Here are seven ideas for how to go about gaining control of one’s finances with love.
1. Willingness
- This is different from willfulness. Willfulness speaks to an iron will, to a degree of inflexibility.
- Willingness implies being open to explore new ideas and new ways of doing things.
- Be willing to grow and learn no matter your age or circumstance.
- You were designed to grow from birth. Grow in the stewardship you provide to your finances is but one area of growth.
2. Change Your Why!
- When we are clear about “why,” we become more confident, more persistent, and more positive.
- Why is about motivation.
- A clear “why” will overcome your excuses.
3. Build Better Habits
- Adopt habits that align with your values.
- Be specific!
- Why is about doing the right thing for the right reason.
- We become what we consistently do.
- Life rewards action. It does not reward affirmations or intentions. You actually have to take action.
4. Seek to Fill Your Gaps in Financial Knowledge and Skill
- There are things that you don’t know that you don’t know!
- Take courses and/or read about finances. There are books and courses that are not “boring.”
- Hire coaching to help you see and fill the gaps. Even Michael Jordan had a coach!
- Make it fun! Are you doing this with gentleness and kindness?
- We all have gaps that can really get in the way.
- Examine your limiting beliefs. Can you look at them differently or from a different perspective? After all, these are simply thoughts in your head.
5. Guard Against Perfectionism
- It is more difficult for us to treat ourselves with gentleness and love than to hold ourselves up to perfectionism. Read this sentence again and again.
- Do you judge yourself when you don’t live up to your ideal of perfectionism?
- Learn to give yourself credit for progress on the journey. Celebrate all new, positive steps and behaviors!
6. Always Be Willing to Reflect on Your Behavior
- Don’t judge, belittle, or criticize; REFLECT!
- When you catch yourself beginning to judge, which is 90% of the battle, stop and remember to reflect instead.
7. Work on Gaining Control of Your Finances – YES
- But never, ever beat yourself up when you fumble – and you will fumble.
- Just write it off as the old “two-step” – one step backward, two steps forward – and keep dancing!
John L. Jenkins, AEP®, CFP® is the Chairman with Asset Preservation Strategies, Inc. (APS) in San Diego, California. APS is a financial advisory firm that works with business owners and entrepreneurs, people nearing or in retirement, and strategies for women in wealth. Learn more about them online at asset-preservation.com.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.