Part 3: How Checking-in Changes Everything

Jeannette Fennel
3 days ago
3 min read

This is Part 3 of our money goals series. In Part 1, we talked about reflecting on last year’s goals without guilt. In Part 2, we dug into how to set clear, realistic goals for 2026. Now, in Part 3, we’re getting into what actually keeps things moving. These are simple monthly or quarterly check-ins so you can adjust as life happens and still make progress.

The hubs and I were standing around the peninsula in our kitchen, sipping beers, when we looked at each other.

“Okay… how is this actually going?” I said.

A reminder had popped up on my calendar earlier that day telling me it was time to check-in on our money goals.

Nothing intense. No spreadsheets required. Just a pause to look at the numbers and be honest.

We pulled up our budgeting app and quickly realized something needed to change if we wanted to pay off my Tacoma before summer hit. We were making progress, just not at the pace we’d hoped when we set our goals back in January.

So we adjusted. We looked at a few areas where we could cut back, talked through the next couple of months, and made a simple plan.

That check-in made all the difference. By the time summer rolled around, the Tacoma was paid off, right when we knew travel and spending would naturally pick up for us.

Why Checking-in Changes Everything

Moments like that are why these check-ins matter. They can be a real game changer.

They give you permission to adjust as life happens. Expenses pop up. Energy shifts. Sometimes you need to ramp up saving in one area to stay on track.

Other times, an unexpected bill means moving money around and reworking the plan. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you’re paying attention.

Checking-in helps you make progress with real life instead of fighting against it. It keeps your goals flexible, realistic, and aligned with what’s actually happening.

Most importantly, it’s a reminder that you don’t have to be perfect to move forward. You just have to stay engaged.

Over time, our conversations started to sound a lot like the same few questions. They’re simple, but they’ve helped us stay connected to our goals without guilt or pressure.

If you’re doing a monthly or quarterly check-in, here are a few questions you can ask yourself:

1. Am I making progress, even if it’s slower than I expected?

Progress doesn’t have to look dramatic to count. Small, consistent steps still move you forward.

2. Does this goal still feel realistic for my life right now?

If things feel harder than expected, it doesn’t mean you failed. It might mean the goal or timeline needs adjusting.

3. Are my micro-goals too ambitious?

Sometimes the goal itself is solid, but the steps to get there are too big. This is a great time to scale them back so they feel doable again.

4. What’s getting in the way?

Is it cash flow? Unexpected expenses? Mental energy? Or is the system you set up just not working for you anymore? Sometimes the goal is fine, but the way you’re trying to reach it needs to change.

5. What’s one small tweak I could make this month?

You don’t need a full reset. Often, one small adjustment is enough to get momentum back.

Conclusion

Checking in on your money goals isn’t about catching mistakes or proving you’re doing it “right.” It’s about staying connected to what actually matters to you.

Think of it like this: reflecting on last year’s goals helped you set clearer ones and these check-ins let you see what’s working, what’s not, and where a little tweak could make all the difference.

Money goals don’t have to be dramatic or perfect. They just need to be clear and flexible. When your money is doing a job that actually matters to you, it stops slipping through the cracks and starts working for you.

You don’t need a full reset today. Just pause, notice where you are, and jot down one small adjustment that could help. That tiny tweak might feel small now, but it could make a big difference in the weeks ahead. 💚