10 ways to level up your finances in 2025 💸

[@CreatingFinancialFreedom]

Carter, this video was such a refreshing take on financial goals! I loved how you focused on mindset shifts and creating sustainable habits instead of just setting arbitrary targets. Your emphasis on appreciating what you already have and replacing impulsive spending with hobbies really resonated with me. I'm guilty of falling into the trap of thinking more stuff will make me happier, but I'm determined to break that cycle this year. I'm going to implement the "no spend week" challenge, but I'll be focusing on specific areas each week (like groceries, entertainment, etc.) to make it more manageable. I also love the idea of a "financial wins" journal! It's a great way to stay motivated and celebrate small victories. Thank you for sharing your insightful and honest journey with us! I'm inspired to make some positive changes this year.

[@CarterSullivan]

So glad you enjoyed!! ❤️

[@Seferothx]

One thing im working on is a project pan on my hobbies! Essentially, I have to shop my stash before making any purchasing and make sure Im using up the products that Im buying properly. Ive already used up 2 lip balms and multiple sticker sheets for journaling

[@karamichelle6919]

Thanks for sharing your list! I will zero out my checking account every payday. Whether I've got $6 left or $306 left, i will push it to a different account. Then, monthly, use those funds to make an extra payment. 😊 Got the idea a couple years ago from a book called the spenders guide to debt free living - but I really made it stick the second half of last year so I'm going to stick with it again this year. I will also let impulse things sit in the online cart for a few days. If I forget about it, then i clearly don't need it 😉 Lastly...grocery pickup. Everytime I go into the store i buy extra stuff that I don't need 😂😂 grocery pickups for the win!

[@AmeliaCarole-lq9fm]

Love this video! I know you talk about feeling like you aren’t enough when you show up online (comparison with other creators) but that’s exactly why we watch you! You are realistic and honest about you life and struggles and that matters to your audience, I’m glad you’ve found your place here.

[@Savyspice]

Carter this video was soooo good and I resignated with it so much as I’ve been wanting to save money and stop impulse shopping. Especially trying to figure what is the feeling I’m trying to avoid by the impulse buying, because most of the time there’s an underlying issue I’m trying to stuff down. I love all of the tips in this video, they’re actually useful and unique. Especially the hobby one, I really love that. I also have been telling myself “be happy with what you have.” I’m like you, I have so many clothes and only wear the same few things and I really do love the clothes I do have, I don’t need more. Same with other items in my house.

[@CarterSullivan]

Yes totally! It's wild when you start looking into the psychology behind spending and finances!

[@Tbeckchemist]

Love the reminder to appreciate and use things we already have and love!

[@CarterSullivan]

It's so easy for all of us to be wanting something new but we have so much that deserves to be appreciated (I myself included in doing this too)

[@Tbeckchemist]

@ most definitely! I need to give my nice clothing more love ❤️ I’m a chemist at a wastewater treatment plant so I would never wear them to work & find myself not using them now 💔

[@danafelipe1939]

I love these tips! Def gonna apply these to my life!!

[@sammsbookshelf]

I love videos like this because it reminds me that I'm not the only one struggling and thank you for shedding light on this!

[@CarterSullivan]

Yes!! Social media is a highlight reel

[@Sofiexo]

Number 10 is a big one for me. I’m really good at saving and investing but hate spending money 😂 sometimes I get so annoyed at myself for being so frugal

[@athenaa]

Deleting all those sale emails right away helps me a lot! Old navy would always have sale emails and i was always tempted to go to the store and browse

[@kerryhoward-kramer218]

I loved this video! All great reminders!

[@amberdeterman5815]

Girl you really help me get through my work day

[@CarterSullivan]

🥰🥰🥰

[@walkingexercise5375]

Great video, would love more videos like this for other areas of life!

[@jennamarie4316]

Love your financial videos doing a tax class right now. I wish I did this in my 20s and paid more attention to my financials. Thanks for all the advice and videos it's nice to see Canadians doing financial videos on youtube.

