Dasha Kennedy is an author and financial activist with over 300,000 followers on Instagram. In a recent post on social media, she shared her money non-negotiables for 2025. Many of these revolve around establishing healthier financial habits or otherwise finding ways to build a better financial situation for oneself and others.
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to improve your financial situation in some way, some of Kennedy’s non-negotiables might help get you on track to achieving that goal. And even if you end up creating your own, hers can still serve as a jumping-off point.
These are Dasha Kennedy’s 15 money non-negotiables and some tips on determining or setting your own.
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“Make giving back part of your financial strategy, whether it’s your time, money or resources,” Kennedy wrote.
This might mean making a donation to your favorite charity. Or it might mean setting aside one or two Saturdays a month so you can volunteer. Whatever the case, consider your skills, budget and who — and how — you want to help before getting started.
“Check your spending habits and decide what stays and what goes for the new year,” Kennedy wrote.
So many things can eat up your funds. You’ve got fixed expenses like rent or mortgage, minimum loan payments and the internet bill. But you’ve also got those pesky variable ones like groceries, entertainment and gas.
Check your bank accounts to see where your money’s going every month. If you find you’re spending too much on something, like subscription services, cut out the things you can.
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“Set savings goals that feel aligned with where you’re headed, not where you’ve been,” Kennedy wrote.
There’s a key distinction here. Just because you needed to save up for something in the past, like a down payment for a house, doesn’t mean you should shoot to save the same amount for something else. You also don’t need to set such big goals all the time. Sometimes, even if the goal is to save an extra $1,000 in the year to give to a loved one or charitable organization, that’s enough.
Also, remember that your income and expenses can fluctuate. You might have been able to save more or less in the past, so adjust your current goals according to what’s relevant to you now.
“Invest in something meaningful — whether it’s your education, health or future,” Kennedy wrote.
For education, this could mean getting a certificate or pursuing a higher degree to advance in your career. Investing in your health could mean anything from getting a solid health insurance plan to getting a gym membership to motivate you to be more active.
Investing in the future can be any of these things. Or it can mean investing in your future retirement and financial stability. If this is where you’re at, consider contributing to a 401(k) plan or IRA as the case may be. Research what works best for you and don’t be afraid to invest in multiple options if it makes sense.
“Prioritize financial decisions that align with your values, not outside expectations,” Kennedy wrote.
It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of trying to “keep up with the Joneses” or to let others’ expectations become your own. If this is a pain point for you, take some time to clear your head and jot down what actually matters to you. Prioritize your decisions based on that, but don’t be afraid to change your list later on.
“Automate one thing — whether it’s saving, bills or investments — so your money works for you,” wrote Kennedy.
If, for example, you have a checking and savings account, make sure they’re linked. You can then set up automatic monthly withdrawals so a certain amount of money goes from your checking to your savings. Since savings accounts generally have a higher yield than checking accounts, this can be a great way to ensure your money grows — and keep you consistent with savings.
“Be honest with yourself about what’s working and what’s not when it comes to your finances,” Kennedy wrote.
When it comes to things like getting out of debt or improving your credit score, being honest with yourself is crucial to making positive change. It’s not always easy, though, so be kind to yourself as you evaluate your situation and needs. It might also help to speak with someone you trust who’s willing to lend an ear.
“Make space in your budget for joy, because treating yourself is part of financial wellness,” wrote Kennedy.
It’s all too easy to forget about this, but sometimes it’s OK to splurge a little on things that make you happy. This might mean keeping that Netflix or Hulu subscription so you can watch your favorite shows even when you’re trying to cut back on costs. Or it might mean keeping your monthly yoga studio membership.
Whatever the case, don’t forget about your own happiness when creating your budget.
“Check your credit report and start 2025 with everything in order,” Kennedy wrote.
You can get a free copy of your report from all three major credit bureaus from annualcreditreport.com. Check it for errors and dispute any you might find as they could be bringing down your score and keeping you from getting the financing you need.
“Review your financial goals with intention and let go of ones that no longer serve you,” wrote Kennedy.
It’s great if you’ve already made financial goals, but you might need to go back and update them. Some goals are only really suitable at certain stages of life. Check over your existing goals and chuck out the ones you no longer wish to achieve or have already achieved.
“Plan for fun expenses ahead of time, like trips or big purchases, so they don’t feel overwhelming later,” Kennedy wrote.
It can take months or even years to save up for things like a down payment or an emergency fund. If something you want costs a lot of money, break it down into smaller weekly or monthly goals. And don’t be too hard on yourself if it takes longer than you expected. Even if it’s small, progress is progress.
“Take time to educate yourself on new financial topics that can help you grow,” Kennedy wrote.
You don’t necessarily have to spend money on this. You can borrow a book from the library, watch YouTube videos or even just chat with those more knowledgeable than you in certain financial topics. Whatever the case, set aside some time to brush up on things like investing, credit and other topics.
“Think long term about legacy and start preparing for what you want to leave behind,” Kennedy wrote.
This can be tough, especially if you’re young and feel like you have all the time in the world ahead of you. But it’s never too soon to start thinking about your life and future in the long term. The sooner you start doing this, the better off you — and your loved ones — will be.
“Get comfortable saying no to things, people and expenses that don’t fit into your plan,” Kennedy wrote.
Try not to let yourself feel pressured into agreeing to things that make you feel uncomfortable or set you behind financially. Say, for example, someone in your social circle keeps asking you to go out to eat on Fridays. If you’re trying to save money for something else, like paying off a credit card or buying a house, consider telling them. They might be more understanding than you’d think.
“Reflect on how far you’ve come with your money, even if it’s just one small step forward,” Kennedy wrote.
Working on your finances and credit takes time. Take a moment every now and again to acknowledge the progress you’ve already made. And don’t be afraid to congratulate yourself on even the little wins — you deserve it.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Financial Activist Dasha Kennedy’s 15 Money Non-Negotiables for 2025 — What Are Yours?
