Financial security is a journey with very few shortcuts along the way. However, taking small steps that improve your money mindset can create a solid foundation to pay off debt, maintain a budget, and build up savings and investments, according to experts.
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It all starts with understanding your relationship with money, said Elana Feinsmith, certified financial planner and certified financial therapist with Oak Financial Coaching.
Here are seven subtle money moves you can take to change your money mindset.
Feinsmith recommended taking five minutes every day to journal about your feelings toward money. “Journaling allows you to observe what happens in your brain as you think about different aspects of money, whether it’s your cash flow, investing, or your grocery bill,” she said.
The key is to focus on your thoughts without judgment so you can better understand your relationship with money and then set goals in alignment with your values.
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With so many digital options for money management, Feinsmith pointed out, “We tend to be disconnected from the physical aspect of our money.”
Carrying a large bill, whether it’s $50 or $100, in your pocket that you don’t spend can help you stay in touch with the physicality of cash and boost your money mindset without a large financial sacrifice.
“The idea is to have it there to remind you of your financial goals,” Feinsmith said. “It gives you the feeling you’re in charge of your money and grateful for the money. Choose an amount that makes you feel rich inside.”
Small victories can lead to large changes in your overall financial picture over time, experts say. One thing you can do for your mental wellness is make the minimum payments on your credit card bills consistently. Take time to celebrate that small victory, too.
“If you’re making all your minimum payments, high-five yourself for helping to preserve your credit,” said Julie Guntrip of Jenius Bank.
“Jenius Bank’s research on money and mental health tells us many people feel overwhelmed when they look at their debt balances. Those negative feelings may make it even more difficult to get started with the pay-down process. But action tends to quiet anxiety,” she said.
If small actions can help quiet anxiety, imagine the mental boost you can get from paying a credit card in full, even if it’s one with a small balance. Guntrip and Feinsmith discussed the snowball and avalanche methods of paying off debt.