New year, new goals! At the start of every year, we buckle up and set new year resolutions to guide our financial journey. 

We create budgets, come up with action plans, promise to reduce our spending and deny ourselves things we consider unnecessary. 

But, somewhere along the way, the budget gets tossed out and we opt to buy a new unnecessary item instead of saving. So what goes wrong and how can we ensure that we don’t repeat our financial mistakes in 2025? 

Well, here is a helpful guide to see you through the year. 

Manage Finances in 2025 Like A Pro

1. Budget Like Your Life Depends on It (Because It Does!)

A good budget is like your no-nonsense buddy who won’t let you buy those shoes you don’t need. A good budget guides your spending and restricts bad money moves. So, what should you do?

How to Start: Write down your income and every expense, even those small purchases you think are inconsequential. As Elizabeth Warren says  “Budgeting your money is the key to having enough.” 

Pro Tip: Use a budgeting rule to help you allocate your spending. You can try the 50/30/20 rule: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, 20% for savings or debt repayment.

2. Build an Emergency Fund (Because Life Happens)

Unexpected costs—hospital bills, emergencies at home, or even sudden job changes—can derail you. An emergency fund acts like a cushion. It provides funds to deal with any sudden financial needs. 

Goal: Save at least three months of living expenses.

How: Start small- Ksh 1, 000 a month adds up over time. Keep it in a separate account, preferably one that’s hard to access so that you don’t spend it at will.

Example: Instead of sending every shilling home, explain to your family why this fund matters. They’ll thank you when you can step in during a real crisis.

3. Say No to Black Tax Guilt (Within Reason)

Black tax—financial obligations to extended family—can drain even the best earners. It’s cultural, yes, but it’s also okay to set boundaries. It's ok to want to provide for your extended family, especially if you. 

How to Handle Black Tax

• Be transparent about your budget with your family- let them know what you can afford. 

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• Allocate a fixed amount for remittances. You can dedicate about 10% of your earnings towards taking care of your family. 

• Politely say no when requests exceed your capacity. While some financial requests are valid, others may not be. In such a case, you can simply say no to the request.

Having candid conversations with your family and creating boundaries keeps you from resenting your family while still supporting them.

4. Invest in Growth 

“The best investment you can make is in yourself.” — Warren Buffett.

Think long-term. For a lot of us, becoming financially free is our biggest goal. This is why investing in yourself and investing your money is such an important step. 

What you can do:

• Make solid investments. Invest in money market funds, stocks, forex etc.

• Learn new skills that can help you generate more money and manage it as well. 

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So instead of buying the latest iPhone, invest in a coding or graphic design course.

Level Up Your Finances This Year 

2025 isn’t just a year—it’s your stage, and you’re the star performer. Every dirham, riyal, or dollar you earn is a chance to paint a brighter future for you and your loved ones. SMART goals and disciplined financial habits will turn your dreams into achievements.

Remember: you’ve got this. Let’s make 2025 the year you boss up—financially, emotionally, and spiritually. Now, go paint your masterpiece!