If I were to ask a random person on the street the best way to improve their financial situation, what do you think they would say? Maybe something like:
- Get an education
- Invest in real estate
- Win the lottery
- Use coupons
There are a LOT of ways to impact our finances, but today I’m sharing one key idea that is often overlooked–but the effects are huge!
There are 5 specific ways “getting organized” will impact your bottom line, and I am optimistic that you’ll feel more empowered no matter your financial situation.
I kind of can’t believe I’m recording a podcast like this because about 15 years ago, I was sitting in a conference where the speaker invited us to contemplate our greatest weaknesses (so we could ask God for help), and the one I selected was “Finances.”
Fast forward 8 years from that moment, Eric and I were able to do a “Debt Free Whisper” to Dave Ramsey at his office in Tennessee. (We’re pretty private and didn’t want to do a “Debt Free Scream” where we share all of our details with his listeners.) These 5 ideas I’m sharing today are what really impacted all of that.
(1) Solid Routines will strengthen your financial foundation.
Many money-related improvements require consistency. Here are 2:
- Tracking what I spent (I used a planner, others may use a favorite app or digital tool)
- Budgeting – Eric and I sat down and figured out our already-decided expenses and then those that we had some control (or a lot of control) over. We did a check-in once a month.
(2) A clean environment will prevent money from getting buried.
We have an amazing community we help stop drowning in piles. They share what they find–insurance checks, cash, gift cards, and SO many thousands of dollars buried here and there. We even had someone find a lost life insurance policy that was worth over $17,000!
Plus, with this kind of order and system in place, you won’t buy duplicates of unneeded items or have any late fees.
(3) An organized, focused list of projects will enable you to do things that directly add to your income.
Multi-step tasks (projects) often get postponed and put on the shelf. Maybe you’ve been wanting to learn how to invest, start a business, establish a rental property, or create a new product.
When we first started offering higher cost programs with direct coaching and resources from our team, we used this same Current Project model to add value to our STEP program and create an amazing experience for those joining our Four Weeks to Finished coaching program.
(4) An organized mind creates space for additional education.
Books, courses, certifications, a degree, and beyond can sometimes help you earn a higher paycheck. And sometimes further education gives you ideas that will allow you to grow in this area of life.
(5) When your goals are defined and you know how to wisely manage your time, money, and energy, you’ll make more deliberate, wise decisions. You’ll:
- Buy what you actually need and plan ahead
- Set boundaries so you don’t overextend yourself
- Have confidence in your planned projects and routines
- Not constantly be jumping from thing to thing to thing
A weight comes off your shoulders when you have your financial life under control. You can donate, support, and do more–without worrying.
And I know that is sounds weird to say a Command Central “solves all your problems,” but I promise that it really helps. 🙂
Related Links!
[PODCAST 16]: Budget Training for Couples–With Rachel Ramsey Cruze and April & Eric Perry
Book: The Simple Path to Wealth
LearnDoBecome YouTube Channel!
Our ARISE membership – an amazing gathering place for community members that are using their Command Centrals to refine relationships, health, finances, individual purpose, and more. We focus on a new topic each month, and this is an amazing opportunity to receive coaching and support from Team LearnDoBecome. You can sign up for a free, 7-day trial here.
I agree with you 100%, April! My husband suffered a catastrophic injury in 1997 that left him unable to work, and it soon became apparent that I had to leave my employment to look after him. After floundering for a few years, we found Dave Ramsey’s program, and discovered that becoming financially organized made so much difference! I even included his program in my homeschool curriculum in 2008.
This year, my husband turned 65, and our income streams will be changing at the end of this month. It was relatively easy to make the needed changes in our budget, and reassuring to realize that we are in good financial shape.
We record every expense in an app (we use Goodbudget), and always know exactly where we stand. We are the only couple we know who don’t fight about money, and who are debt free.
Thank you for bringing attention to this topic 🙂
Marla, you are SUCH an inspiration! You have been so resilient and wise in the midst of a LOT of family needs and activities. I am so impressed and so happy for you and your family! Thanks for being an amazing example!