I had a number of people write and say the thing they most wanted to change is their habits around finances.  That’s a hot topic now, more than ever before.  And, the truth is, changing our habits around money is the same whether we have a little or a lot and it’s the same process as changing any habit.  In fact, I know many people who have very little money and are very comfortable and relaxed about it and I know others who have a great deal of money and worry they are one-step away from being a bag lady or man.  In many cases, it’s not about the money.  It’s about our beliefs about money, the meaning we bestow on money and how we have historically handled our financial affairs that matter. 

Here are some tips for creating more positive habits around your finances:

1.  Get clear about what you want.  Do you want to be debt free?  Do you want to spend without guilt?  Do you want to save for a particular item, event or time in the future?  If so, how much and by when? 

Many of my clients say they want to be better about money.  That isn’t a clear enough goal to work toward.  What is the specific thing you want to do more of or less of or what is the specific outcome you want to reach?  And, by when do you want to reach your goal.  Remember to be realistic.  Money issues seldom go away over night.

2.  Identify what you are doing now that is preventing you from reaching your goal.  Come on, come clean.  What are your current beliefs and behaviors that are causing you to be dissatisfied with your current financial situation or relationship to your finances?

3.  Identify the specific behaviors and beliefs you want to start doing and make your new habits.  You may not know the answer to this question yet.  That’s Ok.  If you don’t know the answer to any question, the first step is to learn.  So, you might want to read books or articles on improving your financial situation.  You can find them in magazines, on the internet or your local library. Or you may want to talk with an expert.  If you don’t have a financial planner or an accountant, ask a friend you trust who he/she uses.  You don’t have to hire the person, at least not right away.  You just need to spend some time talking with him/her to learn what is required to be financially responsible.  Then determine which of the things you are already doing well and what you need to do or do differently.

4.  Create a vivid mental image of what it will look like and feel like when you are successfully managing your financial affairs.  I don’t mean that you are dripping in wealth, I mean that you are practicing the habits required of fiscal responsibility.  Picture how you handle money, the choices you make and how you feel about them.  Create a vision board to remind you of your intention.

5.  Each time you have a decision to make about money, ask yourself, “Does this action support my goal?” or “How will I feel tomorrow if I make this choice today?”  Make your spending and saving decisions consciously.

6.  Remember that changing your financial habits takes time and discipline.  Be patient with yourself and acknowledge yourself each time you make a choice that supports your desired outcome.