I love hearing from my readers (both positively and negatively). Some of readers will comment on an article or two, telling me that it was really great advice. Often right then or a little later on I’ll follow up and ask them if they followed through on any of it. Perhaps it was a recommendation on getting a new credit card, tips on getting into investing or switching banks , and to my shock the answer is often “No!” It got me thinking, surely the advice I’m giving isn’t bad, what could it be? I believe the answer is that it’s hard. Managing our money is not an easy task. We get stuck in our routines and changing our habits can be difficult. How does one change?

1) Decide what you want to do. Firstly, identify the area of your finances that you want to change. Perhaps my article on switching banks really struck a chord with you. You’re fed up with your bank’s fees and headaches and want to change. Perhaps it was the article on starting a budget that really spurred some thinking in you. Or maybe the credit score article got you concerned about what your score really is.

Be honest with yourself, you’re not going from zero to financial hero in a couple of days. These habits are tough to break and without focus and willpower, they’ll be tough to break. Try to tackle one issue at a time. Perhaps this next week you’ll cut out the daily Starbucks or vow to bring your lunch at least three times to work. Try focusing on just one area of your finances and set your mind to changing it.

2) Make a plan. Now that you’ve honed in on your financial goal, prepare to attack. If you don’t plan and prepare mentally, you’ll likely fail. You’ll fall back into your routine or just won’t have the willpower to change. Do a little research on the issue. “Well, Ben’s article gave me some tips about switching banks, let me re-read it and review the pros and cons of each”. “Well, perhaps if I go grocery shopping on Sunday, I can buy some food to pack for lunch this week”.

3) Make the change! I know it’s not easy. If having good finances were easy, I wouldn’t need to keep writing articles for this blog! You’ve prepared with steps 1 and 2. You’ve decided on your goal, you’ve made a plan and have done your research. Just go for it. You may fail the first time you try to change, but you’ll learn from your mistakes and be better equipped for next time. This is serious business, your financial health is crucial to your wellbeing. Making the change is necessary!

4) Email me (youngmoneyfinance@yahoo.com) or comment here with your progress! Studies have shown that people are more likely to succeed when they tell someone else about their goal (ok, I made that one up but I feel it’s accurate). I love helping others out with their finances and have a lot of experience setting and achieving financial goals for myself.

Here are some other articles to help inspire you!

Make a Budget!

Cardinal Rule #2: Changing your Mindset

6 ways to improve your finances…today!

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