In this episode of The Catholic Money Show, Amanda and Jonathan share practical strategies to make 2025 the year you take control of your finances. From curbing impulse buys with a simple 24-hour rule to setting realistic financial goals, they’ll guide you through actionable steps to finally stop wondering, “Where did all my money go?”

Discover how understanding your spending habits can lead to financial freedom, and learn tips like sticking to a budget, choosing debit over credit, and creating “fun money” funds to enjoy life guilt-free. It’s a fun, faith-filled conversation packed with advice to help you start the year strong and build lasting financial confidence.

Resources Mentioned:
👉 Privacy Guide: WalletWin.com/privacy
👉 Join the Catholic Money Academy: WalletWin.com/academy/

Let’s make 2025 your best financial year yet! Tune in now. 🎧✨

Music in this episode is by Dylan Gardner – ⁠⁠⁠⁠check out his album Almost Real⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠iTunes⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, or wherever you listen to great music.

2025: The Year I Don’t Ask, “Where Did All My Money Go?” 🤔💵

Welcome back to The Catholic Money Show, where faith meets finances! In this episode, hosts Jonathan and Amanda share practical strategies to help you make 2025 the year you stop asking, “Where did all my money go?” Packed with actionable tips, personal insights, and faith-filled encouragement, this guide will help you master your money and align your financial habits with your goals. Let’s dive into the highlights!

1. Cancel Unused Subscriptions and Trials

Jonathan kicks off with a straightforward yet effective tip: review and cancel any unused subscriptions or free trials still charging your accounts. These small, recurring expenses can quietly inflate your monthly costs without you noticing.

Action Step: Take a few hours this week to comb through your credit card and bank statements for unnecessary subscriptions. Cancel what you don’t use and redirect that money toward your financial goals.

2. Enhance Security with Virtual Card Numbers

Protecting your financial security is essential. Jonathan recommends using virtual card numbers for online purchases. These digital tools allow you to set spending limits and safeguard your accounts from unauthorized charges.

Why It Matters: Virtual cards enhance your security and give you more control over your financial commitments.

3. Implement the 24-Hour Rule to Reduce Impulse Buying

Impulse purchases can derail even the best financial plans. Amanda and Jonathan swear by the 24-hour rule: when tempted to make an unplanned buy, give yourself a day to reconsider.

The Result: This cooling-off period helps ensure your purchases align with your priorities and budget, reducing financial regrets.

4. Use Cash or Debit Cards Over Credit Cards

Studies show people spend more when using credit cards compared to cash or debit. Amanda and Jonathan advocate for using debit cards to avoid unnecessary debt.

Pro Tip: While debit cards might not offer points or perks, they help you spend within your means and avoid accumulating interest on purchases.

5. Stick to a Budget and Make Financial Plans

Creating a realistic budget is central to financial success. Amanda shares her love for tools like YNAB (You Need a Budget) but emphasizes that the best budgeting tool is one you’re comfortable using—whether it’s an app, a spreadsheet, or good old-fashioned pen and paper.

Action Step: Choose a tool that works for you and commit to regularly updating your budget.

6. Understand Your Spending Habits

Before you can take control of your finances, you need to understand where your money is going. The first few months of budgeting can be challenging, but they’re vital for gaining clarity.

Tip: Categorize your expenses and distinguish between needs and wants. This awareness is the foundation for achieving financial freedom.

7. Prioritize Needs and Savings

Jonathan advises prioritizing needs and savings—including charitable giving—at the top of your budget. By addressing these first, you’ll ensure your essential obligations are covered before allocating funds to non-essentials.

8. Avoid Oversimplified Budgeting Models

Social media often promotes percentage-based budgeting models, but these can oversimplify complex financial realities. Amanda and Jonathan caution against these approaches, advocating instead for a detailed and personalized budget that reflects your unique situation.

9. Set Clear Financial Goals

As we step into 2025, setting clear financial goals is crucial. Whether you’re saving, paying off debt, or working toward another milestone, defining your targets will keep you focused.

Pro Tip: Use visual motivators like debt-free charts or savings trackers to monitor your progress. Revisit your goals monthly to stay on track.

10. Celebrate Financial Wins and Stay Motivated

Financial journeys are long, so it’s important to celebrate small victories. Whether it’s cutting down on subscriptions or avoiding an impulse buy, recognize your progress to stay motivated.

Pro Tip: Automate savings and debt payments to simplify your financial routine and ensure you stay consistent.

12. Hosts’ Personal Financial Journey

Jonathan and Amanda share their personal journey of overcoming financial struggles. Early in their marriage, they lived paycheck to paycheck, relying on credit cards and overdrafts. In 2012, they turned their financial situation around by embracing budgeting and uniting their efforts.

Takeaway: Even in financial chaos, change is possible with perseverance, faith, and the right tools.

13. Words of Encouragement

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by finances, Amanda and Jonathan remind you that every month is a chance to start fresh. Forgive past mistakes, focus on forming new habits, and trust that change is within reach.

Final Thoughts

The main takeaway from this episode is simple: by managing your finances with intentionality, you can make 2025 the year you no longer wonder where your money went. Through practical tips, personal stories, and faith-based guidance, Jonathan and Amanda provide the tools you need to take control of your financial life.

Start your journey to financial stewardship and success today by tuning in to The Catholic Money Show. Let’s make 2025 your best financial year yet!