Let’s be real for a second—facing your finances isn’t exactly what most of us would call a good time.
You know what is fun? Scrolling Zillow for dream homes you technically can’t afford yet. Buying another planner in hopes that this will be the one that turns you into a budgeting queen. Or, my personal favorite, swiping your card and thinking, “Future Me will figure it out.” (Spoiler alert: Future You is probably giving you side-eye right now.) 😒
But here’s the deal—NOT facing your finances won’t make them any less real. The unopened bills, the “I’ll look at my bank account tomorrow” cycle, and the mild panic when your card gets declined even though you were pretty sure you had enough in there—it’s all exhausting. And more importantly, it’s holding you back from the peace, freedom, and control you deserve to feel about money.
So, today, we’re doing it. We’re ripping off the Band-Aid, pouring a cup of coffee or tea or Diet Coke, or how about water?, and facing our finances. Let’s go.
Step 1: Acknowledge That Money Is Just a Tool
First things first—money is neutral. It’s not good or bad, it’s not out to get you, and it definitely doesn’t have feelings. (Even though it sometimes feels like our bank accounts are personally offended by our choices.)
Money is just a tool. Like a hammer. And you can use a hammer to build a house or hurt somebody—it all depends on how you wield it.
Right now, if thinking about money makes you anxious, overwhelmed, or full of regret, it’s because of the stories you’ve attached to it. Maybe you grew up thinking money was scarce. Maybe you were told talking about it is rude. Or maybe you’ve made some financial choices that haunt you like a bad ex.
Guess what? None of that defines you. The sooner you let go of the shame, the sooner you can take back control.
Step 2: Know Your Numbers (Even If You’d Rather Not)
Now, here’s the part where you might want to run. Stay with me.
Open up your bank accounts (aka face your finances). All of them. Credit cards, savings, loans—everything. If you have a pile of unopened bills, now’s the time to face them.
Make a simple list of:
✅ What’s coming in (your income)
✅ What’s going out (bills, expenses, subscriptions you forgot about)
✅ What you owe (debt, credit cards, loans)
✅ What you have (savings, investments, emergency fund…or, uh, lack thereof)
I know this part can feel icky, especially if you’ve been avoiding it. But listen—avoiding it doesn’t make it go away. Knowing your numbers, no matter how messy they are, gives you POWER. Because once you know, you can start making a plan.
Step 3: Find the Leaks and Plug Them
Now that you’ve looked at your finances, you might notice a few…surprises.
- That gym membership you haven’t used since last spring? Cancel it.
- That subscription box sending you random skincare products you don’t even like? Bye.
- Those sneaky impulse purchases that somehow added up to $300 last month? Awareness is step one.
This is about being intentional with where your money is going. Because the more you take charge, the less stressed you’ll feel every time you swipe your card.
Step 4: Make a Game Plan (Not a Punishment Plan)
Let’s get one thing straight—this isn’t about punishment. You’re not in trouble. You’re simply choosing to step into a new level of awareness and control.
That means making a plan that works for you. Not some unrealistic, rigid budget that makes you feel like a failure when life happens.
🔹 Prioritize what matters. Bills and necessities first. After that, where do you want your money to go?
🔹 Set a simple goal. Pay off one credit card, save $500, or finally build that emergency fund. Small wins add up.
🔹 Use a system that feels good. Some people love spreadsheets. Some prefer apps. Some do better with cash envelopes. The best system? The one you’ll actually use.
Step 5: Stay in the Driver’s Seat
Here’s the thing about money—it’s never just about numbers. It’s about mindset, habits, and learning to trust yourself.
The goal isn’t perfection. You will have months where things go off track. That’s okay. The important thing is to keep checking in, adjusting, and moving forward.
Imagine a future where you:
✨ Know your numbers without stress
✨ Have a plan for your money that feels good
✨ No longer avoid bank statements like they’re haunted
✨ Feel in control instead of overwhelmed
That future? It starts today.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This.
Facing your finances might feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s also one of the most empowering things you’ll ever do. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to start.
So, let’s take the first step together. Log in. Look at your numbers. Choose one small action you can take today. I promise—future you will be so glad you did.
And if you want more support on this journey, I’ve got you! Join my Love Monday Newsletter for weekly money mindset tips, coaching insights, and encouragement straight to your inbox. You can also listen to my podcast, Hashtag Actually I Can, where we talk about ditching guilt, getting real about money, and building a life that works for you.
You’re not alone in this. And you can do this. Now, go face your finances like the badass you are. 💪
Let me know if this feels aligned with your style, or if you’d like any tweaks! 🚀
