Blog | Personal Finance

You CAN Get There From Here

How to Find Your Way to Financial Freedom

You’ve seen the maps that say, “You Are Here” at shopping malls, parks and highway rest stops. This information can be very helpful when you need to find your way. But when it comes to your path to financial freedom, you may think more of the saying, “You Can’t Get There From Here.”

Well, just as you look at a map to get from Point A to Point B, it’s important to look at where you are now to get to where you want to be financially.

You Are Here.

The first step to financial success is taking a good, truthful look at where you are now. Do you know your current numbers (income, expenses, assets, and liabilities)?

Ask yourself these questions:

• How much income is actually coming into your household each month?
• What exactly do you spend every month (be brutally honest!)?
• What do you owe money on today?
• What investments do you own including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, retirement places, real estate other than your home, business investments, gold, silver, etc.?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions, FIND OUT. And if you need to ask a partner, financial manager, spouse, or someone else for this information, be forewarned… you may find yourself in a tense conversation. The people handling your finances may be hiding some information or feel threatened that you are questioning them about their ability to manage your money.

But don’t let this stop you. Have the courage to get the information you need to start taking control of your financial situation.

Now Where Do You Go?

Once you have your “financial snapshot,” take a look at it. Don’t get frustrated, upset or angry if the numbers are not where you want them to be. So what? You no longer need to worry or fear the worst.

You know exactly where you are right now and can deal with it. This is all part of the learning process and will bring you one step closer to financial freedom. Now you can plan a strategy to move forward based on setting goals, getting the financial education necessary and applying what you learn to make your dreams a reality (the Triple-A Triangle™ of Aspire, Acquire and Apply).

Just remember. Your numbers are dynamic. They will always be changing so it’s important for you to know what they are at all times and check them on a regular basis (and notice I said “you” – not your financial manager, boyfriend, spouse, partner, etc.).

By knowing your numbers, you take control and guide them where you want them to go. But if you are afraid to find out your numbers, or do not watch them carefully, your financial dreams will continue to be just that… a place you can’t get to from here.

Ladies, It’s Rising Time! Take control of your finances and start on your journey to financial freedom. What do your numbers tell you?

Not sure where to begin on your journey to financial freedom? Check out our free, financial education resources here.