No one cares more about your financial well-being than you, so having a personal financial plan is important. Knowing how to make a financial plan will allow you to save money, afford the things you want, and achieve long-term goals like saving for college and retirement.

This probably won’t come as a surprise, but everyone’s money plan looks different. If you’re wondering what makes a solid financial plan or even “what is a financial plan?” you’re in the right place.

In my opinion, money planning is critical, especially financial planning for women.

We all want to be financially independent and build wealth. Deciding to embark on the journey toward financial independence is a big deal!

It marks a fresh beginning with our money, and it means that we’re setting out to accomplish something that can change our lives for the better.

In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know to plan for your future (I follow these same steps for my own finances).

So keep reading, and get ready to take some action to kick-start your own solid money plan.

What is a financial plan?

It’s simply a structured approach to reach your financial goals. It details your current money situation and financial system, including investing, saving, retirement, and estate planning.

In addition to these key elements, you may also choose to include milestones that you’ll reach along your financial journey to help with your long-term success.

So, what is a financial plan, in simple terms? It’s simply a long-term, organized approach to money management.

Create a list of things to plan for

Let’s start by creating a list of things you’ll need to have or build on your journey to financial security. These items below are essential to your money plan (Click the links below to delve deeper into each!):

• A monthly budget to help you keep your expenses below your income
• A debt reduction strategy and spending plan (using your budget)
• An understanding of all your bills and their due dates
• A fully-funded emergency fund
• A plan to start saving for retirement
• A diversified portfolio of investments
• Multiple sources of income
• Savings for the other things you want (e.g., your short, mid-term, and long-term goals)
• The right types of insurance coverage (Life, health, disability, home, etc.)

Now that you are aware of what to plan, let’s get into exactly how to create your financial plan.

How to make a financial plan

Below, you’ll find twelve steps for how to make a financial plan. These steps will cover all the basics to help you get started. Keep in mind that your plan is unique to you, so feel free to customize it as necessary.

1. Write down your financial goals

Having financial goals is the foundation for your financial success. After all, you have to know what you want to do to accomplish it.

However, when setting goals, you want to ensure that they are well-defined and prioritized accordingly.

It’s great to have big, lofty goals! But be sure to break them down into smaller chunks. That way, you’ll not be overwhelmed by the task and can easily measure your progress.

Your financial goals include anything from getting a new job with higher earnings to paying off student loans, car loans, and credit card debt. What’s important is that you know your priorities.

Evaluate your money situation

As you create your goals, knowing where you’re at with money is important. You should take time to understand your relationship with money and what you’d like to do differently.

You should also go over the numbers.

For instance, I might ask myself about my money: how much debt do I have? What does my savings account look like? And do I have any money invested?

Getting answers to these questions will help you know where to start.

2. Make a budget

Budgeting is a key part of how to create a financial plan that works. Without knowing exactly how much money you have coming in compared to your total outgoings, it’s impossible to save for the future or make smart financial decisions.

A budget must work for you, which means finding a method that suits your circumstances. The 50/30/20 rule, or the cash envelope system, or zero-based budgeting are all popular ways I recommend budgeting.

To create my budget, I go over my bank statements to make a list of all my regular outgoings. Then, I group the expenses into lists of “needs” (housing, utilities, groceries, travel, etc.), “wants” (shopping, leisure, and entertainment), and “savings.”

Next, I’ll total up my income. Income includes any interest or property rental income I might receive in addition to my monthly salary.

Then, I’ll take away my monthly expenses from my income and see if I have any money left over or have a shortfall. If it’s the latter, I ask myself, where can I make cuts?

Now you have your monthly budget, you can realistically use your money plan to set targets for the future.

3. Start an emergency fund

It’s also really important that one of your goals includes a plan to deal with emergencies. You want to make sure you are prepared to weather a storm. Otherwise, you’ll just end up in debt again.

Your emergency fund should have enough money to handle at least a few months of expenses and more if you want. Make sure the amount is something you’re comfortable with and that it will help you if something unexpected happens.

4. Pay off debt

When you make your money plan, be sure it includes a debt management system and a plan for paying off debt. Sadly, you can’t really kick-start your financial future if you’re carrying a ton of debt.

Between sky-high interest rates, large minimum monthly payments, credit card balances, and the damage lots of debt can do to your credit score, you’re better off prioritizing paying your debts.

Create a debt pay-off strategy and be patient but consistent. Work towards being able to say, “I’m debt-free!”

5. Track your spending

A master plan for your money should be an accurate representation of your finances, which means accounting for exactly where your money is going.

My favorite way to track my money is using an expense tracking sheet or app such as You Need A Budget. I can manage my money easily and access my finances anywhere and anytime.

You do need to commit to logging your purchases regularly, though, so an app or sheet may not work for you if you don’t like admin work!

A pen and paper or a budget planner will work just as well! The important thing is that you track every purchase you make and use the information you find to cut spending and improve your finances. Remember to adjust your budget accordingly!

6. Invest your money

If you are serious about building wealth and want to know how to make a financial plan, you’ll need to put your money to work, which is where investing comes in.

However, before you invest any money, it’s important to have clear objectives. Think about the reason for the investment, when you’ll need the money, and what your risk tolerance is.

Investing is a long-term activity, so you have to commit to it if you want to see your money grow.

Worried that you’ll need your money in the short term? Well, that’s what your savings accounts are for. Put aside your emergency savings and money for your short-term goals (i.e., the money you’ll need in 5 years or less).

You also want to ensure you have a basic understanding (at minimum) of any investment you make (e.g., the stock market, real estate, or small business). You should also understand investment terms.

Your investment plans should be part of your monthly budget, where you allocate a certain percentage of your income toward your investment goals.

7. Get the right insurance

After working so hard to earn your money, the last thing you want is an unplanned occurrence to wipe you out. Insurance is essentially your backup plan, protecting your assets in the event a life circumstance occurs that requires a large amount of money to resolve.

I make sure my insurance coverage includes health insurance, auto, disability, life, home or rental, and business insurance.

Basically, I want to protect anything of major importance and high value to ensure that I (and my loved ones) are protected financially.

Having the right insurance can turn what could otherwise be a major disaster into a mere inconvenience.

8. Create a plan for retirement

To have the lifestyle you dream of in retirement, you need to plan adequately for it.

You’ll need to determine how much you will need after retiring from work, considering inflation with your retirement income, and how you plan to save and invest for that period. Opening tax-advantaged IRAs (individual retirement accounts) helps you get more from your savings by paying less tax.

While retirement might seem like a lifetime away, it’s never too early to start! Preparing for retirement is how to make a financial plan that will enable you to live life on your terms when the time comes!

9. Plan for taxes

Yup, taxes! Taxes are annoying, but they’re certainly not going away anytime soon.

So, make sure your long-term income projections include taxes. Avoiding tax planning can impact your cash flow in a major way.

In addition, you definitely want to look into tax-saving investment options and stay up to speed on any relevant tax deductions you can apply to help you save money on tax payments.

You can consult a tax accountant, financial advisor, or robo-advisor to help ensure your tax system is adequate. You should also check out our blog post on how to reduce your taxable income!

10. Create an estate plan

Estate planning is not something many people like to think about, but it’s essential! It allows you to determine exactly what happens to your assets after you are gone.

It involves listing out all your assets, creating a will, and making it accessible to the people who need to have access to it. A financial planner or an estate planning attorney can help you set things up correctly.

This is an important part of my financial plan because I intend to transition generational wealth to my children.

11. Review your plan frequently

Once you have your money plan outlined and churning along, it’s important to review it frequently. Then, make the necessary adjustments if your goals or the circumstances around your life change.

For instance, maybe your insurance needs to change, or how risk averse you are changes, or you get married or have kids. At a minimum, you want to check your overall financial system at least every six months.

I find that when I check in frequently, it’s easier to deal with unplanned life occurrences, bounce back from setbacks, and accomplish my financial goals.

Example of adjusting your plan as you go through different life stages could be as follows:

• Young adult: Ages 18 to 25 is a great time to focus on saving as much as possible and reducing debt to prepare for the next stage of your life.
  
• Foundations and family: Between ages 26 to 45 you may decide to become a homeowner and a parent in this phase. Now is a good time to try to generate more income or cut unnecessary expenditure as new expenses come in.
  
• Retirement: Based on the age you plan to retire, it’s time to enjoy your hard work and savings efforts. Plan out what withdrawals you’ll need to make from your nest egg on an annual basis. At the same time you’ll want to ensure the money you don’t need to spend keeps growing.

When drafting your financial plan, don’t forget to factor in your aspirational needs such as vacations and car loans. Whilst life doesn’t always go to plan, it’s important to be as financially prepared for events as possible to avoid getting into debt.

With each financial plan review and life stage, you can also speak with a financial advisor for specific guidance if you feel the need to do so.

12. Stay the course, avoid overspending and learn from your mistakes

Your journey to financial independence won’t always be easy. There will be some tough days, weeks, and even months.

Have a solid financial plan, be disciplined, and avoid overspending. You’ll find out how great you’ll feel when you really make a concerted effort to stick to your budget.

As you work on your finances, you may still make mistakes with your money, and that’s okay. Sometimes, you might be unable to resist the urge to buy something that isn’t in your immediate budget. And sometimes, you will feel like ripping your entire money plan to bits because it just doesn’t seem fun.

However, as long as you keep your reasons WHY you want to be financially free in focus and try to rebound quickly from your mistakes, you’ll do just fine.

It’s all about assessing your mistakes, understanding why you made them, and making a plan to avoid making them again. Then, you’ll need to take those lessons and apply them to your future success.

Expert tip: Consider your needs for each life stage

In my opinion, financial planning for different stages of your life is the smartest move you can make. During your life, there will be changes to where your money is spent and your financial interests and goals, and it’s important to consider these carefully. You may find that instead of rent prices you start thinking about mortgages and how to get one.

For example, when I was in my 20s, my main goal was to reduce my debt to improve my chances of being approved for a mortgage. But now I’m a homeowner in my 30s, I want to make sure that I am financially stable for my children and their future by making smart money-related decisions (that means no more blowing money on clothes that I don’t really need!).

Determine the type of financial plan you need

Part of learning how to make a financial plan is determining what type of plan you need. Don’t think it’s too early or too late to organize this. Quite the contrary—now is the PERFECT time to start!

Make a plan for yourself if you’re single

If you’re single, it’s important to establish goals and systems that not only help you meet your immediate money needs but that ensure your future self will be taken care of.

A big mistake is assuming you’ll meet someone who will care for you and deal with the finances in your relationship.

If your relationship status changes or you get married, you’ll be well-equipped to plan your finances together if you already have things in place for yourself.

How to make a financial plan for your marriage

If you are married or have a significant other, you need to manage your finances as a team.

Discuss your budget and money goals and make financial decisions together. Understand where your money is going and how much money you have in savings and investments.

Should you have joint accounts or separate accounts?

Having joint accounts is great for finances in marriage, but I also believe in having your own personal savings accounts. As women, it’s important for us to build our own sense of security and have “our own” money that we bring to the table.

But don’t feel like you need to keep your personal accounts secret. Remember, marriage and committed relationships thrive on openness and honesty.

Tips on how to frequently review your financial plan

Now that you know how to make a money plan, here are some tips to help you check up on your goals.

1. Establish a routine

Allocate some time each week or, at minimum, once a month, unfailingly, to do a financial checkup.

Make it a coffee date with yourself, or put on some nice music, grab a warm cup of tea at home, and spend some time checking in on things. It’s a good idea to set a reminder on your calendar so you don’t forget this check-in.

2. Set and review your financial goals

If you haven’t already, it’s important to lay out your short and long-term financial goals, so you know exactly what you are working towards with your money.

As time progresses, you want to make sure you review and reassess your goals to make sure they are still things you want to accomplish and that you are on track to meet them.

3. Reconcile your bank accounts and bill payments

Check your bank account debits against any bill payments you previously scheduled or sent out. Make sure any pending bills or debt repayments have been paid or scheduled.

