Over the years, my clients have been my greatest teachers. They have invited me into their private financial lives, showing me where they spend the dollars they earn. This can be equated to standing naked in front of someone you don’t know…it’s that vulnerable an experience. I know how much they spend on underwear, perfume, eating out, their kids, debts and the areas in which they tend to “leak” or “fritter” money. I witness the behavior patterns they bring to their financial lives.

When clients become more conscious of their spending, they make hard choices that unconscious spenders do not make. Conscious spenders choose where, and how they spend. Therefore, they are able to satisfy more of their dreams and desires. Conscious spenders master their money…they live within their means, save for their future and have money to afford the things they truly value. They act responsibly, and are at peace and in control when it comes to their money.

This isn’t, necessarily, because they earn more money. It’s because conscious spenders have shifted from “frittering money away” to reallocating it to areas they deem most important. The sustained focus, of financing what’s important, creates an internal experience of joy and fulfillment. There is a feeling of “having enough.” Most clients experience this internal shift without a change in their paycheck.

My wish for you is joy and fulfillment in 2007. One way to accomplish this is to get clear on what’s important to you, realign your spending accordingly, and sustain your financial focus.

Prepare yourself with a writing tool, paper and a quiet uninterrupted space. The process that follows is one many financial planners use, on an annual basis, to help clients clarify “what’s important” for a given year. Before you begin, make sure you have a writing tool and paper (or your computer) and quiet, uninterrupted space.

Recommendations:

Breathe, center and ground yourself. Read the first exercise and give yourself 15 minutes of uninterrupted time to journal your response. When journaling, allow your response to pour from your heart rather than your head. Please repeat for the second exercise.

Clarity exercise number one:

Imagine…you have won the lottery! Tomorrow in your bank account you will have 500 million dollars. You now have enough money to do, have and be whatever you desire. How would your life be different than it is now? What would you give your time, energy and resources to? What would your world look like and be like?

Clarity exercise number two:

Imagine today, you receive news you have exactly one year to live. From this day forward how will you spend your time, energy and resources? What will your life be like during these next 365 days?

Review your writing. Compare your responses from the two exercises? Any similarities? What discoveries have your uncovered? What does your heart want? How can “what’s important” be incorporated into goals for the New Year? What needs to happen in your current life for you to fund these goals?

You can use the template below to help you get started on this year’s goals! Allow your creativity to flow!

2007 Money/Life Plan

Funding your goals allows the dollars you earn to nourish your soul and spirit...I can't think of a better way to spend money, can you?