Sometimes, when we think of money we get lost in an alphabet soup of technical vocabulary and terms. Like, ROI, what? APR, who? The S & P – what in the DOW Jones?
True, the language of financial literacy is broad and vast. There’s so much to explore. By acquiring more financial information, we also uncover more about our own identities and personalities with money and more.
In particular, we double down on the importance of personal finance during the month of April (Financial Literacy Month). But, this doesn’t have to mean a boring lecture on the stock market or inflation.
Diving in more deeply to money topics can actually be – gasp! – a fun-filled adventure with highs and lows. It’s all about perspective.
So, here are some ideas to make financial literacy exploration even more amusing, as well as impactful:
1. Grab a Sidekick.
The path to financial wellness is best enjoyed with company. You don’t have to go at it alone. Consider a partner, friend, co-worker, and/or family member to join you on the journey. Not only can it be energizing and offer accountability to share your goal(s) with someone else, this process can also be therapeutic. By articulating your ideas aloud, you help strengthen your sense of awareness and also affirm the possibilities.
2. Challenge & Gamify.
If you’re looking to shake things up a bit with your financial position, consider a fun financial challenge that piques your interest. Check out these Savings Challenges if you’re up for it! Pack your lunch for a week? Or try to see how long you can go without spending money? Or even tackle some monthlong, daily ideas with this Lifelong Earners April Financial Literacy Month Activities.
Grab or create a budget binder or make your own envelopes to stash some cash for amounts of your choice. You can also digitize your diversions within your online banking accounts and apps.
All in all, you know yourself best. What is it that motivates and inspires you? Go ahead and get fancy – create your own challenge, share it with a friend, and bask in those returns on your investments of intention, time, and grit!
3. Be Creative.
Use your imagination to envision what you want.
See yourself on that dream vacation you’ve saved up for. Trip half-way around the world? A cruise? Or maybe a weekend get-away a few hours down the road? Envision yourself with the shades, a cool drink, snapping pictures, or simply disconnecting off-the-grid.
Or maybe you have a major or minor home renovation in mind. Cue HGTV inspiration and let the specs lead you towards what you may bargain for.
Make a vision board or a file of pictures on your phone. Use these visuals to give you a burst when you need to keep your genius and wallet ablaze.
4. Celebrate along the way.
Life’s a marathon, not a sprint. Work hard, but also enjoy your time off.
YOLO philosophy is true, so tap in to what brings you health and happiness. Discipline doesn’t have to mean deprivation. This applies to your bank account, too. As you advance along your financial and overall wellness journey, remember to put everything in perspective. Money isn’t everything. It is simply a tool in life, but it is not the end all be all.
So, pace yourself with a plan. Dance when you can – or at least tap your toes – and appreciate the journey!
