Grow Your Greens: How To Build A Healthy Relationship With Money (Part 2)

January 16, 2015

In the first part of the series, you read about becoming more aware and conscious about your finances, and changing your attitude towards money. In this part, learn about the things you can do to save and grow your greens.

1. Create A Financial Plan
List your goals for the year and be realistic. Chart out your income, and outgoing expenses, in order to figure out how much you can save every week, every month, and through the year. Just being aware of where your money is coming from and going to, can be very empowering for decision-making. Knowing that you have a bit to spare will allow you to breathe easier until the next payday. Leslie Greenman, financial adviser and author of Dating Our Money, states that 90 percent of women wait until a crisis to create a financial plan. We need to be more proactive about money, especially since we work so hard to earn it. Meet a financial adviser or a counselor who can guide you better, or go online for budgeting help to sites such as Money Tracker, Better Investing or Choose To Save.

2. Start A Fun Fund
Apart from discussing money issues such as spending and budgeting, and saving habits, it might be a good idea to open a joint account with your partner. This is where you both deposit a fixed sum of money every month, and use it for the activities that you plan to undertake together. Business strategist Marie Forleo suggests starting a ‘fun fund’ where you designate a pickle jar, piggy bank or a box to collect money for things like eating out, or going to the movies. Being financially compatible with your partner will make you more comfortable and reassured about your money.

3. Become Financially Intelligent
This is no rocket science. Chalk out your balance and debts, and the incoming money, to be able to decide how to distribute your resources. You need to be able to choose how to spend your cash to create happiness, find fulfillment and restore peace of mind. This frees you up to pursue your life goals with clarity and focus. Take the help of websites like The American Association of Individual Investors, where you can participate in financial education programs. Listen to podcasts on money subjects compiled by holistic money coach, Joan Sotkin. You could even check The Financial Recovery Institute, which provides cutting edge resources and coaching for overcoming hurdles such as under-earning, overspending, and chronic debt.

In conclusion, you must understand your relationship with your own money. Kate Northrup, author of Money: A Love Story states that when you create financial freedom, you can be present to your purpose on the planet and serving the world. As with any relationship, the key to dealing with your financial woes lies within. It’s not about beating yourself up or putting strict guidelines on what you can and cannot buy. It’s about seeing the part you play in your relationship. It’s about identifying the value of things in your life.