Managing your money well is a never-ending process. There’s always something new to learn and ways you can improve. It’s important to listen to new viewpoints and make modifications to your financial goals and budget.
But balance is also important. Sometimes, the best thing for you and your partner is to hit pause on analyzing and optimizing your financial plans. Take some time to enjoy the little things and appreciate where you are right now.
Stop and smell the…daffodils?
The inspiration for this post comes from a recent experience with my daughter. We were out in our backyard picking daffodils together. I had one of those flashes of realization – that this was a memory with my daughter that I will cherish for years to come.
It really made me take a step back and consider my mindset. I was living in a picture-perfect moment, and the best thing I could do at the time was enjoy it. By purposely choosing pause and live in the moment, I was able to truly appreciate the joy of picking flowers with my daughter.
Enjoy where you are financially
I think it’s just as important to appreciate the little moments when it comes to your finances. When we are really focused on financial planning and money goals, it can be easy to give into a lot of negative emotions. Maybe you often feel stressed or guilty when you think about money. Or you look at your friends or peers and feel like you’re behind where you should be
While it’s good to be honest about your goals and your current financial situation, you don’t need to constantly berate yourself or feel like you’re failing. There’s no rule that says you need to be a homeowner by a certain age or forego a vacation if you aren’t maxing out your retirement contributions.
If thinking about your money usually leads to negative emotions, maybe it’s time to step back and focus on appreciating your current situation. Instead of comparing yourself to your colleagues or parents, focus on the good things you have right now.
Maybe you have extra time to spend with your kids after school each day because you get groceries or meal kits delivered. Or maybe you aren’t maxing out your retirement, but you are contributing to a college fund for your children. Maybe you’re using your extra income to travel instead of saving for a home down payment because experiencing other places and cultures is something you prioritize.
Appreciate the little things
There’s a time and a place for getting serious with your budget and saving instead of splurging. But it’s just as important to take a mental break and appreciate where you are right now.
Pausing to enjoy where you are can do so much good for your mental and emotional health. And when you focus on appreciating the things that really matter to you, it can help remind you of the values and priorities that should drive your financial decisions.
If you aren’t sure what your financial priorities are or how to appreciate your current situation, we can help. Our free resources bundle includes a Values Exercise to help you and your partner figure out what matters to you. When you have a good handle on your values, it’s easier to appreciate where you are right now.