Netflix has a show titled “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo”. Marie Kondo is an organizational consultant that is invited into the homes of people seeking to de-clutter and organize their homes. Marie is coined with using the term “Spark Joy” which describes the process she guides her clients through to come to a respectful and harmonious relationship with their home.
The same relationship her homeowners sought to have with their homes is the same type of relationship that many of us desire to have with our finances. Some of us may have a good understanding of how to manage money and others may not. At any stage of understanding, developing a relationship with our finances that is peaceful and harmonious with our goals is essential.
In the show, Marie began with organizing her clients’ clothing. She would instruct them to take every article of clothing and lay it out in plain sight. This helped them to see exactly what they owned and how much they needed to process through. Similarly, the path to peace in your finances begins with gaining a clear picture of where you stand financially.
What are all of your expenses?
What are all of your debts?
What are your upcoming financial obligations?
What are your sources of income?
Do you own any checking and/or savings accounts? If so, what are the balances?
What is your credit score?
These are basic financial questions and the truth is that you will need to provide these details in practically every financial transaction. Your current financial standing is considered in common aspects of life such as employment offers, insurance quotes, rentals, and securing utilities.
Obtaining a clear picture of where you stand will empower you to make quality financial decisions. Nevertheless, looking at all of the elements of your finances at once may trigger anxiety, shame, and/or disappointment. It often helps to work through your finances in a safe, secure, and neutral environment that is free from criticism and judgment. You will be able to take an objective look at where you are and begin sorting out your finances to gain better control of them. After you’ve sorted them by creating a budget, you can then create a financial plan that will align with your goals and purpose.
While there may be a process ahead in achieving stability and independence your finances, there will be an immediate sense of relief from laying everything out for review. Any guilt or shame from past choices will lose their power and you will gain a boost in confidence. You CAN find peace in your finances and create the life you desire.
If you would like an environment that is safe, secure, and free of judgment to begin this process, Apprehend is here for you.