3 Steps Empowering Working Moms: Conquering Financial Pressures and Embracing Self-Care
Its Hard to Know Where to Start: My Journey
It’s an ongoing battle, juggling work, family, and money responsibilities. But why do we feel that our role in supporting our family means we can’t also look after ourselves? It’s time for a change. It’s time to thrive, not just survive.
Being focused and passionate about supporting family and those close to me, I often have to remind myself that it’s okay to spend a little time just being me. Reflecting back on my childhood, life was simple. We had ‘things,’ but as kids they weren’t important to us then. My brothers and I had each other when our parents were out working. When we were left to our own devices, we had fun, silly fun but good fun!
I specifically remember a rainy Saturday when we were together… tunes were blazing, and our neighbours were probably noting down our noise levels to report back to our parents! Yes I was a mischievous one, making games out of anything and everything. We were good kids though, but hyperactive, full of energy, and LOUD. I still laugh thinking about us making a ramp on the stairs, playing ‘don’t touch the floor’ (aka “the floor is lava”), diving across the furniture, and swinging off doors. I know, crazy, right, but you know you were guilty too!
Fast forward to today, and I wonder how we go from being those fun-loving kids to moms who sometimes forget our own needs. We need to remember those precious moments when we weren’t overthinking everything – just living life! It’s important to give ourselves time, embrace the moment, and take from it what we can then plan, but don’t stress! Stressing does not solve anything. Planning and acting on these plans does…
Steps to Take – Navigating Financial Worries and Prioritising Self-Care
Step 1: Acknowledge Your Financial Worries
As moms, financial worries can often weigh heavily on us. Whether it’s managing day-to-day expenses, planning for your child’s future, or securing your own financial well-being, the concerns are real. It’s essential to recognise these worries and address them proactively.
Step 2: Develop Strategies to Overcome Financial Worries
Here are some steps to help you get started:
- Create a Realistic Budget:
Break down your income and expenses to create a realistic budget, and note this down. When I say realistic I don’t mean you should limit yourself but don’t stress yourself either. Setting a minimum goal that is achievable just makes it easier on yourself and allows for a reward. Allocate funds for essentials, savings, and yes, a small portion for personal indulgences/ needs! Remember looking after your needs, health, and wellbeing is a priority. Remember, every little bit helps – so even if it’s just a small start, it’s still a start. You can build on this. - Set Financial Goals:
Define short-term and long-term financial goals. Prioritise these goals, plan to work extra hours if needed, and if it is manageable, and start setting aside money that you won’t miss (or what you can afford and build on this). If this seems difficult initially, try saving even 50p from every £10 spent (e.g., tip – try not to buy new shopping bags, reuse them and set aside this change) and gradually increase your savings from there! Put this money away and forget about it!? Determined as we may be with our goals, remember your health and well-being are important. So don’t stress or overdo it or you won’t have the energy to spend when it’s time to. - Invest in Education:
Listen to podcasts or watch videos to develop your financial literacy, to make informed decisions. Explore investment options and savings plans that align with your goals. Research this well first but take a chance on yourself. Educating yourself on finances can feel empowering – it’s like getting back in the driver’s seat – and taking charge of your life!
Step 3: Plan for Self-Care and Balance
Use a Daily Weekly Planner to Plan for Self-Care
In my journey, I’ve realised the importance of using a planner not only to set goals but also to note down ideas, review efforts, adjust plans, and manage budgets. My planner acts as a reminder of the steps I’ve already taken toward my better life. It’s easy to forget what we’re already doing to move forward. Easy-to-use planners exist, and can help by serving as a tool to navigate a busy life and remind us to make time for ourselves and self-care.
The “Daily/ Weekly Planner” that I use helps me keep track of schedules, and make adjustments for more “you” time, clears your headspace by noting down your to-do lists, keeps track of feelings, and even monitors your budget. This is the one I recommend, but you may find another that better suits your life and schedule. Sometimes, with a busy life, you really just need to get things down on paper and out of your head!
Disclosure: Though some of my posts may contain affiliate links, this post does not contain affiliate links. I do not earn a commission if you purchase through the links provided. Also, those these suggestions worked for me but you may find others that better suit you.
Remember to Prioritise Self-Care
Juggling career, family, and financial responsibilities is an ongoing battle that requires well-earned self-care. The “Daily Weekly Planner” has helped me transform this process by providing practical scheduling and intentional self-care strategies. Utilising the planner brings clarity to your schedule, enabling better time management while fostering a mindful approach to self-care. It serves as a constant reminder for us working moms to prioritise our well-being alongside our daily responsibilities, creating a holistic and balanced life.
As we embrace better time management and self-care, let’s remember:
“Investing in yourself is the best investment you will ever make. It will not only improve your life; it will improve the lives of all those around you.” – Robin Sharma
See more – Inspirational Quotes – Personal Development
Here’s to thriving, not just surviving!
Disclosure:
This contains my suggestions but I do not earn or gain anything from your purchases or downloads. These links have helped me but I cannot promise that the results will be the same for you.