Compare your receipts against your credit card transactions and confirm the balance. Do a budget review and compare your actual spending to your budget. Once a month, establish your budget for the upcoming month. 

4. Review your savings and investments

If you have automated your finances and are set up to make transfers to your savings or investment accounts, check in on them. This would also include any automatic deposits you have set up for your retirement accounts, etc.

If you don’t have automation set up, make or schedule your manual transfers to your savings and investment accounts, and be sure to check and make sure the transactions went in successfully.

Also, plan to review your overall investment portfolio to rebalance and diversify as needed, or try automatic rebalancing. Be sure to review your fees too!

In addition, bonds are good options to add to your portfolio if you’re risk-averse.

5. Review your insurance policies

You also want to ensure you have the right insurance for your life. Which includes health, auto, disability, home, personal property, and business, as well as understanding the importance of life insurance, etc.

Set a reminder for twice a year where you sit down and evaluate the costs of your various policies and shop around to see what else is out there.

6. Check your net worth

Your net worth can almost be described as the thermometer used to measure your financial health, and you want to keep track of it, including your net worth by age.

Your main priority should be to pay off as much debt as possible, starting with your high-interest debt. Then, grow your assets, and your net worth will grow over time.

It’s also important to track your net worth over time to ensure you are in line with your long-term goals and financial objectives that you’ve set out to accomplish.

Many people start out with a negative net worth, but as they work on improving their finances, given time and the continued practice of good financial habits, this will change.

Reconciling your accounts and planning your finances ensures you are aware of everything happening with your money and that you are on the right path to accomplish your goals.

Questions to ask when you review your financial plan

Some questions to help you along with the process could include:

1.  What steps did I take this past month that got me closer to my goals?
2.  What things happened that have put me further away from my goals?
3. Was my spending in line with my personal core values?
4. What money mistakes have I made in the last month?
5. Why did I make them?
6. Are my financial goals still realistic?
7. What big expenses are coming up soon?
8. Is my emergency fund fully funded with 6 months of expenses based on my current basic expenses?
9. Am I saving enough to retire comfortably according to my decided retirement plan amount?
10. Am I meeting my other short-term savings and investment goals?
11. Am I on track with my savings for my children, including 529 plans?
12. What steps can I take to ensure I have a better month next month?

Tip: Keep a journal where you answer these questions and then review your past entries every few months. It’s a great way to stay motivated, especially as you see the progress you are making over time. If you stay committed to improving your finances, you WILL see progress.

What is a financial plan using an example?

Take a look at the example below for inspiration. Use it as a starting point and edit it to suit your unique financial situation and life goals.

A good financial plan should include details of your:

• Monthly income
• Monthly expenses
• Savings
• Debts
• Assets
• Investments
• Insurance
• Retirement strategy

Example financial plan

Emma is in her early 20s and wants to become debt-free in the next year.

• $4,650 monthly income
• $4,000 monthly expenses
• $250 monthly contribution to a savings fund
• $250 monthly debt payments ($3000 total debt)
• $0 assets
• $0 investments
• $100 monthly insurance fees
• $50 retirement savings

By reviewing her expenses, Emma has realized that she can save $250 a month by cutting out takeout coffees, eating out, and swapping to a lower-cost grocery store. This means that she can achieve her debt-free goal in 6 months instead of 12 while still contributing to her savings!

Is a financial plan the same as a budget?

No, a financial plan and a budget are two very different things.

Knowing how to create a financial plan is a tool for managing long-term finances (5, 10 or 20 years), whereas a budget organizes your money in the short term, usually on a weekly or monthly basis.

What they both have in common is the need to be regularly reviewed and updated to make them as effective as possible. A money plan and better budgeting complement each other, so use both to truly take control of your finances, both now and in the future.

Personal financial terms like financial planning and budgeting can be confusing, especially if you read conflicting information in the media. But it’s important to know their correct meanings so you can use them the right way.

What is a full financial plan?

A full financial plan is a detailed breakdown of your current situation, goals, and the step-by-step actions to achieve them. Its purpose is to help you understand your circumstances, which is the first step everyone needs to take before making positive changes.

Your plan should be a physical document so everything is written down. Depending on your preferences, it can be a hard copy or an electronic copy. The important thing is to have your money objectives in one document rather than separated into many different files.

The easiest way to get started is to gather information from all your financial accounts into one document.

When building your plan, remember to customize it to your unique finances and personal needs. There’s nothing wrong with using an example to get you started, but it needs to reflect your life accurately so it can help you plan ahead.

For example, don’t overlook the odd cash withdrawal for a soda. Instead, factor it into your full money plan because it could help you highlight areas of unnecessary spending!

Articles related to planning your finances

If you found this information about money organization and planning helpful, these other posts offer more ideas!

• How To Create A Strategic Financial Planning Process For Yourself
• Example Of A Financial Plan To Help You Create Yours
• How To Create A 5-Year Plan For Financial Success
• How To Create A Financially Sound Plan For Yourself!

Create a solid financial plan and it will help you become financially successful

Learning how to make a financial plan customized to your goals can help you attain them! Remember, this is your journey, not anyone else’s, so having a plan to succeed with your finances is super important.

I completely believe that planning ahead for the life you desire is 100% worth it. As you create a system that works and learn how to manage your money, feel free to leverage our free financial courses!

The post 12 Steps To Creating A Solid Financial Plan For Yourself appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

Do you know someone who takes the bus to work, makes their own lunches, and never takes luxurious vacations? Or perhaps you have a neighbor who lives in a modest house, drives an average car, and cuts their own grass? We all know people like this, and we might even be people like this who’ve achieved stealth wealth!

Most of us probably make assumptions about people based on their spending habits and what they seemingly have or do not have. That’s a mistake because it doesn’t account for those around us who have built wealth quietly.

What is stealth wealth? Is it something you should aspire to?

That’s just what we’re going to talk about here! Read on for the benefits, signs, and secrets of stealth wealth that you can adopt in your own financial life.

Stealth wealth meaning

What is stealth wealth really? It means having a lot of money but not flaunting it. It means keeping the (large) amount of money you have a secret from everyone, including your friends and family.

People that do this don’t necessarily hide their wealth to be deceitful, they just don’t feel the need to show it off. That’s why it’s difficult to tell the “stealthy wealthy” apart from everyone else.

The benefits of stealth wealth

Why would you want to practice this? There are some real benefits to hiding your true net worth from the rest of the world, including:

Make real connections

There are many reasons why stealth wealth can benefit your relationships.

First, as much as you might try, it can be difficult to maintain a friendship when one person has quite a bit more wealth than the other. By concealing how much money they have, those with money essentially close the (perceived) wealth gap.

Friends won’t feel pressured to keep up with expensive nights out or dinners they can’t afford, and you can stick to doing things together that fit within both of your budgets.

Second, money can get in the way of genuine relationships. You might wonder if someone is friends with you because of your money and what they can get from you.

By taking money off the table, you’ll be more certain that whoever you surround yourself with is there for you, not because you’re rich.

In addition, you won’t have to think so much about setting boundaries in friendships with people who may care too much about your money.

Live a happier life

Many wealthy people get caught up in spending lavishly to show off how much they make. But spending money on material things doesn’t necessarily make a person happier.

Instead, you can look for happiness within yourself.

Not only that, but spending too much money can cause a lot of stress. By cutting back on luxuries you don’t even want, you can learn how to save money fast and lower your stress.

Instead of trying to keep up with everyone else, those who practice stealth wealth spend their money on things they truly enjoy. Whether that’s experiences or material possessions they want, it doesn’t matter.

What matters is that spending money on what you want, rather than what you think will make you look good in front of others, leads to a more relaxed and happy life.

Financial security

Those who are financially secure no longer have to worry about money. Imagine the peace of mind you’d have, knowing that you have enough in your savings and retirement accounts to fund your lifestyle forever.

One of the hallmarks of stealth wealth is living below your means, which can ultimately lead to financial security.

Stealth wealth signs

Those with this type of life usually live a traditional middle-class lifestyle despite all their money. There are, however, some stealth wealth signs that you can look out for if you are curious to know if someone is rich or not.

Even with these signs, it might still be impossible to tell the difference between stealth wealth and average wealth! Some possible stealth wealth signs include:

They talk about money in a healthy way

Those with money talk about it as a way to learn or develop new ideas. They don’t brag about how much they have, and even more telling, they don’t talk about what they don’t have, either.

You’ll never hear someone with stealth wealth boasting about their income or their appreciating assets. Likewise, you’ll never hear them complaining about being in debt or unable to afford something they want.

Why not? Because they are debt free and they can afford whatever they want.

Those with wealth don’t show off on social media

The stealthy wealthy value privacy and don’t flaunt their money on social media, ever. Mostly, they don’t acquire things to show off.

But, even if they do decide to spend on a fancy dinner or lavish vacation, they don’t feel the need to tell the rest of the world about it. They leave that kind of posting to those seeking attention and trying to show off the wealth they might not even have.

They seem “average”

Another stealth wealth sign? Don’t look for a flashy sports car or giant mansion. Instead, those who understand the true stealth wealth meaning appear average.

They drive average cars, have regular jobs, and seem just like the rest of us. They understand that buying an expensive car or house doesn’t make you rich; it just makes you look it.

Secrets of the stealthy wealthy that you can use in your own life

You can’t just decide to have stealth wealth one day. Like most things, it requires dedication and financial planning to achieve. But, you can take the secrets of the stealthy wealthy and incorporate them into your own life to get your financial house in order.

Here are various ways to do that – and, who knows, you might decide that you’d like to be “stealthy wealthy” one day, too!

1. Avoid lifestyle inflation

More money can appear in your bank account in so many ways. Perhaps you got a raise (congratulations!). Or, maybe you switched jobs and got a nice salary bump along with it.

No matter how you come into it, the more money you have shouldn’t mean the more you spend.

Lifestyle inflation – increasing your spending as your income increases – is something that those with stealth wealth actively avoid. While you could be tempted to spend more as you make more, it’s not the way to become truly wealthy.

Those who know the secrets of wealth know that avoiding lifestyle inflation is one of the key ways to grow their assets and become financially secure.

2. Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses

Just because a friend or neighbor got a shiny new toy (car, house, or gadget) doesn’t mean you need to get one, too. Keeping up with others’ spending only causes financial troubles. If you want to become wealthy, focus on yourself, not others.

Whenever you are tempted by emotional spending or buying something because someone else has it, take a moment to reflect on whether you truly want it. If you do, it’s ok to purchase it.

Those with stealth wealth don’t restrict themselves fully, but they only purchase things they need and truly want. They aren’t influenced or pressured by others or by trying to keep up appearances.

3. Be intentional about your spending

Society tends to regard wealthy people in two ways; they either spend frivolously or live like a miser. To join the rank of millionaires, the popular advice is to save every dollar and only spend on basic necessities. Not exactly enticing!

I learned that wealthy people are neither irresponsible nor stingy with money when I worked as a nanny for many households in an old-money neighborhood.

Instead, they practice living on less by being smart with their money. They spend on things that make them happy and cut anything that doesn’t.

For instance, one of my bosses has a total of zero designer handbags but is a proud owner of a rare diamond. Another client asked me to bank my hours and pay me bi-weekly to avoid bank fees.

You don’t have to give up everything you enjoy to build wealth. But you need to be clear on what you want and be intentional about your spending.

4. Diversify your assets to achieve stealth wealth

Another secret of the wealthy? They don’t keep all of their money in one place. And they definitely don’t keep it all in a checking account!

Instead, they diversify their assets and strive to build multiple income streams.

The wealthy invest in the stock market (in various asset classes), bonds, and real estate. On top of that, they might even have a business or two.

If you want to steal this secret, one of the best ways is to create a plan for your future self through investing.

5. Build generational wealth

Those focused on quiet wealth building are also focused on building wealth for their families for many years to come.

