Your go to guide to sleigh money stress and unwrap financial freedom this Holiday Season!”
I’m your financial freedom coach and author of “Getting Comfy With the F Word – finances. I’m sharing how to rock these shopping extravaganzas without compromising your hard-earned money.
Money management can often feel overwhelming, like piecing together a complex puzzle, especially with the holiday season adding an extra layer of stress and expectation. But here’s a little secret – you already have what it takes to handle any financial challenge that comes your way. Sometimes we need to be reminded, so let’s work on building a solid foundation of financial confidence – together.
- 1. Understanding Your Feelings: It’s Okay to Be Anxious
Emotions around money can be powerful and sometimes overwhelming. The fear of making mistakes or not having enough can be a huge weight to carry, especially as a business owner. Take a deep breath, and know that it’s perfectly normal to feel this way. You’re not alone. When all those thoughts come rushing at me I get out my paper and pen and write them down. Getting them out of my head and onto paper helps. How? Not only do I reassure myself I won’t forget anything but I can then organize, prioritize and strategize. Oh and I LOVE to check things off a list! This process helps put me back in control which calms the nerves.
- 2. Taking Small Steps for a Better Money Future
Let’s look at your financial landscape of both your business and personal finances. Make a list of the money coming in and going out. From there, create a plan that supports your needs and goals. Remember, it’s like putting together pieces of a puzzle; one step at a time, and it all starts to come together. I like using software to do the heavy lifting. There are free and low cost options out there. I can’t recommend this enough. It is THE biggest secret to how I dug out as a single mom building my business and how I help my clients achieve their financial success. Peter Drucker is quoted as saying “You can’t improve what you don’t measure.” I’m editing that to say you can’t improve what you don’t track. It’s the biggest push back I get from clients yet creates the biggest improvement. Do yourself the favor and start tracking your money.
- 3.Focus on What Matters
With so much on your plate, it can feel like you’re juggling a dozen balls at once. It’s important to take a moment and identify what truly matters. These are the tasks and projects that should be your main focus. And if there are areas where you’re not as confident? This is where to ask for help so you don’t spin your wheels and waste your time or money. You don’t have to do it all yourself. If it needs doing and you’re not going to do it, sub it out. If you don’t know how to do something, sub it out. Don’t fumble around in the dark breaking things when you know someone with a flashlight.
- 4. Set a Holiday Money Plan
Ah, the holiday season, a time of joy and way too much financial temptation. It’s important to approach it with a clear plan. Make a list of the items that are truly essential, both personally and for your business. Stick to this list, and resist the allure of big sales that may lead to unnecessary expenses. Remember, wise spending is about saving more in the long run. If you weren’t going to buy it anyway, don’t buy it on cyber monday or black friday. You aren’t saving money – it’s still spending. If you needed the item and were going to spend the money anyway then research the price points and best sellers ahead of time to know if you’re actually getting a deal. Example. I needed a new laptop so I had my top 3 choices with their best price points. I waited until cyber monday and one in my top three was on sale for almost 60% off! DId i scoop it up? Yes I did! The others were on “sale” for more than their regular price! How many people do you think hadn’t done their research and fell for that scam? DOn’t be one of those people. Know what you need and what’s an actual good deal.
- 5.Create a Money Safety Net
Imagine having an umbrella on a rainy day. That’s what having an emergency fund feels like. It provides a sense of security and peace of mind. Start small, and gradually add to it over time. Knowing you have this financial cushion can help you face unexpected expenses with confidence. How did I build my emergency fund? Remember that computer I got the deal on? I banked the difference. I also created a money planet (aka that word we all hate – budget). I used money envelopes with what I planned on spending for that category like mortgage, electricity, food, clothing, fun etc.. When I had money left in an envelope I put it in my emergency fund.
Believing in Yourself. You Can Do It! Every decision you make is a step towards success. Trust in yourself and your abilities. You’ve overcome challenges before, and you have the wisdom and resilience to do it again. It’s not about being perfect. There will always be times we go off track. If you fall off – get back on. Don’t beat yourself up or throw in the towel. Persistence and intentional action will get you farther than you think. The best part is that your good habits will build on themselves like a snowball. Each step builds and grows on the previous one. Looking at the whole journey makes it easy to say you can’t do it. Just look at your next step. Day one is better than one day. Progress is better than perfection. Your journey will be different from mine and unique to you. It’s not meant to be compared to anyone else’s. Celebrate your victories, and embrace the lessons from the moments that didn’t go exactly as planned. You’re making progress, one step at a time. Your journey is what sets you apart and makes you extraordinary. The road to financial confidence and freedom may have twists and turns, each step you take is a victory. Be kind to yourself, lean on your support system when needed, and know that you’re never alone on this journey. You’re crafting a future that’s uniquely yours, one smart money choice at a time.If ever you find yourself needing a guiding hand, someone who understands the intricacies of both business and personal finances, I’m here to help. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the challenges you face, I’m passionate about empowering women entrepreneurs like you to thrive in their financial endeavors.
And speaking of thriving financially, if you’re hungry for more personalized strategies to take control of your money and accelerate your journey to financial freedom, my e-book, Getting Comfy With The “F” Word – finances is your road map. It’s not just a read; it’s a guide to conquering your financial fears, celebrating your wins, and unlocking the secrets to lasting financial comfort. Let’s turn those money dreams into a reality – together! Your journey to financial freedom starts now, and I’m here to be your trusted companion every step of the way! 💸📚✨
Feel free to reach out, whether you have a specific question or simply need a reassuring voice to guide you. Together, we’ll not only conquer financial hurdles but also pave the way for a future filled with prosperity and confidence.
You’ve got this!
Krista