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There is something magical about new beginnings. My favorite part of the New Year is this sense of having a fresh start. While I love the fresh start, I am not a big fan of New Year's resolutions. I think we enter into them so resolute that we are very strict with ourselves, which leaves us feeling deprived and then overwhelmed and exhausted, so we binge or quit. Ultimately, this causes us to not achieve our goal.
My challenge to you is to think of this New Year fresh start as an opportunity to begin a journey to evolve and grow to be our best self. Let's embrace the journey instead of rushing to the destination. Becoming our best self is not something to just check off our list! And trust me, I love the satisfaction of checking things off the list, but this doesn't work that way! Part of the journey to being our best self is the journey to financial peace so let's start 2018 by creating a solid plan for your money that you can stick to for life!
If you have been in financial denial or overwhelm and not watching where your money goes, then you are letting fear run your life. I don't want you to manage your money from a place of fear. No good decisions are made from fear! I want you to feel in control and empowered. I want you to be knowledgeable and confident.
Most of all, I want you to be the Boss of Your Money!
When you avoid looking at the numbers, your money is telling you what to do and you are definitely not being the Boss of Your Money. Money is being the Boss of You! Remember, money is not the boss of you so don't let your money run you or your life. It is time for you to tell your money where to go and what to do! You are in charge and you get to decide what to do with each dollar you earn.
How can you be the Boss of your Money?
It is time to look at your numbers. It is time to know where your money is going. This is not a time to judge yourself or berate yourself or have regrets. The past is the past! You did the best you could with the knowledge you had at that time. But, now, with more information, you can make different choices. When you look at your numbers, you may be able to see opportunities for change. When you know where your money went you can decide if that is where you want it to keep going or if you want to use it to create something else. If you want something else, then this is the time to consciously and mindfully redirect your spending to more meaningful and valuable places in your life! When you mindfully decide where to send your money you can create the life you want. You can make sure you are prepared for opportunities you want to participate in. Consciously directing your money to create the financial life of your dreams is what it means to be the Boss of Your Money!
If you are going to bring your dreams to life you will need a plan!
A plan for your money starts with knowing your WHY in life!
• Who do you care about?
• What do you want more of in your life?
• What do you want less of in your life?
• How do you want to feel in your life?
The answers to these questions tell you what you value. When you know what you value you can make financial decisions that are in alignment with what you want in life and this will leave you feeling fulfilled! It is time to say no to using money on things that clutter your life and keep you from what you truly desire and say YES to things and experiences that make you feel alive!
For years, I have wanted a new Mercedes, but recently, I said "no" when I was presented with an amazing deal on one! It is important to understand that I LOVE everything about Mercedes it has always been my all-time favorite car. I love the style, the comfort, the smooth ride. I could go on, but this is not my point! You see, while I love this car, buying one is not actually in alignment with my current values and goals! In the past, I would have been tempted but since I am clear on my financial values and goals I know what I am trying to create in my life and it makes it easy to say no to opportunities that aren't in alignment with them.
My #1 value is Freedom. When I say the word Freedom, I mean in all ways and all aspects of my life; time, money, relationships, location. Given my desire to have freedom, having a large car payment each month is not in alignment because it would require me to earn or have a certain amount of income available for this bill each month. Having to pay this bill each month would mean I may have to give up other experiences I want to spend my money on. Or, it might mean that I have to work more, giving up my freedom of time. Having this large payment leaves me feeling trapped and suffocated, which is definitely not in alignment with my values!
Saying No to this certainly doesn't mean I say no to all purchases. For example, I recently hired a marketing specialist. This was a YES because it allowed me to unload hours of work from my schedule (time freedom). The marketing specialist is also more experienced and efficient and achieves greater results than I was doing on my own which also increases my profitability (financial freedom). Overall, this investment is clearly in alignment with my financial values and goals. When I make decisions in alignment with my financial values and goals it gives me more energy to pursue and share my passions with a broader audience. This was an easy YES for me!
When you are not the boss of your money you feel like exhausted, like you are always just working to pay the bills. When you shift and become the Boss of Your Money you will feel alive, happy, and have peace of mind. You won't be living in fear. This is why understanding your values and goals for your life is so crucial. Once you know what you are trying to create, financial decisions like these decisions are so easy to make!
The secret to creating your dream life is to get started!
Don't worry, you don't have to solve it all today just one small step!
Email me or leave a comment to let me know what step you took.
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