Are you tired of feeling anxious about money? Do you want to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance? You’re not alone. Many millennials experience financial anxiety, even when they have good incomes.
In this blog post, we explore how to use money intentionally and achieve financial freedom. Inspired by insights from T.J. van Gerven, a certified financial planner and host of the “Do More With Your Money” podcast, we’ll show you how to take control of your financial future.
Understanding the Scarcity Mindset
The scarcity mindset is a common issue that affects financial decisions and often stems from childhood experiences. Many people grow up hearing phrases like “money doesn’t grow on trees” or “we can’t afford that,” leading to deep-seated financial fears. Consequently, these early messages can create lasting anxiety about money, making it difficult to believe in the possibility of financial abundance.
Therefore, discussing money openly can help break this cycle. By addressing financial fears head-on, we can shift our mindset towards abundance.
Building Financial Awareness
Financial freedom begins with awareness. Hence, understanding your cash flow—knowing what’s coming in and what’s going out—is crucial. This awareness is the first step towards intentional money management.
Moreover, automating your finances can help you maintain good habits. Setting up automatic transfers to savings and investment accounts ensures that you’re consistently building wealth without having to think about it. This approach helps you live below your means, a crucial strategy for long-term financial health.
The Value of Professional Advice
As life gets busier, many millennials reach a point where they realize they need professional financial advice, termed the “DIY expiration date.” It’s not that you can’t manage your finances yourself, but delegating makes sense.
Furthermore, a financial planner can provide expert guidance on tax planning, investment strategies, and more. They can help you see the bigger picture and make informed decisions that align with your long-term goals. Hence, finding a financial planner who offers transparent, advice-only services to avoid conflicts of interest is important.
Investing for the Future
Investing is a key component of building wealth. Initially, you should start with the basics: understanding your risk tolerance and investment options. Whether you prefer the stock market or real estate, the goal is to invest in assets that appreciate over time.
For those new to investing, starting with low-cost index funds that track the world stock market is a good idea. This approach allows you to build wealth steadily while minimizing risk. Over time, as you become more comfortable, you can diversify your investments and explore other opportunities like real estate or cryptocurrency.
Shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset is crucial for financial freedom. By understanding your financial habits, seeking professional advice, and investing wisely, you can build a secure financial future.
