Musings of a Financial Coach......

I had an interesting conversation with a good friend of mine this morning about what it takes for some people to 'get it' and move toward reaching their goals and why others don't. He got me to thinking about my role in helping people overcome financial hurdles…and what being a financial coach means for me. This is what I came up with....

I’m not a financial counselor or therapist… I’m not the one to pat your hand, rub your back and join the ‘poor baby’ pity party. I can’t do it, it doesn’t fit my personality. A coach pushes you to accomplish your goals. Sometimes that means they have to get in your face, look you square in the eye and tell you what nobody else will. Don’t misunderstand, I am a compassionate person, I’ve been there and I feel your pain. But I’m not going to let you roll around in it. Nope. What good does that do? None – zero, zilch! There’s no time to beat yourself up…I've never seen the value in rehashing mistakes you’ve made with money or old strategies that didn’t work.

The only thing we have time to do is make the future better than the past. What is your goal now… today? Got it? Write it down and let’s make THAT happen!

1. Ask yourself - what’s stopping you from achieving your financial goals?
2. Know where you are financially - write down all your income, expenses and debt.
3. Write down where you want to be financially in 1, 3, 5, 10, 20 years.
4. Read about, listen to and learn, as much as you can about money management.

Remember - it's not going to happen overnight, take small steps, don't get discouraged and you will see progress!

 

~Dorethia

 http://www.connercoaching.com/

What's Distracting YOU?

Distraction comes so quickly. Recently, I was in one of my favorite places to be on my favorite kind of days. Downtown Detroit, on a nice hot summer day, debating my next steps. Should I call a few friends, meet up, shoot the breeze, see what’s new in their lives? I’m hungry, should I stop in for a bite to eat or grab an ice cream - yeah ice cream!

Or do I lace up my shoes and …run? Afterall, this is what I came down here to do!  I signed up to do the Detroit News/Freepress Fun Run with some friends and well...er… I haven’t run in several months. I'm starting from scratch… trudging along until I can reach 3 miles. It would be easy to stop, but I’ve made a commitment to the team I’m running with, which is what keeps me accountable.

What's distracting you from assessing your financial situation? How many times have you told yourself that this time you were going to do it, no excuses, you were going to get your money in order - only to get side tracked?

In managing our finances it is easy to get distracted. It is more fun spending than planning. Life happens and the days slip away...writing out a budget, balancing your checkbook or reviewing your retirement accounts are put on the back burner. The kids, the job, or maybe your business responsibilities get in the way. The committment I made to my teammates pushes me to run when I'd rather hang out. It's time for you to remember the pledge you made to yourself or to your family to leave a financial legacy.

NOW WHAT?

1. Renew your committment to understanding your finances thoroughly
2. Don't worry that you haven't done it in a while.. begin again!
3. Have someone that will hold you accountable whether it is a spouse or close friend
4. Schedule a consistent day and time that is reasonable for you to do your budget - set an alarm on your phone if you have to
5. Stay FOCUSED, keep your scheduled time! When you are pulled away to walk Fido, cut the grass, do laundry, take a call (you get the picture) remember your committment to yourself and the reward of financial diligence

Email me and I'll send you a basic budgeting form to help you get started - dorethia@connercoaching.com

pssst... another thing about running is that it gets easier each day you get out there and if you maintain after you've trained - you never have to start over...same goes for you and your money... I'm just sayin' ~Dorethia