Written by: Alejandra Rojas, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Yes, the end of the year is closer than you wished for, especially if you were to think about achieving your best financial life in 2021.
The people that I've worked with this year have one phrase in common to describe how they saw 2021 at the beginning of the year and how they see it now "Simply, I don't know where the time went."
It may sound like a joke, but when it comes to talk about financial concerns, this may bring an enormous amount of frustration in your life this year and the upcoming ones.
Creating a solid financial foundation, where you get to achieve your yearly desires or are on the right track to them (have savings, Pay off debt, holidays, houses, retirement...) is about gaining confidence, making assertive decisions, and moving forward at least one little step at a time.
Don't scratch your financial well-being yet from what is left of 2021; instead, do these 3 key steps that will help you close the year in a much better position.
1. Review what happened in the last 8 months.
It's easier to avoid looking at what has happened with your money - I know, it may be scary to realize that the outcome may not be what you expected or want. However, if you want to have any change and different results from the ones you are facing right now, it is time to look at what is going on in your accounts.
Where is your money going, and from where is it coming? Are those expenses making sense for you right now? Are you noticing something unnormal in your bank accounts?
Give yourself the permission slip to know what 2021 has represented for your money in an objective perspective and not with a judgemental mindset.
2. Reflect on what you want your year-end to look like.
From all that you said at the beginning of the year you were going to accomplish financially, what are some things that are still relevant for your life to reach?
New year's goals and resolutions are often driven by the idea that you will be disciplined, strict, and make everything possible in the following 12 months. However, at this point of the year, you must review your goals and your vision to focus on how you want to end your year.
When it comes to creating a robust financial foundation, gaining confidence in making the right financial decisions is as important as learning any other strategic aspect. Therefore, spend time reflecting on your vision and find the goals that will help you create confidence in your financial life, motivate you, and mean more than a number in your bank account.
3. Pursue the key goal.
After you have reviewed and reflected on your money, it's time to make things happen. But, opposite of what you may think, you don't have to make it all happen at once—instead, mastering the power of pursuing one goal.
Remember that you are focusing on creating a solid financial foundation for your life which means these weeks left of 2021 will also help you set the stage to thrive next year with your money.
Spend time trimming and polishing the one goal or activity that challenges your financial ability and that by reaching it you will gain the confidence to go for more.
Don't focus on more goals. It is tempting but not helpful right now. Instead, connect with the one and plan to complete it.
Be very personal about this goal, personal finances are about what you want for your life, and this commitment could be the key to change it all.
Alejandra Rojas, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Alejandra Rojas, is a Latina Banking and Finance professional, Finance Manager, and Money Coach helping women get out of debt and transform their money mindset with ease and fun. After reaching bottom, when a money burnout re-activated an old sickness threatening her life again, Alejandra designed a method to manage personal finances from within that protects the person’s essence and helps them create wealth.
She has since been dedicated to helping others see money in a whole different way, so it’s no longer a barrier to thrive and reach happiness through her coaching, podcast (The Happy & Wealthy Podcast), and various public speaking events.
