Love, Money and You! 3 Steps to Practicing Financial Self-Care this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is here, and love is in the air!  As you celebrate the love you share with that special someone in your life, be sure to also set aside some time to tend to another very important relationship —your relationship with yourself.

Otherwise known as self-care, a commitment to your personal needs can help you cope with everyday stressors by restoring balance and improving overall wellness. Self-care goes beyond physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs—it includes our financial needs, too.

In fact, a recent survey shows more than 70% of Americans are experiencing financial stress.

So, this Valentine’s Day, we hope you have a chance to show yourself some love by paying a little extra attention to your financial wellness needs. Like all self-care, small steps can make a big difference in your finances and help you reach your life goals.

1. Start with your values

Taking stock of what really matters to you is the first step in lining your finances up with the life you want. Financial wellness is all about making financial choices that support your values, dreams and life goals. Wondering where to start? This free online course, Redesign Your Financial Habits, focuses on understanding your current relationship with money. You’ll develop new awareness to make it easier to form new financial habits.

2. Review your current financial situation and spending habits

A full picture of your current financial situation is key to planning your future.  This budgeting worksheet is a starting point for your spending plan – so you can put every dollar to work for you, whether it’s committed to an expense, or devoted to a long-term goal.

3. Bring things into balance

Take a look at your expenses. Are you making choices that are meeting your goals and needs? Leave behind expenses that don’t line up with your goals. For example, if you want to pay off debt, see if you can trim expenses from things like home entertainment, or restaurants and bars, so you can spend more on. The goal is to focus your spending on the things that are most important to taking good care of yourself.

4. You don’t have to do it alone!

GreenPath offers free financial counseling and education to help people take charge of your financial life. Our professional, caring coaches start with a holistic approach to your situation and guide you through making a personalized plan to achieve your goals. We talk to thousands of people every week about how to pay off debt, improve credit, and empower a financially healthy life.

Practicing financial self-care is an ongoing process

Commit to spending time throughout your week to work on it. Remember that this is a new opportunity to invent the life you want. Just like exercising, the more you practice, the easier it gets! By understanding why you are spending your money, how you are spending it, and adjusting this spending to meet your goals, you are more equipped to handle life’s challenges and pursue your dreams!

Sending our love and support this Valentine’s Day, to all those on the path to financial wellness!

Your Friends at GreenPath