6 steps to transform your relationship with money

Your relationship with money is just as important as your relationship with people you care about.  Just like any relationship you will have up’s and down’s so, rather than looking at money as a long distance friend, embrace it and give it the attention it needs. Make the most of your assets. Recognise and snatch opportunities to grow it and keep your long-term financial goals on the side.

Here are the best ways to transform your relationship with money.

Understand that money is a tool. It is simply a ‘means to an end’, and not the end itself. Even those who live luxurious lives are not immune to loneliness. You can buy all the items in your favourite store but still come home feeling empty. But, if you use it as a tool for financial planning, it is possible to create a clear and well-rounded strategy to build wealth.

Know your purpose in life. What are you trying to achieve? You may be working in a job you don’t like for the past ten years and you wonder why you’re still there. Or, you may be stuck in an unhealthy relationship but you don’t want to let go because you want time to decide for you.

It is important to understand the big picture, so you can put the pieces of your life together. Remember, your personal circumstances have everything to do with your financial situation. Have a clear perspective of your purpose in life so you can simplify your financial decisions and re-evaluate your relationships.

Set specific goals and create specific strategies to accomplish them. If you want to pay off all your credit card debts in the next 12 months, do everything in your power to stay on a budget and to increase your income. Cut your credit cards, lock them up in your drawer even if you itch on using them, and please…avoid going to places that basically pull money out of your pocket.

If you want to boost your income, start selling, whether it’s your time, effort or a product. Cut expenses, don’t buy on credit and spend money only on things that are valuable to you.

Give inexpensive habits the time and attention they deserve. Are you too tired to walk at least 15 to 30 minutes a day and would rather grab a latte to kick start your day? Or would you rather eat out than enjoy a home-cooked meal with family or friends? Perhaps it’s time to find at least two hours per week to spend on things that would keep you healthy and balanced. Who knows, you may even have time to rekindle an old friendship or start a new one.

Pay Attention to your feelings. How do you feel when you pay off debts or save money in your bank account? Picture how you feel when you reach a goal. Doing this will help you accept that it is possible to achieve them.

Like any other accomplishment, financial stability creates energy and a positive outlook. A healthy financial plan relieves you of the burden of carrying unnecessary debts and scraping off scant savings.

Make positive affirmations about yourself. Don’t beat yourself up for your past mistakes. Instead, celebrate your small achievements. If you fail, try again—and learn from your failures. Believe in yourself at all times--it will boost your ability to attract money and to grow it.

There are many more ways to work on this delicate relationship with money but please don't make the assumption that it will always be difficult. Saving money isn’t that hard. Also, when you’re in a relationship and overspending buttons are pushed on a repetitive level, talking it over in the calmest and level-headed way possible is a practical— and a relationship-saving —move.

 Simone xoxo