Many of us have complicated feelings about money. While you may love the feeling of receiving money or using it to buy something nice, there are plenty of \u201cless glamorous\u201d aspects of your finances that are all too easy to hate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like any good relationship, building a better relationship with your finances takes time, care and creativity, but it can be done! Check out these tips to spark a stronger connection or rekindle a romance with your finances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Set aside a specific time and place to sit down and get to know your finances better. Pick a location where you feel comfortable and have access to all of your statements and pay information. You can make it fun by treating yourself to a classic first date staple, like your favorite coffeehouse drink or a casual meal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your biggest goals for your first \u201cmoney date\u201d should be to review and record what you own and what you owe. Don\u2019t feel like you have to solve everything in one sitting! Put subsequent \u201cdates\u201d on your calendar to tackle other projects, such as setting your financial goals and building a budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After you\u2019ve gotten over the \u201csmall talk,\u201d it\u2019s time to think deeper. What future dreams do you have for yourself? What things in your life are you most excited to pursue? What obstacles are in the way of where you are and where you want to be?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve uncovered what you\u2019re truly passionate about, create a list of your financial aspirations. Include both long and short term goals, and write down the steps you\u2019ll need to take in order to achieve them. By thinking through each goal and your game plan to reach it, you\u2019ll have a better idea of how much you\u2019ll need to work, research and save to make those dreams a reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every relationship needs regular check-ins and maintenance, including your relationship with your budget. If budgeting fills you with dread, try pairing it with a reward or relaxing ritual to make it more exciting. By combining your financial check-ups with an enjoyable form of self-care, you can \u201ctrick\u201d your brain into associating your budgeting time with more positive feelings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try scheduling your weekly check-in on the same day of the week that you treat yourself to take-out, or consider winding down after your number-crunching session with a relaxing bubble bath. Whatever reward you choose, your new ritual will help you fall in love with regular money maintenance in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Debt is often viewed as a \u201cskeleton in the closet\u201d that should be ignored. It may feel easier to hide it away, but it\u2019s better to address it head-on and kick it to the curb. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make a plan for paying off your financial obligations and put it into action. If you\u2019re already working through your own repayment plan or a debt strategy, there are additional steps to make the process go faster. Look for ways to increase your income, make budget cuts or make additional deposits to your debt repayment fund.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n