Have you stripped down to the dirty of your finances with a financial advisor? I hadn’t either. What does that even mean? Now that I have, my finances will never be the same.
About My Finances
My family supported me financially the best they could throughout my time in undergrad and grad school, but school is just so darn expensive. Can we all agree on that? I inevitably accumulated some student loan debt.
Years later, I finally graduated and started working! Money was coming in but I didn’t know what to do with it all so I adopted a “don’t spend a lot” mind set. No budget, never looked at statements, never price-checked… I just went about not spending money on things I didn’t need while paying down my student loans. I clearly needed help.
The Financial Gym
Good news! The Financial Gym happened to me and I got “financially naked” with level 3 financial advisor, Lindsay. Our first meeting was about an hour long and I gave her all the the information people tell you not to tell people – income, assets, liabilities. We discussed my 1-3 and 3-5 year goals and some current non-negotiable monthly expenses for me, like my gym membership and Peewee‘s veterinary/medication bills. Lindsay asked me how much I spent on a variety of things and I provided honest answers, and if I didn’t know the answer, I checked my bank account.
The meeting was very thorough. Once it was over I felt like a weight had been lifted off of me and given to Lindsay, since she would be the one crunching numbers, thinking about interest, considering my goals, etc. There’s a reason I never did this myself, and it’s because it’s work to do it.
One week later I met with Lindsay again. During our time apart she created a financial plan for me. Together we looked at my new budget and discussed managing my cash, credit, expenses, and so much more. Included in the financial plan were resources for me to reference, which are so valuable themselves!
As you can see, the first two meetings covered a lot! With a copy of my financial plan in hand I felt like I was in a great position to take on my big girl budget and complete some financial exercises. If you’re anything like me though, you occasionally lose motivation. During times like these I have been able to lean on Lindsay at our monthly check-ins. I guess you can say she’s my B.F.F – Best Financial Friend!
I can go on, but you can see what it’s like to have your own B.F.F. Schedule a free 20 minute call with The Financial Gym. See what it’s all about and if it’s a right fit for you! All you need to get set up on your call is HERE.
I hope The Financial Gym brings as much value to you as it does to me. Here’s to reaching our next financial goals!
XO, Vivian