Appreciating the Small Things: Why Every Financial Win Matters

May 27, 2025

“You won’t truly appreciate the big things if you don’t first learn to appreciate the small things.” My mother’s wisdom, and now, one of my favorite truths.

It’s natural to focus on the “big prize” the moment we pay off the final loan, hit a major savings goal, or finally become debt-free. These milestones are obvious. They’re exciting. They’re measurable.

But here’s what we often miss:

Those big wins are simply the sum of countless small victories.

Every no to impulse spending.

Every yes to savings.

Every time you choose progress over perfection.

🎉Small Wins Are Big Deals

On your financial journey, it’s not just about hitting the big numbers.

It’s about learning to:

• Save your first $50

• Say “no this time” to a non-essential purchase

• Cook a meal at home instead of ordering out

• Choose to rest instead of stress

• Stick to your budget even if just for a week

These moments might seem minor, but they’re transformative. When you acknowledge and celebrate them, they become the fuel that keeps you going.

💬We Celebrate Our Kids, But What About Ourselves?

For some reason, adulthood has tricked us into believing we no longer need celebration. That only children need applause, encouragement, and gold stars. But that’s not true.

You deserve to be celebrated too.

It may not come from outside sources. That’s okay.

Start by being your own cheerleader.

Look in the mirror and say:

• “I’m proud of myself for packing my lunch this week.”

• “I drank more water and spend less.”

• “I paused before I swiped my card, and I made a better choice.”

• “I prayed, I rested, I reflected. That’s growth.

These wins matter. They shape your mindset, your habits, and ultimately your results.

🙏The Journey is Not Linear, But it’s Yours

This road called life? It’s bumpy. There are bruises. There are moments when you fall short of the goal. And yes, it can be frustrating.

But don’t miss the bigger picture:

You’re showing up. You’re trying.  You’re evolving.

There are people who only complain. You’re taking action.

There are people who stay stuck. You’re moving inch by inch, day by day.

Even if no one else sees your progress, you do.

Even if the win is tiny, it counts.

🌟Give Yourself Credit (Not the Debt Kind)

You don’t need to wait until you’re debt-free to feel proud.

You don’t have to hit a 5-figure saving goal to feel accomplished.

Right now, in this very moment, you are doing the work.

And that’s worth celebrating.

So the next time you…

✔ Skip takeout and make dinner

✔ Log into your bank account instead of avoiding it

✔ Set a boundary or say “not this time”

✔ Say a prayer or take a breath instead of spending to cope

…remember this:

These are the small wins that build the foundation for your financial freedom.

🧠Action Steps: Celebrate Your Wins This Week

1. Keep a Wins Journal: Write down 1 financial win at the end of each day. Big or small.

2. Create a Reward List: Choose non-monetary ways to celebrate, take a nature walk, light a candle, write a letter to your future self.

3. Share It: If you feel comfortable, post your win on social or share it with someone you trust. Encouragement is contagious.

💬Final Thought

Don’t wait for the finish line to clap for yourself.

Clap for every step that got you out of bed, that you choose differently, that you tried again.

You’re doing better than you think.

Keep going and keep celebrating.

About Petra-Ann Brown

Petra-Ann Brown is the founder of Brown Financial Solutions, LLC, a financial coaching practice that empowers individuals to take control of their financial lives. She is also the host of Island Money 365 podcast, where she shares inspiring immigrant stories and provides invaluable financial resources to the community.