Just Start: The First Step Toward Financial Clarity

  

We all have that one thing we keep putting off—the closet we don’t want to organize, the appointment we keep rescheduling, or the stack of paperwork we’ll “get to someday.” For many people, that “someday” pile includes their finances. 

Maybe you’ve been meaning to get a better handle on your spending, finally roll over an old retirement account, or look at your credit report. Maybe life has thrown you curveballs—a new job, a divorce, caregiving responsibilities, or a cross-country move—and you’re just trying to get your footing again. 

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The truth is the hardest part isn’t the math—it’s getting started. 

You Don’t Need to Have it All Together

Some of the common things I hear as a financial counselor and advisor are: 

“I’ll reach out once I’ve organized my accounts.” 
“I want to pay off a few things first.” 
“I’m embarrassed—I should already know this.” 

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to have it all figured out before taking that first step. You don’t need to have a plan yet. You just need to begin. 

My work as an Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) is about helping people approach money with compassion, not criticism—turning guilt into curiosity and avoidance into awareness. Whether you’re just getting started or starting over, it’s possible to make progress one small step at a time. 

Five Simple Steps to Help You Get Started

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to begin, here are five approachable ways to move forward. You don’t have to do all of them. Start by picking one or two and build from there. 

Make a list of what you have

Gather your accounts—checking, savings, credit cards, loans, and retirement plans. You don’t even need the exact balances. Simply writing them down helps you see the full picture and replaces fear with facts.

Track your spending for one week

You don’t need fancy software. A notebook or your phone’s notes app will do. Write down what you spend and how each purchase feels—essential, impulsive, stressful, or satisfying. Awareness is the foundation of change.

Face one avoided task

We all have a financial to-do we’ve been avoiding—opening a bill, calling an insurance company, logging in to a neglected account. Do that one thing. The relief you’ll feel afterward is often the spark that keeps you going.

Name one goal

Forget the ten-year plan for now. What’s one financial action that would make life feel easier—saving $500, reducing one debt, or setting up an emergency fund? Choose a small win and celebrate it.

Ask for help

Money can be emotional, and it’s okay to need support. Working with a professional—like an AFC®—can help you set priorities, create a plan, and stay accountable. You don’t have to navigate it all alone.

Progress Over Perfection

Financial confidence doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built one decision, one step, and one win at a time. Each small action—no matter how simple—creates momentum. 

Clarity doesn’t come from having everything perfect. It comes from doing. 

You don’t have to know every answer or fix everything overnight. You just have to start. 

And when you’re ready, help is here. 

So, if you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to start, here’s your sign: the right time is now.

Jackie Kelly, AFC® is a partner at Sorelle Wealth Partners and an Accredited Financial Counselor® who helps women navigate life transitions with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Visit Jackie’s FindAnAFC profile to learn more about her services and connect with her on LinkedIn.