Money Dates: Show Your Money Some L-O-V-E!

One of my Instagram followers slid into my DMs to ask this question:

“How do you keep up with budgeting and tracking your expenses?”

My answer was pretty simple…

I have Money Dates! 😘

Money Dates are dedicated time spent ensuring everything is on track with your finances. They provide the perfect opportunity to:

❤️ Review recent spending

❤️ Update your budget and expense tracker

❤️ Pay bills (#yayadulting!)

❤️ Assess your progress on your current money goals


In all, the whole process typically takes an hour or less but leaves you feeling confident and assured that your money is well taken care of.

And I’m a firm believer that when you show your money LOVE, it’ll LOVE you right back.

Like any healthy relationship, staying on good terms with your money requires COMMITMENT

💊 There’s no magic pill

🤫 No secret formula

🙅🏾‍♀️ No shortcuts

Just you, your money, and a little bit of quality T-I-M-E!

PERIOD.

So are you in major need of a Money Date? Here are 3 tips to get you started:

1️⃣ Schedule It

Set aside a specific day and time each week to check on your money. You can even add it to your calendar so you don’t forget.

2️⃣ Ask and Answer

As you spend time lovin’ on your money, consider the following questions:

Are there any upcoming expenses I forgot to include in my budget?
If so, add them now and make any necessary adjustments to maintain a properly balanced budget.

Do I owe anyone money right now?
This includes bills that are due, debts that need to be paid, or paying yourself aka contributing to savings and investments.

What are my current money goals and did this week’s actions move me closer to or further away from them?
Always keep sight of your goals and use them as a guiding force when it comes to your money decisions.

What needs to change moving forward?
Money Dates provide the clarity needed to determine if a pivot is necessary. If things haven’t gone the way you hoped they would, don’t fret. This is the perfect time to make a plan for course correction.

3️⃣ Reward Yourself

Whether it’s your favorite sweet treat or an hour of your favorite reality TV trash, attaching rewards to positive money behaviors increases the likelihood that you’ll continue them. Just be sure your rewards don’t break the bank in the process!

With regular Money Dates, you’ll be well on your way to a bright financial future.