How to Build a Financial Plan You Love in 2025

Backdooring Your Budget: A Fresh Path to Financial Freedom

Does the word budgeting make you cringe? Do you feel a pang of guilt every time you think, “I really should budget better, but honestly, I just don’t want to”? You’re not alone. For many, traditional budgeting feels like a chore, a constant reminder of restrictions and sacrifices.

Over the years, I’ve worked with countless clients who’ve shared this exact sentiment. But what if there were another way? A way to take control of your finances without feeling trapped or weighed down?

Enter the concept of “backdooring your budget.” This strategy, inspired by a long-time client, flips the script on traditional budgeting. Instead of forcing yourself into a rigid structure, this approach allows you to align your financial choices with your natural tendencies and what truly brings you joy. It’s about creating a relationship with your money that feels empowering, not draining.

In this final blog of the year, I’ll guide you through how to “backdoor your budget,” drawing on the transformative insights from my books: The Emotion Behind Money, Awaken Your Wealth, and The 4 Spiritual Laws of Money. Let’s embark on this fresh path together and step into financial freedom…on your terms.

1. Reframe the Concept of a Budget

Let’s be real…budget can feel like a four-letter word. It often conjures up images of restriction, sacrifice, and joylessness. But what if we ditched the word altogether? Instead of “budgeting,” let’s call it directing your cash flow. Doesn’t that sound more empowering?

This simple yet profound shift transforms how you think about your money. Instead of feeling like you’re pinching pennies, you’re actively choosing how your money supports the life you love. Ask yourself: “How do I want my money to flow to bring more joy, ease, and fulfillment into my life?”

I remember one client who embraced this mindset shift in a big way. They dreamed of taking a much needed vacation but kept saying, “I can’t afford it.” When we reframed the situation, they asked a new question: “How can I reallocate my cash flow to make this trip happen?”

This one change in perspective was a game changer. By focusing on possibilities instead of limitations, they found the resources to take the trip without sacrificing other priorities. It wasn’t about cutting back, it was about aligning their money with what brought them happiness.

This is what I love about the concept of directing your cash flow. It invites you to step into a space of abundance, where every financial choice is an act of intention and empowerment. So, are you ready to let your money flow where your joy grows?

2. Embrace Awareness Over Precision

Not a fan of tracking every penny? You’re in good company! Precision isn’t the secret to financial success…awareness is. Instead of obsessing over detailed accounting, focus on tuning into your spending patterns.

Here’s an easy way to start: for one week, use cash for discretionary purchases. The act of physically handing over money creates a moment of pause, giving you the chance to connect emotionally with your spending. Suddenly, it’s not just numbers on a screen, it’s a conscious decision.

One of my clients, who couldn’t stand spreadsheets, gave this a shot. By swapping cards for cash, they uncovered spending habits that didn’t align with their goals. And here’s the magic: this wasn’t about guilt or judgment. It was about awareness. That simple shift empowered them to redirect their money toward what truly mattered, without feeling restricted.

Awareness is powerful because it’s not about perfection, it’s about alignment. So if the thought of tracking everything feels overwhelming, let it go. Start small, get curious, and watch as your financial choices naturally fall into place.

3. Create a Safe Financial Container

Think of your financial plan as a supportive container…something that holds your dreams and goals with care, not a straitjacket that suffocates your joy. In The 4 Spiritual Laws of Money, I talk about the power of aligning your financial systems with your emotional needs. Why? Because your relationship with money is just that…a relationship. It should support and nurture you, not overwhelm or restrict you.

One of my clients was dreaming of a career change but felt paralyzed by the idea of drastically cutting back their spending. Together, we created a safe financial container that felt achievable and empowering. We set up an automatic transfer of $400 from their paycheck into a savings account every payday.

Here’s the beauty of starting small: it takes the pressure off. My client didn’t feel like they were sacrificing their current happiness, but over time, those consistent deposits added up. As their savings grew, so did their confidence. That “safe container” became the foundation they needed to take a leap toward a more fulfilling career.

When your financial systems work with your emotions and not against them..they become a source of safety and possibility. So, ask yourself: what container can you create to hold space for your biggest dreams?

4. Tune into Your Body’s Wisdom

Your body is one of the most powerful tools you have for making financial decisions. It’s constantly sending you signals, little nudges of tension or relaxation to let you know whether a choice feels right. The key is learning to listen.

