This article is sponsored by AFG Wealth Management.

Managing your finances isn’t always fun, but it doesn’t have to be hard, either. With 11 months to go in 2025, there’s plenty of time to make this year truly count (pun intended), and Amy Frank Goldman — a Hoboken resident, philanthropist, and finance specialist — has some ideas. In a world that’s ever-changing, Amy’s here to share 5 easy-to-embrace money tips she expects to trend in 2025. We’ll let her share more in her own words as she discusses AI, interest rates, cybersecurity, and so on. Keep reading for Amy Frank Goldman’s 5 financial tips for 2025.

1: AI: AI kinda like AI, for financial empowerment…

AI is not just the latest trend in investing; it’s transforming industries across the board. People are using it for everything from medical advice for themselves, their pets, and their kids to improving their financial habits. In finance, AI is helping individuals track spending, set goals, and stay on top of their budgets like never before.

At its core, awareness is the key to financial change. If your money habits are not working for you, it’s a great place to start. AI can offer personalized spending analysis, project future spending based on past behavior, optimize subscriptions, and even detect fraud.

That said, there are a few risks: data privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and the lack of personal context.

After all, these are still machines. However, when paired with a financial advisor or a solid investment strategy, AI can be a powerful ally in your financial success. Some of the AI tools Amy has had success with include Trim, Wally and Cleo.

2: You Get a Lower Mortgage Rate + You Get a Lower Mortgage Rate 

Another trend smart money is watching? Lower interest rates. The Fed has indicated that the federal funds rate could drop to around 3.95% by the end of 2025, down from the current 4.25%-4.50%. As rates go down, mortgage rates should follow, making it cheaper to borrow money. That means lower mortgage payments for buyers. 

If you are thinking about buying a home, now is the time to start planning. Make sure you have an emergency fund, a solid credit score, and that your future mortgage payment will not exceed 25% of your income. If you check those boxes, you are off to a great start.

3: The Side Hustle is Real 

Whether you’re pursuing a passion or looking to boost your income, over 34% of Americans have embraced the side hustle. The trend is particularly strong among younger generations, with 50% of side hustlers being millennials and 74% being Gen Z. Fun fact: almost half of those with side hustles do it because they enjoy it — not just for the extra cash.

So, if you have a hobby or skill you are passionate about, a side hustle can be a fantastic way to explore it — and it might just give your bank account a boost, too.

4: I Always Feel Like Somebody’s Watching Me 

You’ve probably received that suspicious FedEx/UPS/Amazon message asking you to click a link to update your information or risk missing your delivery. Hopefully, by now, you know better than to click it. Phishing remains the most common form of email scam, and cybercrime is expected to cost Americans a staggering $10.5 trillion in 2025.

To protect yourself, use strong passwords, consider a reputable password manager, and avoid accessing sensitive info over unsecured networks. Always verify email addresses before opening attachments and never send personal information over email unless it is encrypted. These simple precautions can go a long way toward keeping your finances secure.

5: Investing: Time in the Market > Timing the Market 

Clients are tired of hearing it, but it is true: Time in the market is more important than timing the market.

Yes, the stock market can be volatile, and for some, it is downright intimidating. But historically, the market has provided an average return of over 10% since 1957, far outpacing the current rates of money market accounts (around 4%).

If you are not sure how to invest, you are not alone. It is normal to feel uncertain, but sitting on the sidelines and holding cash could cost you over time. A financial planner can offer guidance, but there is also a wealth of free educational resources online. The information is out there — take advantage of it.

Get Started Now, and Build Momentum

These five trends are all things most people can tap into. With AI, you can research each one in detail, but it is your personal decisions and actions that will make the biggest difference. Sure, it is easier to ignore accountability when it’s automated, but when you have someone checking in on you, it makes all the difference. If you are looking for an investment partner, feel free to reach out to Amy to see if there is a fit.

Pick one or two of these trends to focus on and start there. In six months, once you have a handle on them, revisit this list, and add the next set of trends to your plan for the second half of 2025.

Amy Frank Goldman is the founder and president of AFG Wealth Management. Proudly balancing her professional and personal life, Amy is the mother of a 9-year-old daughter and a devoted fur mom to her two pugs, Chloe and Luna. She has been married for 12 years and has called Hoboken, NJ, her home for the past 12 years, after growing up in Northern New Jersey.

Deeply committed to her community, Amy founded HUG Hoboken (formerly FLAG Hoboken) and volunteers with several organizations, including the Community Lifestyles, Hoboken Food Pantry, Hoboken Shelter, Hoboken Public Education Foundation, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and Newark YMCA.

AFG Wealth Management is located at 1400 Hudson Street, Suite 504, in Hoboken. You can call 212-673-2147 or email [email protected] with questions. She can also be found on Instagram @the_money_momma, LinkedIn, or Facebook.

This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Keep in mind that there is no assurance that the recommendations or strategies will ultimately be successful or profitable nor protect against a loss. Recommendations, specific investments or strategies discussed may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.

Securities and advisory services offered through Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG), a Registered Investment Adviser. Member FINRA/SIPC. AFG Wealth Management and IFG are unaffiliated entities.