Do Better With Money

Why Your Money Thoughts Matter

May 28, 2020 by Ellen Rogin, CPA, CFP® Leave a Comment

The first step in creating prosperity isn’t about having the best financial strategies, projections, or plan. These are important, but it’s a mistake to start here. The first step is having the right thoughts about your money, your business, or your financial future.

I’ve talked before about how worry sucks as a financial strategy. In the book Scarcity the researchers talk about how when you are freaked out about money your IQ actually drops! Yet most people spend a lot of time and energy on what they don’t want to happen and what they are afraid of when it comes to their money.

If you want exceptional results, spend time on building clarity and calm around your finances.

Easier said than done?

Maybe it can be that easy.

Here’s a short video with an idea of how to lower the volume on your negative inner money narrator who just won’t shut up.

Inhale, exhale, think prosperous thoughts!

Every good wish,

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5 Questions to Guide your Post-stay-at-home Rebound

May 21, 2020 by Ellen Rogin, CPA, CFP® Leave a Comment

Have you noticed how your spending has changed during this time?

Lots of people are spending less because income is way down, others because they just can’t spend in the same ways. Our family is spending less on just about everything except groceries. With both kids back at home (and super healthy eaters) our grocery bill is much higher. But, just about everything else we spend money on is less.

This extended break in our daily routines gives us a great opportunity to really look at how our spending reflects what we truly value. This is a really good thing and can be so helpful as you look at your post-stay-at-home lifestyle.

Below are five questions to answer in this really unique time that will get your future spending off auto-pilot and directed in much more conscious ways.

What have you spent money on in the past that you no longer value? For me it’s biking. Once I stopped going to spin class when the community recreation center closed I realized how much I truly love running and really don’t like cycling. And now, lacing up my running shoes is back on my workout list. Might not seem like a big deal financially but cycling can be expensive (those cushy bike shorts don’t come cheap.) How about you? What are you ready to let go that will also have you spending less?
What did you spend money on that you really miss and realize you want to keep spending money on? For me I realized that I really want to have my nails done. I know, this may be minor in the scheme of important things to spend money on, but I realize it’s an expense that’s worth it for me. They currently look bad, really bad. I can live with that. But they are also weak, require lots of attention and it bugs me. Dipnails here I come (when it’s safe!) What do you realize you really appreciate spending your money on?
What do you now realize is very important in your life that doesn’t cost any money? This is easy for me – time with our family. We’re super lucky. Both kids are home and are being really good sports.This was us on Mother’s Day. Benjy made brunch and Amy made dinner and requested formal attire. Make a list of what you value that doesn’t cost anything. I bet it’s long.
What did you think you’d miss that you actually don’t? I love to travel. And I’m surprised how much I don’t miss it. It has helped me realize I also love being home. I’m sure I’ll get back to travelling. But I’m now open to reassessing how high on the value list it really is and how much we should plan for future expenses. What is it for you?

Once you’ve answered these questions… here’s one more.

5. How will you create a values-based spending plan going forward? This experience will give you the real life knowledge of what you truly value. I’ve talked in my book about the importance of having a values based spending plan. Now you can do this with actual experience to back it up. If you want more on setting up a values based spending plan – check out this video.

Be happy and well,

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Why I’m Hopeful about Money these days

May 14, 2020 by Ellen Rogin, CPA, CFP® Leave a Comment

It’s easy to feel worried and discouraged these days about money and the economy. The news can be awful.

The unemployment numbers – scary
The future growth in the economy – unclear
The markets – volatile

All this adds up to:

We humans really don’t like uncertainty. It feels uncomfortable and can be anxiety producing. There is lots of uncertainty these days. But you know what … there is always uncertainty.

Here’s a reframe to consider. What if it’s not supposed to be easy? I don’t mean it has to be miserable.

But we usually don’t grow through easy.

What if this uncertainty is really just a super tough money boot-camp?

Do you think you might grow stronger through this time? I think so. When you work out you actually cause trauma to your muscles to make them stronger. Of course you can work out too hard and get an injury – I’m certainly not recommending this. But what if this current financial environment could be an opportunity to grow stronger with your money?

Could you:

Learn to make spending decisions based on what you value?
Build a bigger cash cushion when things turn around?
Find ways to talk to your partner more effectively when it comes to money?
Increase your generosity to help those who are struggling?
Build muscle memory for financial resilience in the future?

