Did you make your list of fears? Of benefits to a new financial life?
Have you heard the term “finding your voice”? In many cases it has to do with self-care. It is an important part of self-care. It is also an important part of your financial life.
How can we move our fears to goals and goals to actions? Find your voice!
- Tell on yourself – When we went on a get-out-of-debt campaign I rallied my tribe. With a newborn baby, no job, and moving there was plenty of support needed in more areas than one. One of the biggest parts of our journey was the honesty that we took in telling those around us. We were in debt. We did not need to give lengthy explanations of how or how much. Although I will share about details of mentors in your life later this month. If you have a spouse, I encourage you to come up with an agreement of what, how much, and who to tell. Your greatest support will come because your tribe knows what you are doing. Your tribe will not tempt you with expensive trips or outings that you have taken out of your budget. They will help you celebrate your wins (perhaps by giving you free childcare or a 2 for 1 dinner coupon). Find them. Ask them to help you stay on the path.
- We are getting out of debt – whatever it takes. THIS. Mindset is the most important. If you are married and not on the same page of “whatever it takes” now is the time to consider counseling. My husband and I saw a counselor for over a year to help with just this -whatever it takes. Even if you agree that you need to get out of debt – the process may find you in disagreement. It is okay. The world has told us to be embarrassed or that we are weak if we need counseling. It is actually shows strength of commitment to seek help. (This will also come in handy when we talk about seeking out qualified financial mentors). It took us 3 years to get out of debt. We did not do it alone We had a TON of help. The win is not that we got out of debt…it is that we stayed out of debt.**
- Do not try- DO. This is the number one mindset we find in those that do not continue when counseling with my husband and I. You did not get into debt overnight. It will take some time to undo the debt It is ok, It will make you appreciate the process when you are done and keep you from going back into debt. Really who wants to do this again! I will not tell you it is all easy. Do you feel you “deserve” some things in your spending? Do you have everything on the table or are there some things you will not give up? (Cable TV, smoking, fast food, eating out are the most popular non-negotiable)
Tackling these three areas of thought are important to address before you pick any class, financial process, or company. They are absolutely paramount to debt-free success. It is what will keep you debt free for the long haul.
If you have read my previous blog posts, I have talked a lot about coffee. I love the atmosphere of a great neighborhood coffee shop and the smell of fresh brewed coffee. For three years, I gave up coffee in a coffee shop. I bought a coffeepot from Goodwill and made it at home. For three years I did not purchase a single coffee from outside my house. All in. Whatever it takes. Do – not try.
Why?
A single latte =$4 A latte a day for a week =$28 A latte for a month = $112
I have now spent a credit card payment on coffee. That is if I only stick to one latte a day!
We all leak money. Even if you think you do not. The small amounts can make up a big amount when added up monthly/yearly.
So stay tuned next week for how to plug the leak.
Are you ready yet? Ready to go? To make a difference in your life and your family?
We will be starting to share a practical process to put into place. Now is the time to get serious about your level of readiness. Money talk or lack of it from our childhood can mean we just need a little help to get started. Counselors are great to help you overcome past hangups regarding money and unifying language for you and your spouse.
Visit us on Facebook for a few interviews of women that have made the changes with their spouses in the area of finances.
Share your story with us !
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