Growing Relationships with Finances

Have you ever tried to bring a tree to life, from seed until maturity? Constant and thoughtful care is essential to the growth and wellbeing of the tree. You are required to start with the basics by establishing the best sunlight, soil, and water conditions for the seed to sprout into a seedling and continue its growth. After beginning to assess my finances completely, I realized growing the relationship with my finances is not so different than growing a tree. I began with the basics, i.e., creating a budget and carving out time to spend with my finances, and then adjusted my expenses to reflect my values, and learned how to plan for future endeavors.

Developing a transparent relationship with my finances, began by creating an estimated monthly budget; this is an overview of expenses and income within multiple categories of spending. Establishing an estimated amount of spending allows comparing the difference between my actual and estimated spending to be used as a guideline in preparing my budget for the month to follow. By being honest about my spending I have been able to reflect on my consuming habits and evaluate where my values lay.

Just as plants need to be watered consistently, so does our relationship with our finances. I had avoided checking my weekly transactions, due to feelings of guilt about what I spent my money on. After embracing my money relationship, by planning (bill dates), tracking and reviewing my weekly and monthly expenses, I discovered it gave me a greater sense of confidence with my financial life.  This habit is now an opportunity to remind me of the control and joy my money gives me. The short-term un-comfortability of checking in with myself now allows me to have a better grasp on my long-term planning.

 While I wish money could grow on trees, I have learned that spending time reflecting, becoming more transparent, and being honest about my spending, I have been able to align my budget with my values. Therefore, I can plan, save, and spend in categories that mean the most to me and lead for more opportunities down the road. For now, I will plant, water, and nurture my money “tree” and patiently watch it grow….