3 Wealth Secrets I’m Using To Start The New Year Strong (And Why You Should Too)

I used to think building wealth was reserved for lottery winners and trust-fund babies. But I’ve learned that growing your money is surprisingly doable—no matter your background or current bank balance. As we approach a new year, I want to share the three wealth secrets that flipped my financial script and could do the same for you.

A 2023 Bankrate survey found that 56% of Americans can’t cover a $1,000 emergency with their savings. That’s a scary number—but it doesn’t have to be your reality. With a few simple (but powerful) shifts, you can change the way you handle money as we move into 2025, and beyond.

1. I Shifted My Mindset—and It Changed Everything

For the longest time, I believed wealth was something other people got to have. Then one day, I came across a quote that changed everything:

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.” – Henry Ford

This quote made me realize my negative self-talk was what kept me from seeing (and seizing) the opportunities right in front of me. So I decided to switch things up by asking myself: “What if I’m fully capable of reaching my financial goals?”

• I started picturing my success daily—closing my eyes for a minute each morning to imagine paying off debt, booking vacations without stress, and investing confidently.
• I replaced my old narrative (“I’m broke” or “I’ll never earn more than this”) with empowering and affirmations like “I am capable of building wealth” and “I have everything I need to succeed.”

Fast forward to today, and that mindset shift was the spark I needed. Believing in my own potential gave me the push to start.

2. I Tracked My Cash Flow and Stayed (Somewhat) Sane

If there’s one “aha” moment I wish I’d had sooner, it’s realizing how crucial it is to know exactly where my money’s going. I used to avoid checking my bank statements, dreading the truth about my spending. Then I heard this:

“A wise person should have money in their head, but not in their heart.” – Jonathan Swift

The idea that money is a tool, not some emotional monster, helped me get real with my finances. Here’s what worked for me:

• Log every expense - This includes little things like coffee stops, plus monthly subscriptions and groceries. Seeing the numbers adds up fast.
• Created a realistic budget - Instead of feeling restricted, I felt empowered—assigning money to categories like bills, investments, debt, and yes, fun.
• I automated my savings - I set up an automatic transfer into my savings and investment accounts on payday. That way, my money “disappears” into growth mode before I can spend it.

Research shows that Americans who track their spending are more than twice as likely to feel confident about their personal finances. So if you haven’t tried it yet, there’s no time like the present—especially with 2025 on the horizon.

Pro tip: You don’t need fancy software; a simple notebook or spreadsheet can open your eyes to where your money really goes. Once you see the patterns, you can make changes that stick.

3. I Invested in Growth—Including My Own

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the phrase “invest your money,” you’re not alone. I used to think investing was this complicated, high-stakes gamble reserved for Wall Street pros. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. Investing used to sound intimidating to me—something only stock market pros could handle. Then I read a Warren Buffett quote:

“If you don’t find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die.” – Warren Buffett

That was the push I needed. I started small:

• Index Funds - With as little as $200, I got into the stock market by buying shares of broad, low-fee index funds.
• Real Estate - I looked into rental properties and REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) for more passive income.
• Personal Growth: I took online courses to level up my money skills and joined a coaching program. I also got mentors to help me navigate as I build wealth. Applied knowledge truly is power when it comes to finances.

The biggest thing I learned? Time in the market beats timing the market. You don’t have to dump in thousands right away. Starting early—even with modest amounts—can lead to big returns down the road.

Ready for a Fresh Start?

Heading into a new year is the perfect time to reflect on where you stand financially and where you want to be. Whether your goal is to ditch debt, save for a dream vacation, or finally dip your toe into investing:

1. Write down at least one financial goal you want to achieve in 2025.
2. Track your spending for a week or two to get a clear picture of your current habits.
3. Take one small action—open a savings or brokerage account, or contribute a little extra toward your debt.

Even tiny actions, done consistently, add up to monumental change over time.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb.

Let’s Continue the Conversation

If you’re feeling inspired (but maybe a bit overwhelmed) and want to talk through your next steps, head over to AskLola. It’s a space where you can ask me—or a whole community of money-savvy folks—any question about finances, side hustles, or investing. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, AskLola is here to guide you.

Here’s how you can move forward:

1. Visit AskLola and drop your biggest question about money or starting a side hustle.
2. Share this article with a friend who needs a financial boost.
3. Go for a small win—try a new budgeting app, cancel an unnecessary subscription, or up your monthly savings by $20, $50, $100 or $1000, you get the idea.
4. Get a Journal - start journaling and plan your next level you

Remember, building wealth isn’t about hitting the lottery. It’s about making consistent, smart decisions that compound over time. You’ve got this, and I can’t wait to see what the new year holds for you!

Have a prosperous new year!

—LolaWealth

www.lolawealth.com

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended solely for general informational purposes. It does not constitute professional financial advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Always consult a qualified financial advisor or conduct your own research before making significant financial decisions.