Getting stronger, better and faster with your money everyday.
It doesn't matter if you're 18 or 80; it's never too late to learn about money—and not just learn, but master it. Here's the fun part: once you've mastered the skill, it's yours for life. Even if you lose everything, the knowledge stays with you, enabling you to rebuild from scratch and thrive in the future. You have got to love the power of our human minds.
The ever-growing comfort zone of money confidence.
The comfort zone gets a bad rap. But the thing about a comfort zone is that it keeps you safe, gives you space as you catch your breath and has no limits.
The other great thing about a comfort zone is that, once that comfort zone is stretched, all you have to don't is give yourself an even bigger playground, and if you keep stretching that comfort zone, soon enough, it will go as far as the eye can see.
Who says comfort zones have to be small or they must never stop growing?
The roadmap to starting again (and again) with money
Here's your practical roadmap to dusting yourself off and starting over, and you can lean into it as often as you like. It'll get easier every time until you don't miss a beat.
The Heart of Financial Resilience
Imagine if everything you had was suddenly taken away. Scary, right? But here's the empowering part: what if you had the skills and knowledge to rebuild from the ground up? You can. Financial resilience isn't about never failing but knowing how to rise again.
Here's how:
1. Education, Education, Education
Knowledge is the cornerstone of financial mastery. Begin by immersing yourself in the basics of personal finance. Read books, follow credible financial blogs, and take online courses. You don't need a degree in finance to understand the principles of budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management.
Figure out your blind spots and turn them into light-flooded spaces of knowledge.
Pro Tip: Start with classics like "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki and "The Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey or “Mindful Money” from yours truly.
2. Create a Solid Budget
Budgeting is your financial foundation. It's like laying the groundwork for a sturdy house. Track your income and expenses meticulously. Categorise your spending and identify areas where you can cut back. I recommend you aim for the low-hanging fruit first. Cut out the things you won't miss. Life is for living, not suffering chronic deprivation. This isn't about playing small; it's about prioritising your financial health.
Pro Tip: Use budgeting apps like Mint or YNAB (You Need A Budget), a powerful Excel sheet or cash envelopes to keep things organised.
3. Build an Emergency Fund
Life is unpredictable. An emergency fund is your safety net, providing a sense of security in the face of unexpected financial shocks. Aim to save at least 3-6 months' worth of living expenses. This fund will protect you and give you peace of mind, knowing that you're prepared for whatever life throws at you.
An emergency fund has stepped in to catch my falls on more than one occasion. It can be hard to build at first, but it is a game changer for when you'll eventually need it.
Pro Tip: Automate your savings to ensure consistency. Even small, regular contributions add up over time. Time is your friend here.
4. Invest in Yourself
Your skills and knowledge are your most valuable assets. Whether it's learning new skills, enhancing existing ones, or investing in your education, this is a sure-fire way to increase your earning potential.
Pro Tip: Explore platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning, or my courses here for courses that align with your career goals.
5. Start Investing
Investing is where your money really starts working for you. Begin with understanding the basics of stock markets, funds, real estate, and other investment vehicles. The power of compound interest is magical, but it requires time and consistency.
Pro Tip: Start with low-cost index funds or ETFs to diversify your investment portfolio without excessive risk. Set and forget; there is enough going on in life without the need to white knuckle your investing too.
Real-Life Application: The Rebuilding Mindset
The short version:
Educate Myself: Dive deep into financial literacy, refreshing my knowledge and learning new strategies.
Budget Diligently: Set up a strict budget to control my cash flow and prioritise saving.
Build an Emergency Fund: Save aggressively to create a financial cushion.
Invest in Learning: Enhance my skills to increase my marketability and earning potential.
Start Investing: Allocate a portion of my income to investments, leveraging time to grow wealth.
Final Thoughts
Mastering money is a journey, not a destination. Money is a tool, and managing your money is a skill. A skill that anyone can learn. It's about building habits that create financial security and freedom. No matter where you are in life, it's never too late to start.
Remember, the skills you acquire stay with you forever, giving you the power to rebuild, adapt, and thrive. Each time getting stronger, better , faster.
P.S. Remember, every step you take towards rocking your money and resilience today is an investment in your future. Embrace the journey, because you're worth it!
It doesn’t matter if you’re 18 or 80, it's never too late to learn about money—and not just learn, but master it. Here’s the kicker: once you’ve mastered the skill, it’s yours for life. Even if you lose everything, the knowledge stays with you, enabling you to rebuild from scratch.
Let’s dive into a practical roadmap to financial mastery, drawing inspiration from the timeless wisdom of resilience.
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