what is financial wellness and how can you achieve it?
hey bestie!
If you've been following my financial wellness journey, you know I'm all about keeping it real when it comes to money talk. Today, we're diving into something that's super close to my heart—financial wellness. You might be thinking, "ugh, another boring money talk," but stick with me! This is all about feeling good about your money situation and living your best life without constant money stress. And believe me, I’ve been there—I’d avoid logging into my online banking as it meant facing my negative bank balance and feeling that little knot in my stomach. Let’s make sure you don’t have to feel that!
what is financial wellness?
Think of financial wellness as your money's version of self-care. It's not just about having a fat bank account (although that would be nice too!). It's about feeling confident and secure about your financial situation, whether you're grabbing coffee with friends or planning your dream vacation. I mean, who doesn’t want to feel at peace knowing that your bills are covered, you’ve got a safety net saved and you’re not lying awake at night worrying about covering your bills. It’s a total game-changer!
why should you care about financial wellness?
Let's get real—money stress is no joke. I was stressed out for years, until I finally took back my control. Financial wellness isn't just about your bank balance; it's about your whole life. When you're financially well:
- Your relationships improve (fewer money fights! I mean, who wouldn’t love that?)
- You sleep better at night (trust me, nothing beats waking up refreshed instead of stressed about bills!)
- You can actually enjoy that latte without guilt—because you know you’ve planned for it.
- You're ready for whatever life throws at you, and that feeling is priceless.
the secret sauce of financial wellness
Alright, bestie, let’s get into the good stuff. Here are the key ingredients that I think make up financial wellness:
1. budgeting like a boss
This isn't your grandma's budgeting—it's about creating a spending plan that actually works for *your* life. I budget every payday because it keeps me on track and helps me feel in control. And, of course, I do this with the app I co-created, Budget Bestie! It’s designed to make budgeting easy, even if numbers aren’t your thing. (And trust me, no judgement here if they aren’t—I made this app because I get it!)
2. crushing that debt
We’re not letting debt hold us back! Whether it's student loans, credit cards, or that impulse buy you're still paying off, having a solid plan to tackle debt is crucial. I still remember when my credit card balance felt like a mountain, but breaking it down into smaller chunks really helped. Little by little, you can totally conquer it!
3. emergency fund goals
Life loves to throw curveballs, right? That’s why having 3-6 months of expenses saved is so freeing. But if that sounds overwhelming, start small—even $500 can save you from a lot of stress when unexpected expenses pop up.
4. future you planning
Your future self will thank you for thinking ahead. This means retirement savings, investments, and maybe even that side hustle you've been dreaming about. I know it can feel far off, but every little bit you save now helps make your future feel a lot more secure. Just imagine looking back and thinking, “Wow, I really set myself up!”
let's make it happen!
Ready to level up your financial wellness? Here’s how to get started—no pressure, just take it one step at a time:
1. Track Your Money: Know where every dollar is going. Budget Bestie makes this super easy with our customizeable envelopes and expense tracking. It makes me feel in control of my finances.
2. Start Your Emergency Fund: Begin with just $10 a week if that's what works for you. Progress over perfection, always! A little goes a long way.
3. Set Some Goals: Where do you want to be in 3 months? A year? Write it down and make it real. I do this all the time, and it’s so satisfying to see progress, even if it’s small.
4. Keep Learning: Follow money-savvy creators, read articles, listen to podcasts. Knowledge is power, bestie! And it keeps you motivated, too.
dealing with the tough stuff
Let’s be honest—life happens. Maybe you're dealing with unexpected bills, or inflation is making everything cost more than your usual budget allows. I’ve totally been there, too. Here’s what helps:
- Break big goals into tiny, manageable steps (because a big goal can feel overwhelming, but small steps? Totally doable!)
- Celebrate every win, no matter how small—did you save $10? That’s amazing!
- Use tools like Budget Bestie to stay on track—it really does help keep things simple and clear.
- Remember that setbacks are normal—it’s how you bounce back that counts. Even if you have to pause on your goals for a bit, don’t stress. You’ll get back on track!
your mental health matters too
Money and mental health are so connected. When you're stressed about money, everything feels harder. I’ve found that having a solid financial wellness plan makes a huge difference—not just in my bank account, but in my peace of mind. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about feeling secure and confident in your financial decisions. You deserve to feel calm and in control, bestie!
ready to level up your financial wellness?
Remember, financial wellness isn't about being perfect—it's about progress. Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can. Even if you’re just setting aside a little bit each week, you’re doing amazing!
Want to join me on this journey? Download Budget Bestie and let's get started! Follow us on tiktok or instagram (@budgetbestie.app) for daily tips, motivation, and money real talk.
You've got this, bestie! Can't wait to see you crush your financial goals!
Hey, I’m Sasha, one half of the Budget Bestie team. After paying off $35k+ of debt with cash stuffing, I came up with the idea for this app to make cash stuffing simpler—without having to carry cash. Our app lets you budget on your own schedule and gives you full control of your money. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned cash stuffer, I’m here to share tips and tools that’ll make cash stuffing easier for you. Let’s do this, bestie!