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10 Tips for Managing Money - Joie de Vivre, A Healthy Dose of Reality, and the Power to Choose

Awaiting a wind-kissed flurry of cupids to deliver my perfect life to me. To be chosen with intention and to begin my tribe was what I was expecting. We would quietly and thoughtfully tuck away funds to build our future together and grow our influence and dreams as partners.

My world moved in slow motion with the news of a health scare. Surprisingly my dreams became more vivid and manifesting became more powerful.  For several years, I was hellbent on living a life with no regrets just in case it was shorter than expected. Traveling around the world, living in different exciting cities but with limited resources. It was the joie de vivre, checking off the amazement, and eating it up like candy.

Fast forward several chapters to now. Motherhood and a thriving career has brought consistency and new priorities.

Here are 10 tips that resonate with me as I take this challenge to be more financially savvy.

• Untracked money is a fool’s game.
• Mistaking financial knowledge for mastery is dangerous. Do your research. Ask experts.
• Understand what your “number” is. The amount to satisfy your ultimate lifestyle goals.
• Invest in yourself with assets that grow tax free like a 401k/retirement fund or education savings account.
• Build and segregate multiple income streams.
• Comparative wealth is a losers game. The truth is, you have no idea how others got into their current situation, so comparing your life to theirs at the surface level is not healthy.
• Failing to follow a plan leaves wealth up to chance. Know your vehicles to get there. Become a student of wealth. If you are financing your lifestyle, you can’t afford it.
• Teach children about money management.
• Real Estate – Buy to sell. You can buy and hold but have an exit strategy if you need it (i.e. renting out your property).
• Periodically take money off the table and put it in safe places. (Money market account, S&P)

These days I understand the power of doing the choosing and not waiting to be chosen. I have the freedom to not self-sabotage our future as a family by living in the moment. I am inspired to rise above average and educate myself on new opportunities.

The adventurous, brave, and dreamy spirit hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s being reallocated with intention. Choosing or not, I still want to be swept off my feet, but the rest I won’t leave to chance.