Beyond the 9-5; Balancing our Budgets Without Losing our Mind

As Libra season comes to an end and Scorpio season is upon us..

We have some questions..

Who allowed us to be adults ?!

Who allowed us to be in charge and balance our finances?!

Have you ever had a job where you knew you weren't going to be there long but it made you good money?

Or a time where you felt stuck in a position at work and felt like oh i make good money lets just continue the abuse?

Or have you ever been anxious about money in general? Trying to scrape by whatever you have to pay the bills?

Or

work , get paid and wonder where that money goes?!!!

Or

Think about selling your feet on only fans because...

One night I am out not a care in the world, and the next i have about 7 bills that need to be paid.

It seem like all i am doing is paying to live when we should be getting paid to live!

This week we will be balancing the scales, balling on a budget and helping find ways to find your money to work for you!

BUT BEFORE WE DO..

Let’s get real for a moment..

I don’t know about you, but we are not taught in traditional schools to be financially independent and thriving- we are taught to work for someone else to make them successful. Back then, it was truly an honest living! Back then, one income households were enough to start a family and not have to worry about finances. Now in 2024 with inflation, some cannot even pay rent and keep a healthy meal on the table without picking up a side hustle or separate job to keep up! ME included!! It's an outdated system that in today's society does not fit in the construct and we are here to break these glass ceilings we place on ourselves.

Research done by social security has shown that 95% of the population is leveraging up to 45 years of OUR lives for the top 5% that are leveraging systems that are helping them create passive/residual income.

Long story short, leverage is the key word here. And the question is are we leveraging something or being leveraged by something ? Mama, did not raise no fool, but i did not learn this in school, but i am so ready to learn now. Balancing our finances, especially while working toward long-term wealth can be accomplished. Achieving a balanced life, especially with finances, is all about finding harmony between what we earn, save, and invest. Financial balance doesn’t mean living frugally at the expense of enjoyment—it means making strategic decisions that allow for both short-term happiness and long-term security. Here, we’ll explore key investment strategies that build assets over time, along with practical habits to save and invest with purpose.

Establish a Foundation: Assessing Your Financial Goals

To create a balanced financial life, start by setting clear goals. Ask yourself:

What are my immediate needs? (e.g., paying off high-interest debt, emergency savings)
What do I want to achieve in 5-10 years? (e.g., buying a home, starting a business)
What are my long-term dreams? (e.g., early retirement, generational wealth)
Write a manifestation check - what you truly want is out there! Get committed

Having clarity on these goals helps prioritize where your money goes and keeps you on track, even when life gets busy. Once your goals are clear, it's easier to balance everyday spending with strategic saving and investing.

Invest in Asset-Building Opportunities

Investing is essential for creating financial security and building wealth over time. Here are some accessible options for creating a portfolio that works for you:

Stock Market Investments: Stocks can offer significant growth over time. Consider investing in low-cost index funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which provide diversified exposure to the stock market. Automating contributions each month can build wealth gradually.
Real Estate Investments: Whether it’s buying property to rent or investing in real estate investment trusts (REITs), real estate can be a powerful asset. It generates passive income and appreciates over time, making it a stable addition to a diversified portfolio.
Retirement Accounts (IRA, 401(k)): Maximizing contributions to retirement accounts is a straightforward way to build wealth. Many accounts have tax advantages, helping you save more effectively. If you have access to employer matching, contribute enough to get the full match—it’s essentially free money for your future.
Peer-to-Peer Lending & Small Business Investments: In today’s gig economy, peer-to-peer lending platforms and crowdfunding offer options to invest in small businesses. These investments typically yield higher returns but carry higher risks. They can diversify your portfolio and potentially help grow small businesses within your community.
Converting your spending into earning: Analyze your spending Examine your spending habits, by complying with the shopping assessment and the shopping adviser to identify areas where you may be missing opportunities to transfer your purchases to Shop•com and contribute to your Shopping Annuity. By regularly purchasing items through Shop•com and maintaining your Shopping Annuity, you will not only save time and money but will continue to convert your spending into earning! If this sounds enticing, Let's connect!

Build Habits for Saving and Growing Your Wealth

Daily and weekly habits make a big difference in how balanced our financial lives feel. Implementing some of these simple habits can set a solid foundation for financial growth without overwhelming your day-to-day.

The 50/30/20 Rule: This popular budgeting guideline suggests allocating 50% of income to essentials (rent, groceries), 30% to discretionary spending, and 20% to savings or investments. This balanced approach makes saving and investing more manageable.
Automate Savings and Investments: Automating transfers from your checking to savings or investment accounts helps you build wealth without thinking about it. Even a small automated transfer can add up over time and eliminate the temptation to spend.
Embrace "No-Spend" Days: Designate certain days each month as “no-spend” days to limit unnecessary expenses and encourage thoughtful spending habits. This mindful approach to spending can uncover areas where you can cut back without sacrificing your lifestyle.
Track Your Spending and Review Monthly: Set aside time each month to review spending patterns. Noticing trends (like dining out or subscription services) can help you make adjustments and stay aligned with your financial goals.

Small Changes for Big Impact: Mindful Money Choices

Balancing life and finances often means making small adjustments that can make a large impact. Consider the following strategies to make more room in your budget for asset-building investments:

Use Cash-Back and Rewards Programs: Taking advantage of cash-back credit cards or loyalty rewards can provide extra cash flow. Many programs offer cash back on essentials like groceries and gas, making it easier to save while spending.
Reduce Subscription Costs: Review all recurring subscriptions monthly and assess what you’re truly using. Streaming services, app subscriptions, and memberships often sneak into budgets without notice. Redirecting these funds into an investment account can add up quickly.
Buy in Bulk for Essentials: Buying non-perishables in bulk is a straightforward way to save. It reduces grocery expenses and frees up more money for investments.

Plan for Balance, Not Perfection

Balancing life and finances doesn’t require perfection; it requires consistency and mindful choices. Life brings ups and downs, but small, intentional adjustments can make a big difference. Start with a solid plan, set up small investments, and build habits that keep your financial life aligned with your goals.

By investing in assets and developing mindful money habits, you’re setting the stage for financial health that supports a balanced, fulfilling life. After all, financial stability isn’t about restricting yourself but empowering yourself to live with freedom and purpose. Hopefully, with this insightful we can take one thing away to help empower us to take control of our finances and have our money work for us, rather than working hard for your money!

Here are some affirmations to help us create the life we deserve!

I am a money magnet

I am my biggest asset.

I am financially free.

I attract everything that I desire tenfold.

I have the tools to achieve financial freedom.

There is no obstacle that I cannot overcome.

I welcome unlimited wealth and abundance into my life.

I conquer everything I set my mind to.

I release all my fears around money.

Money flows easily and effortlessly to me.

I am accepting of all that is meant for me.