How to plan your next quarter for more financial success
It's Not About The Money - A podcast by Catherine Morgan - Mondays

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Episode Overview In this episode, I explore the art of quarterly financial planning as we approach the start of a new quarter in 2025. Whether you've never created a financial plan before, have ambitious money goals gathering dust, or have had to pivot due to unexpected circumstances, this episode offers practical guidance on creating a financial roadmap that actually works. Key Highlights Why Most Financial Plans Fail Living by default rather than design - executing other people's priorities Spending too much time responding to others' needs versus pursuing personal financial goals Getting caught in the "urgency trap" and constantly firefighting True financial wealth is created when focusing on important but non-urgent tasks The Eisenhower Time Matrix for Financial Planning Four quadrants based on urgency and importance Most people spend their days trapped in urgent quadrants (important and unimportant) Financial growth happens in the "important but not urgent" quadrant, including: Regular review of spending patterns Learning about investing Building strategic relationships Developing new income streams or offers The value of regular money dates: 20 minutes a week on one financial area Making Financial Goals Motivating Don't just set empty money targets (e.g., "make £10,000") Connect financial goals to deeper meaning and purpose Ask: "What will this allow me to experience? How will my life change?" Identify the feeling you're seeking: security, freedom, peace, expansion Research shows we're more motivated by purpose than numbers The Danger of Over-Planning Setting too many financial goals leads to overwhelm and failure The fear of spaciousness: filling calendars because emptiness feels unsafe Follow the "one-three-five" rule: One major financial goal Three supporting goals Five routine habits to maintain progress Quality over quantity applies to financial goals Over-planning often stems from scarcity thinking Planning According to Seasons Different quarters require different approaches to financial planning Aligning financial activities with natural energy cycles: Spring: Planting new seeds, starting projects, learning money skills Summer: Execution and expansion (with family time consideration) Autumn: Harvesting, reviewing, optimising systems and expenses Winter: Resting, reflecting, preparing for next year's growth Consider personal cycles: menstrual cycles, numerology cycles, energy patterns The importance of recognising which season you're in with your financial journey Final Thought Financial success comes from intentional planning aligned with values and natural energy cycles. Start with the next 90 days rather than trying to plan the entire year at once and allow flexibility for changes and adjustments along the way. Chapters 00:00 Embracing New Beginnings: Financial Planning for the Quarter Ahead 02:45 Identifying Personal Financial Goals: Beyond the Numbers 06:03 The Eisenhower Matrix: Prioritizing Financial Tasks 08:55 Transforming Planning into a Joyful Experience 12:14 Avoiding Over-Planning: The Power of Focus 15:02 Understanding Seasonal Financial Planning 17:54 Creating a Flexible Financial Framework 20:46 Conclusion: Intentional Planning for Financial Success Resources: Get my FREE book 'It's Not About The Money' Take the Money StoryTypes® Quiz Sign up to my FREE Newsletter Come to our Wealth Awakening Retreat Become a Certified Financial Coach