I was raised in an era when talking about money was taboo. But I loved my money box and took great pride in adding coins to it. Competition was at play – us kids would often count our money! I learned a lot. The main one being about the relationship between jobs / work and savings. Fast forward to yesterday. My daughter and I spent 1.5 hours in a finance meeting that will shape our next year. It’s exciting and rewarding to be able to speak openly about your finances.
And now fancy this! Today’s Newsy falls on the first day of July and the first day of the new financial year. Every month offers a fresh opportunity to lead with greater intention, but given it’s the first day of the financial year how about setting up some financial goals as well. I think this is worth writing about.
While leadership is often associated with big decisions and major initiatives, the most effective leaders know that long-term success is built through consistent habits. Today is an ideal time to pause, reflect, and establish practices that will shape your finances across the next year! Yep, given yourself permission for them, or at least some of them to be money specific.
Here’s 5 Ways to Focus on Finance to develop some goals and practices that will return for you. And Happy first day of the month!
1. Take a Look at Your Financial Position – Know your numbers. Some people use an excel spreadsheet, for many it might be in your heads or in the back of your diary / notebook. The only thing that matters is that you know your numbers.
2. Schedule Time for Thinking all Things Money – It’s more than managing day-to-day activities. Set aside dedicated time each month to think about the bigger picture – what are your revenue targets, what’s on your big items shopping list and what investment / savings opportunities exist.
3. Read about Money and Finance – Take time to learn as much as you can.
4. Create Finance Goals – Add one or two finance goals to your usual monthly goals plan. Set a money target or two. Be as specific as you can. Set up that excel spreadsheet!
5. Daily Habits are Key – Regularly taking time to think about what’s working—and what isn’t—will help you to adapt and grow your finances.
Financial success is rarely the result of one big action. More often, it comes from small, intentional habits practiced consistently over time. Small habits. Consistent action. Meaningful impact.
Over to You
How does the finance topic sit with you? Do any of the 5 Ways above resonate for you? As you begin this new month, consider: What finance habit could make the biggest difference for you over the next 30 days and this year?
