Valentine’s day had us stunned at cute couple pictures on Instagram, brands curated products in pairs and even more; they went as far as putting mindful suggestions forward on how to make the most of the day in brandishing affections for his and hers. While Valentine’s day has been branded to best suit couples, we are of the opinion that individuals who are self-aware (in all ramifications), turn out to function better in relationships and the society at large. Being single isn’t a burden so you should have the time of your life (on a budget of course!)
How did you spend your Valentine’s day?
Scrolling through Instagram and ogling at cute couple photographs, saxophonists and surprise packages? Money detailed cakes and lavish holiday locations?
Or did you have other plans? Whatever choices you made, we hope you had a good time with your loved ones.
Now to the dreaded subject:
What was the rate of the damage that show of affection had on your account? What was the Return On Investment received on that investment on Valentine’s day? The cute smile? The exceptional treatment? Was it worth the huge chunk it took off your account without a budget?
If your response to these questions isn’t as confident then you should read on.
What if we approached our finances the same way we approached our love lives? Being intentional, growing, building, and nurturing our finances every step of the way?
We’ve put together a few suggestions on how to manage your money as an act of self-love; love-up on yourself but the money style!
The first step to doing so is to Analyze Your Interaction with Money.
How do you view money? As a means to an end or a trigger? Does the presence or the absence of it bring some form of positive or negative emotion to light? Money isn’t a short term project, we will have to handle money at some point in our lives and careers. Understanding how we relate to money is an ongoing, evolving and lifelong journey, it will help you establish a healthier relationship with money in the long run.
Point Out Your Negative Emotions and Its Link with Money. The first step to healing or addressing a problem is being able to identify it. Upon understanding your interaction with money, the next step is pointing out what negative emotions you possess that is linked with money. When you get upset, do you guilt-eat? Or go movie hopping? Or you go on a shopping spree just to get rid of the negative emotion you’re feeling at the said time? Or you live by the dictates of others? These behavioural patterns asides from being negative have its effect on your finances; if you have goals plotted to be achieved, it lengthens the time set aside for the goal’s actualization. Seeking validation outside yourself will take a negative toll on your finances (increased debts, decreased savings)
Be Clear On Your Values and Financial Goals.
Clarity on financial goals always sets us steps ahead when it comes to planning. Do not set unrealistic goals just because, instead, evaluate your value system, what do you deem most important? Then Set SMART financial goals in that light.
To find out what you value, it can be helpful to consider what you want to experience most in your life and rank these experiences. This can then help you plan and focus your financial resources and your financial goals on things that really bring joy and fulfilment into your life. If you have your goals set and need help with automating your savings, simply click here.
Love’s worth can’t be quantified in financial terms, but it is evident in the quality of living as we journey through life. Why not start each day by simply asking yourself, “What can I do today that will support my financial wellbeing?” It is intentional and nurturing habits like these that will “bring more mindfulness into our daily lives and affirm our commitment to being better.