They know the importance of building generational wealth – wealth passed down from generation to generation. This means they typically don’t spend money on material possessions or experiences that don’t last.

Instead, they focus on growing their wealth over time. They invest in the stock market, build businesses to pass down and create estate plans.

Everything they do with their money is with an eye toward security for themselves, their kids, their future, and future generations.

6. Be generous in private

Just because they don’t flaunt it doesn’t mean that those with stealth wealth hoard all of their money. Many wealthy people are extremely generous, but they do so in private.

Whether it’s paying for a family member’s education or donating to a cause they care deeply about, they do it all without making a public display of it.

If you want to practice stealth wealth, start by giving quietly when you can. You’ll still reap the same benefits and can avoid some drawbacks of giving, like loaning money to family or friends when you aren’t comfortable with doing so.

7. Build a classic wardrobe

For subtle wealth, think timeless wardrobe, otherwise known as “stealth wealth fashion“, “quiet luxury’, or “old money aesthetic.” 

Ditch trends and achieve quiet luxury with pieces that never go out of style. Look for understated and logo-free garments.

In addition, choose high-quality materials that will last, like leather, cotton, or linen.

Build your classic wardrobe with everyday staples like t-shirts and jeans. You’ll also be able to mix and match outfits if you go for neutral pants and jackets.

Fill your closets with timeless fashion pieces that you can use for years.

8. Be careful of the car you drive

When you finance your car, you’re paying interest for an asset that’s losing value over time. (Also, read about the pros and cons of refinancing a car.)

The wealthy understand this. That’s why even ultra-rich people like Jeff Bezos and Warren Buffet choose reliability over luxury regarding cars.

With rising inflation and high-interest rates, there’s no better time than now to opt for safe, reliable, budget-friendly cars.

Besides, owning a car has added car expenses. So, make sure you factor in the cost of gas, insurance, maintenance, and repairs when buying a car.

9. Know what’s going on with your money

What gets measured gets managed, right? You cannot build wealth without actively trying to find simple ways to increase your income and manage your spending.

It may come as a surprise to you, but even billionaires pay attention to their money. They may not be the ones creating a biweekly budget or expense report, but they have someone they trust doing it.

Many who grew up in households where money is a source of stress mistakenly think that being a rich person means never looking at your finances and spending however you want. But it’s not. The first secret to quiet wealth building is knowing what’s going on with your finances.

10. Practice humility

Humility is understanding that you are not better than others, no matter what you accomplish or how much money you have.

Living a simpler life, even when you have lots of money, comes from the realization that you don’t have to prove yourself to anyone and that other people are not your competition.

That’s another secret we can learn from those with stealth wealth. As a practice, ask yourself: “Do I want this even if nobody ever knows I own it?” whenever you want to buy something extravagant.

11. Stealth wealth meaning: truly believing that fancy things don’t make life worth living

Lastly, those who are truly wealthy understand that material things and fancy vacations aren’t what makes life worth living.

They may have started their wealth journey by not buying things they wanted to save or by passing up opportunities to spend on things they really wanted. But since they have fully embraced being quietly wealthy, they don’t feel the need to buy these things anymore.

They have found other ways for fulfillment. That’s one of the biggest blessings having money can give a person. Not only do you have financial security, but you’ve also learned to want less, appreciate the little things and what you have, and be happy with who you are.

Expert tip: Follow your own path to achieve stealth wealth

You can get clues from the stealth wealth signs others exhibit to build this type of life for yourself. First, get clear on who you are, what you value most, and how you want to live your life. Very importantly, to build a strong financial foundation, you need to know what’s going on with your money.

Learn from people who accomplished what you’re trying to achieve. Success and wealth don’t just happen. You need a plan, the determination to put your plans into action, and the clarity to follow the path.

The world will keep telling you what you should be doing and how. But as long as you stay true to yourself and your values, you’ll reach your goals and achieve financial security.

What is meant by stealth wealth?

Stealth wealth meaning is defined as living simply and quietly maintaining your wealth without making obvious displays of your affluence.

I personally prefer to think of it as being free from the money worries plaguing society because one does not need to keep up appearances to look rich.

Instead, they build wealth quietly and smartly without flashy money displays like fancy cars, mansions, or designer items and clothes.

What are subtle signs of wealth?

People with wealth very often live a minimalist, quiet luxury lifestyle. Most of the time, their wealth is hidden in fat bank accounts, and they invest smartly in robust investment portfolios, or in multiple properties.

To know who these people are, you can look out for stealth wealth signs. For instance, they might wear for high-quality clothing and accessories with little to no visible logos. Many people at this level of wealth also live in comfortable, well-maintained homes.

Some drive nice cars, travel, and own luxurious items but without announcing to the world what they have or don’t have. You’ll also notice that the wealthy pursue knowledge and ideas for self improvement.

They spend time, money, and effort to learn more about the world or themselves. Lastly, people who achieve financial freedom are happy and content. Because of this, they can be incredibly generous.

What are the benefits of stealth wealth?

If you build wealth quietly, you’ll have peace, safety, and security. These are the key benefits of stealth wealth.

When only a few people know your true financial situation, you don’t have to keep up appearances to maintain an extravagant lifestyle. You’re also safe from the unwanted attention of people with bad motives.

Additionally, you can live quietly without the pressure to outdo others in pursuing and doing more. In turn, you have less stress, and you set yourself free to enjoy your life.

You’ll have more energy and time to focus on what makes you happy, whether that’s family, business, hobbies, or making a difference in the world.

Articles related to wealth building

Has this article got you interested in wealth building? Check out these posts to find out more!

• Rich Vs Wealthy: 3 Key Differences Between The Two
• How To Build Wealth In Your 20s In 9 Steps!
• How To Build Wealth In Your 40s
• 6 Secrets Of Self Made Millionaires You Need To Know!

Leverage the secrets of stealth wealth to improve your financial future!

Becoming quietly wealthy isn’t about hiding money or being stingy. It’s being strategic and living life on your terms. Start your journey to financial freedom by incorporating some of the practices above.

Now that you’ve discovered the answer to “What is stealth wealth”, are you ready to take some of these secrets and use them to boost your own finances? Find out more about wealth accumulation and more money secrets!

The post Stealth Wealth: 11 Ways To Leverage The Secrets Of The Wealthy appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

When you don’t know exactly what you want, how will you know when you have it? That problem is precisely why it’s so important to gain an understanding of what you want in your life. Getting clarity to achieve your life’s goals is possible.

Sometimes, you can find yourself feeling lost in life, drifting along. Maybe you have some clue about what you want to achieve, or maybe you feel completely aimless.

It’s crucial to figure out what you want to focus on since that’s the first step towards achieving it one day. You may be searching for clarity in relationships, your career, your health, or any number of life aspects. 

If you’re unsure how to find clarity, consider the key tips in this article. But first, let’s discuss why having a clear purpose is so important.

Why getting clarity in your life is so important

“If you aim at nothing, you hit nothing.” Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings

While you might technically be able to shoot a crossbow while blindfolded and hit something, it’s hardly a recipe for safety. You could end up completely missing the mark.

Yet many of us approach our career goals, physical and mental wellness goals, relationship goals, and all other goals this way.

If you don’t have a clear target in mind, how will you aim to hit anything? As my ten-year-old begins learning archery, he’s finding out that a clear target is essential to success. Here are some of the reasons focus in your life is so important.

Clarity helps you know what you want

First of all, clarity often refers to a distinct vision of the future. If you just have a hazy picture in your mind of what you want to do in life, it can be next to impossible to end up in the right place.

Try to figure out some answers to the questions: What do I want to do? And who do I want to be?

Do you want to be a stay-at-home mother for a few years to soak up more time with your little ones? Or build a six-figure salary or business from scratch? Maybe you want to renovate a century-old farmhouse with nothing but YouTube and your bare hands.

Whatever your goals (obviously, you probably have many), deciding what you want is the first step toward achievement. It’s okay if you feel some confusion at first. Taking some time to identify your true passions and hopes is how you can find clarity.

It also helps you recognize what doesn’t matter 

It’s not only essential to know what you want but to know what you don’t want or what doesn’t matter. It’s all part of intentional living. 

When you find yourself drifting through your days without much to show for them, take some time to recognize what is and is not important. Think about the things you devote most of your time to—do they truly matter to you?

Oftentimes, we end up spending a lot of our time on things we don’t really care about. Maybe we sign up for too many committees at work or the kids’ school or we get pulled into a project that isn’t our passion.

While we can’t get out of all unpleasant tasks or things outside our comfort zone, we can be more mindful. Figure out what tasks are sucking your energy without any purpose, and try to delegate them or give them up completely.

6 Practical steps to achieve clarity

Essentially, getting clarity about who you are and what you truly want is about priorities. What matters most, and what can you let go of?

Since your time is limited, try these practical steps to bring understanding to your days and your life. This will also help you achieve your goals in life.

1. Create space to discover new ideas and goals

A great first step towards getting clarity is to simply make space for it. Sometimes, the most aimless times in our lives are when we get too busy to think or pause.

We all need some breathing room in our lives to help us discern what we’re getting right and what we can do better.

Try these tips to avoid going through the motions for weeks or months.

Instead, you can make time for getting clarity in your life.

Set aside regular time for reflection 

Maybe you’re the kind of person who’s always going full speed, and it’s hard to find focus that way. We all need to reflect on how things are going to figure out what needs to change.

You can try these ideas for “Wellness Wednesday,” like taking a rest day or turning off technology for a set period of time. Check out blogs and books that help you. 

If you’re a woman who thinks, “There’s no way I can just take a break,” then you need a break more than anyone!

Just start as small as you need to. Pick a regular weekly or daily time for reflection on your life and goals.

You may try meditation, but don’t be scared off by that term. Reflection for you may mean focusing on a particular goal or looking back on how each day or week went. 

There are probably a lot of little pockets of time in any given week when you could carve out a few minutes or an hour for reflection. Or if you’re craving major “me time,” make a plan for a lazy weekend to recharge and find focus.

Leverage journaling

Journaling can be an excellent tool when looking for clarity. Writing in a journal helps us to process what’s happening in the here and now, dream about the future, and reflect on the past. Journaling is a great form of self-care.

There are many benefits to journaling, like keeping track of your progress, increasing your confidence, and finding inspiration.

Once you’ve carved out a slice of time every day or every week, you may use journaling during that time. Whether you write long paragraphs, stick with short sentences, or use bullet journaling, get your thoughts down on paper.

If you’re unsure where to start, check out these 60 journal prompts for self discovery. I bet you’ll discover a ton about yourself if you’ve never had a journaling practice before, and that focus will help you achieve your goals.

Declutter to create physical space

In addition to creating mental space, you may also want to spend time clearing out physical space. If you need motivation to declutter, imagine how much the stuff in your home could add stress and confusion to your mind. 

Why not start by clearing away some things that aren’t serving you? Try emptying out one drawer or closet, discarding what’s unnecessary, and reorganizing with only the essentials. 

One of happiness guru Gretchen Rubin’s key tenets of happiness is that “Outer order contributes to inner calm.” Even if you don’t think clutter bothers you, you may be surprised to see how a cleaner home or office helps you.

2. Seek clarity through relationships

Relationships are a great resource for getting clarity. As important as your beliefs are, the people in your life can offer amazing insight into who you are.

Friends can help you see yourself more clearly 

In addition to spending time journaling and reflecting on your own, take some time to listen to your friends. Whether through a weekly Zoom call, an in-person lunch date, or even text messages throughout the week, friends can help with getting clarity.

Unfortunately, you may have been burned in the past by unsupportive friends. Those painful experiences may have led you to shut yourself off from true friends. Seek out the ones who can help you see who you are and determine your next life steps.

Whatever life circumstance you’re unclear on, dear friends can give advice. They can often see past your blind spots, those areas where you can’t see your talent as clearly as others.

Perhaps a friend will remind you of something you loved to do when you were younger. A relative could help you envision new possibilities for the future.

Don’t forget to set boundaries in your friendships. You’re still in the driver’s seat; you’re just asking friends to help you along.

