A financial health check? Uh oh. Even the words can evoke feelings of dread. But here we are, midway through 2017. So…how are you doing?
I can practically see the wheels turning in your head:
That’s right. I was going to make changes. Make a budget, pay off debt, save more, dance my way into financial freedom…So what happened?!
I know how you feel. It’s very easy to get sidetracked from our well-intentioned goals. Life just seems to get in the way at times, doesn’t it? If you’ve fallen off the financial wellness wagon – or are barely hanging on by a thread – here are a few ideas to help you get back on board.
1. Take a deep breath (seriously – it’ll reduce your anxiety) and work your way through the list, one step at a time.
2. Think about the past six months. Have you experienced any important life changes? These may impact the goals you originally set. Be willing to reframe your goals based on your current circumstances or set entirely new ones, if necessary. Some examples:
· You made a job transition and need to determine what to do with your current retirement plan account balance
· You had a child and need to update your will
· Your spouse wants to be a stay-at-home parent, so your income stream is going to be lower
3. Pull out that budget sheet you crafted so carefully in January. Open up your checkbook or bank statements and start doing the math. Do you see any problem areas? Are you spending more than you earn? The second you start attuning to the issues, the more likely you are to actually deal with them.
4. Start looking at the other goals you set. How’s the debt repayment plan coming? Has it been derailed by a bad spending habit that’s popped up? Brainstorm ways you might be able to curb it.
5. Ask for help. Find a friend to be your financial accountability partner or make an appointment with a financial planner. There is power in a community of people encouraging you to take positive steps forward.