Be a GREAT steward in 2009

It is helpful to ask year end questions around very specific or specialized areas of your life, like your finances. These questions are borrowed and are great to consider when assessing your financial life. They will help you stay focused and goal oriented which can help you achieve your aspirations.

1. What financial decisions did I make, or actions did I take, that improved my financial situation and/or Net Worth (saved me money or made me money) this past year?

2. What decisions or actions did I make, or actions did I take, that adversely affected my finances. And what did I learn from that experience to remember this year?

3. What changes did I make with my attitude about money, and am especially proud of, which now are serving me and making a difference in my life?

4. How have I helped and served others financially - through my role modeling, advice, donations, etc.?

5. Do I appreciate and enjoy the things I already have, and do I now have a better sense of "enough"?

6. What changes do I plan to make in 2009 to improve my financial peace of mind and bottom line?

Key Ingrediant #2-Flour

How did you do with your “sweets” this week? I hope you took more notice of those things that are vital to you having a winning recipe. This key ingredient is really what hold everything together.

Key Ingredient #2 to a winning recipe- Flour
You have to have flour when baking moth watering cookies! The flour gives the cookie shape and holds it all together. The flour represents our money beliefs. Your thoughts and beliefs about money gives shape to your budget.

Here are some common money beliefs I come across when coaching people around their budgets.
“There’s never enough $$, so why bother”
“Budgets are restricting”
“Budgets are a tool to help you become financially free”
“Budgets are freeing”

Can you tell the difference between money beliefs that are empowering or defeating. Just like when baking cookies, if you use the correct amount of flour AND the right kind, the cookies will turn out perfect.

Knowing your money beliefs and how they impact your daily life is empowering and freeing. It will help you enjoy the flavor of life and the intention of a budget.

Here is an some questions that can help you identify your money beliefs:

1. What did your parents think about money? What emotion did they feel when interacting with money?
2. What is your most painful memory with money? What is your most joyful memory around money?
3. What do you do well with money?
4. When you think $$ what do you feel.

As you continue to understand your relationship with money, you can empower yourself to follow a budget that is a winning recipe!