Instead of focusing on the pain of your current financial situation, shift your attention to your growth. If you are lucky enough to be financially strong and stable in this time, then consider how you can grow your generosity.

Imagine a world where people are conscious with their spending, their money management, and using their money as a force for good. This is the world I imagine coming out of our current situation. This is why I am hopeful.

This is how you create Prosperity on Purpose.

Be happy and well,

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Is it okay to talk about prosperity in a time of crisis?

April 30, 2020 by Ellen Rogin, CPA, CFP® Leave a Comment

With all that’s going on now, with so many people suffering, my initial inclination is to stop using the word prosperity. It just feels too aspirational in a time when many people just want to survive. Does it seem ridiculous to be picturing your prosperity in the face of this crisis? Am I being tone deaf to be using this type of language now?

I’ve thought about this a lot …

If not now, when?

One of the reasons I love the word prosperity so much is that it’s so expansive. It means more than just money. Part of the definition of prosperity is the condition of success and thriving. When I ask people at my workshops what prosperity means to them I often hear words like: love, security, comfort, wealth, and community.

Is it possible to feel prosperous when money is tight?

Well, it goes back to how you define prosperity. Right now stop and write down what prosperity means to you. Actually, set a timer for 2 minutes and just write down your answer to this question: What does prosperity mean to me?

What came up for you? Are some of these things (maybe many) actually in place now? When I did this I was surprised to have “to do what I want with work when I want to do it.” I’m self-employed, so it’s usually easy for me to do this. But if you’re lucky enough to be able to work at home, maybe you have more flexibility than you’ve had in the past and in a way that you couldn’t have it before.

The way I see it, if you’re feeling more prosperous you’ll be able to generate more financial prosperity. This is all about having the right thoughts about money. You’ll be in the frame of mind to find opportunities and solutions more easily when you’re already feeling good than if you were sitting in a pool of financial worry. You’ll also be better able to conjure up a compelling, inspired vision of your future. You’ll be able to act on your good intentions more effectively. These all contribute to your ability to create prosperity on purpose.

I’d love to hear what “prosperity” means to you. Please let me know!

Here’s to your prosperity,

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Feel Good Resources

April 25, 2020 by Ellen Rogin, CPA, CFP® Leave a Comment

What you think about and what you put your attention on grows in your life. Clearly it’s easy these days to put attention on challenges, problems, and money concerns. It’s actually hard not to. And, too much focus on your problems or the problems in the world will not help you find creative solutions, ways to grow from this, or ways to help.

If you want to feel better about your money, to truly create prosperity on purpose, it’s about finding ways to shift your attention to what’s working and ways to grow … yes, even during really challenging times – actually, especially during really challenging times.

There are so many good news stories, supportive resources, and feel-good opportunities to help you boost your mood. Here are a few I think you’ll enjoy.

A quick hit of feel better:

If you want to boost your mood watch this short video of Italians getting together to sing HELPLESSLY HOPING – il coro che non c’è. I promise this will make you smile and feel good.

Learn an easy and powerful way to connect with friends:

BJ Fogg, the author of Tiny Habits (which I haven’t read yet, but heard is great) leads a super engaging virtual training on setting a tiny habit for friendship. I loved watching this – and put it into action right away.

BONUS: If you are leading virtual programs yourself these day you must watch BJ in action. He’s masterful at running a zoom meeting, and keeping engagement and learning flowing throughout.

Looking for a source of good news?

Karuna means compassion in Sanskrit.

There’s a great website, karunavirus.org that will fill you up with great, heartwarming stories.

You’ve heard me talk about this before …

It’s crucial you have strong self-calming skills when it comes to money worries.

Here’s an article I was quoted in on CNBC’s Growing Acorns site about how creating more calm can lead to better financial decision making.

Be happy and well,

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If you want exceptional results, spend time on building clarity and calm around your finances.

Maybe it can be that easy.

Have you noticed how your spending has changed during this time?

Below are five questions to answer in this really unique time that will get your future spending off auto-pilot and directed in much more conscious ways.

What if this uncertainty is really just a super tough money boot-camp?

Could you:

This is how you create Prosperity on Purpose.

Is it possible to feel prosperous when money is tight?

A quick hit of feel better:

Learn an easy and powerful way to connect with friends:

Looking for a source of good news?

You’ve heard me talk about this before …

What Your Generosity Style Says About You