What to Do Between Christmas and New Year’s: A 30-Minute Financial Reset

The stretch of time between Christmas and New Year’s is a bit unusual.

The big gatherings are over. The calendar is mostly quiet. The year is ending, but the next one hasn’t started yet. It’s one of the few moments when life naturally slows down.

That makes it the perfect time for a simple financial reset — not a full overhaul, not a list of resolutions you won’t keep — just a clear, intentional check-in. You can do the whole thing in about 30 minutes, and it can set the tone for the year ahead.

Here’s how.

Step 1: Look Back - Without Judgment (5 Minutes)

Start by taking a quick look at the year that’s ending.

Ask yourself:

• What went well financially this year?

• What felt stressful?

• Did my money generally support my life, or fight against it?

  
  

This isn’t about beating yourself up or celebrating perfection. It’s about awareness. Every good plan starts with understanding where you’ve been.

If something didn’t go the way you hoped, note it and move on. Information is useful. Guilt is not.

Step 2: Check Cash Flow Reality (5 Minutes)

Before the new year begins, take a moment to ground yourself in reality.

• Do you know roughly what comes in and what goes out each month?

• Did holiday spending change January’s picture?

• Are there subscriptions or expenses you no longer need?

You don’t need a detailed spreadsheet here. A high-level awareness is enough. The goal is to remove surprises, not micromanage every dollar.

Clarity beats complexity every time.

Step 3: Confirm the “Invisible” Details (10 Minutes)

These are the items people often forget, until they matter.

Use this short checklist:

• Are your beneficiaries up to date on retirement accounts and life insurance?

• Has anything changed in your family, career, or priorities?

• Do you know where important documents are located?

These things don’t feel urgent, until suddenly they are. Taking a few minutes now can prevent major problems later.

Step 4: Choose One Focus for the New Year (5 Minutes)

Skip the long list of resolutions.

Instead, ask:

“What is the single most important financial focus for me in the coming year?”

Examples:

• Build an emergency fund

• Reduce high-interest debt

• Increase retirement contributions

• Get organized and create a real plan

One clear priority creates momentum. You can always add more later.

Step 5: Schedule the Next Step (5 Minutes)

The final step is the most important.

Decide what your next action will be:

• Put a reminder on your calendar

• Set up an automatic transfer

• Schedule a time to review your plan

• Commit to having a professional conversation you’ve been putting off

Plans don’t fail because people don’t care. They failed because no next step was defined.

The Sherwood Difference

A Simple Reset, Not a Resolution

This isn’t about turning your life upside down between holidays. It’s about entering the new year with intention instead of momentum.

Thirty minutes. A little honesty. A little clarity.

That’s often all it takes to start the year on firmer ground.

If you want help turning that clarity into a real, workable plan — or just want a second set of eyes — that’s exactly what I do. Financial planning works best when it starts with understanding, not urgency.

Here’s to a calmer, clearer year ahead.