[@CarterSullivan]

Thanks for the kind comment!!! xo

[@mansoor3159]

When I get Notification from Carter KZbin Channel Suddenly Graceful smile comes on my face.😀💗✨ We All Love You And you are My Biggest Biggest Inspiration

[@KR-tr9fl]

Great video! I just purchased the budget tracking spreadsheet that you recommended by Gabby Peterson and I LOVE IT! I am excited to track everything and see how the months unfold! So satisfying... My goals this year are similar to some of yours - I am trying to reduce the amount of groceries I buy and have a plan to use up everything in our freezer by spring (since spring brings different types of food in our house.) In doing this I'm trying to reduce food waste too. My mantra for the year is Use what you have, buy only what you need. Sure - there will be some fun purchases but week to week? I really want to limit what I'm buying. (And use the hoard/stashes of supplies I've got socked away.)

[@RebeccaABeaudoin]

Not usually my type of video, but love your perspective

[@CarterSullivan]

I appreciate that!

[@caitlowen]

Carter!! Your hair is getting so long! It looks beautiful. Loved this video, as per usual.

[@CarterSullivan]

too funny because this is freshly trimmed!! it grows SO FAST!

Here’s my unsolicited advice regarding a simple approach to clothes after a decade… capsule wardrobe of basics, consider the year but only work on 1 season at a time (like in March prep your spring), dress for your body shape (hourglass, pear, etc), know your colour palette (seasonal colour analysis - I think you’re a bright spring), plan by dress code/category (casual for weekends, date night looks, smart/biz casual for work or elegant occasions). Make a list of what you need and only buy the perfect items, get good quality. Over the years it gets easier as you build up a classic wardrobe and can just pull things out that you already own and love.

[@CarterSullivan]

Love this! I don't tend to buy many clothes, I love the pieces I own 🥰

Yes, few items but things you love! I’m a perfectionist in regards to styling so if I didn’t have this system I created over the years I’d go crazy. Even so, it still takes me a month before every season. Declutter, clean/launder, deep clean and reorganize the closets, returns, tailor, cobbler… and the part I have procrastinated on, selling anything that doesn’t make the cut. Finally gathered up all that stuff for consignment from the past few years and dropping it off this week. It’s more time and money than I’d like to spend but it’s a passion that chose me not the other way around haha. I’m a branding designer and somehow I’m just compelled. I love that you have so many hobbies and interests, and that they’re affordable!

[@rachelbolick]

Hey Carter, Happy Thursday. I agree you need to have your mind stick to the budget that you set up for yourself in other to benefit yourself financially. These tips will help those who aren’t good at sticking to a budget or are new to a budget. 😊🥰

[@CarterSullivan]

Honestly, I think these tips can really be for anybody!!

[@My_BudgetLife]

#9‼️ I feel like this is the big one for most people. Just because you like something, does not mean you need to buy it. If you see a cute mug or room decor, look at it, appretiate it and move on

[@CarterSullivan]

@@My_BudgetLife this one is the hardest for me!!!

[@isabelbeck7]

6:54 I'm really working towards a needs only spending for 3 months. I struggle SO badly with impulse spending and saying no to myself. I've slipped up 2 times so far but it's all about modifying habits, not punishing myself for messing up. 🤞🏻 Hoping I can use the few months to learn that I already have everything I need to get me through the day and everything else is just extra. At the end of the 3 months i'll re-evaluate. I'm making a list in my notes app of everything I wanted to buy but didn't- i'm hoping at the end of the 3 months I can go through and see everything I really didn't need even though I wanted it SO badly in the moment.

[@isabelbeck7]

Also grocery spending adds up SO quick! I am the worst about popping into the grocery store on the way home and shopping for dinner. I'm limiting myself to 2 grocery trips a week (which is a lot less than usual because I was going to trader joe's on my lunch break DAILY)

[@debchaffin]

the first tip i just read on atomic habits! love your ideas!

[@amyelizabeth4058]

These are so helpful and motivating. thank you for making these videos, Carter!

[@CarterSullivan]

Glad you like them! 🥰

[@My_BudgetLife]

I just read Psychology of Money! Amazing read on money mindset 😊

[@EmsCozyverse]

I’d love to see a grocery no spend week or a more specific low spend! I’m with you in that “no spends” can end up leading to binging after the challenge is over, but I think it would be cool to see it focused on one category 🙂

[@CarterSullivan]

I plan on vlogging that week so I'd share it with you!!

[@EmsCozyverse]

@@CarterSullivan yay!!

