Quieting the Noise: Financial Hibernation
Hey ladies! Long time no read, lol. Welcome back to For The Love Of The Funds: I’m Such A Lady series, where we’re all about making girl math make cents and navigating through this crazy world we live in.
As the year winds down, I’ve been reflecting on how chaotic life has felt. If you know me then you know an airport hates to see me coming and honestly at the moment in my life I hate to see an airport. My life lately has been trip, after trip, car problems, apartment problems and paying bills. I could go on and on and especially when it comes to my finances. I’ve been pressuring myself to budget better, save more, start investing, and just do everything perfectly. But let’s be real, sometimes it feels like a storm of decisions, distractions, and noise. So, as we head into the final stretch of 2024, I’m declaring it my season to step back, enter my financial hibernation, and clear my mind for what’s to come in the last few months of 2024 and beyond into 2025.
From Chaos to Clarity
That title came from my pastor last week, the sermon was so fitting for where I feel like I am currently in my life. It’s easy to get swept up in the constant push to do more. But this year, I’ve learned something important: clarity doesn’t always come from doing more. Sometimes, it comes from pausing, reflecting, and slowing down. Taking a moment to look at the life we’re living and the things around us, and reflecting on the person we are in that space. The chaos of juggling life, goals, and not just financial goals can leave us exhausted, mentally drained, and questioning if we’re even on the right path walking in our purpose.
The year isn’t over yet, but I’ve found myself juggling unexpected expenses, last-minute travel plans, and the temptation to reward myself even when I haven’t really earned it, while also trying to stick to a budget and invest like the young adult I should. Sound familiar? The pressure to have it all together and achieve every goal can quickly turn into chaos. Instead of clarity, we often end up feeling like we’re just spinning our wheels. And honestly? That’s not sustainable. This is where my shift from chaos to clarity comes in. Rather than constantly pushing myself to do more and feeling overwhelmed, I’ve decided it’s time to pause, recalibrate, and find peace in stillness. That’s what I’m calling my couple of months of financial hibernation.
You might be wondering, what does hibernation have to do with finances? TRUTH IS I AM TIREDDDD OF SPENDING MONEY but first Let me explain. In nature, animals hibernate to conserve energy and prepare for future challenges. They retreat, rest, and store their resources. Financially, we can do the same. After a year of growth, learning, and let’s be honest some financial missteps it’s time to retreat and regroup before the next big push. Hibernation isn’t about checking out of your financial life. It’s about slowing down the constant hustle and allowing yourself the space to reflect, regroup, and recharge. For most of 2024, I’ve been living to pay bills and travel, and that just doesn’t do enough for me anymore. I’m grateful to be able to pay my bills and see the world, but I’m ready for a financial shift. It’s about embracing the quiet moments to take a deep breath, assess where you are, and intentionally prepare for what’s to come.
Growth, Lessons, and Everything In Between
Let me start with patting myself on the back because this is the most consistent I have been with something in a long time in my life, consistency and discipline is something I struggle with bad.
I will start something, have a plan and everything and get distracted with who knows what and look up a month has gone by and I am still in the same place.If you’ve been following along, you know we started the year by leaving behind our old financial habits and stepping into our true financial desires. We’ve tackled and covered a lot, financial traumas, how to manage impulse spending, and the invisible costs of convenience. We’ve worked on being more mindful with our money and redefining what financial success looks like in our 20s. And along the way, I’ve shared some of my own wins and losses.
Looking back, it hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had moments where I slipped up, questioned whether I was making progress, and felt like I was just treading water. But here’s what I’ve learned: every financial journey has its ups and downs. We’re not always going to get it right, and that’s okay. What matters is that we keep learning, keep adjusting, and keep moving forward. And sometimes, moving forward means taking a step back to gain clarity.
This season of financial hibernation is my way of stepping out of the chaos and getting clear about my goals for the rest of the year and preparing for 2025. I’m not abandoning my financial journey or you all, I’m just giving myself the space to breathe. Think of it as a reset, a time to let go of the pressure to always be doing and allow ourselves to just be.
In hibernation, there’s still planning, but it’s done with a sense of calm rather than urgency. I’ll be taking the time to review what’s worked this year and what hasn’t. I’ll look at my budget, spending habits, and savings goals to see where I can improve. Growth is needed in every area of my life; I’m far from perfect. I’ll also be preparing for 2025 by setting more goals that align with where I want to be financially over the next few years. We often think success is about constant action, but real growth happens when we stop, reflect, and reassess. This next season is about giving yourself permission to pause without feeling guilty. It’s about knowing that sometimes, rest is the most productive thing you can do.
The Power of Intentionality
As I enter this period of reflection, I’m focusing on intentionality making decisions that align with my values and long-term goals. It’s not about making drastic changes or overhauling my financial life in one swoop. Instead, it’s about small, deliberate shifts that will prepare me for the next chapter. This phase of my life is also a chance to disconnect from the constant barrage of financial noise. Social media, societal pressures, and even our own inner critics can make us feel like we’re not doing enough. I’ve had to sit myself down and actually prioritize what’s important to me and remind myself that it’s okay to miss out on some things. One of the many truths I’ve realized on this journey is that you don’t have to do it all right now. You have permission to take a break and come back even stronger whether that is tomorrow, next week, next month, or even next year.
With only three months left in 2024, I’m focusing on preparation. Just like animals store up energy during hibernation, I’m storing up my financial and mental resources to be ready for whatever 2025 throws at me. I’m setting clear goals for the next few months that aren’t just about hitting a certain number in my savings account but also about how I want to feel financially. I want to feel calm, confident, and in control. And that starts now, with this hibernation phase.
As I close out this season of my life I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you
who have joined me on this financial journey throughout the year. Your support, engagement, and stories of triumph, struggle, and growth have inspired me more than you know. Together, we’ve navigated the highs and lows, celebrated wins, and learned valuable lessons from the challenges.
To my loyal readers, thank you for showing up, trusting me with your time and attention, and walking this path alongside me. Whether you’ve made small changes to your financial habits or experienced major breakthroughs, I’m incredibly proud of your progress. You’ve reminded me that the journey to financial clarity is personal, and it’s okay to move at your own pace.
As we enter this time of pause and recharge, I hope you take the time to reflect on your own wins—big or small. Let’s carry this energy of appreciation into the next few months of 2024, knowing that we are equipped to embrace what’s next with renewed focus and determination. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this community. I look forward to coming back stronger, refreshed, financially funded, and ready to continue building the life we all deserve.
Take a step back from the chaos, reflect on your own journey, and give yourself the space to find clarity. 2024 has been an incredible year of growth and learning. I’ll see you all in 2025, ladies. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am always here to help you in the best way I can. I cannot wait to see what is in store for For The Love Of The Funds and your financial journey.
Until then, remember, you are always “Such A Lady.”
Your Forever Financial Friend,
Taylor
