Last week I attended a really cool local event held at the Capital One Cafe here in Denver. Now, before I go any further into this story I should mention that this post is NOT sponsored or about Capital ONe Cafe-it just happened to take place there. Anywho, I was at the Cafe, where they are holding an interview series about entrepreneurs and money. This series was developed by a local creative who moved here from Chicago-it’s called Fluent Hustle and it’s on Facebook. The entrepreneur being interviewed created an amazing series of hot sauces (we got to go home with 4 different bottles!!) it’s called Merf’s check it out when you’re in Denver.
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Anywho, Kelly Schexnaildre the founder of Merf’s had me fired up and thinking deeply about what the concept of different “seasons” in one’s life and the idea that sometimes there is no other option other than success. And, as she was being interviewed by the money coach, Amy, and Ira, the host of the show, I knew that it was time to do a money check in with a professional. Luckily for me, I know Amy and I was able to get in to see her the next day.
Frustrated
For awhile now I’ve been a little frustrated with myself. I’ve really resisted growing my creativepreneur business. And, during the Spring I’ve spent a lot of time looking at what I enjoy and what…I don’t. Basically, I was having a very deep come to Jesus moment because let’s face it, I have to eat. And, last week, I shared that I just didn’t like what I was doing.
Meeting with the Money Coach
Was so great because she just listened. She listened for negative and positive patterns in my language in regards to money. She asked questions that helped me think about what I wanted and how I wanted to serve others. And, because she is a creativepreneur (who happens to have partnership with the Cafe) she understood the type of business model that I’m building.
It was the right timing for a money check in. And, I had the opportunity to talk about income growth (really the only area where I’m really focused.
In fact, when looking at my finances I’m kind of amazed at how much they’ve changed over the years! In the next couple of weeks I will pay off another credit card and then I will have 2 left. Just two. The simplicity of my overall budget is absolutely glorious.
It’s taken 5+ years to do the following:
- Break bad habits that result in monthly overspending that perpetuated a debt cycle that I couldn’t out earn my way out of. And, I’m pretty sure the overspending averaged around an extra $1,000 a month
- Paid off THOUSANDS of dollars in debt. In fact, I would conservatively guess that I’ve probably paid around $50,000 in debt.
- Learn that I’m worthy of having a financial life that is healthy and without drama.
My money coaching session was a bit more emotionally intense than I expected because I was frustrated about not earning more. But, she pointed out that it’s hard to earn more if you hate what you’re doing. Duh.
She also wanted me to focus on providing clarity on how people can work with me (so that I can make more money). That’s pretty reasonable. This year I’m holding myself accountable and making changes that I’m very excited about and believe that finally, finally, my money moves will all come together. Basically, I’m working on the last thing which is growing income. I thought I would share some of what I’ve come to discover from 5+ of thinking about, working on, and sharing my money story.
5 Years of Money Thoughts
- Mindset will mess you UP if it’s messed up. Believe me, I’ve spent years working on mindset.
- Each day you wake up is a chance to do money better
- You’re allowed to cry
- Bad Habits will trip up hard work…
- You’re allowed to want more: money, freedom, etc.
- Helping others without expectation always pays off eventually.
- It’s ok to take short break from debt repayment so that you can reenergize.
- There are people who “get” it.
- Don’t focus on what other people are doing with their money and avoid giving unsolicited financial advice. People get real judgey about other people’s money. If a friend asks for advice, then, give it lovingly. Otherwise, let people learn from their mistakes. I’ve made so many money mistakes and I learned more from the mistakes than from people lecturing me about what I was doing wrong.
- Having an abundance mindset may be considered “woo-woo” but it keeps people from being stingy with themselves and others.
- Stingy people block their blessings. But, so do overly generous people who hurt themselves financially when they give so much that it hurts them.
- Sometimes you will backslide. If this happens acknowledge it, stop whatever it is that’s messing you up and get started again.
- It IS possible to create the life you want to create…you just have to work for it.
- You may work a ton of hours…but, it’s just for a “season” in your life.
- Make sure your actions are in alignment with your financial goals. Because I’m getting closer to having VERY few bills to repay, I’m saying “no” more. If it’s free-I’m in. But, I’ve said “no” to going to a wedding (that was hard) but, that money would pay off a bill. Now that I’m dealing with 8 bills vs. 30+ things are getting real.
- Some people will “get” what you’re doing, others won’t. It doesn’t matter as long as you get it.
- People believe what you do, not what you say. And, those people include YOU.
- I’m amazed by all of the free stuff in America. Access to free stuff has helped me immensely. One of the most important actions I’ve taken was focusing on lowering my monthly expenses. In fact, I eliminated more than $13,500 in yearly expenses. BUT, I knew I had expensive taste and would want to enjoy some of the things that I was eliminating. How could I do what I wanted to do with sacrificing quality? I figured it out. Here are some ideas for you:
- Watch your Facebook feed for free events (will share photos from the Visit Austin event I attended last week FREE including booze)
- Join Meetups-they offer a ton of free or cheap events.
- Get your friends in on it. My friends are ridiculously supportive of my financial moves.
- Use Ibotta-my favorite savings app! I check it out before buying groceries and I’m starting to make enough to cover a nice chunk of my groceries or coffee budget each month. If you haven’t used Ibotta sign up with my affiliate link and earn $10 towards your initial payout after you redeem your first savings. Head’s up, you need to redeem your savings within the first couple of weeks after signing up.
What are some of the money lessons you’ve learned from your financial journey that aren’t included in my list?
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I really enjoyed this. It was such an honest post. What hit home to me was the bit “You’re allowed to cry.” I think sometimes we get so caught up in being strong that we forget to cry and say we’ve had enough. It’s so important whether our goals are financial related, work related, etc.
Thanks Terri! It was a really powerful meeting and I’ve been thinking a lot about my relationship with money since then. I’ve gotten a pretty good handle on a lot of things. But, I’m still a work in progress.