Happy New Year!
I know it’s been a while, which was not my intention at all. I always say, “Everything happens for a reason,” and apparently the Universe had work for me to do last year before being able to share my thoughts with you.
Where was I?
What I have found as I coached my clients and did my own inner work on the journey to living authentically, was that money became this overwhelming obstacle. Our mindset and behavior about money blocks us from truly living the life the we desire. We self-sabotage ourselves without even realizing it, and then wonder why we feel stuck. However, managing our thoughts and changing our behaviors with money is an amazing tool to creating that life we truly desire and living our true potential.
So, I did what I do best—-I educated myself so that I could serve you better—I became a Certified Money Coach (CMC)®.
Oh—and I moved, which is a story for another time. But, let’s just say that selling my house and relocating was my way of attacking my own money story. Now most of my consumer debt—-my car and credit cards—has been paid off, apartment living has none of that homeowner stress, and financially my life feels easier. Aren’t we all just yearning to feel at peace financially?
What’s your money story? Your money story is the story you learned about money in childhood that has affected almost all of your adult decisions. Your money mindset becomes that phrase you keep telling yourself over and over about money. It often stems from your money story.
“Money is tight.”
“I am terrible with money.”
“I will never have enough money.”
“People like us can never live like that.”
“Rich people aren’t happy.”
“Men are good with money.”
“Men are savers. Women are spenders.”
Have you ever wondered how and why you spend money? Why you never seem to have enough? Why you are drowning in credit card debt? Why everyone else seems to have their money situation together, but you are always struggling? (Newsflash—most don’t.) Why you keep experiencing the same recurring money problems?
What if you were to dedicate this year to your financial health? What if this year you could manage your money story? What if you could change your money mindset? How much happier could you be?
Sure, it’s scary. But you can do scary. Just start.
Look at your money flow. What is coming in? What goes out? This is a great time to look back at the last three months of your statements (or even the year). Add up of those fixed expenses-home, car, insurance, utilities. Then, add up all those additional expenses by category. It will become obvious where you choose to spend your money. (Years ago, I remember being shocked at how much money I spent on one restaurant in a year—I could have gone on a luxury family vacation!) Also, take note of what is missing—what would you have wanted to do with your money if you had enough?
Now change your mindset.
“I am in control of my money. My money doesn’t control me.”
“I have more than enough money to take care of myself and my family.”
“There’s more money where that came from.” (I used to say this one every time I paid my bills.)
Commit to yourself and your financial health. Hire a coach—we all need someone to be our personal cheerleader, motivator and inspiration. And we all need help with taking action and accountability. As a CMC®, my mission is to help people with their money behavior and money mindset so that they can create a life that feels more authentic and meaningful to them. If you or someone you know might be interested in understanding your money story and behavior, please connect with me. I have more tools to help you.
Wishing you a happy and financially healthy 2022.
Always with love,
Heather