We’ve just crossed the half-way point of the calendar year, and the last half of 2025 offers a fresh opportunity to make meaningful progress on your financial health. Financial health is just like physical health - it takes consistent habits, smart choices, and regular checkups to stay in top shape. Whether you’re looking to save more, reduce debt, or simply feel more confident with your money, here are 10 actionable tips to help you improve your financial health over the next 6 months.
1. Set Clear, Achievable Financial Goals
Start with the “why.” Are you saving for a home, planning a vacation, or building an emergency fund? Define your goals clearly and attach a dollar amount and deadline to each one. Specific goals lead to specific results.
2. Create (or Revisit) Your Monthly Budget
Budgeting isn’t about restriction - it’s about direction. Track your income and expenses for a month to see where your money is going. Then adjust to align your spending with your goals. Tools like budgeting apps or simple spreadsheets can make this easier.
3. Build an Emergency Fund
If you don’t have one yet, aim to save at least 3–6 months’ worth of living expenses. Start with small, regular contributions. Even $25 a week adds up over time. This fund is your financial cushion for unexpected expenses.
4. Automate Your Savings
“Set it and forget it” works wonders. Set up automatic transfers from your chequing account to your savings account right after payday. You’ll be less tempted to spend money that’s out of sight.
5. Tackle High-Interest Debt First
Focus on paying down credit cards or loans with the highest interest rates. Consider strategies like the avalanche method (highest interest first) or snowball method (smallest balance first) to gain momentum.
6. Review and Improve Your Credit Score
A good credit score opens doors to better interest rates and financial opportunities. Check your credit report annually for errors, pay your bills on time, and keep credit utilization low.
7. Cut Unnecessary Subscriptions and Expenses
Do an audit of all your recurring charges. Cancel subscriptions you no longer use or need. Redirect that money toward savings or debt repayment. Delete shopping apps from your phone and lessen the temptation of impulse purchases.
8. Invest for the Future
If your employer offers a savings plan, make sure you’re contributing, especially if there’s a matching program. If you’re already investing, review your portfolio regularly to ensure it aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.
9. Educate Yourself About Personal Finance
Financial literacy pays dividends. Read books, listen to podcasts, or follow trusted financial educators online. The more you know, the better your decisions will be.
10. Schedule a Financial Check-In
At least once a year, sit down to review your finances. What’s working? What’s not? Adjust your goals and strategies as needed. Better yet, schedule a session with a financial planner.
The Bottom Line:
Begin by checking out Kindred’s Financial Health Score Calculator. In fact, you could receive $100 from Kindred1, simply by completing your Financial Health Score, and meeting with us to discuss your results.
Improving your financial health is a marathon, not a sprint. Small steps taken consistently over time can lead to big results. Start with one or two of the tips above and build from there. The time is going to pass anyway, so why not improve your financial health in the next 6 months?
1 Terms and Conditions Apply. Offer expires July 31, 2025.