One of my clients wanted to trim $1,000 from their monthly expenses but felt anxious and overwhelmed just thinking about it. Their shoulders tensed, their breath quickened. It was their body screaming, “Too much, too fast!” So, we scaled it back. When we adjusted the amount to $400, their whole posture changed, their shoulders softened, and they let out a deep sigh of relief. That was their body’s way of saying, “This feels doable.”

This is the wisdom of your body at work. It’s not about pushing yourself into discomfort,  it’s about finding a balance that feels safe yet expansive. When you tune into these physical cues, you create a financial plan that aligns with both your emotions and your capacity to grow.

So, next time you’re weighing a financial decision, pause and ask yourself: “How does my body feel about this?” If you feel tense, scale back. If you feel calm and grounded, lean in. Your body knows more than you think...it’s your partner on this journey to financial freedom.

5. Test and Adjust Incrementally

Big financial changes can feel overwhelming, but here’s the good news: you don’t have to tackle everything at once. Small, consistent adjustments are where the magic happens. They build confidence, create momentum, and most importantly…don’t leave you feeling deprived.

I worked with a couple who had their sights set on saving $10,000. At first, the goal felt impossible, like climbing a mountain without a trail. So, we broke it down. They started by trimming just $50 from their grocery budget, small enough to feel manageable but impactful enough to get the ball rolling.

Over time, as their confidence grew, they began to save more. Within six months, they were setting aside $500 a month with ease. The key? They didn’t force massive changes all at once. Instead, they tested what worked, adjusted where needed, and let their progress build naturally.

This incremental approach is all about meeting yourself where you are and taking one small step at a time. Whether you’re saving, paying off debt, or reallocating resources, remember: it’s not a sprint, it’s a series of thoughtful, steady moves that lead to lasting change.

So, what’s one small adjustment you can make today to move closer to your goals? Start there, and watch how those small wins add up to something extraordinary.

6. Align Financial Choices with Your Heart

The ultimate purpose of backdooring your budget is simple yet profound: to align your financial decisions with what truly lights you up. As I share in The 4 Spiritual Laws of Money, financial alignment isn’t just about managing dollars and cents, it’s about following your heart.

One client of mine had a deep love for art but hesitated to spend money on classes, dismissing them as indulgent and impractical. We worked together to reframe this expense, seeing it not as a luxury but as an investment in their creativity, happiness, and sense of purpose. That simple shift in perspective unlocked something powerful. They dove into the classes, rediscovered their passion, and, to their surprise, found that the joy they cultivated bled into other areas of life. It improved their personal relationships and even sparked unexpected career growth.

This is what financial alignment is all about, letting your money support your dreams, passions, and well-being. Backdooring your budget means working with your natural tendencies, not against them. It’s about releasing guilt, embracing awareness, and creating financial systems that are rooted in your values.

As we step into 2025, take a moment to reflect: What small shifts can you make to align your finances with your dreams? Whether it’s tweaking your cash flow, getting curious about your spending, or creating a safe container for your goals, remember this: transformation starts with one intentional step.

If you’re ready to embrace abundance and align your money with what truly lights you up, I invite you to join me for the IMPACT Workshop. This isn’t just about managing money; it’s about creating a financial life that supports your deepest values and helps you step into the empowered, abundant version of yourself.

In this workshop, you’ll discover how to shift your financial mindset, unlock practices that enhance your prosperity, and embrace a future filled with confidence and clarity. Whether you're looking to improve your cash flow, build wealth, or simply feel more in control, this workshop will guide you every step of the way.

2025 is YOUR year.  Don’t let it pass you by without making the changes you deserve. Click here to learn more and reserve your spot today. I’m cheering you on every step of the way…let's make this your most abundant year yet!

If you’d like to explore more ways to cultivate a thriving relationship with money, I invite you to join me for our next IMPACT Workshop. These workshops are designed to help you align your financial mindset with your deepest values, so you can confidently create the wealth and life you deserve. Plus, we’ll dive deeper into practices that will help you enhance your overall well-being and prosperity.

Our next workshop is just around the corner —don't miss out! Click here to learn more and register. I look forward to seeing you there and supporting you on your journey to financial freedom and abundance!