Creating financial freedom is easier than you might think. Here are 5 simple habits that will help you get further ahead, remove money stress, and live your life by design, not by default.
Raising money savvy children and teaching them to be financially responsible is like giving them the short cut to being self-sufficient. Every day, I hear horror stories from clients about their adult children that can't stand on their own two feet. And what happens? Parents end up picking up the slack “one more time”, often compromising their own financial security.
Money is one of those very touchy subjects for most. Not having calm, rational conversations about money makes it very difficult to teach the next generation how to use their money wisely and become money savvy children. It is important to learn to have unemotional conversations about money. Think of it as any other tool. Would a talk about a hammer get you worked up? Of course not! Money is nothing more than a tool, one we use nearly every day. What is it about money that causes so much stress? Take some time to really drill down into finding your money trigger. Start taking baby steps to opening up the communication channel with someone you trust. Building the “money talk” muscle and showing your children there is no need to feel anxious or fearful when the topic comes up will help them feel comfortable asking questions. And by asking questions and building trust, they will learn about money in a positive, non-confrontational way.
If money were your lover, how would you describe your relationship? M. I. A., non-committal, or head over heels in love? When I lead a “Let’s Talk Money for Women Only™” workshop, I open with this question. The knee-jerk reaction for many attendees is a nervous giggle. Relationship with money? It’s an in-animate object, what are you talking about?
If there is a gap between where you want your finances to be today and where they are, your relationship with money needs work. Ask yourself these questions:
If you answered “yes” to questions 1, 3, or 5, and “no” to questions 2 or 4 you will benefit by developing a better relationship with money.
As we close out 2018, I’d like to ask you a question: What does the New Year mean to you? For many, the New Year represents a fresh start – a chance to hit the reset button, start something new, or maybe do something better. Some folks call this making New Year’s Resolutions. Others call it setting goals. Unfortunately, whether it is a goal or resolution, most are forgotten before February 1.
Do you really want a different outcome in 2019? Then, guess what – you have to do things differently! Here are 5 simple steps you can take today to keep your New Year’s Resolutions and achieve your goals. Popular categories for New Year’s Resolutions are to improve health, finances and relationships. That is why gym memberships, and subscriptions to finance and relationship sites soar in January!
As I turn the corner from summer to autumn, I am gently guided toward the holiday season. My favorite holiday of the year is Thanksgiving, and just thinking about it gives me goosebumps! Preparing the Thanksgiving feast creates a flood of wonderful feelings and memories. There is something truly magical about celebrating a holiday dedicated to giving thanks. So, why not create an attitude of gratitude and enjoy the positive feeling it brings every day? Do we forget, or is it just easier to just to be negative?
In a recent “Psychology Today” article, Author Amy Morin points out showing gratitude and acknowledging the good things in your life improves your relationships, physical and mental health, self-esteem and resilience. Studies show folks with a positive, grateful attitude have lower blood pressure, sleep better and are less likely to develop addictions to drugs or alcohol than their negative thinking counterparts. By far, the benefits of showing gratitude far outweigh the effort it takes to stay positive.
It is so easy today to get caught up in negativity. We are bombarded with it through so many forms of media 24/7. So how do we tune it out? Here are a few tips to help you tune out the negative noise and change the dial to the positive channel.