January – Financial Wellness Month

What exactly is “financial wellness?” Simply stated, it is an intricate balance of the mental, spiritual and physical aspects of money. This unique combination is an ideal to strive towards in dealing with money.

Financial wellness is having an understanding of your financial situation and taking care of it in such a way that you are prepared for financial changes. Maintaining that balance consists of being comfortable with where your money comes from and where it is going.

Sounds good to me! ;o)

Why is Financial Wellness Month celebrated in January?
It’s the beginning of the New Year! ;o) There’s no better month to establish financial balance. This is the time to set new financial goals for moderation in spending and financial freedom.

Adults can create money management goals. Figure out how to pay off old loans. Get out of debt. Spend less money. Give up a little luxury and donate the savings to charity. Buy in bulk, shop at discount stores, wait for sales and bargains. Shop garage sales, flea markets and online auctions.

What about kids? What can kids do for Financial Wellness Month? Let your kids take the quiz below to see how close they are to achieving financial health.

Answer each question with “yes,” “kind of,” “no” or “you must be kidding.” Ready?

1. Do you have money in your pocket?
2. Do you know how much money you have at any time?
3. Do you know the total amount of what you owe others?
4. Do you feel there is plenty of time in the day?
5. Do you have money set aside for your goals?
6. Do you have money set aside just for fun?
7. Do you have money set aside for learning activities?
8. Do you have money set aside to donate to a charity?
9. Do you have money set aside for future plans or ventures?
10. Do you have money set aside for a rainy day (in case there are any money emergencies)?
11. Are you happy with your life so far?
12. Do you know what net worth means?

For every answer, score the following points:
Yes: 1
Kind of: 2
No: 3
You must be kidding: 4

Now, add up all your points. How did you score?

12-17 Looking Good – Congratulations! You have a handle on your financial picture. You are on the scales with a fairly steady balance. Sure you sometimes go off and lose your balance, but it is not a long road back to normal. Stay the course.

18-24 In Need of Education – Your overview of what is going on in your life is okay. Your financial wellness
picture is a bit hazy. With some education and a bit of persistence, you can change the picture and steady the
balance. SOOOO, start learning more about money. ;o)

25-30 Mismanaged – Your time and effort are misguided when it comes to finances, that is if you are putting any
time and effort in it at all. ;o) You are heading for a disaster. Start now putting in the extra time and effort to improve things. I believe in you!

31-36 Messed Up – Get help immediately! You can not do this on your own. Let’s get rid of all that stress you have
about money. Act now ! Find your financial balance by establishing a wellness plan with concentration and dedication. You can do this! ;o)

37-42 Denial is Bliss – Oh well, as the saying goes “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” I am not kidding. This is a big task. Think about what money means to you. Learn to value it. Start now to become money savvy.

Someone once said “Your own value is determined by what you are able to make of yourself.” Begin your New Year with celebrating Financial Wellness Month. You’ll find yourself soon on a financial path to success.

Happy New Year everyone

Cheers … Amanda van der Gulik … Excited Life Enthusiast! ;o)

P.S. Here are some books that may help you start you on your way to Financial wellness