Money Musings 💭how I stay sane in January 🤪
January is our busiest month at the Fiscal Femme. We open the doors to multiple classes, we’re hosting our first in-person Money Party, and we’re kicking off corporate financial wellness programs.
And even though it’s crazy, it’s truly a “fun” crazy because I’m in my element spending my days doing what I love doing best: speaking with, coaching, and learning from all of you!
But this could have gone very wrong (which it has in the past). This year I did something very smart…
Over the holidays as I saw the opportunities continue to fill my calendar, I knew I had to do something to protect my well-being and energy. I had flashbacks to September when my jaw was so tired I couldn’t handle solid foods and I had to practice a keynote speech in my head (luckily I’m a believer in visualization 😂).
I thought about what I could do to keep me feeling good, and I decided to commit to a bedtime and daily meditation. I made my intentions very clear: I’d be reading by 10 pm, lights would be off at 10:30, and I’d follow Adriene’s amazing YouTube meditations.
The key to my success was that I told people. I told Justin to hold me accountable. I shared it with my friends. I even asked my Instagram community to hold me accountable. There’s nothing like your husband turning the lights off on you or your bestie calling you out for a text past 10 pm.
It’s January 29 and I’m happy to report that it worked. I can’t tell you what a game-changer consistent sleep has been for me. I feel calmer, happier, and sharper.
What are your non-negotiable wellness and energy management tips?
Money Move of the Week
Have a Money Party. A Money Party is a time we set aside to show our money 💰 some love. Have you noticed that when we don’t set aside time, most of our money to-do list doesn’t get done? Same 🙋. First, the party 🎉 part. I call it a party for a reason – make it fun by playing some music (I have a fun $ playlist), getting cozy, pouring your favorite beverage, or rewarding yourself afterward. Then, we make our agenda. A Money Party is a great time to check in on our spending, track our goals, cancel any subscriptions we’re not using, and negotiate away fees.
You Gotta See This
I talk a lot about aligning our spending with our values. Giving back is such an incredible way to do that. Each of us has sectors, causes, and movements that we feel passionate about. By giving our time and money to organizations making an impact, we support and amplify that impact. I think sometimes we don’t give because we don’t think the amounts we can contribute are meaningful, but no amount is too small. And together, our small donations add up to really meaningful contributions. Here are some organizations doing incredible work in some areas we’re passionate about at the Fiscal Femme.
Australian bushfires: You can donate directly to an Australian fire brigade or support wildlife rescue by donating to WIRES
Climate Change: The Clean Air Task Force is doing incredible work and has an impressive record of success
Hunger: Feeding America seeks to help the 37 million people facing hunger in the U.S. today
Women’s Health/Reproductive Rights: Planned Parenthood
Donate to grassroots political campaigns for candidates that share your values
If you aren’t able to make a monetary donation, consider calling your lawmakers to tell them to act on the causes that are important to you!
This is a small list that is of course not exhaustive. We’d love to hear about the places you give to! Hit reply and let us know.