A few years ago, I had our extended family over for Christmas dinner. There were 27 of us. Yep, dinner for TWENTY-SEVEN people! About an hour before dinner, we were all sitting around sipping hot buttered rum and nibbling on artichoke dip and an epic spread of meats and cheeses.
“I am just in awe that you aren’t running around frantically cooking and getting everything ready” an uncle commented.
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I paused and thought about how I had created this experience of calm — rather than chaos — as I hosted.
I deliberately set myself up for success with an easy-to-execute plan, and paid attention to some little yet very important details ahead of time (such as choosing menu items that didn’t need a lot of prep right before going on the table).
Because I wasn’t stressed, I was able to be more present and enjoy the day.
The same concept is true for your money. If you take a little bit of time figuring out your game plan, it can take a huge amount of stress off your plate, and when it comes to money, less stress equals more joy.
Every time you reduce your money stress, you take a baby step to improve your relationship with money.
I realize not everyone loves to plan as much as I do, and that is totally ok. Even if you are more spontaneous in nature, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a few practical habits in place that support a joyful relationship with money.
For those of you who freeze up in fear with words like systems and habits and money, take a deep breath. These don’t need to be complex or super time consuming. The whole point is to create a system that is easy, and joyful, and works for you – your way.
To get you started, here are a few ideas of how you can reduce your money stress and make your relationship with money a bit more joyful. Not all of these will be the right fit for you, and you don’t need to do every single one. Pick one or two that really speak to you.
Make it easy for money to come to you.
· Automate everything you can! Wherever possible, have money directly deposited into your bank account.
· If you are a business owner:
o Make sure you have purchase now buttons on your website and the links are active and working.
o Set up easy systems to receive money from clients including recurring invoices or automated retainers with existing clients
o Accept credit cards
o Have an easy system to track who owes you money
As a bookkeeper, I see first-hand so many people who struggle with receiving money with ease. Are there places you might be making it harder for money to come to you?
Have a system around when and how you pay bills
Lots of people get really stressed out when they think about paying bills. You can reduce your stress by creating a simple system.
· The less time you spend stressing about it the better, so set up a system that reduces the amount of time you have to think about when and how you are going to pay bills.
o I personally find it is easier to pay attention to bills twice a month – once on the 1st of the month, and again on the 15th.
o When you receive a bill, file it away in a “to be paid” folder and then ignore it until it is time to pay it.
o Set a reminder to pay your bills on the designated days.
· Automate as much as possible so you don’t have to worry about missing a due date.
There are no right or wrong systems, as long as it works! Be sure your process is easy for you to follow so you can stick with it.
Know your numbers.
Knowledge is power, and nothing can be more fearful than not knowing where you stand with your money. Without knowledge, it is easy to make up stories about how much you lack.
Although you may want to bury your head in the sand and ignore your bank balance, the only way through the anxiety you may be feeling is to tackle it head on. It might not be as bad as you think.
Once you know your numbers, you can be empowered to make decisions about how you want to get from point A to point B. If you aren’t willing to look at where you are now, it makes it really hard to set goals and celebrate your progress – not to mention the amount of stress you probably feel from not knowing.
One of the best ways to know your numbers is to use accounting software. There are lots of options out there including QuickBooks, Quicken, YNAB, Xero, even an Excel spreadsheet. Find one that works for you, and don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional to get you set up and on track.
Tracking your numbers is one of the most powerful ways to reduce money stress.
Related Post: IS MONEY ON YOUR GRATITUDE LIST?
Be friends with your money.
This may seem like an odd concept but think of your money like a friend. Have you been a good friend, or talking badly about it behind its back? Do you feel like money is there when you need it? Do you feel supported by money?
If you aren’t feeling joyful with the answers to these questions, maybe it’s time to do some work around your money mindset. Write a letter to money and see what comes up, or better yet, ask money if it has anything to say to you. You might be surprised. After all, relationships are a two-way street.
You will feel more joyful if you make peace with your money.
Ask for help.
If you know you need to make a few shifts but feel completely overwhelmed, reach out for help. A bookkeeper can help get you set up and on the right path. If tracking your numbers isn’t your thing, ongoing support from a bookkeeper for your personal or business books can feel like a breath of fresh air.
Make it fun.
The easiest habits to make and keep are the ones that are joyful and fun. When you think about the habits you would like to have around money, are there ways you can make it more enjoyable? Things like:
· Looking at your financial reports with a glass of wine in your hand and chocolate – lots of chocolate.
· Sitting outside on your patio with the sun on your face as you send out invoices to clients.
· Rewarding yourself with a pedicure or spa day when you pay down a credit card or you hit a certain goal in your bank account.
Whatever works for you, be sure to make it easy, fun and don’t forget to celebrate your successes – even the little ones.
Related Post: Three Ways To Transform Your Money Mindset
Take some deliberate action.
Finding joy in your relationship with money comes from not just identifying the systems that support you, but also taking deliberate action to set them in motion. Once you get in the habit, you are setting yourself up for success.
As we move into the new year, if finding more joy in your relationship with money is on your wishlist, I have a few ways I can support you.
If you liked this blog, check out the bonus chapter of my book, The Land of Plenty | A Soulpreneur’s Guide to Finding Joy, Possibility, and Abundance through Money Empowerment. It is filled with lots of practical tips and advice.
If you are ready to connect on a deeper level with your money, I offer a VIP Money Mapping experience designed to explore your money habits and goals.
If you are looking for bookkeeping support with either your personal or business books, the first of the year is a great time to set up new systems and habits. Find out more at www.all-details.com.
Wishing you a joyful new year for you and your money!
Carolynn Bottino is an author, speaker, and founder of the Money Empowerment Project®. Her international best-selling book of The Land of Plenty: A Soulpreneur’s Guide to Finding Joy, Possibility and Abundance through Money Empowerment was featured on the Spirited Woman’s top 12 book pick list for 2020.
After empowering more than 100 clients in her bookkeeping business, she discovered her passion helping soulpreneurs find joy around their money. Carolynn approaches money from a practical and holistic standpoint, with no judgement, helping you find abundance and transform your relationship with money.
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