Take Your First Step
- Karen Fenske
- Feb 11
- 3 min read
The first step. The hardest step. Is making it to that first money coaching session.
Some clients have booked appointments with me three, four, five times—and canceled every single one—because the fear was too big.
Then one day… they show up.
And after a while, they tell me:
“I was ashamed.”
“I was afraid.”
“I didn’t know what would happen.”
“I didn’t know if I could handle it.”
When they finally begin to talk about their money, a whole basket of emotions spills out. That’s normal. That’s human.
And that’s why I tell every single person who sits across from me:
“This is a safe place.
This is a place for all of those emotions.
This is a place to put everything on the table—your thoughts, your fears, your questions—and then slowly, gently… breathe as we find clarity and confidence.”
Many people are what I call “stuck.” Maybe you know that feeling.
Maybe you are stuck.
Maybe you’re frozen when your think about your money.
Your brain feels like it’s exploding just thinking about money.
You want to run.
You want to shut down.
Some clients tell me they can only talk about money for five minutes—and then they’ll be done. But they stay. They stay for the full hour. Sometimes a little longer. And sometimes we go for a walk… or grab coffee. Because somewhere along the journey, we’ve become friends.
The truth is: so many of you feel this way. There’s a little voice inside your gut, your heart, your mind, screaming to be heard—but fear keeps you silent. Fear keeps you still. Yet even with that fear, you are still a capable, competent, rational human being. All of my clients are!
When you face something that increases your anxiety—you avoid it. You cancel the meeting. You push the thought away. Because money stress drains your confidence, your logic, your strength. But deep down, you know you need to do something. You want to do something.
Here’s the part I want you to hold onto: that can change. I’ve watched it change—over and over again. It does change. You can begin talking about your money and find a pathway out of being stuck or frozen.
You can do this one tiny step at a time.
The new year is here, and it’s your chance to step into 2026 as a Money Champion! Success doesn’t happen by accident—it happens with intention, planning, and action. It is the perfect time to hit reset, get organized, and set yourself up for financial confidence all year long.
Your 2026 "Money Champion" Tasks
1. Review Holiday Spending Check December credit card statements and bank activity. Celebrate wins and note areas to improve—no judgment, just awareness.
2. Set Your 2026 Money Goals & Hopes Pay down debt, save for big purchases, or grow your emergency fund. Make goals specific, measurable, and motivating.
3. Create a Simple Monthly Spend & Save chart Set category caps and plan for recurring expenses. A clear budget = stress-free money management.
4. Tackle Debt Strategically Plan payments for credit cards, loans, or lines of credit. Small, consistent action now prevents stress later. Are you a snowball or avalanche kind of money manager?
5. Plan for Big Annual Expenses Think ahead to insurance, taxes, or seasonal costs. Start putting aside into a BigBills account NOW. Automate it every payday. Start with $50. You can be in control. Ready for surprises. Calm.
Supercharge Your Progress with a Financial Essentials (FE) Session
Pair your Reset plan with a one-on-one FE session to:
Review your current financial picture
Identify ways to save, reduce stress, and make your money work harder
Build a clear, actionable plan to own 2026 like the Money Champion you are
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