Your Money Journey: Lisa Sakai
Do you ever feel paralyzed by the thought of getting your finances “perfect”? You’re not alone. Many people get stuck aiming for an ideal financial situation, and it often stops them from making any progress at all. I’ve seen this pattern time and again.
The truth is a perfectionist attitude can hurt your finances more than you think. But there’s a way out.Â
Small Steps, Big Results: How To Build Financial Momentum In Midlife:
Let’s think about health for a moment. Recently, I’ve been focused on improving my gut health. Instead of drastically overhauling my entire diet, I decided to add one gut-friendly item each day. This could be something like kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi. Even just eating a bit can make a difference.
What’s interesting is how these small changes start to build on each other. You begin to feel better, and that motivates you to make even more positive choices. Maybe you add some extra vegetables or cut back on processed foods. It’s a slow, steady process that allows you to make lasting changes.Â
Setting Goals:
Now, let’s bring this back to finances. A common scenario I see is people setting unrealistic savings goals. For example, someone who hasn’t been saving anything might suddenly decide to save $1,000 per month.
While that’s an admirable goal, it can be incredibly discouraging. Where is that thousand dollars supposed to come from? Many people avoid budgeting because it feels restrictive and makes them feel bad about their spending. So, they try to save without a plan and quickly fail.
Maybe they manage to save $100 or $200 and then feel like they’ve fallen short. To compensate, they might set an even higher goal for the following month, like $1,900, to catch up. This becomes overwhelming, and eventually, they give up altogether.Â
Know Your “Why”:
Before you decide on a specific savings number, it’s essential to understand why you’re choosing that number. What are you hoping to achieve with your savings? The “$1,000 per month” example is just an illustration. Your ideal number might be $500, $5,000, or something else entirely. The important thing is that you have a clear reason behind it.
Are you saving for retirement? A down payment on a house? A dream vacation? Understanding your “why” will provide you with the motivation you need to stay on track.Â
Start Small To Build Financial Momentum In Midlife:
Now that you know you ideal number to save and why, it’s time to put together a game plan. If you haven’t been saving consistently, don’t jump straight to a large, intimidating number. Instead, start with a smaller, more manageable amount, like $100 or $150 per month. Once you hit that goal, you’ll likely feel a sense of accomplishment.
You might even think, “Hey, that was easier than I thought. Maybe I can do $250 next month.” The key is to build momentum gradually. You can adjust your savings amount over time as you become more comfortable and confident.
Harnessing Your Competitive Spirit:
As humans, we’re naturally competitive. We’re always striving to improve and be better than we were yesterday. Why not use this innate drive to your advantage in personal finance?
If you’ve managed to save $100 or $150 this month, use that success as fuel for the next month. Maybe you’ll stick with the same amount, or maybe you’ll push yourself to save a little more. Compete against your former self. Push yourself just a little bit more.Â
Feeling good about your financial progress is a powerful motivator. When you start to see results, you’re more likely to continue making positive choices. That’s why it’s so important to avoid the perfection trap. Don’t get discouraged by aiming for an unrealistic ideal and then feeling like a failure when you fall short.
Remember, saving something is always better than saving nothing. Each dollar you save is an investment in your future self.
Just Start!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember Nike’s famous slogan: “Just Do It.” The most important thing is to take that first step. Don’t worry about being perfect; just start.
You might be surprised at how quickly you start to build momentum. As you see your savings grow, you’ll feel more confident and motivated to continue.
Kindness And Self-Compassion:
Finally, be kind to yourself. There will be times when you can’t save as much as you’d like. Life happens. Don’t beat yourself up over it.
The important thing is to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start again. Focus on your overall progress and celebrate your successes, no matter how small.
Investment advice offered through Integrated Financial Partners, doing business as One Vision Retirement, a registered investment advisor. The information in this material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Integrated Financial Partners does not provide legal/tax advice or services. Please consult a qualified legal/tax advisor regarding your specific situation.
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About the Author:
Lisa Sakai is a Financial Consultant who works with clients on Bucket List Acceleration and getting to live the life they want now. As the co-founder of One Vision Retirement, she has been working with clients across the country for over 12 years. Lisa’s advice provides easy to understand, logical steps and exercises that people can take action on right away. Learn more about Lisa Sakai here at One Vision Retirement.
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