The Power of One-Time Actions: Small Steps for Big Wins
What’s cooler than doing something once and reaping the benefits forever? (Okay, maybe temper your expectations of “cool,” as I’m someone who genuinely enjoys doing taxes 😎.) But hear me out: there’s something incredibly satisfying about a one-time action that creates lasting positive effects.
I first learned about this concept of “one-time actions” from James Clear’s Atomic Habits and decided to try it out in my own life.
Stop the Sales Temptation with This Trick
Are you tempted by sales emails or shopping apps? 🛍️ Over the holidays, I found myself bombarded with “unmissable” discounts. But let’s be honest—if I wasn’t planning to buy it, I’m not saving money, I’m spending more.
My solution? I unsubscribed from marketing emails and removed shopping apps from my phone. That one-time action has reduced the mental energy I need to resist unwanted purchases and saved me from buyer’s remorse when the credit card bill rolls in.
One-Time Money Moves for Financial Success
As a financial coach, I love helping my clients implement one-time money moves that keep paying dividends (pun intended 😄). Here are some one-time actions that can set you up for financial success:
Automate Your Retirement Savings 👵🏼: Set up a recurring contribution to your 401(k) or IRA. Automating this ensures you’re consistently saving for the future without having to think about it. Even $25 per paycheck adds up to $650 a year—and that’s before factoring in interest, dividends, or capital gains!
Open a High-Yield Savings Account 💰: I’m a fan of Capital One for their competitive interest rates, no minimums, and no monthly fees. Setting up this account allows you to save for your dream vacation more easily!
Direct Deposit to Savings 💵: Most employers let you split your paycheck between multiple accounts. Even directing $25 into a savings account every payday can make a difference.
Get a Library Card 📚: Free books, audiobooks, and even tickets to local attractions? Yes, please! The library is an incredible resource—I’ve even written a whole article about how to make the most of it.
Separate Business and Personal Finances 💼: If you’re self-employed, open a separate business bank account. It simplifies budgeting and taxes. I use US Bank because they don’t charge monthly fees.
Plant Something Edible 🌱: No yard? No problem. A small pot of herbs like basil or thyme can elevate your cooking and save you money. My favorite discovery is using thyme in a Hello Fresh chicken pot pie recipe. Delicious and rewarding!
The Bottom Line
One-time actions are powerful tools for creating lasting change, especially if you’re managing a busy schedule or irregular income. Whether it’s automating savings or unsubscribing from tempting sales emails, these small adjustments can lead to big results.
Now it’s your turn: What one-time action can you take today to simplify your life and support your goals? Start small—maybe it’s unsubscribing from one email list or setting up a savings transfer. You’ll thank yourself later!
Let me know in the comments what you chose, and don’t forget to share this article with someone who could use a little more efficiency in their life!
