Does your spending align with your priorities?
There's no doubt that many of my friends are always on the go, making big changes in their lives (new jobs, new babies, new homes). But I also have plenty of friends who are content with the way things are going. They may not be making any major changes, and they're happy with how life is moving along.
No matter which group you find yourself in, it's important to regularly reassess what is important to you in life. If you have a clear idea of what your goals and priorities are, you can make the most of your financial resources. Otherwise, you may end up working hard and spending money on things that aren't really important to you. As a financial advisor, I can offer creative ways to help you make the most of your money. But it all starts with a discussion of your goals and priorities.
How You Can Reflect on Your Goals and Priorities
There are endless ways to reflect, but here are a few suggestions to get you started:
1) Keep a journal: Writing down your thoughts is a great way to organize them and figure out what's really important to you.
2) Talk to a friend: Sometimes it helps to talk things out with someone who will understand and support you.
3) Take a walk: Sometimes the best way to clear your head is by getting out into nature and enjoying some fresh air.
4) Meditate: If you're looking for a more spiritual way to reflect on your life, try meditating for a few minutes each day.
5) Make a vision board: This is a fun way to get creative and visualize all of the wonderful things you hope to achieve in your lifetime.
6) Get organized: Sometimes reflective exercises are as simple as taking inventory of your possessions or cleaning out an old closet. Seeing everything laid out in front of you can be very revealing!
7) Set some goals: What better way to reflect on your priorities than by setting some goals based on those priorities? Once you've figured out what's truly important to you, it'll be easier than ever before to start working towards those goals.
Whether you're in a big season of change or not, it's important to take some time every now and again to check in and reflect on your priorities. It's only when you take the time to do this that you can appreciate all you have in your life and figure out what you truly want moving forward. Luckily, there are endless ways to reflect on priorities—it just takes a little bit of time and effort!
So go ahead and give it a try—your goals and priorities—as simple as they might be today—will certainly change, too. It is important to keep this in mind so that you can be open to new experiences, reassess your goals when necessary, and find happiness in your life. Leverage your financial advisor as a sounding board, and ensure your financial resources are aligned with your priorities.