Spend time with people who challenge you 

You can find focus by paying attention to who you’re spending time with. Maybe you have a trusted friend who doesn’t always tell you whatever you want to hear.

But her advice is always given with your best interests at heart. That’s the friend you want to keep close! She can definitely help you with how to find clarity in your life and choices.

Beware of toxic friends, though. When I say to seek out those who challenge you, I mean only people who love you and can give you insight into yourself.

Consider talking to a sister, old friend, grandmother, cousin, coworker, you name it. People who challenge you may push you out of what’s comfortable or easy. They can help you make a decision to take the risk—but not a foolish one.

A true friend can help you decide which risks are worth taking to better your life.

3. Getting clarity is easier with healthy habits

As you’re thinking through these steps, remember the healthy habits you’re in charge of building for yourself.

It can seem so simple, but we all neglect self-care and healthy behaviors at times. Healthy actions are foundational habits.

Get plenty of sleep 

One essential component of a healthy lifestyle—which impacts your focus and your life—is sleep. Developing a better sleep routine is perhaps the most important aspect of creating a self-care week (which you’ll hopefully follow with a lifetime of self-care).

Getting enough high-quality sleep can improve your attention and concentration, along with memory, the ability to solve problems, creativity, how we process emotions, and judgment, according to The Sleep Foundation.

Don’t all of those aspects also sound important to getting clarity in your life?

Too many of us are sleep-deprived. If you’re not sleeping enough, try giving yourself a regular bedtime and stick to it. Other good sleep hygiene habits include leaving your phone out of the bedroom and turning off screens an hour before bedtime.

Eat a healthy diet 

Eating a well-balanced diet is also crucial to being happier and more productive. You can find focus more often if you’re fueling your body with good things that help you function properly.

It’s not easy to follow an eating clean meal plan or even avoid overeating or eating in response to stress.

Try making a few small changes, like switching from soda or alcohol to water or adding a vegetable to each meal. I’m not yelling at you here—eating healthfully is a lifelong struggle for me, and each day’s choices make a difference. 

Every small decision to do something good for your body can help guide you to the next healthy choice.

Move more 

And, of course, in the trifecta of healthy habits, add “Move more!” to your list of things to do. Physical activity is a way to invest in yourself.

Exercise will help you strengthen physically, but it also has mental health benefits. Getting clarity may be easier if you make exercise a part of your day.

Exercise can help you with weight management, brain health, and anxiety reduction. If you’re unsure of what exercises are a good fit, try them out until you find some form of movement you love and will do regularly.

Perhaps you’ll love yoga, hiking in the woods, Zumba, softball, weight-lifting…you get the idea.

If I’m working from home, I sometimes pause to do a few push-ups or walk around my yard. That small break lets my mind wander from other tasks, and when I return, I’m more able to concentrate and solve problems.

Meditation can be a useful habit

If you’ve never tried meditation, you could give it a try. Take advantage of free apps like Calm or YouTube channels on meditation for quick and easy ways to get started.

I’ll admit that I’m a total newbie to meditation, but I try it occasionally to help me settle my mind. Plenty of people will tell you that when learning how to find clarity, it can be a great strategy. 

4. Focus on your priorities so you can accomplish what’s most important

Clarity is another way of defining your priorities. Figure out what matters the most to you, and chase hard after those things. Everything else is secondary.

You might determine that your family is your number-one priority (most people believe that). And, of course, you have to spend time on work, relationships, health, and other goals.

Define your goals and how long they’ll take

You can have long-term goals as well as mid term goals and short-term goals. Focus first on the overarching top goals, then break them down into manageable parts of life.

You might read goal-setting blogs to get some inspiration if you’re unsure how to set goals. First, try to keep your goals manageable and be sure they’re within your control. 

It’s best not to set goals like “Write a bestselling book” because whether your book sells isn’t something you can control. But goals like “Write 500 words per day” or “Join a writers’ group” are manageable and don’t rely on external factors. 

Don’t be afraid of big hairy audacious goals, either! Consider these major life objectives that you won’t reach in a few weeks or months but that can inspire you to buckle down and make progress. 

Determine why you want to achieve those goals

As you work on gaining clarity, you’ll need to think through your “why.” If a certain goal comes to mind, such as “Save $5,000 in 3 months,” think of concrete reasons why you want to do that. 

The reasoning behind this is simple. Achieving goals isn’t always easy, and gaining an understanding of why a goal matters to you will help you when the going gets tough. 

Get really specific about your why. What will you feel like when you accomplish this goal? How will it change your life or your family’s future? 

For example, if you are saving a down payment, envision the kind of house you’ll purchase one day. If you dream of taking a month off next summer, picture the fun activities you’ll be free to do during that time. 

You can keep your goals in mind by writing them down in a prominent place, learning how to create a vision board, or sharing them on social media. Along with the goal, include images or words about how achieving it will make life better. 

Say no to things that don’t serve your primary goals 

You’ll want to start saying “no” to some things. If an activity doesn’t help you reach your most precious goals, perhaps it’s time to give it up. 

Once you’ve focused on what matters, you’ll learn how to say no. You don’t have to do it all! Keep that in mind when a task could derail you from achieving your major goals. 

You may even need to say no to things that are good in theory but simply don’t serve you at this time.

For example, while I’m writing a novel (my lifelong goal), I have to say no to other activities that might be fun, like pottery classes. 

A financial example is that if you’re working to get out of debt, you’ll need to say no to a lot of spending. After working on your budget and debt, you can focus all your income where it needs to go—paying off debt. 

5. Don’t wait for perfect clarity before starting

“Don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good.”

That quote has been attributed to Voltaire and restated by many wise thinkers. It reminds me that it’s more important to start than to have everything figured out.

Beat procrastination for good

So many times, we procrastinate on getting things done because we fear we won’t do them perfectly. Maybe you’ve had that experience with a major life goal. You build it up as so important that you’re paralyzed and don’t start.

When you put off doing what matters most out of fear or anxiety that it won’t be perfect, you don’t go anywhere. Meanwhile, time passes, and suddenly, you notice you’re in the same position as a year or ten years before. Don’t wait forever!

Start with baby steps

A good strategy for finding out what you want is to start small. While reflection is important, sometimes you need to start with a baby step. 

For example, you might feel that what you really desire is to study for a new career. But if that career requires years of study and a ton of money, don’t let that discourage you from trying. Start with one class or internship, then see how it goes from there. 

There’s a lot to be said for improving by 1% daily. Know that mini goals can be beneficial, too, and sometimes you need to take one step before the next one becomes clear. 

6. Experiment and adjust your goals periodically

Going hand-in-hand with starting imperfectly is the plan that you’ll adjust your goals over time. You can learn how to create goals for today, start working on your goals, and find that those goals don’t exactly fit what you want.

That’s okay! Life is an experiment, and you get to try things, fail (or change your mind), and try again. The important thing is to stay consistent in reaching for your goals.

Learn and change a little every day

Every day in your life, you can grow and change a little bit. You might use these tips to inspire change in your life. Use your experiences, continue to evaluate your life and find clarity for the present moment, and make adjustments as you go.

It’s not easy, but this can open your eyes to when it’s time for a change. Certain phases of your life will require more focus on your career, while others may be more focused on family. Life doesn’t stay the same year after year, and you won’t either. 

Changing your goals isn’t a failure

You need to realize that after making progress, your goals may shift over time. It’s important to accept this as a part of the process. 

I’ve read a few blogs about people who tried traveling full time, maybe in an RV or overseas. Sometimes, they loved it, but others found they were ready to return home after a few months. Those people didn’t fail, though!

There’s nothing wrong with taking a big leap and discovering the outcome wasn’t what you’d hoped. You’ll learn to live consciously and make adjustments.

Expert tip: Take the time you need to find direction

If you find yourself flailing or struggling to reach meaningful goals, it’s worth it to spend time getting clarity in life. Most of us face periods of confusion, when we either pursue too many goals at once or we feel aimless without a goal. By using these tips for better overall health and satisfaction, you’ll find yourself gaining focus in all areas of life.

Your life is too important to coast without specific objectives at the top of your mind, so use clarity to make your life plan. Remind yourself that you bring unique gifts to this world, and by understanding how to use those gifts, you can more quickly make your impact on the world. 

What does it mean to seek clarity?

If you’re unsure of how or why to seek clarity, think of it as finding a focus in life. Whether you feel lost in general or only in a specific area, you can figure out what you really want. 

You may look to inspirational blogs or self-help books for women to help you with your ambitions. Other ways to find focus include talking to loved ones, clearing out clutter from your home, or trying something completely new. 

It’s an ongoing process of self-discovery. It helps ensure that you aren’t simply coasting through life, which could lead to regret down the line. 

How do you find inner clarity?

There’s no one right answer for how to find inner clarity. Perhaps you’re seeking to focus on what you’re most gifted to do for a career. Or you’re unsure whether it’s time to move on from a painful relationship. 

Finding inner clarity requires you to dig deep and look inward. If you want more direction in your life, you must sit and think for a bit. Whether this means you simply sit down somewhere with a journal or try walking in the woods, get quiet. 

No one else can really tell you what you need or want. So don’t be afraid to be alone with your thoughts and figure out your goals. 

How can I get clarity fast?

Not to be a downer, but there may not be a quick solution for clarity. Of course, it would be great if you tried meditation once, and within the first five minutes, you experienced a lightning bolt of clarity. 

However, there’s a good chance that finding focus won’t happen fast. Just be open to whatever comes to your mind, and be willing to change as you learn and grow.  

One good way to focus fast is to create physical space. Clear your desk, for example, before you sit down for goal-setting. The absence of random papers could help you focus your mind. 

As you gain guidance on what you really want, you can also start trying the best manifestation methods to help you get there. 

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If you found this information about gaining direction for your life interesting, check out these other great posts!

• How To Find Your Why!
• Less Is Better! 7 Reasons Why Less Is More
• How Intentional Living Can Change Your Life
• 15 Practical Steps To Make Today A Good Day

You can live with clarity and purpose!

Finally, don’t be afraid to pursue what you really love.

That’s likely one of the hardest parts of achieving clarity: realizing what you want but then finding the courage to go after it. You may not struggle with confusion, but the belief that you deserve what you want. 

Remember to listen to yourself as you go through each day, and you’ll find the focus to keep working toward achieving your goals.

If you decide on financial goals to pursue, you can try out our free online finance courses.

The post 6 Steps For Getting Clarity To Achieve Your Life’s Goals! appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

Do you ever feel like your life isn’t quite as put together as you thought it would be? Don’t worry; you aren’t alone. And while there’s some comfort to be had in knowing that you aren’t behind your peers in getting your life together, it can still feel disheartening. Well, it’s not too late to achieve that vision you had in mind!

Most of us had a vision of what adulthood would look like. We would have a stable job, plenty of disposable income, a beautiful home, and maybe a somewhat glamorous champagne lifestyle.

Well it’s still possible and you can start making the changes you want by telling yourself, “I’m getting my life together,” and then by following this “get your life together” checklist to make it happen!

Getting your life together in 18 steps

If you’re ready to get your act together starting today, here are 18 simple steps to get started!

1. Make a list of your current circumstances

To decide what you want your future life to look like, it’s important to first acknowledge the present.

If your life isn’t exactly where you hoped it would be, then it might feel easier to ignore your current circumstances. But you can’t make meaningful change without taking a hard look at where you are today.

First, make a list of your current circumstances in each area of your life. Areas you might make a note of include:

• Your current job
• Home
• Finances
• Love life
• Friendships
• Hobbies
• Health and fitness
• Your religion or spirituality

Your list should include everything you want to improve on!

2. Decide which parts of your life you’re happy with (and which you aren’t)

The next step in getting your life together is deciding which of your current circumstances are exactly where you want them to be and which aren’t.

First, go through the list of your current circumstances and indicate which ones you’re happy with. This part is easy since you don’t need to make any meaningful changes there.

