As we pass the halfway point of 2025, it’s a good time to pause and take stock of your financial progress. A mid-year check-in allows you to reflect on what’s working well, identify areas for improvement, and make any timely adjustments—without losing sight of your long-term goals.
Here are five thoughtful steps to help you strengthen your financial strategy for the second half of the year and beyond.
1. Reconnect with Your Financial Goals
Start by revisiting the goals you outlined at the beginning of the year. Are you still working toward the same objectives? Have any major life events, such as a move, job change, family addition, or health event, shifted your priorities?
Your financial plan should evolve as your life does. Whether you’re working toward retirement, saving for a child’s education, or pursuing other personal goals, the middle of the year is an ideal time to realign your strategy with your current vision.
2. Review Your Cash Flow and Spending Habits
Understanding your current spending and savings behavior is foundational to maintaining financial health. Compare the last three months of your bank account statements with the prior three months to see the trajectory of your expenses. Ask yourself:
- Are your essential expenses in line with expectations?
- Has discretionary spending crept up?
- Are you saving consistently and intentionally?
Small refinements like redirecting surplus funds into savings or adjusting lifestyle costs can help improve long-term outcomes without requiring major changes. The easiest way to increase savings is to direct raises and bonuses to your goals.
3. Assess Your Progress on Annual Saving Goals
Are you on pace with your 2025 saving targets? This is a good time to confirm contributions to:
- Retirement accounts, including 401(k)s, IRAs, and catch-up contributions if eligible
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Education savings plans, such as 529s
Staying ahead of these goals mid-year gives you greater flexibility and control later in the year, especially if you encounter unexpected expenses or opportunities. See the previous section for a good strategy!
4. Evaluate Your Investment Alignment
This year’s markets have continued to reflect a mix of volatility, policy shifts, and sector-specific dynamics. Rather than focusing on short-term performance, take this opportunity to confirm that your investment strategy is still aligned with:
- Your risk tolerance
- Your time horizon
- Your long-term objectives
A diversified portfolio that matches your goals and comfort level remains one of the most effective tools for wealth building over time.
5. Start Thinking Ahead to Year-End
While December may feel distant, some of the most effective financial moves require early planning. Begin considering:
- Tax planning opportunities—schedule a tax planning meeting with your CPA
- Charitable giving strategies, especially if using donor-advised funds
- Large upcoming expenses or gifting plans
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Looking Ahead
At CWM, we believe in steady, informed progress over impulsive moves. A mid-year financial check-in doesn’t require a complete overhaul, it’s about making measured adjustments that support your long-term goals.
If you’re thinking about any updates to your financial strategy, or have questions about your current approach, we’re here to help you evaluate your options with clarity and care.
This content is provided for educational purposes only, represents only a summary of topics discussed, does not constitute any personalized investment advice or recommendation, and represents only the views and opinions of the speakers which are subject to change without notice. Investing involves risk including the potential loss of all amounts invested.
This material prepared by Certus Wealth Management, LLC (“Certus Wealth”) is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for personalized investment advice or as a recommendation or solicitation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. Opinions expressed by Certus Wealth are based on economic or market conditions at the time this material was written. Economies and markets fluctuate. Actual economic or market events may turn out differently than anticipated. Facts presented have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Certus Wealth, however, cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information, and certain information presented here may have been condensed or summarized from its original source. Certus Wealth does not provide tax or legal advice, and nothing contained in these materials should be taken as tax or legal advice.
