How to make 2025 a financially outstanding year

Text MATTHIJS VAN DER POL Photography SHELL  |  3 minutes

Stock photo  Happy woman with arms in the air 02

The start of a new year is the perfect moment to reassess your financial goals. Here are 9 practical tips to boost your financial well-being.

01
Start with a financial overview

A solid financial plan starts with knowing where you stand. Create an overview of your income, fixed expenses, and spending. Use an app like YNAB or a simple Excel sheet. Don’t forget to include your pension and any investments in your analysis. Your personal pension checker provides immediate insights into your pension savings. With the app Pension Checker, you'll know within 2 minutes how much income you'll have in the future! (only available in Dutch).

Pro-tip: Schedule a ‘financial me-time moment’ at the start of each month. Make a coffee, grab a notebook, and review your financial situation.

02
Give your savings a purpose

Saving becomes more enjoyable when you know what you’re saving for. Think about a dream vacation, education, or a ridiculously expensive coat. Experts recommend having three to six months’ worth of fixed expenses as a safety buffer. If you already have your buffer in place, set an additional goal, like early retirement or a major investment.

Pro-tip: Automate your savings. Transfer a fixed amount as soon as your salary is deposited.

03
Invest: start small, think big

Investing might seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. A beginner-friendly Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) allows you to start easily and build wealth over the long term. Check out Janneke Willemse’s article, full of tips for those just starting out and looking for advice.

Pro-tip: Use apps like Peaks or BUX to make investing fun and accessible. Stay consistent and avoid emotional decisions.

04
Make smart pension choices

Are you part of SNPS? If so, you can influence how Shell Pension invests for you by selecting a risk profile: neutral, offensive, or defensive. If you don’t choose a profile, the default will be set to neutral. The portal allows you to see how these profiles might affect your capital. The more actively you engage in these choices, the better prepared you’ll be for the future. Note: This only applies if you participate in SNPS (you are an SNPS-participant if you joined Shell on or after July 1, 2013, and/or take part in the Shell Net Pension Scheme).

Pro-tip: Review your risk profile annually to ensure it still suits your situation. Major life events, like marriage or having children, may impact your pension strategy.

05
Minimize fixed costs

Critically assess your subscriptions (like streaming services you barely use), insurance policies, and energy contracts. Many people save hundreds of euros a year by switching providers or renegotiating terms.

Pro-tip: Use comparison sites like Independer for insurance or gaslicht.com for energy contracts.

06
Invest in yourself

Your financial future is about more than just numbers. Invest in yourself by taking courses, hiring a coach, or networking. The more you invest in personal growth, the greater your chances of financial growth.

Pro-tip: Schedule a monthly ‘investment day’ to focus on personal development, like a negotiation course or financial planning session.

07
Test your Burgundian Lifestyle Index (BLI)

Want to know if your financial balance is on track? The Burgundian Lifestyle Index (BLI) helps you determine if your income and expenses are in balance. By understanding your actual ‘surplus,’ you’ll see how much you can save monthly. Enter your numbers and discover your score. This insight benefits both your present and future financial planning.

Pro-tip: The BLI was developed by Prikkl. Check here to see how much of a ‘burgundian’ you are.

08
Find a financial sparring partner

Discussing your financial plans with a trusted person can provide clarity. This could be a friend skilled in finances, a colleague, or a financial advisor. Brainstorming together often leads to fresh insights.

Pro-tip: Plan a quarterly meetup to review your financial goals together.

09
Celebrate your successes

Finally, don’t forget to acknowledge your achievements. Have you reached your savings goal? Made a smart investment? Or finally had that salary negotiation? Celebrate it, no matter how small.

Pro-tip: Set a reward for every milestone. This could be a nice dinner, a good book, or another treat that makes you happy.

Get started!

With these tips, you can make 2025 a financially outstanding year. Every step, no matter how small, counts. Good luck on your journey to financial happiness – make it a fantastic year!