THE 10 step
PROCESS
Step #1: Awareness
This offers the first of many opportunities to talk about how you feel about your insights. Usually my clients realize that they are overspending on things that aren’t very important to them, and we dig out the root of why it’s happening. We discuss the triggers and how those needs might be fulfilled in other, less costly, ways.
Step #2: Clarity
Next we get clear on what matters – your values, priorities, and goals. I will recommend that you watch the documentary Happy, which shows what happiness looks like for people around the world, so that you can become connected with what makes you truly happy.
Sometimes we do a set of (financial) exercises I created to help you translate your values into numbers.
Step #3: Create a plan
Once we’re firmly grounded in your highest truth, we begin to create your budget. We tinker with it until you’re beaming with delight that your own personal recipe for happiness has been turned into a spending plan. To be clear, I use the term “spending plan” even though not all of your money will be spent; some of it will of course be retained and directed towards achieving your goals.
Step #4: Set up your system
We will then set up your system so that you can keep organized, continue to track expenses, compare with your budget, and make gentle adjustments.
This is also when I help you deal with piles of paperwork and teach you to process your mail so that you stay organized, all your bills get paid on time (and on your terms – you are going to love this part!), and keep you on top of your sh*t. You are going to slay this adulting thing!
Step #5: Track your money
I will teach you how to track all your money, not just your expenses. Most people have no idea how important it is to track your income. Did you know that not every check you deposit actually lands in your bank account?! True story – another one of those truths that will piss you off. I’ll help you understand how this happens, and most importantly how to track what’s coming and going out, so that you have a healthy cash flow.
Step #6: Build credit/
Pay down debt
We’ll go over the basics of credit – how it works, how to use it to your advantage, and how to get a credit score you’ll be proud of. We may cut cards or apply for new ones.
If you have any debt, especially credit card debt, we will create a debt repayment plan based on your budget, and you’ll start attacking your debt right away.
Step #7: Build savings
The first priority here is an emergency savings fund. Avoid credit card trouble because of emergency situations like a lay-off, medical bill, or unexpected repair.
After your emergency fund is fully funded (the amount varies by person but is generally six months of your bare essentials), we turn toward building up your savings for large purchases like a house, car, wedding, child, or new business.
Step #8: Get on the road to investing
99% of the time, I recommend that you fund a Roth IRA (and I’ll tell you all the reasons why and how it differs from a traditional IRA). The short story is that this retirement account is actually a wealth-building vehicle that you shouldn’t miss out on.
Step #9: Transform your relationship with money
This step is happening all along the way. Whenever you feel fear or resistance, we’ll explore why (from a place of curiosity, rather than judgment). The places where you’re stuck are perfect for discovering the underlying beliefs that hold you back, untangling them, and trying another way.
Step 10: An environment
that supports you
You may naturally begin to find yourself cleaning up other areas of your life once you start working on your finances. When our hearts and mind are overwhelmed and chaotic, our physical surroundings reflect that. But with clarity and order, we’re moved to match our closets, cars, and work spaces with that lucidity and tidiness.
If this doesn’t happen naturally for you, cleaning up your clutter, will be our final goal. Clutter is a message to the Universe: don’t send me anything else; I can’t handle everything I’ve already been given.