Episode Overview

Title: 💫 New year, new money moves 🤑
Host: Damon Carr
Date: December 31, 2025

In this episode of "Get A Grip On Your Money," Damon Carr focuses on actionable strategies to kickstart your financial journey in the new year. Using his expertise as a financial planner, money coach, and journalist, Damon breaks down essential money moves inspired by his columns and trending topics. The episode delivers a concise, motivating roadmap for listeners seeking to improve their financial wellbeing as they set goals for the upcoming year.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting Clear Financial Goals (00:00–01:00)

• Damon stresses the importance of defining goals that are both "clear and achievable."
• He encourages listeners to segment their aims into short-term, midterm, and long-term objectives.
  • Examples: saving a specific amount, paying off targeted debts, or initiating an investment plan.

Quote:
“Define clear, achievable goals for the year such as saving a specific amount, paying off debt, or starting an investment plan. Break them down into short-term, midterm, and long-term objectives.”
—Damon Carr (00:05)

2. Budget Creation or Revision (01:00–01:30)

• Damon highlights the need to review last year’s income and expenses.
• He advocates for identifying areas to cut back or reallocate funds, emphasizing the importance of budgeting for:
  • Debt repayment
  • Savings
  • Investments
• Advice to create wiggle room in the budget for these priorities.

Quote:
“Review your income and expenses from the past year to identify areas where you can cut back or reallocate funds. Create wiggle room in your budget to allow for paying off debt, saving, and investing.”
—Damon Carr (01:10)

3. Emergency Fund Building (01:30–02:00)

• Damon recommends starting with a $1,000 emergency fund as a safety net.
• He lays out an incremental approach: gradually saving up to 3 to 12 months’ worth of living expenses.

Quote:
“Start by establishing a starter emergency fund of $1,000 for immediate financial security. Gradually work towards saving 3 to 12 months worth of living expenses to protect yourself against unexpected financial setbacks.”
—Damon Carr (01:35)

4. Debt Reduction Strategies (02:00–02:40)

• Focus on paying down high-interest debt (especially credit cards).
• Damon introduces both the Debt Snowball and Debt Avalanche methods.
  • Snowball: Pay smallest debts first for motivation.
  • Avalanche: Pay debts with the highest interest first for maximum savings.
• Stresses the importance of not taking on new debt except when absolutely necessary.

Quote:
“Focus on paying down high-interest debt first such as credit card balances, using strategies like the Snowball or avalanche method. Avoid taking on new debt unless absolutely necessary.”
—Damon Carr (02:10)

5. Investing in Your Future (02:40–03:20)

• Damon urges listeners to contribute to retirement accounts (401k, IRA, Roth IRA).
• He suggests the possibility of increasing contributions or exploring new options (index funds, real estate).
• The focus is on long-term growth and security.

Quote:
“Contribute to retirement accounts like a 401k, IRA, or Roth IRA. Consider increasing contributions or exploring additional investment options like index funds or real estate.”
—Damon Carr (02:45)

Notable Moments & Tone

• Damon’s motivating, clear style makes complex financial tips approachable for everyday listeners.
• He revisits themes from his columns, giving the episode an engaging, educational feel.
• Memorable quotes offer tangible actions, underscoring his expertise and supportive coaching tone.

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:00: Introduction and setting financial goals
• 01:00: Reviewing and revising your budget
• 01:30: Emergency fund recommendations
• 02:00: Strategies for debt reduction
• 02:40: Investing in retirement and beyond

Summary

This episode is a practical, energizing blueprint for taking charge of your finances in the new year. Damon Carr distills foundational personal finance strategies—goal setting, budgeting, emergency savings, debt reduction, and investing—into simple, effective steps. His direct advice and encouraging delivery make this a must-listen (or read) for anyone looking to make smart money moves as the year begins.