Get Good with Money: Ten Simple Steps to Becoming Financially Whole

by Tiffany Aliche

I learned that things cost money and that the choices I make have a direct impact on my quality of life. In other words, there is no such thing as a small financial choice. We each must learn how to weigh our short-term desires against our long-term goals. The question is, will you choose water or ice cream?

And once I was able to let go of the shame of my financial mistakes I was able to focus on solutions.

“When you teach, you learn twice.”

Getting good with money—whether back on track or organized for the first time—is about mastering the fundamentals, not magic.

“I wish more people understood the real purpose for working. The purpose of work is to own. And one day for the things that you own to grow and be able to put you out of work.”

You want your goal to be to own a little bit more every single year, or to owe a little bit less every single year, or to do both.

A supported goal is one that has accompanying action steps. I love and believe in big goals—you just want to break them down so they feel more doable and you aren’t discouraged as you work your way there.

If you could possibly afford something by saving for a couple of months, do it and then buy the thing in full. Because when you borrow money, you’re taking money from your future self and future earnings and spending it today. And Wanda is not pleased.

Learn to save, learn to lower your debt, learn to invest, and learn to earn.

THE DO There are seven Do’s in this section: 1. Fill out or check those beneficiary forms. 2. Think about guardianship for minor children and/or a special needs family member. 3. Write a will. 4. Deal with your advance directives: a living will and durable power of attorney. 5. Think about and document your long-term care plan. 6. Set up a (living) trust. 7. Execute and fund these plans!

Giving activates abundance. It’s great to be helped; it’s greater to use what you’ve been given to help someone else. Share your time, energy, resources, and knowledge with those who have less than you. Commit to sharing your abundance with the world. We are all capable of making where we are better through conscious kindness.