June in Australia is a couple of things – it’s the start of winter and it’s the end of the financial year and I’m not yet in the position where I can avoid either. The best thing I can do is be proactive with both, taking the necessary action so I’m not hiding from the cold or the taxman. So, with warm clothes and activities that allow me to enjoy winter, I’m going to talk about personal finances and taking charge of them.

Even if the good fairy came and bailed me out, or an amazing offer came my way, and my financial prayers were answered I finally realised I still need to do something to manage it, control it, grow it and enjoy it or it would slip away and I’d find myself in the same place again.

What I did – basically I told myself the truth.

• If it’s to be, it’s up to me.
• It’s my money, I earn it, I spend it, I am responsible for what happens with it (and this is the case even if I share finances with a partner.)
• Pretending my dream of being in business was working as I wanted it was not helping.
• There is no magic money fairy.
• I needed to do money differently.

And so I began –

• I looked at how much I was bringing in.
• I took steps to bring in more.
• I looked at where my money was going.
• I began to use a budget & I budgeted to the nth degree.
• I cut down on expenses, I put a hold on unnecessary spending, I shopped more frugally.
• I asked for help and stopped living in fear of what might happen.
• I project managed repairs to my investment property so it became liveable again.
• I negotiated with the bank.
• I learned when things were not negotiable.
• I buckled in and I got on with it.

Since then –

• I found a part time role – I’m working with a team again, learning new skills and I’m being paid a regular amount.
• My bank balance is looking much healthier.
• I’m sticking to my budget and paying down the bills.
• I made a payment arrangement with the bank and have kept my investment property.
• I have great tenants in the house and I’m in regular contact with the real estate agent.
• I’ve taken on a leadership project in my Toastmasters journey.
• All of which have helped my confidence.
• I’m feeling more positive about my business and this is showing in the form of more business.

Last year was a long year in the world of my finances! Taking control of my finances is not just one of those things that has to be done, like winter or taxes. It’s an investment in my future, in my personal growth and in my self confidence. And ultimately it’s an investment in my financial success.

Are your money worries dragging you down? Life coaching can help you through it and out the other side. Contact me if you want to know more about how I can help your financial success.