Quickly, we’re nearing the end of another year. 2025 has had its good, bad, and not very pretty moments. But like every year, we needed to spend, buy, and plan so that our money worked for us. The end of the year is a good time to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what we can do better next year. Give it a try! I’ll go first.Good Looking OutInvesting in Myself & My HomeI admit it. I get excited for springtime gardening. Do I have a green thumb? No. Do I have foolproof landscaping plans that go my way? Also, no. But do I keep going, always with a can-do attitude? Absolutely, not. Nevertheless, I try to add curb appeal to my home. It makes me feel good and hopefully adds value to my home. ProblemsMy eyes are too big for my gardening stomach. I buy too much.Either time gets away from me, or my energy does.Um, the plants die because they weren’t planted.Solution From years of experience, I know that my flower beds aren’t exactly plant friendly. So, I bought large planter pots and perennial plants and flowers. (They come back every year.) Now, I don’t need to replant every spring or worry if the soil will hold nature’s treasures. This essentially saved me time and money.Turning a Bummer into a PositiveMy Break-UpTruthfully, I’m better off. My music streaming service was charging me nearly $200 every year for “unlimited” streaming for my family. ProblemsOne kid never used the service. One kid took over the profile, then abandoned it for a separate, free service.I just listened to my 20 favorite songs on repeat. (Okay, there might have been a dance battle or two.)Solution I went through the proper channels to cancel my subscription and stopped wasting hundreds of dollars. I had a fear that I was going to miss out on my beloved songs or the freedom to skip music I didn’t like, but I was mistaken. There are plenty of free services, that with a little patience, are worth the savings.Plans for Next YearLittle Changes Add UpWith these two changes, I’m saving money and time going into 2026. As you can see, modifications don’t have to be earth-shattering to make a difference.My Goals for Saving in 2026Ease up on food delivery services. They’re too easy for me to rely on and can make a dent in my wallet. Video streaming services will be taking a backseat.Utilize free and community opportunities. Hello, public libraries!Progress, Not Perfection Take some time to reflect on your financial wins from the past year. Is there anything you would change? How would you change it? Maybe you’ll find goals for next year and beyond. Remember, small steps can start a journey toward saving money, time, and possibly a little sanity.