5 Steps to Kickstart Your Financial Wellness Journey

Start simple and start by taking the first step, literally.

01- Start with Daily Movement + walking.

Before you can start dealing with your finances you need to make sure your nervous system is regulated and you have mental clarity.  Movement helps with this and gives you time to start thinking about your money goals and your triggers. It also helps with setting good habits and staying consistent. Don't jump right to the numbers, start by putting one foot in front of the other.

My best goal setting happens on my morning walks.

02- Get clear with your values & your why.

More money is not the goal. Money has no value in and of itself. Money is only useful insofar as it can be traded for other things. In other words, money is a means to an end but can never be an end itself.
 

Seperating the idea that money is a tool, not the end goal will help you break the viscious cycle of the endless pursuit of more and it will also help you make more intentional financial decisions.

Money is a tool to live a live aligned with your values- therefore it is important for you to get clear on your values and your why. Ask yourself:

What are the top 3 things that I value?
What are the reasons I want to have money?
What is important for me to have in my life?
Where can I cut spending that is not aligned with my values?

03- write out what is coming in vs what is going out.

aka, budget. Trying to control your finances without knowing your monthly expenses vs income is like walking around with a blindfold on.

A budget is a powerful tool for managing your money. It helps you track your income and expenses, ensuring that you live within your means. 

Start by categorizing your expenses into fixed and variable costs. Fixed costs are regular monthly expenses like rent and utilities, while variable costs can change, such as groceries and entertainment. Look at your previous months statements and actually write out what you spent, don't estimate! 

04- pay yourself first + automate it.

Emergency Savings 1o1.

Now that you are clear on your spend vs income, decide on an amount to pay yourself first every pay cheque. Automate an amount to go into a savings or investment account. 

If you don't have an emergency savings account, this should be the first account you open and start automating savings too. The aim should be to have 3-6 months worth of living expenses in your emergency fund. This is foundational to financial wellness and the piece of mind it provides is priceless.

05- Read the Pyschology of Money.

Financial wellness is an ongoing journey. There is no quick fix method to maintaining a healthy lifestyle & healthy finances.

The Pyschology of Money is an amazing read that helps you think about wealth & wellness and adopt a long term mindset.

Stay informed about personal finance by reading books, attending workshops, and following reputable financial blogs. The more you know, the better decisions you can make.