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With Valentine's Day in just two weeks and the season of love in full swing, many of us are preoccupied with planning those perfect dates for our loved ones and performing the ultimate romantic gesture.
But, what if we showed ourselves - and our finances - that same level of dedication and attention?
In this week's blog, we're sharing 4 steps to help you plan the perfect Money Date to get intimate with your financial situation - and land the financial future of your dreams.
1) Set the Scene
Candles and flowers aren't necessary for a money date: it's all about setting aside a time and place where you feel comfortable (and won't be interrupted) to spend at least 30 minutes - 1 hour getting real with your money situation.
So, get settled, get cosy, and grab your favourite notepad and pen to jot down your answers to the following questions...
2) Take Time to Reflect
Take the time to reflect on your spending habits over the past month (or year!) by asking yourself questions that will help you assess your financial success over a recent period.
Write down the first thing that comes to mind when answering the following questions and remember to be honest - this will help with the next step!
What went well? What didn't?
Did you stick to your financial plan, or did you overspend?
Did you set aside any money towards your financial goals?
If you slipped up, what triggered this? (Identify your spending triggers)
3) Fantasize About Your Perfect Budget
Ever made a mental list of qualities you'd like in your future partner or non-negotiables for a relationship? How about a Pinterest board for your dream wedding? If yes, now it's time to show your finances that same headspace and get dreamy about your perfect budget!
Make a list of everything you'd like to achieve financially within the next 5,10 years etc. What does your ideal financial future look like? How much are you earning? What's your budget? How does 'financial freedom' look for you? Get specific - and if you want to go the extra mile, create a vision board to keep you motivated.
4) Create an Action Plan
Now that you have your perfect budget in mind, you need to create a plan that will help you get there. What steps can you take to improve your spending habits so that you reach these goals more quickly?
For example, you could try increasing the amount you add to your savings or sinking funds each month to reach a money milestone or pay a little extra towards paying off debt each month to achieve financial freedom.
If improving your relationship with money is a priority, the ImageNPay app can help. With your very own customisable prepaid card, you can improve your spending habits and make budgeting a simple, pain-free process!
To find out more, click the button below and download ImageNPay FREE on App Store and Google Play.