28 Day Financial Fitness Spending Challenge
Why Finances?
Most people focus on fitness goals, and as a health coach, that’s terrific! However, sometimes there are other areas of your life that may need attention. That could be your job, marriage, finances, and the list goes on.
For me, it’s almost always finances. There’s a saying, “You cannot jog yourself out of a bad diet,” and I say, “I cannot eat my way out of bad spending habits,” which during money trouble, is what I do.
Why This Is Important to Me
While at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, we had an assignment where we truthfully identified how we felt about twelve areas of our lives using the Circle of Life. I remember seeing the circle and when I saw the word “finances,” my stomach hurt.
This served as a signal from my body that there was still more emotional work that needed to be done when it came to my relationship with money. I grew up in a small town where money wasn’t talked about and certainly not abundant. My parents also never discussed money and finances, so my knowledge was limited.
In high school, I took classes on personal finances and how to manage my money, however, it was high school, and it didn’t seem real to me, so I found myself in an embarrassing amount of credit card debt.
I wasn’t making it paycheck to paycheck because after I made my minimum payment, I would have to charge gas and groceries again, resulting in payments made on time, but the balance stayed the same.
Debt still looming, I opted for early retirement and launching two businesses to mark a new chapter in my life, and I was determined to navigate it on my own terms.
However, initiating a business requires money, and I wasn’t going to take out a loan, prompting me to seek clarity and education elsewhere.
Where I Started
My internet searches led me to Clever Girl Finance’s free online classes. From there I got the lowdown on spending challenges which I thought was a great place to start, and bam, I dove right in. The results? Exactly the motivation I needed.
Between January 2021 and December 2023, I had dropped my debt by almost $30K. It wasn’t easy. My pet care business took off in ways I never expected which goes to show there are side hustles that work. I had to dig deep in managing my time, but my determination was and still is unwavering.
Since side hustles and part-time jobs aren’t an option for everyone, I created 31 Smart Money Making & Saving Tips that I’ve found is the real secret to my progress.
If you’re ready to learn the foundation of a spend challenge continue reading and then download your free workbook. Once you’ve got your workbook printed, and in hand, head over to 31 Smart Money Making & Saving Tips.
Download Your Free Workbook & Get Started
In your workbook, you’ll find dedicated sections for outlining your goals and explaining why you’re taking on a challenge. If you enjoy shopping, there’s a specific section designed for you to plan how you’ll spend your spare time. At the bottom of this page, you are going to find additional reading resources that can keep you busy and motivated.
As part of the challenge, you’ll create a “no spend list,” and if you find yourself unsure about what else to do besides refraining from spending, explore my . This resource outlines my strategy for each Spending Challenge that doesn’t require a second job. It’ll also give you something to do during your next 28 days.
Every week, it’s essential to reflect on your wins and challenges, contributing to your personal growth in your finances. This process may reveal spending triggers that require attention.
Towards the end, you’ll answer a few questions about your thoughts on the challenge—each aspect is crucial for your success.
Once you’ve completed your first challenge, return here to share a comment or two about your experience. Your success has the power to inspire others on their financial journey.
Now download your free workbook and head over to 31 Smart Money Making & Saving Tips.
A Little More Support
Your finances are a personal matter, and the choices you make in handling them are uniquely yours. When looking for ways to save money, it’s crucial to ensure that your approach is sustainable, even if it’s challenging in the short term. Embarking on a financial spending challenge is an excellent initial step, but for sustained lifelong progress, ongoing financial literacy is essential.
Looking for what inspired me and something to do in your spare time? These are some of my favorite books you can check out at the library Women & Money by Suze Orman and Clever Girl Finance by Bola Sokunbi.
If you want to dig deep into investing, which as woman I’ve found is crucial, so I don’t outlive my money is Money, Master The Game by Tony Robbins.
Happy Savings!!!
