Wouldn’t it be great to spend without feeling guilty? Or even better if you could turn your finances around while still enjoying a little for yourself along the way.

I’m over it! I vow to never again to make a purchase and slink out of the store like I just got away with murder. I also vow to budget in a way that still allows joy WHILE I achieve my goals. 

We all carry unique money perspectives which affect the way we react to financial tension, our spending and savings habits, and how we approach our financial goals. I am an all-or-nothing type gal, so when I first started budgeting, I cut ALL the fun stuff - that didn’t work.

In this episode, I share 12 habits that changed how we operate with and view our money and time. If you can just implement one or two of these habits and begin to feel the positive effects in a day or two, just imagine what that can do over the course of your life!

Everyone has access to abundance, no matter who you are or how much is in your bank account. Financial abundance is a mindset. 

There are some financial behaviors, however, that can transform your financial life for the better and perpetuate feelings of financial abundance.

I encourage you to think critically as you listen today and choose which of these would make the biggest difference in your life. You can create a less chaotic, more abundant life by picking just one or two changes you desire to make, and then working on that piece until it runs like a well-oiled machine.

Although sometimes hard to face, financial issues don’t diminish when ignored. Unfortunately, it’s more likely that they’ll expand until you’re forced to face them. Late fees accumulate, interest adds up, and if left unattended long enough, scars show up on your credit report. 

With Mint.com, you can see your entire financial picture, allowing you to be fully informed so you can make the best possible decisions with your money. The more you track and understand your financial habits, the more likely you’ll spend and save in alignment with your goals.

These are the 12 financial habits that helped me build momentum toward my money goals, ditch financial guilt, and create more financial abundance in my life: 

• Immediate Needs - Make sure you are only buying what you need 
• Quit Pulling Extra Cash Out -Set a limit on the amount of cash you take out and only take that specific amount. A little extra here and there for no reason adds up.
• Budget - Instead of feeling like the budget sets a cap on your spending, flip your perspective - each budget line says you’re allowed to spend that much!
• Planning Ahead/Time - By looking at the week ahead, you’ll know what to expect and can plan financially for any potential challenges
• Communication - Discussing your plan for money for the month/week and having an open dialogue
• Stay Informed - Logging in to your tracker, bank accounts, and credit accounts on a regular basis will help you see patterns and plan for them so youre not scrambling 
• Automation - set up direct deposit for your paycheck, automated savings deposits, and autopay for minimum payments so you’ll never stray from the plan
• Multiple savings accounts - When each account has a purpose, you know exactly how close you are to your goal. Things are much clearer than if you had one lump savings account.
• Declutter - Free your physical and mental space of the junk. You can pad your pocket with the profits too.
• Free Fun - There are SO many free and fun activities out there. Why spend if you don’t have to?
• You’re Not Fancy - There are times to go all out or all in. Every day is not that time. Can you be frugal in small ways now so you can be fancy later?
• Don't Blindly Pay or Purchase - Look at your insurance and utility bills every 6 months. Negotiate prices and shop around to find a better deal that will better suit your needs. 

In this episode, listen for:

• What works best for YOUR family? Explore, test, and reconfigure until you find the best apps, methods, and routines to manage money well in your family.
• The ultimate reason you create financial goals and a budget to get there is so you can enjoy your life and your family
• If you generally feel discomfort around managing money, there’s something going on under the surface. You aren’t bad at math and money doesn’t hate you. 

 

In this episode, you’ll also hear:

[00:08:48] Creating a zero-based budget. Every bit of income is designed for a purpose 

[00:14:24] Planning ahead creates peace and happiness because we are able to talk about expectations ahead of time 

[00:29:18] The many benefits of decluttering your physical space include less housework, more mental space, and, if you sell the items, more cash in your pocket.

 

A few of my recommendations:

Calendar app - Cozi 

Course - Your Uncluttered Home

Financial Overview App - Mint 

Budgeting App - You Need a Budget

 

Follow me on:

Instagram @reachingabundance

www.reachingabundance.com