The harder part is going through your list and highlighting the circumstances you aren’t happy with.

Sure, it might be hard to see just how many parts of your life aren’t where you want them to be. But now that you’ve identified them, you can create a simpler life by making a plan to change them and get your act together.

Also, know that acceptance of where you are now is a huge step towards your personal growth.

3. Set specific goals

Once you know what areas of your life you’d like to change, you can start setting goals to improve them.

When you’re setting goals for yourself, especially financial goal setting, try to be as specific as possible. It’s not enough to just decide you’re going to get your finances in order.

Instead, you should set specific financial goals such as starting a budget, saving $1,000, or paying off your credit card debt.

Set one or two specific goals for each area of your life. Try to have short-term and long-term goals for each aspect that you’d like to improve.

Some areas might seem more difficult than others. After all, how do you set specific and quantifiable short-term goals for your relationships? Well, in that case, you could aim to have a coffee date or phone call with one friend each week.

Once you decide on your goals, make sure to write them down. A study by Dr. Gail Matthews shows that you’re 42% more likely to reach the goals you set if you write them down, according to Inc.com.

For an extra boost of motivation, write them down and place them somewhere you’ll see them every day.

Also, don’t forget how powerful positive morning affirmations can be. So, telling yourself, “I’m getting my life together” or “I have my life together” can have a huge impact on accomplishing your goals!

4. Start small when trying to get your act together

You can’t get your act together all in one day.

Rather, you have to start small. As you decide what changes you want to make in your life, break them down into small, bite-sized pieces.

Sure, knowing how to save $10,000 is a great goal. But it’s not one that most people can achieve in just a few months.

Instead, set a goal for how much you want to save each week, month, or paycheck.

Similarly, start small when it comes to changing your habits. Let’s say one of your goals is to get in better shape. If you currently don’t exercise at all, then it’s not sustainable to set the goal of working out six days per week. You’ll burn out pretty quickly that way.

Instead, start with one or two days. When you’re consistently sticking with that, then you can add another day or two. Getting your life together can be accomplished by getting 1% better every day!

5. Organize your physical space

A huge part of getting your life together is getting organized. Often, a disorganized physical space can make you feel disorganized in other areas of your life. Imagine waking up in the morning and having a hard time finding your keys because your kitchen is cluttered.

Suddenly, you’re late for work and have higher stress the rest of the day. And not only is your stress higher at work, but you might even be dreading going home, knowing that you’ll have to deal with the clutter.

Decluttering your life might not seem like it will make a difference when it comes to your finances, your health, or your relationships.

But you’d be surprised just how much you carry that stress and disorganization into other parts of your life. So, make sure you don’t skip this step. Try reading organizational blogs to help you.

6. Find the right tools to help with getting your life together

A big part of getting your life together is finding the right tools to use along the way. No matter what goal you’re trying to reach, there’s probably a tool designed to help you get there. Here are a few examples:

Habit trackers

A habit tracker is an app that helps to create new positive habits. You set up the habits you want to work on and schedule how often you want to do each one. Then, the app reminds you of your habits and allows you to track them.

Budget apps

There are plenty of budget apps designed to help you reach your financial goals. You can find different apps based on your budgeting style, the goals you’re trying to reach, and more.

Or try the best budget templates! Budgeting your money is a big part of self-care and getting your life together!

Fitness trackers

For someone with health and fitness goals, a fitness tracker is a perfect tool.

First, fitness watches can help you track your steps and workouts. Next, fitness tracking apps allow you to track calories in and out.

Project management tool

For anyone starting a business or working on another big project, a project management tool like Trello or Asana can help you get your act together. It allows you to create specific tasks, assign them to different people, and create checklists of items to do along the way.

Journal

If your mind is what’s holding you back from reaching your goals, then journaling self care might be just the tool you need.

Studies have shown that journaling can have significant impacts on both your physical and mental health. It can decrease stress, decrease your chances of getting sick, and more.

7. Make a plan for your money as an essential part of getting your life together

One of the most important steps on the get your life together checklist is making a plan for your money!

Money is the number one source of stress for a large majority of people. It beats out politics, work, and family as a source of stress and has even more significant impacts on younger generations.

Whether or not your goals are financial in nature, knowing how to make a financial plan is crucial to your well-being. Hence, getting your finances in order can go a long way toward helping you get your act together.

8. Get your act together by minimizing stressors

If there’s something in your life that’s stressing you out, it can have a negative impact on many different parts of your life. Let’s say you have work stress.

Like many people, you might bring that stress home with you at night. It can then affect not only your work life but also your relationships, health habits, and more.

To start reducing stress in your life, make a list of everything in your life that causes you stress. Are there any on the list you can eliminate entirely?

You may find this is the case for expensive subscriptions or social obligations that add more stress than they’re worth. It could also mean planning ahead for major life events.

Other stressors you simply won’t be able to eliminate. Examples of these include toxic people at work and family members. And while you can’t eliminate these stressors altogether, you can identify changes you can make to reduce the stress.

9. Find a mentor

If you have big career goals that you haven’t reached, then a mentor might be the perfect way to take your life to the next level. A mentor can give you career tips or advise you on business goals, introduce you to people in the industry, and work as a sounding board as you come up against career stressors.

Wondering how to find a mentor? Think of people in your network who have offered you advice in the past. Mentorship can be a formal arrangement — at times, even a paid one. But it can also be an informal friendship with a friend in your industry.

10. Create routines for getting your life together

Routines are the backbone of success. When you have routines in place, you no longer have to rely on willpower to stick to your positive habits and reach your goals.

Think about a habit that comes naturally to you, like getting dressed in the morning or brushing your teeth. You don’t have to remind yourself to do those things. They’re a part of your daily routine schedule.

You can use those same systems to create other healthy habits and take better care of yourself. Want to commit to going for a walk each day?

Find the time when you can do it at the same time each day. It will become a part of your routine, and you’ll eventually find that it just comes naturally to you.

11. Identify bad habits

Being a human being makes you a creature of habit, even if those habits don’t really serve you. A key step on the get your life together checklist is identifying your bad habits. If we’re being honest, we can all admit that we have some bad habits in our lives that are holding us back.

Whether it’s staying up late at night watching television, overspending on things you don’t need, or something else, it’s likely affecting other parts of your life.

As a first step, sit down and make a list of bad habits that might be holding you back in certain areas of your life. Then, come up with strategies to reduce or eliminate them.

For example, set boundaries for yourself on how late you stay up at night. If you tend to overspend on home decor regularly, then pamper yourself and add it as a line on your budget so it’s accounted for.

12. Implement the one-minute rule

Do you ever have those tasks that are on your to-do list for days, weeks, or months, and yet you never seem to get to them? We’ve probably all experienced something similar in the past.

One simple strategy coined by Gretchen Rubin is called the one-minute rule. This rule states that if something can be done in one minute or less, you do it immediately.

Setting this rule for yourself helps clear up your to-do list from all of those small tasks that create a mental burden. This can be a great step to help you with getting your life together!

13. Change your mindset

You might be surprised to hear that if you aren’t reaching your goals, your mindset might be one of the most important things holding you back.

If you find yourself regularly talking down to yourself or telling yourself that you won’t reach your goals, then there’s a good chance that you won’t.

But if you adopt a positive mindset and truly believe you can reach your goals, then you might find it easier to do so.

14. Create a gratitude journal

It’s easy to spend your time focusing on the things that are going wrong in your life. And when you’re working on getting your life together and making big changes, it’s natural to focus on the negative things.

Unfortunately, this can also drag you down emotionally and induce anxiety. It can cause you to feel like everything is going wrong.

A gratitude journal is an excellent way to focus on the positive and appreciate the little things in your life. Each day, sit down and write down three things in your life that you’re grateful for.

Aim to pick out three different things each day. They can be as big as your family and friends or as specific as a delicious meal you enjoyed that day.

As you write down what you’re grateful for each day, you’ll find that you naturally become more optimistic and start looking for things to be positive about. Try these journal prompts for self discovery if you don’t know where to start.

15. Take action towards getting your life together

It’s easy to say, “I’m getting my life together,” set goals and write down steps you can take to reach them, but it’s a totally different thing to take action and actually complete those steps.

Starting working toward a new goal is often the hardest step. When you want to save $1,000, those first few dollars are the hardest because you’re not in the habit of saving. When you decide to start working out, those first few workouts are the hardest because you’re not used to working out.

The sooner you take action after setting your goals, the quicker you can get past that first difficult step. Once you’ve started, you’ll find that your momentum helps you keep going. A great way to do this is to focus on challenging yourself to get just a little bit better every day.

16. Track your progress

Once you decide what changes you want to make in your life, it’s important that you track your progress.

Otherwise, you might never realize whether you’re on the right track. As a result, you might find that you never get closer to your goals.

Tracking your progress helps to ensure that you’re on track with your goals. It also helps to motivate you as you see yourself progress. There are plenty of tools out there designed to help you track your progress and stick to your goals and habits.

17. Practice mindfulness to know how to get your life together

Balancing a career with family and other obligations can get so busy. If every day is pure chaos from the moment you open your eyes, make sure to add practicing mindfulness to your list.

Mindfulness has many benefits that include getting rid of negative thoughts, improving your overall well-being, and boosting your enjoyment of life. Luckily, there are many resources to help you get started with practices like meditation and deep breathing.

Check out apps like Headspace, Calm, or Insight Timer for guided sessions and tools to help you incorporate mindfulness into your schedule.

18. Ask for help if necessary

Sometimes, all you need is a little help. Whether you’re looking for advice or emotional support, talk to someone you can trust. They could be a friend, family member, colleague, therapist, or mentor.

Seek professional advice or consider therapy if you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issues. You don’t have to go through this alone. That’s why asking for help is also an important step on the checklist.

Expert tip: Take it one step at a time

As you set out to make changes in your life, remember to focus on small changes. Whether you have a small hill or a steep mountain to climb, small steps can get you there.

It is easier to reach your goals with incremental, sustainable actions than grandiose moves that will leave you burnt out and back to where you started. Working through the steps on your checklist will most likely take months or years.

So, be patient with yourself, check back often, and celebrate every progress you make along the way.

What does it mean to get your life together?

To get your life together means to take back control of your life so you’re not derailed by every stressor that comes your way.

It’s a beautiful place to be – to have organization and stability over most areas of your life. It doesn’t mean life is perfect. But that you are prepared and you can deal with life as it happens.

What is the best way to get your life together?

The best way is to follow lay out the series of steps you need to take and begin finding strength to face the challenge head on.

Start with your list of current circumstances, what you’d like to achieve to make you happy, and then break out your specific and actionable goals. You already know there are aspects of your life you want to change.

Decide you will do it and start today. Set a schedule to sit down and make a list of the areas of your life you want to improve on and go from there.

What do I need to get my life together?

The good news is you don’t need to purchase anything to get your life together, you only need to want to change your life. You may need a pen and paper to start and some free apps along the way, but nothing expensive.

As you work through determining what will truly make you happy, laying out your goals and taking intentional action, be open to possibilities and use the power of mindset to stay positive. Stay committed to your goals and ask for help when you need it.

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• Daily Habits To Improve Life: A Good Habits List To Work On Now!
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• How To Rebuild Your Life After A Financial Downturn

Getting your life together is possible!

Getting your life together feels impossible at times, but it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of steps and self improvement ideas you can take to make small changes and bring you a bit closer to your dream life.

You may not be able to control everything in life, but this get your life together checklist will help you focus on the things you can control.

Take action today by enrolling in our completely free financial courses to work towards your new goals!

The post 18 Steps For Getting Your Life Together Starting Now appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

Women and investing is a topic that doesn’t get mentioned often enough, but it is extremely important. Women’s financial plans are unique, so their investing strategies should be, too. Find out more about women and investing, and discover ideas for creating your own investment plan.

Women investors are doing great financially, proving that women are equipped with the skills needed to be successful investors. More women are taking charge of their finances by creating a financial plan and working towards building wealth.

