Your Lack of Financial Commitment is Killing You - The Journey to Financial Freedom

Are you ready for the second personal story?

It was January 2016 and Ben and I were visiting my parents in Florida. We had been dating for a year and felt it was time to step things up a notch and get financially naked. Ben was excited and cheesing from ear to ear! I, on the other hand was sweating bullets and wondering if he would want to stick around after this conversation...

We literally laid our entire lives out on the table and boy oh boy the skeletons were falling out lol! I put my big girl panties on and got through that uneasy conversation about my student loans, hidden debts, lack of savings and our behavior about money.

Here are a few things I learned in that moment:

1) Keep it HOT (Honest, Open and Transparent). When the conversation happens for the first time, be honest with your suitor.

2) Work on you now so you can come to the table whole and confident.

3) You have to value wanting to be better in this area for self. If you allow someone else to clean up your mess, it can impact your relationship later down the line.

This journey toward financial freedom and intimacy hasn't been an easy one for the Farmer household but we are moving in it with grace and purpose.

Why am I telling you this? Because finances is one of the top 3 reasons for divorce in America and I don't want to see this be you.

Here are a few ways to begin your journey:

1) Take some time to really think about what money and wealth means to you. where does it fall on your value system.

2) Look at finances different ! it's sexy! It's freeing and it will put you at the head of the table with the decisions makers.

3) Hire yourself a financial coach/planner

I want to see us all thriving with our finances! I want this to be part of your lifestyle so that when your future husband shows up, he knows what you value and you can be clear on what is important to you so that the same "trickle effect" I had doesn't happen to you.

Check out my Wifey Wednesday post on Instagram about "Finance is Sexy" Click on the link -Shani L - to gain access to this amazing conversation with Financial Guru Delphine Wharton.

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The Top 5: How to Stay Fitness Fine!

Delphine Wharton is a Vice President for Wealth Management is Orlando Florida. Recently, Delphine spoke on my Wifey Wednesday and gave us these top 5 amazing tips!

1. Cash, Collateral, Credit: Remember these 3 C's. These three areas give you purchasing power. When these areas are at it highest potential, the world is your oasis to play with.

2. Budget Plan: Your money is as good as your vision. Write the vision and make it plan. When you are able to tell your full money story, it will help you stay clear on what is important to you for your present and future financial desire.

3. Financial Coach: We don't always know the answers and that's okay. This is when you lean in on the experts that can guide you in the areas that are not your strength. It's also an opportunity to have an accountability partner to help you stay the course.

4. Having a Seat at the Table with Family and Friends: It's time to change our conversations with our friends and family. Intentionally bring new value to the table. Instead of gossiping, complaining or talking about the next housewife, lets elevate our conversations and ask people how they are saving, investing and building lineage for the next generations.

5. Balancing Fun and Finances: We get it, we work hard and want to play hard too. it's okay to have some fun with your money! Set a birthday goal, holiday goal or a quartley goal to get that special "thing" you desire!