Great Salary & Stressed Out? 6 Reasons You’re Still Losing Sleep
How lifestyle inflation and poor systems waste high incomes
You make great money. Each month, you put money in savings and retirement, but your chest still feels tight when you look into the future. You wonder if you can financially survive the next burnout, layoff, or family crisis. Your foundation feels unstable.
We all know that lifestyle inflation happens. But are we cognizant of when it’s happening to us?
You got a promotion, and maybe you celebrated with a fancy dinner at a five star restaurant. Not bad on occasion, but if you’re not careful that one meal becomes a new boat or a weekend shopping in a big, fancy city.
Maybe you retired recently, but you’re still living like you have disposable income, because you do, and your body is shouting at you to slow down and take stock.
Or perhaps you skipped over budgeting basics because budgets are only for broke people, and you’re definitely not broke. But the questions keep you up at night, and you sometimes wonder if you’ve built a house of cards.
If any of these scenarios sound like where you’re at, let me share some good news: You’re not alone. The power to change is in your court. Together, we can get your finances working with you instead of against you.
6 Questions to Consider When Your Financial Foundation Feels Off
Do you have an income thief? If you’re carrying a high debt-to-income ratio, chances are you do.
Do you save for emergencies and planned expenses? This one simple act will make you breathe easier. Kick Murphy out of your house (and your wallet).
Are you living on a plan? Just winging it is a big part of what keeps you up at night, because here’s what your body knows: If you are not telling your money where to go, your amazing income will never be enough. If you’re not sure how to budget, you’ll find helpful tips on the blog.
Do you track your transactions? This shows you where your plan and your money agree and disagree. Taking weekly stock in your progress isn’t just nice to do, it’s essential to stay on track. Need help tracking your transactions? EveryDollar is a great way to get started for free, and the premium membership is worth every penny.
If you’re married, are you and your spouse communicating about money? We all know that financial issues are among the top causes of divorce, but poor communication makes that list too. Do your marriage and your money a favor and invite your spouse into the conversation.
Do you have accountability as you work toward your goals? I’m not asking this because I’m a financial coach. I’m asking this because statistics show that people who have someone to report to (i.e. an accountability partner) are up to 95% more likely to achieve their goals. Read that again.
The Good News: You Can Put New Systems in Place
Rest Easy & Feel Confident with Your Money
If you’re tired of lying awake at night wondering where all the money went or can’t shake that nagging thought in your body that says you’re financially not as okay as you appear, start with the Smart Money Audit.
Pro Tip: Block out at least 90 minutes on your calendar, gather all your supplies (bills, calculator, paper, etc.) ahead of time, and bring your favorite drink. Need help cutting through the noise? Schedule a consultation, and let’s unpack your financial situation together.
