Motherhood and Finances

​Entering into motherhood is a beautiful, unique experience between a mother and child. I remember it like it was yesterday. 4:59am on July 5, 1990 is when my daughter was born. Ok, let me not go down memory lane. There are various financial habits to form that will make motherhood a smoother process like mastering the fundamentals of finances. Fundamentals are things like budgeting, saving, use your credit responsibly and invest in life insurance. ​

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I was a single mom so I know 1st hand, for single mothers, it is so important to remember to Pay Yourself First. No matter what! I was a single mom for many years and wish I was given this tip. You can determine how much you pay yourself but you must always do it. If possible, automate the process then forget about it. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out for help if needed. Especially if you are struggling to make ends meet. Sometimes there is a need to generate additional income. Now-a-day, there are so many different ways. One way is  to monetize your current skills and passions to earn extra money with side hustles. There are so many services that people need and will pay for, especially if it is solving a problem. Here are two great blogs for information on side hustles. 

​Earn extra money from side hustles 
​Zero or no investment small business ideas

When it comes to creating side hustles for yourself and your family, the list is endless. As mentioned, focus on your current skills. Are there things you know how to do that people will pay for? For example, if you’re great at English, you could be an editor for a blogger or author. If you’re great with email and administrative tasks, you could become a virtual assistant for small business owners. The list is endless. You can leave a comment below with a skill or passion and I will try and suggest a side hustle you can start right away to earn extra money.

There are many things you can do to incorporate financial lessons into your children’s lives. Have regular conversations with them and let them see good money behaviours. Get them books and games to teach financial concepts and terms. If you have little children, there is a coloring book that you can download and print here.  There are resources for teenagers as well. Volume I of my book “It’$ My Money” is great for their age group. Grab it here.

Naturally, as you delve further into motherhood, you are going to need to practice self care. This may seem impossible on a tight budget.  Here are a few options:

• You can take walks while listening to your favorite songs 
• ​You can enjoy a long bath with a cup of your favorite tea
• You can watch your (not the kids) favorite movie at home
• ​​You can plant flowers in your yard or garden

The key here is to do what YOU enjoy and what makes you smile!

As moms we often say, we are good as long as our family is ok. Sometimes, that means at the expense of our own self care. Please know it is OK to take care of yourself so that you can take better care of others. 

Mother’s day just passed but for the ones to come, know there are affordable ways to cherish your mother. Go for sentiment! 

• Get a blank card and frame. 
• Hand write a personal message
• ​Put on your favorite pictures of the two of you in the frame. One smiling or a time together that was special. 

It’s so important that we as mothers know, and teach our children, that you can make mistakes financially and move forward from that place. Wipe yourself off and make it happen. The winner is the one that gets back up and learn from the fall.  You have to execute on proven strategies to get and keep your money right. Finally, when you need help, get it. Not everyone knows how to manage money well and that is ok. Seek help and resources just as you would for anything else you aren’t great at!

In the need of a resources that can help you manage your money:

• Take the Money Management Course, OR
• Grab the Money Management Workbook, OR
• Grab the Level Up Your Money Checklist 

If you want to DIY it, you a grab some helpful resources that I have created here.

Don't forget to leave a comments on skills you want to monetize so I can try and provide you a suggestion on how you can get started. 

By the way here is a great picture of me and my daughter. She is my pride and joy. 

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