As women, we often carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Between juggling our careers, families, social life, and other responsibilities, self-care often falls by the wayside. The truth is, we often don’t prioritize our physical and mental well-being let alone our financial health. But what if I told you our financial well-being is actually linked to our overall well-being?

It’s true! Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and massages. Financial wellness is a form of self-care. And self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Financial self-care isn’t just about having money; it’s about achieving a state of stability, security, and confidence in our financial lives.

When we’re burnt out and running on fumes, making sound financial decisions becomes an uphill battle. So, how do we create a holistic approach to financial wellness that prioritizes both our mental and financial health?

Reframe Your Money Mindset.

Societal narratives may lead you to believe wealth accumulation is out of reach but that’s a lie. It’s time to challenge and dismantle the limiting beliefs that are keeping you from enjoying the financial abundance you are worthy of. 

We sometimes want to get there fast, but shifting your money mindset means focusing on progress, not perfection. Financial wellness is a journey, not a destination. 

• Celebrate your wins, big and small. 
• Work to cultivate a healthy relationship with money, acknowledging and addressing any emotional or psychological barriers surrounding finances. 
• Seek support from trusted resources, such as therapy or financial counseling, to work through any financial trauma or limiting beliefs.

Use Your PTO. 

Taking time off can help boost creativity and allow time to assess where you are and the best strategies for yourself. I once almost missed out on 16 days of paid vacation because I was trying to work too hard to keep an image in my corporate role. It wasn’t until my manager asked me in December if I used all my PTO that I shared I didn’t know. After taking a look, I realized I had 16 days left that I would’ve wasted! So I took 6 days off and rolled the rest over to the next year, which I definitely made sure to use. The time off allowed me to focus on BWI and visit my doctors. It got me mentally and physically ready to tackle the day when I returned.

Prioritize Self-Care Practices.

Have a money date. Just like we dedicate time to activities that bring us joy and reduce stress, whether it’s reading, exercising, or spending time with loved ones, doing something similar as it pertains to our financial wellness can yield great benefits. Weekly check-ins about your financial status and progress can keep you informed and worry at bay. 

Financial self-care is also about setting boundaries. Learn to say no to requests that will jeopardize your financial wellness. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! Just make the necessary preparations and ensure you have the means before you commit. Listen, FOMO is real but if you know it’s not in your best interest to commit to something, choose you. Proper preparation will save you from unnecessary stress down the line.

Save on Each Pay Day. 

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or work a 9-5, saving money from your paycheck is a smart way to take care of your future self.  

Be Goal-Oriented. 

Whether it’s saving for a dream vacation or building an emergency fund, having clear goals keeps you motivated. If you want to pay off debt, save for a home, or invest in retirement, keeping your short or long-term end goal in mind will help give you the motivation you need to continue.

Other quick financial wellness practices you can implement include:

• Making one extra debt payment
• Canceling recurring payments for services or subscriptions you aren’t using
• Organizing a money party with friends
• Asking for a raise! (You deserve it!)
• Adding $5 to your investment account

There are so many ways to take care of yourself financially, but the most important thing is to be committed to the process and to always be open to learning. By incorporating financial wellness into your self-care routine, you can reduce your overall stress and make reaching your financial goals more attainable. So keep at it.