As we flip to 2020, I hope you’ve found some time amidst the holidays to reflect on the past year and what the coming one holds. (And if not, there’s still time!) When it comes to money, the new year is the perfect time to reset and reprioritize. Perhaps this is the year you get your finances organized or pay off that debt or start saving in earnest for retirement. But it all starts with asking the why of your money: How can your money bring wholeness to you and those around you?
How to Make Less Money
One of my favorite goals to help clients work toward is how to make less money. Wait, less money?
That’s right. After all, a job that pays less is often an avenue to more time with family and friends, regaining control over your email-filled nights, weekends, and vacations, and doing more fulfilling work. Who wouldn’t want that? Making less can allow a major life shift that brings your day-to-day into better alignment with your values.
But most people can’t afford to take a substantial pay cut, at least not on their current budget. There’s a mortgage (or rent) to pay, student loans to cover, travel already planned, activities for kids — there’s no extra margin. Fortunately, with some intentionality and clear-eyed decision-making, it can be done.
What's Your Money Motive?
Unless you’re Scrooge McDuck and enjoy swimming through piles of cash, money is not an end in itself. Instead, money is a means to something else. Your money allows you to purchase necessities and luxuries, to finance family vacations and evenings out with friends, to feel good about yourself (or even superior to others), and to have some security in an uncertain world. There is always an underlying reason why we value money and use it the way we do. Understanding those reasons—why you earn, save, and spend your money—is where wisely managing your finances starts.
Last-Minute Gifts with a Personal Finance Twist
Supercharge your giving
The new tax laws are projected to decrease charitable giving by $17 billion (or 4%) in 2018 — blame the larger standard deduction, which more taxpayers will take instead of itemizing deductions like charitable donations. It’s now more important than ever to manage your finances wisely so you can support worthy causes. Here’s how to be smart and intentional with your giving.