Four Money Questions Worth Asking Right Now

“Don’t leave your life to chance – you’ll end up living a life someone else plans for you.”

That’s a reminder I come back to often, especially at the start of a new year. It’s a good time to pause and ask yourself a simple but important question:

Are you still writing the life and money story you want to live?

These four questions are an invitation to reflect, to notice what’s changed, and to consider whether your money is still supporting the life you want going forward.

1. Is my money still aligned with the life I want to live?

Life changes us. What mattered to you ten or even five years ago may not matter in the same way today. Children grow up. Relationships shift. Work evolves. Your energy and priorities change too.

It’s easy to keep managing money on autopilot, following plans and habits that once made sense. This question asks you to step back and check in.

What does a meaningful life look like for you now?
Have your values or dreams changed?
Is your money supporting the life you want to live?
How aligned are your money habits with what brings you joy – like fulfilling your purpose, spending time with family, giving back, or personal growth?

2. What do my money choices say about who I believe I need to be?

We all have a money story. It’s shaped by our experiences, what we grew up seeing, and the messages we heard about success, safety, and belonging. These beliefs often show up in how we earn, spend, save, or avoid money.

Do you spend money to show love?
Does earning more feel tied to feeling successful or accepted?
Do you use money to feel secure, or to prove something to yourself or others?
Do you feel worthy of earning more?
Do you splurge to lift your mood?

When you understand what’s driving your behaviour, you’re better able to decide whether those habits still serve you.

3. How am I investing in my health and wellbeing, financially and practically?

Your health is part of your financial life.

Would you trade your health for money? Of course not. Both are essential for a life lived to your fullest potential.

Do you make time in your week to exercise or spend time outdoors?
Do you practise self-care? Are you managing stress in your life?
Does your medical aid still meet your needs?
Do you have appropriate cover in place for illness, disability, or loss of income?

4. What do I want more of, and what am I ready to leave behind?

Money reflects priorities. Where you choose to spend your time, energy, and attention tells a story about what matters to you right now. Some of those choices feel aligned, while others may belong to an earlier chapter of your life.

What would you like more space for, and what may you be ready to let go of?

When you take time to answer these questions honestly, you give yourself the best possible foundation to enter the new year feeling intentional. Every money decision is ultimately a life decision that shapes who you become and the chapter you step into next.

Kim