Women make fantastic investors, keep reading to learn why. Plus get five key tips for how women can invest smartly!

Why women investors are amazing

There are a lot of things that set women and investing apart. And women can have great success with investing because of the unique way they view finances. For example:

Women approach investing with a cautious mindset

Women sometimes approach investing with a different mindset than their male counterparts. They tend to be more careful when considering investments.

Although action is necessary for investing, this cautious approach can pay off and help women make great financial choices.

Another thing that makes women great investors is that they don’t spend too much time trading. The Motley Fool explains that men tend to trade a lot more frequently than women, and that this contributes to their investments not doing as well. Women, on the other hand, tend to trade less and have better results over time.

They make fewer emotionally driven investments

Another key differentiator between men and women in investing is emotion. It may be surprising, but men can be more emotional about making investments than women.

In a survey, Adam Hennick of Hennick Wealth Management found that men who make a higher income are more likely to buy stocks based on a gut feeling at 13.7%, whereas women are less likely to do this at 7.5%.

Making a hasty emotional decision when it comes to investing often leads to regret, and it’s better to take the time to research to be sure you have the best chance of financial success.

Women give their investments time to grow

According to an analysis by Fidelity, female investors are starting to invest when they are younger, for example, between ages 18 to 35, women are opening a brokerage account by age 21 on average.

The older generation tended to wait longer to open a brokerage. It was also found that millennial women are investing outside of their retirement more often than previous generations.

This is great news because investments that are made sooner have more time to grow, and more investing beyond retirement may also be beneficial. All of this can result in more wealth for women.

5 Tips for how women can invest smartly

Before choosing an investing platform, investment products, or financial assets, consider how you can be sure that you are investing smartly. These 5 ideas will help you achieve your goals.

1. Set financial goals

If you are going to invest your money, then you want it to grow. And you probably have a good reason!

For instance, you might be thinking of retirement savings, long-term goals like saving up for a house or saving for vacation, irregular expenses, or education costs.

When making investment decisions, setting financial goals can allow you to know how much money you need to set aside. So think about how much money you want to make over how many years.

To start, try to think of 1 or 2 big long-term goals and then maybe a short-term goal or two. Then consider how much money you need for each.

After that, determine how long the money needs to stay invested. Having all of these numbers in front of you and knowing your goals can make it much easier to start the investing process.

For example, you may want to save $1 million by the time you retire and suppose that’s in 30 years. Now that you have that larger number, you can break it down by how much you want to save each year and then each month.

2. Research

Rather than simply choosing the first investments that come along, it’s important to form an understanding of how your money will be invested.

According to the Motley Fool, you should understand investing metrics and both types of stock analysis when researching stocks, in addition to looking at trends and management when you research the stock companies, and researching other important information.

Above all, don’t make a decision about your money without first thinking it over and doing your due diligence.

3. Understand your risk tolerance

Not everyone is comfortable with the same amount of risk for their money. When it comes to women and investing, you need to know if you are more risk averse or if you prefer to take more risk in favor of a potentially higher return. 

If you are risk averse, you might prefer safer investing routes like CDs or high-interest savings accounts.

However, while it is important to try to minimize risk, know that just keeping your money in savings accounts is unlikely to help you become wealthy.

Find more information about investing and become comfortable with the idea. Then you may find that, while investing does have risks, it isn’t as scary as it seems.

On the other hand, if you are okay with a lot of risk, you may choose to invest in single stocks in hopes of a high return.

However, just because there could be a high return on something doesn’t mean there will be. Another option could be investing with index funds, which invest in multiple things like bonds and stocks. Mutual funds are another good option.

As you can see, there’s a lot to consider with risk tolerance. You also need to take into account things such as personality, your age, and how long you plan to keep the money invested. These things could make you more or less risk averse.

4. Have a strategy and diversify

Before you make your investment choices, be sure to have a plan and diversify your investments.

An investment strategy involves the values you use to determine the investments you make, which ultimately lead to you reaching your money goals. You’ll need to take into account some of the things that were mentioned above, like how risk averse you are and what you plan to do with your money.

Diversifying means you choose several different investments, so you don’t have all of your money invested in one type of asset, and then you are likely to see more consistent returns.

Considering your values and strategy, in addition to diversification, is important for your investment portfolio and your future. You might consider an all weather portfolio, which will help you diversify without being overly risky.

5. Seek professional guidance

Imagine jumping into a huge decision like a career change or a big move without asking for any advice first. You probably wouldn’t do that – so don’t invest without getting some guidance.

Reading and research is a good way to begin getting guidance. You might ask other people you know who are savvy investors to give their advice, as well.

Consulting financial professionals can also be a smart choice, but be careful of fees. They may not be worth it in some cases.

The main point is that you don’t want to begin investing without knowing what you are doing to some extent. Although you don’t need a degree in finance to get started, understanding basic information and getting your questions answered is important.

Expert tip: Don’t rush the investing process

Whether you think that investing is difficult or you feel like you understand it pretty well, it pays to take the time to learn more.

Rather than jumping into new investments or opening accounts, first research, read for informational purposes, learn investment terms, and talk to others to get investment advice.

Don’t wait too long, but taking a few weeks or months to find out more about the basics and be sure of your investment choices is well worth it.

Why are women investors important?

Women investors EW important for their own futures and others. Not only are many women the female breadwinner for their families, but they have big financial goals and dreams to accomplish!

Women need to be great investors for their own futures and their families and to create greater awareness for others about what women are capable of with money.

And since women are not as confident in their investment knowledge, according to Morning Star, it’s vital that women learn all they can about finance and investing. Not only will this help their own futures but also the generations of women who will invest in the future.

If women today can make a huge impact, then they will likely increase confidence for other women about women’s wealth and what they can do financially.

How do women invest differently than men?

Not only are women more likely to be careful investors and make fewer changes to their investments, but they also care about investing in things that benefit other women.

For example, women investors more often invest with women entrepreneurs than men do. Women care about helping other women to succeed, and they’re willing to use their money to make this happen. Which can help to create a better financial environment for all women in the future.

Who are some popular women investors?

Some popular women investors include Barbara Corcoran, Mellody Hobson, and Melinda Gates.

Barbara Corcoran has a net worth of approximately $100 million, and she made a large portion of her money from her real estate company, as well as her investments with Shark Tank.

Mellody Hobson is the co-CEO of Ariel Investments, of which she owns 40%, in addition to owning a large portion of J.P. Morgan Chase and Starbucks shares. Ariel Investments manages over $17 billion in assets.

Melinda French Gates’ net worth is around $10.1 billion, and she received $2.4 billion worth of stock after her divorce from Bill Gates. She is also co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

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There’s a bright financial future for women and investing!

The one thing women investors can improve on is their investing confidence! It’s apparent that women are amazing investors and can be very successful in reaching their financial goals. Women’s ability to invest wisely sets them up for a secure financial future.

You can be an amazing investor, too! It’s all about educating yourself and getting the right financial advice to get you on track towards your money goals.

Are you ready to become a successful woman investor? Increase your financial literacy by enrolling in our FREE investing course bundle to learn how to grow your money and achieve financial success!

The post Women And Investing: 5 Key Tips For Women Investors appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

When we think of someone being rich vs wealthy, we might think it’s the same thing but it’s not. For some reason, the words rich and wealthy are often incorrectly used to describe the same thing.

The two words might seem like synonyms, but they are completely different. It’s hard to spot the difference, but being rich and being wealthy are not equal. So, let’s dig into the difference between rich and wealthy.

What does it mean to be rich?

Being rich means having a lot of money or a high income. It comes down to how much cash you have in your bank account. But just because you’re rich, doesn’t mean you are wealthy.

In fact, being rich can often mean that you are spending a lot of money. It can also mean that you have a lot of debt e.g. high-interest credit cards, car payments, personal loans, etc,

It doesn’t matter how much money you have if your expenses are higher than your income. Being in debt is definitely not something to aspire to!

People who are rich might drive a fancy car, live in an amazing house in the best part of town, or have a high-paying job, but it comes at a cost. If you make $200,000 a year but spend $225,000 a year in expenses, you might seem rich because of your high salary, but you’re on your way to going broke.

As a matter of fact, plenty of celebrities have gone broke, some because of their rich lifestyles which lacked sustainability.

What does it mean to be wealthy?

When it comes to being rich vs wealthy, being wealthy means not only having enough money to meet your needs but being able to afford not to work if you don’t want to. It’s about amassing assets and making your money work for you. In other words, it’s having a significant net worth.

Wealthy people don’t necessarily own the latest gadgets or cars or throw lavish parties. What they do have, is a lot of assets, such as real estate, investments, cash, and financial stability. They think about building wealth, not owning more possessions.

For example, if your monthly expenses are $5,000 per month, and you have $30,000 in savings, then you have about six months’ worth of wealth. If you invest that $30,000 and you end up with $5,000 a month in investment revenue, you are wealthy.

And when asking “What is the difference between rich and wealthy”, wealthy people have money habits that are something to consider. For example, wealthy people choose to be cautious about expenses and plan out their finances.

The most wealthy people in America are often business owners. Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffett are all worth multi-billions. (Fun fact: Buffett is considered a frugal billionaire!).

Despite his massive wealth, he still lives in the Nebraska home he bought in 1958 for $31,500 and didn’t switch his $20 flip phone for an iPhone until 2020.

What is the difference between rich and wealthy?

So, what is the difference between being rich and being wealthy? Well, there is a bit more to being rich vs wealthy than how much money you have in your bank account.

1. Net worth

It’s possible for someone who makes less than a rich person to actually be wealthier than a rich person with a fancy car and the latest fashion designs. The best measure of a person’s wealth is their assets and debt.

In general, a wealthy person will have a large net worth. A rich person might have a high income but if they have a lot of debt, their overall net worth will be low or even negative.

2. Expenses

Rich people tend to spend a lot of money, but wealthy individuals save and invest most of their money. Wealthy people might have a lot of money, but they don’t spend it all in one go.

And they certainly don’t use debt unless it’s for a very clear purpose, such as an investment in a house.

3. Investment

Rich people don’t necessarily adjust their lifestyle to ensure future wealth. They might buy the latest gadgets or increase their lifestyle inflation instead of investing.

A wealthy person saves as much money as possible and invests it in assets. That might mean buying real estate or investing in the stock market. Regardless of how they invest, wealthy people know that in order to grow their wealth, they need to turn their cash into assets and create a high net worth. They focus on making this a sustainable lifestyle.

Expert tip

The quickest way to become wealthy is to pay off your debt. That’s because debt can eat into your disposable income, making it harder for you to save and invest.

Prioritizing your debt repayment by paying more than the minimum and finding ways to earn more to pay off additional debt is key. Don’t forget to put aside emergency savings while you do this.

How to become wealthy

Now you know the difference between rich vs wealthy. So, if you want to become wealthy, there are a few things you can do to get started. Don’t just focus on how big your paycheck is.

You also want to avoid schemes that sell you ideas to get rich quickly. Instead, follow these steps to eliminate debt and have the right mindset when it comes to amassing wealth.

Keep track of your net worth

Your net worth is what determines your wealth. If you want to become wealthy then you should keep track of your net worth. The higher your net worth, the more wealth you have.

You can track your net worth using a net worth calculator or by deducting your liabilities from your assets. In other words, the things you own minus the debt you owe. If you have a lot of debt, try to pay it off to increase your net worth score.

Save 10 to 15% of your paycheck every month

The first step to becoming wealthy is to save a portion of your paycheck every month, no matter how much or how little you make. Always set aside at least 10% to 15% every month.

You can set up your bank account so that a portion of your paycheck is deposited directly into your savings. It’s an easy way to save without even needing to think about it.

If you struggle with saving, try a savings challenge, or look at your budget and find out where you can eliminate expenses.

Pay off debt, starting with high-interest debt

So another of the key differences between being rich and wealthy is being debt-free. If you want to be wealthy, you need to be debt-free in order to have financial freedom. Focus on paying off your debt, starting with high-interest loans such as credit card debt.

