I’ve always been a numbers girl.

Ever since I was little it was obvious I was destined for a career in business or finance. While other kids were playing “house” with their dolls, my sister and I were playing “office” with blank cheques. It’s fair to say I’ve always had a thing for money.

You might even say I love money.

I love earning it, spending it, managing it, talking about it, teaching about it. In fact, I love it so much that …

I decided to date my money!

How exactly am I doing that? I sit down with my money every week. I pay attention to it, understand where it’s coming from, where it’s going to.  I make sure we’re both on the same page about my goals and how we’re going to get there.

Because what you pay attention to, grows.

If you are looking to build wealth and achieve financial freedom, you must pay attention to your money. I know this is true based on what I’ve read and what I’ve experienced.

As a personal finance educator, I know the habits and behaviours that drive financial success. Paying attention to your money is one of them. As a human being, I also know that knowing is not the same as doing.  While I teach about these habits and behaviors I do not always embody them.

The times when I do not check in with my money are also the times that I feel insecure about my saving and spending decisions. I feel a nagging sense that I’m neglecting something important. I do not achieve the financial results that I want.

When I’m consistent with money dates, I feel confident in my decisions. I feel good knowing that I’m acting responsibly. I see progress towards my goals.

Relationships are work.

I’d like to tell you that once I decided to date my money it was a fairytale romance and we lived happily ever after.

Not so.

I hit a few roadblocks. I have to work at it.

I tell myself I am too busy.

“I am building a business, running a household, raising a puppy… my money will have to wait.” But like meditation, dating my money is one of those practices that helps me feel calm and centred during the busyness of life. There’s a certain sense of peace that comes with knowing my finances are in order.

My solution is to schedule the date in my calendar at the same time every week and plan my other commitments around it.

I don’t honour the time I schedule.

My money date selfie!

I have external deadlines to meet and commitments to others to uphold. I often find myself using the money date time to get caught up on other work. When there’s no risk of letting someone else down it’s tempting to let the commitments to myself slide.

So, I told my husband, my friends, my clients, the Wellth Club money honeys and anyone else who would listen about my Monday money dates.  Knowing other people are expecting me to follow through provides me with a dose of accountability.

I procrastinate and am not effective with my time.

The first few times I sat down for the date I wasn’t sure where to begin… so I’d find myself reading articles on Money Sense or scrolling through Instagram. I’ve learned that procrastination is a sign that I need to break down my task into smaller chunks.

I deal with that friction by following a detailed, step-by-step agenda that I can walk through without too much thought about what to do and how to do it.

It’s challenging, but it’s worth the effort.

Sometimes I make impulsive spending decisions that don’t align with my values. I try my best, but don’t always show up for the weekly dates. When it comes to money (and many other things, let’s be honest) I’m not perfect. But I sure am optimistic. 

I believe financial freedom is possible. I am grateful for the financial lessons I’ve learned this far and for the opportunity to share what I know with others. And I am committed to developing the habits that support my financial success!

How do you show your money love?

There are so many different ways to pay attention to your money. I’d love to know how you do it! Let me know in the comments below.

Looking for ways to fall in love with your money? Check out this two-minute read about the life-changing magic of organizing your finances. 

Wondering if you should break up with your credit cards? Find the answer here.