Dear friends,
As we are preparing to close the chapter on 2025, Amanda and I want to pause and say thank you. It’s been a year of perseverance, learning, and quiet wins. Some big, some small, all meaningful. Whether you paid down debt, increased savings, stuck with your plan during market jitters, or simply had one more honest conversation about money at home, you made progress. That matters.
This newsletter is a gentle reflection on the successes of 2025, a practical guide to planning for 2026, and a reminder to extend grace to yourself and others along the way. Our hope is that you feel seen, supported, and encouraged.
Later this week, our clients will receive a personalized financial planning recap for 2025 and foundation for our planning steps in the coming year. As you review those, please reach out anytime with questions and comments.
2025 in Review: Celebrate the Wins You Lived
Let’s honor what went well before we plan what’s next. Consider these questions:
- What financial habit did you strengthen this year? (automated savings, mindful spending, staying invested amidst chaos)
- Which moments in life brought you joy that money supported? (vacations, education, relaxation, giving)
- Where did you show resilience? (market volatility, career transitions, caregiving, health)
- What did you learn about your values and priorities?
Write down three specific wins. Keep the list where you’ll see it. Progress is evidence you can trust yourself. Read that again.
Planning Your 2026 with Purpose
We believe the best plan is a clear plan. It’s simple enough to follow, flexible enough to adapt, and aligned with what matters most to you.
1) Start with your “Why”
- Name your top 2–3 priorities for 2026: Security, Flexibility, Memories with family, Career growth, Giving, etc.
- Translate each priority into one outcome you can measure.
2) Choose one “keystone action” per priority
- A keystone action is a small, repeatable step that makes other things easier. (For avid readers, see “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. Stop by the office if you’d like a copy.)
3) Build a light calendar for the year
- Align actions with natural money moments (pay raises, tax season, open enrollment).
4) Keep cash and investing in balance
- Aim to protect shortterm needs while letting longterm goals compound.
Having Grace with Yourself in Financial Planning
Money touches every corner of our lives. It’s normal to feel behind sometimes. Here’s how to meet yourself with kindness:
- Start where you are. There’s a saying we’re fond of: “The best time to start was 10 years ago; the second-best time is now.”
- Progress beats perfection. Missed a transfer? Resume next payday. No shame, just the next step.
- Name the season you’re in. Caregiving, career change, or new parenthood may call for temporary adjustments. This is not failure. It’s development of wisdom.
- Use “tiny doors.” If an hour of budgeting feels heavy, try 10 minutes. If 10 is too much, try 2.
- Talk it out. Money silence grows anxiety. Money conversations grow clarity and connection.
- Protect your attention. Markets will rise and fall. Your plan matters more than headlines.
- Celebrate microwins. Every minute of your time you gain back, every new helpful thing you learn, every check-in call or text…these all add up to a better life.
Consider this a permission slip: You are allowed to be a work in progress and still be on track.
A Simple 30Minute NewYear Money Ritual
- 0–10 minutes: List your top 3 priorities for 2026 and why they matter
- 10–20 minutes: Choose 1 keystone action for each and put it on the calendar
- 20–30 minutes: Automate one step (transfer, contribution increase, or bill pay)
If you do only this, you’ve meaningfully improved your financial life.
Extra credit: Do this with your spouse, a family member, coworker, or friend annually over lunch! It makes it fun, and now you have an “accountabilabuddy.”
Skee and a friend fulfilling annual goals in the cold winter of 2024.
How We Can Help
- Want a warm, judgmentfree review of your plan and wishes?
- Need to align finances with life changes (new job, move, family milestones)?
- Curious what financial planning opportunities are in front of you?
Reply to this email with a few times that work in January, and we’ll set up a 2026 Planning Conversation tailored to you. If you’d prefer, send your top questions and we’ll start there.
Don’t forget: We are now able to file tax returns for our clients in most circumstances. If you’d like to learn more about this service, reach out anytime!
With Gratitude
From our family to you, thank you for trusting us with what matters most. It’s truly a privilege to walk alongside you. Here’s to making a purposeful and fulfilling 2026, one step at a time.
Warmly,
Skee and Amanda Orr, Kinetic Wealth
P.S. If you know someone who could use a supportive financial conversation, feel free to share this note. A gentle start can make all the difference.