Find out if it makes sense to refinance your student loans or mortgage for a better interest rate. You can also look into things like student debt forgiveness. Make becoming debt-free your number one priority!

Invest as soon and as much as you can

One of the quickest ways to grow your wealth is to invest it. Of course, investing comes with its own risks, but there are plenty of options available.

You can use an automated service like a Robo-advisor, get investment advice from a broker, or invest in things other than the stock market, like physical assets.

No matter what you do, do something, even if you start investing a small amount of money! You can even put your money in a high-yield savings account to accrue interest until you’re ready to invest it.

Make your money work for you. Remember investing is one of the main differences between being rich vs wealthy.

Don’t splurge on unnecessary expenses

The key to growing wealth is being frugal and living within your means. In fact, you should live far below your means so that you can invest your extra income and savings. Your spending habits are a huge part of a wealth mindset.

That means resisting the urge to buy those designer jeans or buying the latest iPhone model when an older model will work just as well. Be smart about what you spend your money on and only buy the things that you not only need, but that will also last in value.

Think about your long-term financial goals and assets

What is another difference between being rich and being wealthy? Long-term goals and assets. Growing wealth is a long-term commitment. It’s not something that happens overnight.

It could take you years to build up your wealth and that’s okay. When things get tough, remember your long-term goals and why you chose to try to become wealthy in the first place.

Long-term wealth requires really thinking through how your purchases and investments today will affect you in the future. That means that the difference between being rich and being wealthy is that wealthy people spend time growing their income streams and investment portfolio and building up passive income, in order to make their future the best it can be.

Build passive income streams

Another way to build up your wealth is to build passive income streams. Passive income is money you receive without having to go to a day job. For example, dividends from your investments, or rental income from real estate.

Wealthy people often do not have to work traditional jobs because they make income in other ways. With passive income, you can earn money no matter where you are, even if you’re out on the beach.

Is wealthy considered rich?

Being wealthy and being rich are two different things. Being wealthy means being financially independent and having a large net worth. When you’re rich, you have a high income but you could also have a lot of debt so it doesn’t necessarily mean you are also wealthy.

How much money is wealthy?

There’s no set dollar amount that defines someone as wealthy, as wealth is determined by how high your net worth is.

However, according to a wealth survey by Charles Schwab, most Americans consider being wealthy as having a net worth of at least $2.2 million, but most people who say they feel wealthy have a net worth of $560,000.

Can a person be rich and wealthy?

The answer is yes. You can be rich and wealthy, although the two terms are slightly different. If someone has a high income, then they are often considered rich. If that person also has other revenue streams and a lot of high-value assets, then they would also be considered wealthy.

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Enjoy this article on the meaning of rich vs wealthy? Check out this related content!

• How To Get Rich From Nothing!
• Rich Mindset Vs Poor Mindset: How to Develop a Rich Mindset!
• How to Track Net Worth Using a Net Worth Calculator
• 9 Key Tips To Live Richer In Life

Wealth is a mindset: Improve yours starting today!

So, what is the difference between rich and wealthy? When it comes to rich vs wealthy, being wealthy doesn’t start with a huge wallet full of cash.

Wealth starts with the right money mindset. Save a portion of your income, focus on becoming debt-free, and invest early and often.

If you want to be wealthy, you need to always think about your long-term goals.

Do you want to retire early? Own a few houses? Travel?

When thinking about wealth, don’t just focus on your income, but focus on building up your investments and assets to last you a few lifetimes. Your financial plan is key to wealth building.

The post Rich VS Wealthy: 3 Key Differences Between The Two appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

What influential women do you have in your life? Whether it’s your mom, best friend, favorite female celebrity, or influencer, there’s no doubt that it’s important to have women in our lives that we can look up to and learn from.

Find out what the habits of successful women are and how to make them part of your life!

Good habits set the tone for the way you choose to live and are essential for living a healthy lifestyle and also well-being.

Here are 10 habits of successful women and also a look at the daily routine of a successful woman.

It’s time to get inspired. You won’t want to miss these!

1. Set goals and achieve them

Successful women know what they want and, more importantly, how to get their hands on it.

Start by writing your goals down, no matter how small or big they are.

In six months’ time, what would you like to have achieved? What about a year or 10 years from now? Describing your goals in detail and visualizing them with images can really help motivate you to meet them.

Create an action plan

Every goal should be SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound). You’re much more likely to achieve goals that have these characteristics because they give you a sense of direction.

Now that you’ve got your goals, it’s time to work out how you’re going to get there. An action plan is such a good way to capture the steps you need to take and keep an eye on your progress. Digital or paper form is good for writing them down, whatever works best for you.

Celebrating when you’ve achieved each goal is really important. It’s a great way to acknowledge your efforts, and being proud of what you’ve achieved puts you in the correct mindset for your next win. You’ve got this!

2. Believe in yourself

Ask any successful woman what the key is to achieve great things, and they will tell you it’s believing in yourself. Know what you’re worth and be confident in your abilities.

But how do you believe in yourself if it doesn’t come naturally to you?

Spend time with supportive people

Surround yourself with positivity and affirmations for self love. Ditch negative relationships and focus on the people that make you feel good.

In addition, build a network of like-minded people that thrive off positive energies.

You’ll be seriously impressed by what you can achieve just by believing in yourself.

Share what you learn

Sharing what you learn with other people is another great way to strengthen the belief you have in yourself. We all have something that we are skilled at and also passionate about. Why not help others learn a new skill and take pride in your abilities at the same time?

Ultimately, believing in yourself comes down to looking after your mind, body, and soul, only making decisions that you are comfortable with.

3. Say no sometimes

Saying no gives us the power to choose how we best use our time and where we focus our energies. The habits of successful women can help teach us the value of saying no.

It can feel like it’s impossible to say no, especially if you’re used to saying yes all of the time! But successful women know how to say no to opportunities that are unfair, don’t match their values, or if they simply don’t have enough time for them.

Why? Because it enables us to value ourselves and our time more and stay true to what’s important.

Practice your skills to improve

Saying no is a skill, and it does get easier with practice. Here’s how you can say no effectively:

Remind yourself why you’re saying no

Before you turn something down, it’s worth reminding yourself why you’re doing it to show confidence.

Be courteous yet assertive

Use firm words such as “No, I can’t at the moment” or “I don’t have the time currently”.

Don’t make excuses or apologize

Instead, provide a brief explanation if you feel it’s needed and move on.

Practice saying no

Start with small refusals, such as a coffee with a co-worker, to help build your confidence.

The above tips apply whether you’re saying no to a new work opportunity or even just saying no to a play date that you don’t have time for.

And remember, don’t feel guilty for saying no to something! Saying no to anything that goes against your personal core values frees up more time for the things you want to do – there’s not enough time for both.

4. Make time for self-love and mindfulness

To be successful, first, you need to take care of your own needs. This means maintaining both your physical and mental health.

Easier said than done? We hear you.

Creative ways to prioritize yourself

How does a successful woman include self-care and attitudes of mindfulness in her busy life?

Well, regular exercise and eating well are the first steps. Scheduling alone time into your week also allows you to reflect on you and your goals.

If you’re struggling for time, you can combine exercise and meditation to give you that much-needed time to yourself.

Self-care can be as simple as a morning walk to enjoying a cup of tea and reading a chapter of your book. You might even try a self care week!

Successful women also reward themselves with their desires when they meet their goals. Rewards could be anything from a full-body massage to a weekend away with the girls. It’s a healthy way to look after your mind and body whilst celebrating your wins and motivating you to achieve your next one.

These easy-to-adopt habits will help you prioritize self-care without making it feel like you’re adding to your to-do list.

5. Always have a backup plan

Sometimes things don’t happen the way we want them to, and that’s ok!

One of the most admirable habits of successful women is having a plan B. Things can go wrong.

Let’s say you don’t get the job that you really wanted, for instance. Or your car breaks down and needs emergency repairs.

Having a backup plan can get you back on your feet quickly and make you stronger than ever. A good example is to have a plan for the year, with extra ideas in case things change.

Make plans for finances, career, and life

To protect your career, always keep your resume updated with all your skills and experience and utilize your network of co-workers. When the unexpected happens to your finances, an emergency fund will protect you from debt.

Having a backup plan in life can provide feelings of safety and security, allowing you to live without stress and achieve great things. With patience, planning, and hard work, you can achieve anything.

6. Be comfortable with failing

Failure can make a person stronger. In fact, women have proved that failure is the path to success time and time again.

Failure causes us to have to start over and try again. Continuing to value hard work is key to success, as well as being resilient.

Successful women know how to cope with failure, and the good news is that adopting this habit is easy with our top tips.

Embrace your emotions

It’s ok to feel hurt, angry, and sad when something doesn’t go to plan. A good way to move on is to accept your feelings and also allow yourself some time.

Don’t worry about what other people think

You can’t control what other people think, so don’t waste your energy on it. Instead, take pride in your ambition and dreams, do what’s right for you, and learn from the habits of successful women.

Be kind to yourself

Beating yourself up about a failure will only make you feel a million times worse.

In addition, if a friend was experiencing a setback, what would you say? Follow the same advice for yourself, and you’ll soon bounce back from any unplanned event.

Instead of fearing failure, understand that failure is the first step to success.

7. Know when to accept help and say thank you

Our purpose in life isn’t to do everything alone.

Powerful women happily admit that they need help and that there’s no shame in asking for it. In fact, it shows courage, confidence, and resourcefulness.

Think of asking for help as one of your confidence building exercises. Asking and accepting help protects us from stress and burnout and can also increase our productivity and allow us to smash our goals.

Communicate honestly to connect with others

Need more reasons to start asking your support network for help? It’s also a lovely way to connect with fellow female leaders who share similar goals and values as you.

Once you’ve decided that you need some help, think about the best person to ask and how you might ask them. Be polite yet direct in your request, and don’t be disheartened if they say no. Chances are you will have other willing volunteers in your friend circle.

Remember to give back when you can and add this support to your daily gratitude list. Women helping women is a force to be reckoned with!

8. Strive for personal development

Enhancing your skills and experience has so many benefits for women, so never stop learning because life never stops teaching!

Aside from learning new things, you may also find that your mood improves too. As you improve yourself and your life, you naturally become happier.

Personal development also puts you in a great mindset to deal with change and evolve, and it’s one of the good work habits to learn.

Personal development takes many forms. You don’t need to commit a huge amount of time or money, either.

For example, here are some enjoyable ways that smart women add personal development to their busy lives.

Ask questions

Everyday life presents us with opportunities to learn without much effort. Try asking more questions during the conversations you have and see how much you can learn.

Read more

A great way to add personal development to your daily routine is by setting time aside for reading. You’ll learn something even from reading for just a few minutes a day, for example, check out these self help books for women!

Use a dictionary

When you find a word that you don’t know the meaning of, instead of skipping past it, look it up. This is a super simple way to enhance your vocabulary.

Sign up for newsletters

Receiving manageable information in the form of an electronic newsletter is also a good way to learn more. Plus, they are a free resource!

9. Don’t compare yourself to others

It’s hard to avoid comparison when we are constantly faced with images of inspiring women on social media, but it can make you feel insignificant, and that’s not healthy.

Badass women know that trying to be like someone else is self-destructive and unproductive. Nobody is you, and that is your specialty. So never compare yourself to others!

Try adopting these habits so the next time you start comparing yourself to others, you know how to stop doing it.

Start a gratitude journal

Most of us forget to pause and consider what we appreciate in our own lives. It’s a good way to remind yourself about what you have achieved and also motivate you to meet your next goals.

A gratitude journal forces us to look at the positives and find happiness in the little things. Or why not try a 30 days of gratitude challenge?

Compete with yourself

When somebody you know reaches their goal, use it as a chance to look at your own rather than feel jealous. Take a look back at the progress you’ve made and what you need to achieve to meet your next milestone.

