Hey Bestie,
They say most people find God when they are broken. A few years ago, I felt broken. My spirit felt trapped, and I was going through the motions of everyday life. I had anxiety every day because I felt trapped. Not sure what was next for me. I was living in Boston, with three roommates, amazing friends, and a village that helped me plant a home in Boston. But my spirit felt trapped. I started praying to God, worshiping God, reading the Word, learning, and practicing discernment, and I feel amazing. It is amazing how wonderful life can be when you surrender it all to God. Feeling safe, I started to ask God how He would use me, what my purpose was. The more time I spent with God and myself, I started to think clearer. Feeling like God was calling me into my solitude era, I spent a lot of time exploring what I enjoyed and developing a genuine interest in becoming a professional in it. I found I love helping people, I feel warm, I feel like I am being touched by God when I help others. What I have struggled with and found an interest in overcoming was my personal finances. Becoming a personal finance coach/money coach, I learned that what keeps a bridge between God, love, and living life is money. Sometimes we need money as fast as possible; we can do things or investigate things that don’t serve us and often create a life of hustling when we should just be living, enjoying, exploring!
There's a common misconception that the coaching industry is oversaturated. If that were the case, surely more people in the U.S. would possess a better understanding of how to secure their financial futures, free themselves from credit debt, and effectively generate wealth. Obviously, it’s not that easy or simple to live in the U.S., even knowing things about personal finance doesn’t secure financial freedom in your generation because the systems created were made to make women and black and brown communities fail. The goal is to beat our economy at their own game.
Imagine a world where education was affordable, educators were well-compensated, college degrees were economically justified, taxes were reasonable, and healthcare was free. In such a world, managing finances might be less complex. However, the reality we live in is far from this ideal. High costs, hefty taxes, and expensive healthcare create a labyrinth of financial challenges. Yet, despite these hurdles, we can learn to navigate this system effectively, mastering the game that seems designed to keep us on the back foot.
This realization fueled my commitment to empower others, particularly women, to enhance their financial literacy and assert control over their economic destinies. By embracing effective savings strategies, we can not only secure our financial well-being but also enjoy the bounties of life—traveling, exploring, and experiencing the precious gifts God has placed in this world.
Setting Clear Financial Goals
Begin with a clear understanding of what you are saving for. Whether it’s for retirement, an emergency fund, or a dream vacation, having specific goals helps in maintaining focus and motivation. Apply the SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—to each of your financial goals. This clarity will guide your savings efforts and help you track progress effectively.
Budgeting with a Purpose
Budgeting isn’t just about tracking expenses—it’s about creating a plan that reflects your values and priorities. Incorporate minimalist principles by simplifying your budget categories and focusing on what truly matters to you. This could mean prioritizing debt repayment, savings, and investments over unnecessary expenditures. A faith-based approach can also guide you to allocate resources in a way that reflects your spiritual values, such as tithing or charitable giving.
Automating Savings
One of the most effective ways to ensure you stick to your savings plan is to automate it. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account right after you receive your paycheck. This "pay yourself first" strategy ensures that you're consistently contributing to your savings goals before you can spend the money elsewhere.
Ethical and Mindful Investing
Investing is a powerful tool for growing your savings, but it's important to choose investment options that align with your ethical values and financial goals. Consider faith-based investment funds that avoid companies contradicting your spiritual beliefs or sustainable investments focusing on social and environmental impact. This mindful approach to investing not only contributes to your financial growth but also ensures that your money is working towards a better world.
Regular Financial Check-ins
Schedule regular reviews of your financial plan to adjust your budget, track your progress towards your savings goals, and make necessary adjustments. These check-ins are crucial for staying on track and adapting your financial strategy to any life changes or economic shifts. Moreover, they provide an opportunity to reflect on your financial decisions and ensure they align with your minimalist and faith-based values.
Implementing these savings strategies can lead to substantial growth in your financial health and personal well-being. By focusing on what's truly important, automating your savings, and investing ethically, you'll build a financial foundation that supports not only your personal goals but also your spiritual and minimalist values. Remember, the key to successful saving is consistency and alignment with your deeper life principles. With these strategies, you're not just saving money; you're also paving the way for a richer, more purposeful life.
Schedule with Me
Schedule a FREE call with me to go over the basics and a plan for your future.
xoxo,
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