5 priorities this 2025 to experience financial growth

As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to evaluate your financial situation and set clear priorities that will help you grow financially.

The financial habits you establish now will shape your future, providing stability and opportunities. Below are five essential personal finance priorities to focus on this year, with biblical principles to guide your journey:

1. Create and stick to a budget

Budgeting is the cornerstone of personal finance. It provides a clear picture of your income and expenses, helping you manage your money more effectively. Proverbs 27:23-24 reminds us: “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever.” This verse underscores the importance of keeping track of your resources.

READ: 10 most helpful Bible verses on personal finance

In 2025, make it a priority to:

• Track your spending: Use apps or spreadsheets to monitor where your money goes. Identify areas where you can cut back and redirect funds toward your financial goals.
• Set realistic goals: Allocate money for necessities, savings, debt repayment and discretionary spending. Ensure that your budget aligns with your financial aspirations.
• Review regularly: Life changes and so should your budget. Revisit it monthly to adjust for changes in income or expenses.

By adhering to a budget, you’ll avoid unnecessary debt and ensure your money is working for you.

2. Build or strengthen your emergency fund

An emergency fund is a financial safety net that protects you from unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car repairs. Proverbs 21:20 teaches: “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” Saving for emergencies is a wise step toward financial stability.

• Determine your goal: A common recommendation is to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses. Consider your job stability and personal circumstances when setting your target.
• Automate savings: Set up automatic transfers to a separate savings account dedicated to emergencies. This ensures consistency without relying on willpower.
• Use it wisely: Reserve your emergency fund for genuine emergencies. Avoid dipping into it for nonessential expenses.

A robust emergency fund reduces financial stress and prevents you from resorting to high-interest loans during tough times.

READ: Why the Bible is the ultimate personal finance guide

3. Prioritize debt repayment

Debt can significantly hinder financial growth, especially when it comes with high-interest rates. Romans 13:8 advises: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.” This verse highlights the importance of freeing yourself from financial burdens to focus on what truly matters.

In 2025, make a plan to tackle your debt strategically:

• Understand your debt: List all your debts, including balances, interest rates and minimum payments. This gives you a clear starting point.
• Choose a repayment strategy: Popular methods include the avalanche method (paying off debts with the highest interest rates first) and the snowball method (paying off smaller debts first for quick wins).
• Negotiate terms: Contact creditors to explore options like lower interest rates or consolidation if your debt feels overwhelming.

4. Invest in your future

Investing is essential for building wealth and achieving long-term financial goals. Ecclesiastes 11:2 advises: “Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.” This verse encourages diversification and preparing for uncertainties.

In 2025, focus on strategies that align with your risk tolerance and objectives:

• Start a retirement plan: Start investing for your retirement by creating an investment plan exclusively for retirement purposes.
• Diversify investments: Spread your investments across asset classes, such as stocks, bonds and real estate, to minimize risk and maximize returns.
• Educate yourself: Stay informed about market trends and investment options. Consider consulting a financial advisor if you’re unsure where to start.

5. Incorporate tithing and generosity into your financial plan

Giving back is a principle that not only impacts others positively but also brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose to your financial journey. Malachi 3:10 says: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

In 2025, consider:

• Set a tithing goal: Dedicate a percentage of your income—traditionally 10 percent—to your local church. Ensure that this is part of your budget.
• Support causes you care about: Beyond tithing, contribute to causes that resonate with your values, such as missions, education, health or community development.
• Embrace a generous mindset: Recognize that generosity isn’t limited to finances. Donating your time, skills or resources can also make a significant impact.

Financial growth in 2025 requires intentionality and discipline. Remember the wisdom of Proverbs 3:9-10: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”

Make 2025 the year you take charge of your finances and unlock your full potential. INQ

Randell Tiongson is registered financial planner of RFP Philippines. To learn more about personal financial planning, attend the 110th RFP Program this March 2025. To inquire, email [email protected] for details.