Celebrate other people

A proven way to stop comparing yourself to others is to focus on their achievements and join in with their celebrations. So, when your friend gets a promotion, be happy for her instead of questioning your own career.

In addition to learning to celebrate yourself, be happy for the people in your life when something goes well for them.

Now you’ve got the techniques from the habits of successful women to stop worrying about what others are doing, so you can focus on your own game.

10. Accept the past and move on from mistakes

It’s human nature to make mistakes. It’s also essential for your future to know how to let go and move on.

Every successful woman knows that making mistakes are proof that you are trying, and it allows you to learn from them and become a stronger person. So don’t dwell on guilt or regret, instead, reflect, learn, and let it go.

Here are habits that will make letting go and moving on easier.

Look for the positives

When things don’t go to plan, remind yourself that the way you’re feeling is temporary. It might be a challenge to learn how to stay positive in a negative world. However, it is possible.

How can you turn something negative into a positive?

For example, if a new business opportunity falls through, what can you learn from it? If a relationship has been affected by a decision you’ve made, how can you resolve it? You might just find better things are just around the corner!

Create distance

Distracting yourself from a mistake is one of the best ways you can move on from it. Put your energy into something new or take some well-deserved me-time. Obsessing over a setback will only make your mood worse and won’t help you to move on.

Focus on what’s next

Life is full of exciting opportunities. One of the most admirable habits of successful women is looking to the future. Take the time to remind yourself what’s important. What path do you want your life to take?

Expert tip

As you can see, the habits of successful women are all about working hard and having confidence. And something to remember that will help you create great habits is to always be working towards financial goals as well as your professional, and life goals.

Making a budget, mapping out the next few years of your career, and deciding what big goals you’d like to reach in the next decade are great places to start.

The daily routine of a successful woman

Want to be successful? A good work-life balance is key. Let’s look at what a typical day in the life of a busy, modern woman looks like.

Morning

• 6 am: Wake up and drink a glass of water
• 6.15 am: Meditate
• 6.30 am: Shower and get dressed
• 7 am: Eat a healthy breakfast
• 7.30 am: Set your goals for the day with a cup of tea/coffee
• 8 am: Household chores
• 8.30 am: Go to work

Evening

• 6 pm: Finish work
• 6.30 pm: Self-care and exercise – yoga
• 7 pm: Have dinner
• 7.30 pm: Switch off social media
• 8 pm: Do some stress-relieving hobbies or take some social time
• 9 pm: Relax – read or enjoy a hot bath
• 10 pm: Get a good night’s sleep

Adapt the daily routine of a successful woman above to suit your individual needs, commitments, and lifestyle.

5 inspirational women we can learn from!

Women that show us it’s ok to make mistakes are great to draw knowledge from.

You’ve probably heard of the names listed below, but here’s a reminder of why they are so great!

1. Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa is a role model for selflessness. She was compassionate and recognized the value of giving to others.

She changed the world by giving to charity and also inspired hundreds of thousands of other people to do the same. Mother Teresa proved that you’ll have a fulfilling life if you stand by your values.

2. Kelly Holmes

Kelly was the first British woman to win two gold medals at the same game. She’s also an inspirational global speaker, award-winning author, and advocate for wellness, fitness, and mental health.

Her charity, Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, supports disadvantaged young people to use the skills of world-class athletes.

3. Oprah Winfrey

Oprah is a great role model for women that want to become leaders. She had a tough childhood and worked hard to achieve her dreams, earning her a reputation for being the most powerful woman on the planet.

Oprah’s determination has shown us that anything is possible.

4. Marilyn Monroe

“A wise girl knows her limits, a smart girl knows that she has none.” – Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn was an advocate for femininity, still inspiring women to be bold. The famous bombshell achieved so much in her life, showing us that anything is possible.

She also believed that you’re the happiest when you are true to yourself.

5. Michelle Obama

Former first lady Michelle Obama is, without a doubt, an incredibly inspirational woman. Her work and books have taught us to go for our dreams and not to sell ourselves short.

Michelle’s book, Becoming is a must-read for working moms who want to have a family and a career. She shows us that it’s absolutely possible!

What matters most for success?

Being determined and undistracted from your goals will take you far.

When you decide to do something, make a plan to get there, and don’t give up until you are able to accomplish what you wanted to. Determination is the essential factor that helps you get the results you want.

How do you create unique successful habits?

Start with the 10 habits listed here, and then find a way to apply them more directly to your own life.

For example, instead of just believing in yourself in general, make it personal by believing in your ability to make 100,000 dollars a year. Add your unique goals to your habits to remind you of why they matter so much.

How do you stick with your good habits when you want to quit?

Set up a system in advance to help you when you feel tired or unmotivated.

For instance, understand how to break down your habits into smaller mini goals, reward yourself often, and stay focused on the big picture.

When you’re tempted to give up, you can fall back on your systems and your habits until you feel more motivated.

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Adopt these habits of successful women to enhance your life!

The women we choose to surround ourselves with shape our lives and the decisions we make.

It’s important to recognize a successful woman but also know how to be one! The habits of successful women can help you be the best version of yourself.

Discover more ideas about enjoying the life you have and other self-improvement ideas!

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We all have an inner goddess waiting to be unleashed. She's the part of us that is creative, confident, and unafraid to be herself. Here are some tips on how to be a goddess and untether the amazing woman you were meant to be.

But before we reveal how to become a goddess, let's discuss what it means first!

What does it mean to “be a goddess?”

Dictionary.com defines a goddess as “a woman of extraordinary beauty and charm. A greatly admired or adored woman.”

Looks aside, learning how to be a goddess is about harnessing your energy to become truly unstoppable. It’s about unearthing the “you” you were always meant to be so you can be fully confident in your own skin. (The type of confidence Lizzo and Beyoncé radiate on the daily!)

Because when you’re in tune with yourself, nothing can stop you from reaching your life's biggest goals. (Ya know, things like becoming financially free, finding a career you love or starting a family.)

How to be a goddess: 13 Fabulous tips

So, if you want to transform your life for the better, it’s time to embrace your inner goddess. Here are 13 ways to do it:

1. Set your intention to become a goddess

The first step to learning how to be a goddess is setting the intention to do so. When you set your intention, you are telling the universe that this is what you want. So, visualize yourself as a goddess and what that looks like for you. What does it feel like? How do you act? What does your day-to-day life look like?

When you have a clear vision of what you want, it will be much easier to achieve. So, take some time to visualize yourself as the goddess you want to be.

2. Start your day with a positive affirmation

Affirmations are an amazing way to learn how to become a goddess. They help get you in the right mindset for the day. For example, you could create a morning affirmation that says, “I am confident and in charge of my life. I can accomplish anything I set out to do.” You could repeat this to yourself every morning when you wake up.

Then, as you move throughout your day, you could pair it with a mantra that keeps you rooted and grounded when things start to feel tough.

A mantra is a short, powerful phrase you can repeat to yourself when you need a boost of confidence. For example, your mantra could be “I am strong. I am capable. I am worthy.” Keep this mantra with you and repeat it to yourself whenever you need to.

3. Embrace your femininity to learn how to become a goddess

As women, we often put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be perfect. We think we have to act a certain way, dress a certain way, and behave a certain way in order to be considered “worthy.”

But the truth is, you can be whoever you want to be. You can wear whatever you want to. And you don’t have to explain yourself to anyone. In the words of Adele, “I don’t have to explain myself to you. I am a grown woman and I do what I want to do.”

So, go ahead and embrace your feminine side. Get in touch with all the qualities that come with being a woman. Be creative and confident. Be unafraid to be yourself. Wear a dress. Put on makeup. Dance around your house in your underwear (or not, we won’t judge). Do whatever makes you feel alive.

4. Dress in a way that makes you feel confident and beautiful

The way you dress can have a big impact on the way you feel about yourself. When you look good, you feel good. So, dress for yourself — not for anyone else.

Take the time to put together an outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks. Whether it’s a power suit for a big presentation at work or your favorite pair of jeans and a T-shirt, wear what makes you feel confident and beautiful. As Beyoncé says, “If you got it, flaunt it.”

5. Don't be afraid to be different

One of the best things about learning how to be a goddess is that you can be whoever you want to be. You are unique and there is no one else like you in the world. So, celebrate the fact that it’s cool to be different.

Be proud of your quirks and embrace all the things that make you who you are. Whether it’s your love for spending time alone, your passion for painting, or your wild sense of humor, these are the things that make you special.

So, own them and let them shine. The world needs more people who are bold enough to be their true selves.

6. Take some time each day to relax and recharge

As women, we repeatedly put everyone else’s needs ahead of our own. We take care of our families, our friends, and our co-workers — but we often forget to take care of ourselves too.

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to take time each day to relax and rejuvenate. Whether it’s a 30-minute bath, a 10-minute meditation, or a simple walk around the block, your inner goddess will begin to shine when you feel recharged and refreshed.

7. Connect with your inner child

One of the best ways to connect with your inner goddess is to connect with your inner child. When you take the time to play and have fun, you remember what it feels like to be carefree and joyful.

So, go ahead and let your inner child out to play. Do something you loved when you were a kid. Paint your nails, color outside the lines, take a dance class, or build a fort out of blankets. Whatever it is that brings you joy, do it — and don’t be afraid to get a little bit silly.

8. Try journaling or meditating

Goddesses are notorious for being in touch with their innermost feelings. And journaling and meditating are two great ways to do this.

Journaling can help you to process negative emotions and find solutions to the problems you're facing. It can also help you see things from a different perspective.

Similarly, meditating can help you connect with your intuition, which in turn helps you connect with your inner goddess. When you meditate, you focus on your breath and allow yourself to relax and fall into a state of peace. It can also help you develop an attitude of mindfulness.

9. Exercise — even if it's just for 10 minutes

Exercising is a great way to give your inner goddess a moment to shine. When you exercise, you release endorphins which make you feel happy and euphoric. Exercise also helps to boost your self-confidence and makes you feel good about yourself.

So, find something you enjoy doing and make it a part of your regular routine. Whether it’s going for a walk, taking a yoga class, or dancing to your favorite Lizzo album, just make sure to get moving.

10. Eat healthy foods that make you feel good

What you eat has a direct impact on how you feel. If you want to feel like a goddess, then you need to fuel your body with healthy foods that make you feel good.

Fill your diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. And make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Even if money is tight, there are ways to eat clean on a budget.

When you eat healthy foods, you feel energized, vibrant, and alive. So, make the switch to a healthier diet and you'll start feeling like a goddess in no time.

11. Be kind to others and spread love and happiness

One of the best ways to be a goddess is to spread love and happiness wherever you go. Be kind to others, lend a helping hand, and make people feel good about themselves.

Because guess what? When you make a positive impact on the lives of others, you’ll feel good about yourself too. So, go out into the world and start spreading some love. The world could use more goddesses like you.

12. Surround yourself with positive people

The people you surround yourself with have a big impact on your life. If you’re constantly hanging out with negative people, it can be tough to maintain a positive attitude.

But if you surround yourself with positive people who encourage and support you, it's much easier to become a goddess. So, find your circle of supportive, positive people and let them help you on your journey to becoming a goddess.

13. Cultivate a life of financial abundance

Money is one of the most empowering things in the world. It gives you the ability to live on your own terms and create the life of your dreams.

But so often, we allow our money to control us. We think we need to have a certain amount of money in order to be happy or successful. But that’s not true! You can be happy and successful with any amount of money.

The key is to focus on abundance, not scarcity. When you focus on abundance, you open yourself up to receiving all the good that life has to offer. You allow yourself to be financially free, and you release all the stress and worry that comes with money problems.

Getting a firm grasp on your finances is how to become a goddess with your money!

Now, go and unleash your inner goddess!

The bottom line is this: you are a goddess, and you deserve to live a happy, fulfilling life. So, go out there and learn how to be a goddess!

Clever Girl Finance is here to help. We offer FREE online courses, YouTube videos, and more that teach you everything you need to know about being a goddess with your money, including how to budget, save, and invest like a boss!

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