Everyone has a different relationship with money. It could be due to your childhood upbringing or how your career played out as an adult. Some of us are predisposed to spend our cash frequently, while others prefer to save every penny. No matter your relationship with money, it affects your everyday life and future.

If you want to manage your money better, examining your relationship with money can be helpful. Once you figure out how you naturally spend and save and what your future goals are, it can be easier to figure out how to do these things in a way that is both beneficial and natural for you.

Keep a Money Diary

If you try to change your relationship with money before even knowing what it is, you will never get anywhere! So instead, start by learning about how you interact with money. The easiest way to do this is to keep a money diary (don’t worry, you can do this on your phone). Then, look carefully and see how and why you spend your money. 

Take a Hard Look at Your Future

What goals do you have for your future? Are you trying to retire early, save for a vacation house, or just want a comfortable, stable life for your family? And are you on your way towards this, or are you worried your goals now feel unattainable?

Make Changes

Now that you know how you naturally deal with your money and goals, you can start working on those relationships. You can plan a budget that aligns with your goals and identify the best way to execute and stick with it. Don’t be afraid to seek help from a financial advisor or a therapist if needed.

Everyone wants a happy financial future. We all know we should be saving and spending accordingly. But in order to do so, it is necessary to reexamine the relationship you have with money.