Every year has a story, and your budget tells part of it. Maybe 2025 was the year of home improvement projects. Or maybe it was filled with soccer cleats, school supplies, and spontaneous weekend trips. Whatever your story looks like, now’s the time to hit “rewind” and take a look at your family finance highlights (and any lowlights) from the past 12 months.
Think of this as your “Finances Wrapped”—a personalized recap of how your family earned, spent, and saved this year, and how you can make next year’s numbers even better.
Your Greatest Hits: The Big Spending Moments
Start by reviewing your family budget and identifying where the biggest spending categories were. Did your grocery total climb higher than expected? Did vacations, streaming subscriptions, or extracurriculars sneak up on you?
If you went over 10% of your budget in one area, don’t stress. It just means it’s time to remix your plan for next year. Adjust your budget to better reflect real life, or look for small ways to balance things out.
The Hidden Tracks: Expenses You Forgot About
Every family has those “oh right, that” expenses; these are things like birthday gifts, school photos, or car maintenance. Pulling your year-end bank statements or card summaries can help uncover those forgotten costs. Once you spot them, build them into next year’s plan so they don’t throw your family finance goals off beat again.
Top Performers: What Went Right
A great “Wrapped” isn’t just about what you spent. It’s also about what you saved and achieved. Maybe you finally built up your emergency fund, paid down a credit card, or opened a college savings account. Celebrate those moments! They’re proof that your financial habits are paying off.
Next Year’s Playlist: How to Create a Family Budget That Works
If you don’t already have one, now’s the perfect time to learn how to create a family budget that actually fits your lifestyle. List your total income, subtract your fixed expenses (mortgage, insurance, utilities), and assign realistic spending limits for everything else.
Some of our best budget tips for young families include:
- Automate your savings so it’s consistent.
- Track expenses with a shared app.
- Plan meals to save on food costs.
- Review your budget monthly—quick check-ins keep you accountable.
Encore: Partner with Your Community Bank
Community Bank of Louisiana isn’t just a place to store your money; we’re your financial team! Whether you want guidance on how to make a family budget, explore savings tools, or set goals for the year ahead, our team is here to help you fine-tune your family’s financial rhythm. So before you close the book on 2025, take a moment to reflect on your family’s year in spending. Learn from the numbers, celebrate your wins, and set the stage for an even stronger year ahead. Because your finances deserve their own standing ovation.