Letting Go and Facing Money!
When it comes to money, it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of fear. Growing up, money was often a source of anxiety in my household, and I carried those same feelings into adulthood. For years, I would avoid looking at my bank account or reviewing my credit card statements—anything that would remind me of how much I had or hadn’t saved. I was constantly stressed about the future, unsure of how to make meaningful progress. And in my marriage, although we did well, the overriding vibe was scarcity: it was all going away tomorrow.
The turning point for me came when I started to shift my mindset. I realized that financial peace wasn’t about avoiding money—it was about taking control and making small, intentional decisions to improve my situation. Here are the steps I took that helped me break free from that cycle of fear:
Step 1: Shifting My Mindset
First, I had to let go of the idea that money was inherently scary. I started to view it as a tool—a means to create stability and freedom in my life. It wasn’t about having everything now, but building something sustainable for the future. A big part of this shift came from learning about personal finance and finding ways to manage money that made sense for me.
Step 2: Building a Budget (And Sticking to It)
One of the most helpful things I did was create a clear budget. This is a simple tool that allows you to see exactly where your money is going and where you can make adjustments. I started with the basics: tracking all my income and expenses, then dividing them into categories like necessities (housing, food, utilities) and discretionary spending (entertainment, dining out). Over time, I realized where I could cut back, which made a huge difference in my financial outlook.
Helpful Resources:
- Jean Chatzky – She’s a financial expert who makes money management feel accessible. Her podcast, HerMoney, is full of practical advice on budgeting, investing, and saving for the future. Jean Chatzky’s Website
- No Budget Babe – If you want a real, no-nonsense approach to budgeting and financial freedom, follow this platform. It’s all about keeping things simple and making budgeting work for you. No Budget Babe Instagram
Step 3: Taking Baby Steps to Save and Invest
Building savings was another key aspect of my journey. I started with an emergency fund—something small, but essential to give me peace of mind. Then I began contributing to retirement accounts and exploring investment options. It wasn’t about getting rich overnight; it was about setting myself up for a more secure and empowered future.
I also became intentional about learning more about investing. I now follow several financial experts who have helped me feel more confident in my investment decisions. Here are the people I trust:
Financial Mentors I’m Following:
- Steve Chen (@calltoleap) – Steve’s insights on investing and personal finance are incredibly straightforward. His approach is all about building financial independence through smart investments and mindset shifts. CalltoLeap on Instagram
- Her First $100K – Tori Dunlap’s mission is to help women get financially independent, and her advice is top-notch. Whether it’s managing debt or building a strong investment strategy, Tori’s tips are both practical and empowering. Her First $100K Website
Step 4: Prioritizing Financial Freedom
As I got more comfortable with budgeting and saving, I started to focus on my bigger financial goals: financial freedom. For me, this means having the ability to make choices based on what I truly want, without being tied down by financial stress.
This is where I started getting deeper into investing, learning about financial independence (FIRE), and creating long-term wealth-building strategies. It’s not about getting rich fast; it’s about being intentional with your money so you can create a future where you’re not constantly living paycheck to paycheck.
Key Resources to Explore:
- Forex for Women (@forexforwomen) – This account offers great insights into trading and investing in the foreign exchange market, which can be an important piece of the financial freedom puzzle. Forex for Women Instagram
- CalltoLeap – Another solid resource for diving deeper into investing strategies and creating wealth. Steve Hahn’s approach is very much about making smart, calculated moves toward financial independence.
Step 5: Stay Consistent and Keep Learning
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that progress takes time. There are days when I feel like I’ve made great strides, and there are days when it feels like I’m barely moving forward. But consistency is key. The more I educate myself and take small actions, the closer I get to my goal of financial peace.
One thing I remind myself daily: It’s okay to take things one step at a time. Financial freedom isn’t a race—it’s a marathon. Celebrate the small wins, stay focused, and keep going.
A Work in Progress
The journey to financial peace and freedom is ongoing, but every step brings me closer to where I want to be. It’s about building habits, staying consistent, and seeking out resources and guidance along the way. As I continue to learn and grow in this area, I’ll keep following the experts who inspire me and stay open to the lessons that come.
If you’re just starting on your financial journey or looking to deepen your knowledge, I hope these resources and insights help you find your own path to financial peace. It’s a journey worth taking, and the more we support each other, the easier it becomes.
Remember: You don’t have to be perfect—just keep moving forward, one small step at a time.
Recommended Resources:
- Jean Chatzky’s “HerMoney” Podcast Jean Chatzky Podcast
- No Budget Babe’s Instagram No Budget Babe
- Her First $100K Her First $100K
- Steve Chen – CalltoLeap CalltoLeap
- Forex for Women Forex for Women Instagram