Romanticizing Financial Stability: Learning to Love the Stability You Deserve
Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but let’s talk about something that lasts beyond February 14th
I know a lot of us are navigating relationships or taking a break from dating to focus on ourselves. Whether you're in a relationship, figuring things out with someone new, or choosing to date yourself for a while (which, trust me, is SO important), there’s one relationship that deserves just as much attention: your relationship with money.
We put a lot of effort into understanding romantic relationships, how to nurture them, how to find the right partner, and how to make them work. But how often do we reflect on our relationship with money? It’s one of the most significant and long-lasting relationships we’ll ever have, yet it’s easy to neglect.
You might be wondering about love, dating, and finances? How do they even relate? Just like any relationship, your financial journey requires attention, effort, and care. Building a healthy relationship with money doesn’t have to feel intimidating or like a chore; it can be a rewarding and even exciting journey.
Show Up for It, Even When It’s Not Perfect
Commit to Consistency
Relationships thrive on communication, consistency, and effort. You wouldn’t check in with your partner once a month and expect everything to be great, right? You wouldn’t ignore them when things got hard or only show up when you needed something.
The same goes for your finances.
Money isn’t just a resource, you use it when it’s convenient or when you need it, it's a part of your life that requires care and attention. Imagine if you treated your finances like a partner you’re truly committed to. You wouldn’t ghost your partner or avoid difficult conversations. Instead, you’d check in regularly, set goals together, and navigate challenges as a team and have those sometimes uncomfortable but necessary talks about where you stand.
I used to only check my bank account when payday hit. But what about all the days in between? I wasn’t tracking where my money was going, and before I knew it, I was wondering why I had more months left than money. So, I started setting aside time every Sunday to check in on my spending. I call it my "money date," where I sit down with my budget, look over transactions, and make sure I’m still on track. I switch it up every month too so sometimes I may do it the week of payday or the week my bills are due. It all depends but I don't miss my money dates.
So to begin to build your financial stability, set aside time to check in on your money. Make it a habit whether it’s a weekly finance check-in, a biweekly review, or a monthly. Do what you are comfortable with. During these sessions, track your expenses, review your budget, and adjust as needed. Think of it as a finance date night dedicated time to make sure you and your money are on the same page.
Celebrate the Small Wins
In relationships, it's the little things that matter, small gestures, thoughtful surprises, and shared memories.Why should it be any different when it comes to your finances?
Every step toward financial growth deserves recognition. Whether it’s saving your first $100, sticking to your budget for a week, or paying off a debt, these are wins worth celebrating. Acknowledging your progress helps build momentum and keeps you motivated.
I remember the first time I saved $1,000 in my emergency fund. It may not seem like a huge amount, but it was from me. I had issues with touching my savings for non emergency just because i knew i had that money sitting, I've grown from that though. But, that moment made me realize that progress, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. I feel in love with watching my money grow, And just like in love, appreciation keeps the momentum going.
Instead of focusing on how far you have to go, appreciate how far you’ve come. Just like in any relationship, appreciating the journey makes the process more fulfilling.
Give yourself credit for those moments. They add up!
Be Intentional
Love isn’t passive; it requires effort and intention. You wouldn’t expect a relationship to thrive without communication or compromise. Likewise, building financial stability requires being proactive and mindful about your decisions.
Being intentional with your money means understanding your spending habits, identifying areas for improvement, and making choices that align with your goals. It’s about taking control of your financial future rather than hoping things will work out on their own.
I am still learning to unlearn a lot of bad money habits, especially impulse spending. I used to justify every little "treat yourself" moment, but I wasn’t thinking about my future. Now, before I make a big purchase, I ask myself: "Does this align with my goals?" If the answer is no, I reconsider.
Write the vision and make it plain!
I had to learn to write down my financial goals and truly believe they were possible. When I started setting clear intentions with my finances, I saw a shift. I wasn’t just hoping for financial stability; I am actively working toward it. Faith without work is dead, and that applies to money, too.
Writing your goals down helps you stay focused, and seeing them in front of you makes them real. Whether you keep a finance journal, use a vision board, or write affirmations about your money mindset, having a tangible reminder keeps you aligned with your purpose. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about trusting yourself to make decisions that align with your future.
Start by setting clear financial goals and making a plan to achieve them. Whether it’s saving for a big purchase, building an emergency fund, or paying off debt, having a plan in place gives you direction and keeps you accountable.
Embrace the Journey
In any great love story, the journey matters just as much as the destination. The lessons learned, the personal growth, and the memories created along the way make the experience meaningful.
Financial stability isn’t a finish line, it's an ongoing process of learning and adapting. There will be challenges, unexpected expenses, and moments of doubt. But there will also be victories, financial wins, and newfound confidence in your ability to manage money.
I’ve had months where I felt completely in control of my finances, and I’ve had months where life humbled me real quick. Like the time I had just landed back in Houston from vacation literally fresh off the plane, hadn’t even been home for an hour and my car battery died. Of course, I had to dip into my emergency fund. My first reaction? Frustration. Why couldn’t I just catch a break? But then, I had to pause and shift my perspective. Instead of stressing, I reminded myself to thank God that I even had the funds to handle it. This was exactly why I built my emergency fund in the first place. That moment wasn’t a setback, it was proof that I was prepared.
Instead of stressing about reaching a certain financial milestone, focus on the progress you’re making each day. Recognize that every decision, no matter how small, is a step toward financial stability.
Because the best love story you can write is the one where you take control of your money habits and build a life that supports your goals and dreams. If your financial past hasn’t been perfect, that’s okay. No great love story is without its ups and downs. What matters is how you move forward. You are capable of building a better relationship with your money, one intentional step at a time. It’s never too late to start rewriting your financial story. So, let’s make a commitment to be intentional, to celebrate progress, and to show up for ourselves.
Unit Next Time…
Don’t forget, I’d love for you to join me for my first-ever Q1 financial read as we are now in the second month of Q1! I am reading The Mindful Millionaire by Leisa Peterson. It’s a great resource for overcoming scarcity and aligning your mindset with your financial goals. I grabbed mine from Barnes & Noble, but you can also find it on Amazon.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to comment or reach out. I'm here for it! And be sure to follow us on Instagram @flofblog and @financethebrand for more updates and tips on how you can rewrite the rules of your money. Wishing you a prosperous week ahead and I’ll see yall in next Sunday!