[@elizabeththompson1525]

I love these ideas!! Especially the one in one out! Do you watch any financial influencers besides Gabby?

[@CarterSullivan]

Just Zoe Pritchard! I feel like I keep up with a lot of financial creators on short form content, but not a ton that do long form!

[@pinkcoffeedrink]

I’m doing a masters in finance right now, so hopefully that will speed along my finance education goals 😂 😂

[@jenfarina1892]

I've definitely gotten better about thinking through purchases and kind of aligning my values with my spending throughout the years. I value spending money on going out to dinners and drinks with my friends and trying new restaurants which can add up, so I cut back on takeout or grabbing food and coffee out when its just me and I have food at home. Also staying out of stores unless I actually need something and having a waiting period for anything I want before buying AND returning anything that isn't as expected or isn't an immediate yes. I also have gotten some great stuff on my buy nothing group. I got a couple new dresses for work events recently for free so didn't need to spend money to update that portion of my wardrobe. I also feel better about giving away stuff on there because I know someone really wants and will use it!

[@CarterSullivan]

I always find it so intriguing to see how others value spending money!

[@GabbyPeterson17]

Loved this video Carter!! 💕 I need to run through some of these to help curb my impulsive asss spending 😂

[@CarterSullivan]

Honestly, the trick about transferring money when you feel like impulse spending is kind of a game changer!!! I'm ashamed to say but I already have $160 in there this month🤣🤣

[@sadienelson8148]

I just purchased a few books from bookoutlet that were on my “yellow” buys for the year. My goal is to purchase books from either marketplace, thrifting of bookoutlet. I love the idea of writing and focusing on wins too!

[@CarterSullivan]

@@sadienelson8148 love that!! i'm trying my best to do that too- with exceptions for indie authors since they only sell on Amazon!

[@sadienelson8148]

@@CarterSullivan Ooo that’s a great point! Also, finished metal slinger and it was amazing! Love your content 🫶🏼

[@Natashak12]

I stopped eating fast food and trying to stop impulse buying. ❤

[@rachelmallory3734]

I’ll be reading a few finance books this year. I’ve never read any- any suggestions for starting out?

[@CarterSullivan]

The Psychology of Money & anything written by Ramit Sethi!

[@lifewithyare]

Love your advice and your videos in general! I set myself the goal to increase my financial literacy this year because I've always been very ignorant in the subject and very impulsive with purchases. What book on financial literacy would you recommend to start with for a complete beginner?

[@CarterSullivan]

I really love Psychology of Money and anything that Ramit Sethi writes!

[@kayleesmith3361]

Our goal is to buy a house within the next few years! I am working extra hours and on call to invest more. My goal is to eat at home more and make my coffee at home as well more and treat myself once a week with those things instead of 4/5 times!

[@LivingwiththeSherwoods]

Have you checked out coach factory? Often times Coach has the same items through their factory store. I’m not sure if this is just a US thing or if it is something that you can have shipped to Canada.

[@CarterSullivan]

Yes we have Coach outlets so when I am ready to buy it I will defintely get it there!

[@LivingwiththeSherwoods]

Also, consider putting half of the money that you’re putting in your impulsive spending sinking fund towards a saving goal

[@CarterSullivan]

Yes that's a great goal for others! I said this on the assumption that individuals are already saving/investing. The money I put into my sinking funds is determined AFTER savings/investment goals are hit for the month :)

[@LivingwiththeSherwoods]

@@CarterSullivanI totally understand! I’m glad you are finding creative ways to curb impulse spending! ❤

[@Seasonal_Homes_Splendor]

I stop buying Coffee at Starbucks and I am not buying a house and I am putting all of that money towards a Vacation

[@cindicleee]

❤❤❤

[@amberdeterman5815]

Lol I feel called out. I think it was 2016 I made a New Year resolution to ONLY read self help books 🤣 I read like 30 of them yikes

[@CarterSullivan]

This is so real I'm pretty sure we've all set that goal. Don't worry.🤣🤣

[@actgirl1234567]

❤

[@aly_roll.]

I love these kind of videos, very helpful & motivating. Trying to stop impulse buying. Happy Thursday Carter. 🫶🏻

[@CarterSullivan]

So glad you enjoyed!