins With Solid Money Practices
A costly downside is emerging from a challenge only to succumb to impulse or make-up spending.
“The spending rebound causes some to overspend out of frustration and deprivation,” Vitug said.
“I love traveling — and I’m a deal hunter,” he said. “Most of my financial conversations are about aligning what brings us joy with our financial goals. How can we pay off debt and save for travel? That kind of stuff.”
Experian has suggestions for getting creative with money goals.
Financial goals have a better chance to succeed when they align with personal values or lifestyle priorities.
“Ask: ‘What matters most to me?’ Then budget for it,” Vitug said. “Aligning money with meaning turns spending into fulfillment — and goals into lifestyle upgrades.”
Spend With Intention
Vitug writes about aligning money with personal values — turning habits into lasting lifestyle choices.
In one of his books Vitug shared a three-step question:
Do I need it?
Do I need it now?
What will happen if I don’t get it?
“This has helped me curtail impulse purchases,” Vitug said. “The mere act of asking these questions pauses my mind enough to go ‘don’t really need it.’”
Experian also emphasizes setting goals that reflect personal values, offering financial education resources to guide those decisions.
Staying accountable to financial goals throughout the year is a team effort.
“Share your goals,” Vitug said, “Track weekly. Celebrate small wins. Use tools or find an accountability buddy. Your financial journey deserves support.
“Who we surround ourselves with does affect our finances, whether it’s the people we hang with or those we connect with on social media,” he said.
Set Money Goals That Encourage You to Follow Good Habits
Financial wins, even small ones, grow into big gains over time:
Canceling unused subscriptions.
Cooking at home more.
Saying no to impulse buys.
Experian celebrates every step forward. Whether it’s people improving their credit score, paying off a credit card or building their first budget, these wins build confidence and momentum.
“This year I prioritized peace,” Vitug said. “I saved more, took time off without guilt and invested more into purpose. Every dollar aligned with values is a win.
“In one of my books, I shared my $10 rule,” he said. “So I don’t waste brain space deciding — I’ll buy it if it brings me joy and costs under $10. But most of the time, 99 percent I never do.”
Mid-year is a great time to pause, reflect and realign money goals. Small wins matter. Keep going, stay flexible and let personal values lead the way.