money circles

Given all the research I’ve been doing online about investing, buying cars and learning good financial habits, I’m often retargeted with advertisements on similar topics. One advertisement featured a graphic of the “money method” process. I felt it nicely summarized what Project Money is about and this competition has helped me make progress in each of these areas. I still have work to do but I am so grateful that I am finally considering the entire picture. 

• Heal your money relationship

This one was is the trickiest for me. This category is influenced by how you were raised, what your life was like then versus now, your value system and the influences of your friends, peers, society and culture at large.  My first step in entering this section was entering this competition. The healing is taking effort but I can say I better understand my money motivations, influences and values. It is that awareness that is helping me make better choices for my financial well-being.

• Get total financial clarity

This is the part that makes me want to put my head in the sand. However, once you know, then you can act, which is the next section. Knowing your financial picture was the first thing my coach, Kristina, helped me quantify and that was how we set a path for moving forward.

• Set a clear financial vision and monthly target

This is what Project Money is all about and I definitely was able to improve on this throughout the program.

• Spend money in alignment with your values

For me, this is the minimalist approach. I do love their outlook and advice. Life is about family, friends and experiences, not possessions. The process of letting go of possessions and evolving to this more peaceful place is still a work in progress.

• Automatically save money monthly

Money comes in, money goes to savings. If you do one thing, pay yourself first. Lesson number one from my coach, Kristina, is that, “If it’s in your account, you’ll spend it. I don’t care how many savings accounts you open. I’ve seen some people with 15 savings accounts.” She’s right. It helps. Move that money to a savings account.

Now, if you haven’t completed the step of healing your relationship with money, achieving any of this vision is difficult. But as my financial coach told me, being vulnerable, asking for help and continuing to try each day is what will help bring success. And, each section doesn’t need to be completed before you move on to the next. Each category is a universe and they all lead towards making your money work for you. Breaking the journey down in this way has helped me compartmentalize and think about the actions I am taking.