How I’m Resetting My Finances in 2026 (And You Can Too!)
It’s 2026, and I’m ready to take control of my finances once and for all. As a busy single mom, teacher, and artist, I’ve struggled with money management in the past, but I’m determined to make this year different. In this blog post, I’m going to share the step-by-step plan I’m using to reset my finances, increase my income, and create more financial freedom for myself and my family.
My main financial goals for 2026 are to:
- Make an extra $2,000 per month from my illustration business and side gigs
- Fund a 3-month emergency fund
- Save for travel and experiences
To achieve these goals, I’ve broken down my plan into three key focus areas: money management, increasing income, and intentional savings. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Mastering Money Management
The first step in my financial reset is getting a handle on my day-to-day spending and cash flow. I know that in order to save and earn more, I need to have a clear picture of where my money is going.
To do this, I’m implementing a simple but effective money tracking system. I’ve dedicated a notebook that I keep on my desk, and every time I spend or earn money, I write it down. This includes things like:
- Expenses for groceries, gas, bills, etc.
- Income from my teaching job, side gigs, and illustration work
- Money earned from donating plasma or pet sitting
Seeing all of my transactions laid out visually has been incredibly helpful for me. It allows me to quickly identify areas where I’m overspending, as well as opportunities to save or earn more. Plus, the act of physically writing things down helps cement the information in my mind.
In addition to tracking my spending, I’m also implementing a system of “spending accounts” to help me stay organized. Instead of just having one main bank account, I’m dividing my money into the following categories:
- Main Account: This is where my teaching paycheck goes. I immediately transfer out money for bills, spending, and savings.
- Spending Account: This account (or cash envelope) is for my day-to-day expenses like groceries and gas.
- Entertainment Account: Money from donating plasma goes here, and this is what I use for fun activities with my son.
- Travel Account: Any money earned from pet sitting gets funneled directly into this account, which is dedicated to funding our family trips and adventures.
- Savings Account: Anything left over after bills and spending gets automatically transferred here. This is where I’ll build up my emergency fund and save for other goals.
By separating my money into these different “jobs,” I find it’s much easier to stay on top of my finances and ensure I’m allocating funds appropriately. No more accidentally dipping into my savings or struggling to figure out where my money went!
Step 2: Increasing My Income
While getting a handle on my spending is crucial, I know that I also need to focus on increasing my income if I want to reach my financial goals. Luckily, as a teacher, mom, and artist, I have a few creative income streams I can tap into.
Illustration and Passive Income
One of my main income-boosting strategies is to really focus on growing my illustration business. I’m aiming to land more clients for custom illustration work, as well as create passive income by selling my designs on Teachers Pay Teachers.
To make this happen, I’m going to be:
- Networking and reaching out to potential clients
- Updating my portfolio and marketing materials
- Dedicating time each week to creating new illustrations and products
- Optimizing my Teachers Pay Teachers store with SEO and new content
I’m confident that by putting in the work, I can steadily grow this income stream and hit my goal of an extra $2,000 per month.
Side Gigs and Overtime
In addition to my illustration business, I have a few other side gigs and part-time jobs that are helping to boost my income:
- After-School Program: I work 2 days a week at an after-school program, which provides some nice overtime pay since I’m already a teacher.
- Plasma Donation: I donate plasma regularly, which earns me extra cash that I can use for entertainment and fun activities.
- Pet Sitting: I offer pet boarding services in my home, which is a great way to earn money while also spending time with furry friends.
- Redesign Services: I provide home organization and redesign services for friends, using what they already own to transform their spaces.
These side hustles may not be glamorous, but they’re reliable ways for me to bring in extra income without too much additional effort. And the money I earn from them is going straight into my dedicated savings and travel accounts.
Step 3: Intentional Savings
With my money management system in place and my income on the rise, the final piece of my financial reset plan is to get serious about saving. I know that in order to achieve my goals, I need to be intentional and disciplined with my savings.
Building an Emergency Fund
One of my top priorities is to build up a 3-month emergency fund. As a single parent, I know how important it is to have a financial cushion in case of unexpected expenses or job loss. I’m going to be funneling any “extra” money I have – whether it’s from side gigs, illustration work, or leftover from my regular paycheck – directly into my savings account until I reach that 3-month goal.
Saving for Travel and Experiences
In addition to my emergency fund, I’m also dedicated to saving for travel and experiences. As I mentioned, this is one of my biggest financial priorities. My son and I love to explore new places and create memories together, so I want to make sure we have the funds to do that.
To make this happen, I’m putting all of my pet sitting income straight into my dedicated travel account. This way, I know that money is earmarked specifically for trips and adventures, and I won’t be tempted to spend it on other things.
Paying Down Debt
Finally, once I have 3 months of living expenses saved up, I plan to start aggressively paying down any remaining debt I have. This will likely include things like student loans, credit card balances, or my car payment. By eliminating this debt, I’ll free up even more money to save and invest for the future.
Embracing the Mindset Shift
As I’ve been working through this financial reset plan, I’ve noticed a significant mindset shift happening. Instead of feeling stressed and overwhelmed by money, I’m starting to feel empowered and excited about my financial future.
Part of this shift has come from the simple act of getting organized and taking control of my finances. Seeing where my money is going, setting clear goals, and implementing systems to save and earn more has given me a sense of confidence and clarity that I haven’t had before.
But I’ve also realized that a big part of this mindset shift is about reframing my relationship with money. Instead of viewing it as a source of stress and limitation, I’m starting to see it as a tool for creating the life I want. By being intentional with my spending and savings, I’m able to direct my resources towards the things that truly matter to me, like travel, quality time with my son, and building a sustainable creative business.
This shift in perspective has been incredibly empowering. I no longer feel like I’m just scraping by or constantly worrying about money. Instead, I feel like I’m in the driver’s seat, making proactive choices that are moving me closer to my goals.
Your Turn to Reset Your Finances
If you’re a teacher, single mom, or creative professional who is struggling with money management and feeling stressed about your finances, I hope this post has inspired you to take action and start your own financial reset.
Remember, it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress. Start small, focus on one or two key areas, and celebrate your wins along the way. With a little bit of intention and consistency, you can absolutely transform your relationship with money and create the financial freedom you deserve.
I’m cheering you on every step of the way. Let’s do this!