Embracing Change and Empowering Your Financial Future
I can’t believe we’re in the final week of August! This summer has flown by, and I hope yours has been filled with plenty of family time, fun, and maybe a little bit of relaxation too. If you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed how life’s busy seasons can sneak up on you, even during the supposed downtime of summer.
I’ve been pretty quiet over the past few months, and I’ve got some good reasons for that, which I’ll share with you shortly. But first, let’s talk about something that’s been on everyone’s mind lately—the economy.
Don’t worry; I’m not here to bring doom and gloom! You know I’m not a glass-half-empty kind of lady.
Navigating the Current Economic Climate
Perhaps it’s because my husband and I were laser-focused on getting out of debt between 2008 and 2010, or maybe it’s because I talk and teach about money every day now. But I’ll admit that we didn’t pay as much attention to the economy back then as we do now. Could it be that we’re getting older and that discussing the economy is just what “old folks” do? Maybe!
But jokes aside, I’m hearing from so many people that their expenses are feeling heavier than their income.
The truth is, none of us know exactly what lies ahead for our economy. Will things get better or worse? Honestly, there’s very little we can do about the price of real estate, gas, groceries, utility rates, insurance rates, or taxes.
But there is something powerful we can do: Make Necessary Changes in Our Own Lives.
Practicing What I Teach: Our Big Move
You know that I deeply believe in practicing what I teach, so here’s a glimpse into a major change we’ve made. After living as empty nesters in the home we built in 2017, we made the tough decision to sell it in May and downsize.
This wasn’t just a physical move; it was a significant step toward realigning our goals, especially as retirement is becoming a more frequent topic of discussion for my husband, who is nearing the end of his 50s. We sold our home and 20 acres of wooded property and moved to a smaller 15-acre farm with a house that’s a third of the size and very few trees.
Yes, it’s been the hottest summer ever, and we’ve felt every bit of it with no shade!
This move was about more than just the size of our home or the fact that I’ve always wanted a barn!—it was about preparing for the future we envision.
Myth Buster Alert! I often hear someone say “Well, I’ve waited to late to save for retirement.” We didn’t start investing until my husband’s late 30s and not at the 15% rate we advise today. Could we have saved more, sure but we don’t feel like we’re behind in our retirement savings. This move was a strategic step toward our dream retirement.
Your Change Might Look Different—And That’s Okay!
Now, I’m not saying that everyone should make such a drastic move. For you, change might mean something entirely different. It could be creating your first-ever budget, letting go of the fear of tracking your spending, selling a car that’s straining your finances, changing careers to find fulfillment, or moving closer to family for much-needed support. Change can be intimidating, but it can also be the beginning of the best adventure of your life.
Keeping It Real: Budget Tracking
With all of these transitions, I’ll be honest with you—I got behind on our regular budget tracking. Yep, even someone who has been budgeting since 1997 can slip up! I fell behind almost two months, and let me tell you, it was a headache getting caught up. Every time this happens, I declare it won’t happen again, but life gets busy, and sometimes the budget takes a back seat. The result? I always find myself feeling overwhelmed and anxious about spending when I’m not on track.
A Gift for Your Family’s Peace of Mind
As we’ve been making these residential and financial changes, I’ve been reflecting on all the moving pieces that keep our world functioning. One major project I’ve finally tackled—something I’ve needed to do for over 20 years—is creating The Ultimate Financial Checklist. This checklist is more than just a to-do list; it’s a gift for my husband and our children in case of a life emergency.
While we talk about finances frequently, it’s the nitty-gritty details—the who, what, when, and where—that my family doesn’t necessarily engage with hands-on. But in the event of an emergency, they’ll need to know how to manage everything related to our finances. I truly believe this checklist is as important as having an emergency fund.
And here’s where I want to help you. I don’t want you to procrastinate on this like I did for two decades! So, I’ve created The Ultimate Financial Checklist as a comprehensive guide to help you put together this valuable resource for your family. It will help you understand what information is crucial to share with your loved ones and bring you peace of mind knowing that all your financial information is organized and accessible in case of an emergency. It’s almost like having a fire extinguisher in your kitchen—essential and lifesaving.
Taking Control of Your Financial Future
Remember, you have the power to shape your financial future. By taking proactive steps and seeking support when needed, you can break free from the cycle of financial uncertainty and work toward achieving your dreams. Change, whether big or small, can be the key to unlocking a future filled with financial empowerment and abundance.
So, as we move into the final week of August and start looking ahead to the rest of the year, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on where you are financially and where you want to be. Whether it’s getting back on track with your budget, making a big life change, or simply starting to organize your financial documents, know that you’re not alone on this journey.
Here’s to embracing change, taking control, and crafting a future that’s filled with security and joy!
I hope this blog post resonates with you and inspires you to take action in your financial life. Whether it’s tackling that budget, making a major life change, or finally putting together your Ultimate Financial Checklist, remember that every step forward is a step towards a more empowered and abundant future.
If this blog post resonates with you, I’d be honored if you’d share it with others who might benefit from the message. Together, we can help more families take control of their finances and work towards a future of empowerment and abundance. Thank you for being part of this journey with me!