Siobhan Saulsbury

Happy New Year! Here's to fresh starts, renewed commitment, and turning goals into reality🎉

Merry Christmas and best wishes for a successful year ahead!

Here's your reminder: poor input yields poor output. Be intentional about what you're watching, reading, or listening to and how it will impact your ability to reach your goals. Thoughtful input creates valuable results.

I'm currently listening to "The Psychology of Money" audiobook. Only four chapters in, but it's really good so far!

Be thankful today. Find a reason to give thanks, even if you have to dig deep for it. It's there. Have a great Thanksgiving 🙏🏾💚

Thank you to every veteran who has served, sacrificed, and stood for our freedom.

Here are the facts: money is a tool and a budget is how we keep track of this tool. There are many negative connotations and limiting beliefs we have to deal with when thinking about a budget. It's time to let go of thinking a budget is a bad thing; start thinking of it as a way to manage our money better. Without a budget we often find ourselves spending in a reactive way. Budgeting, on the other hand, is our way to proactively tell our money where to go. Proper budgeting allows us to keep track of our goals, get out of debt, and be good stewards of what God has blessed us with.

I read this in my quiet time this morning and it stuck with me. It can really apply to any area of life. God has called us to be good stewards of what He gives us (money, health, kids...). And we don't want to just "maintain." God is all about multiplication! What we do today to properly steward/manage the money He has blessed us with affects generations to come. As we go through each day, don't just think about what you want now; consider and envision what you want your family financial legacy to look like 7 generations from now. What will be said of you?

What can you do to avoid being distracted by the negatives while on your journey to financial freedom? 1. Stay focused on your goals. 2. Be grateful for what you have.

When we practice gratitude, it shifts our focus and changes our attitude. It's almost impossible to be simultaneously frustrated and grateful. Make time each day to actually express your gratitude in some way.

As grown-ups we probably understand how waiting until adulthood to learn vital skills is less than ideal. And as parents (aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.) we should be paying attention to & teaching the things our kids will need to know before they leave home. Our influence on the next generation's financial well-being is immediate and on-going whether we realize it or not. It's best to be intentional about the financial education you put out there. We want the long-lasting effects of our guidance AND actions to be positive. Leaving a strong financial legacy starts with the lessons you teach today.

There are numerous benefits to starting your children with an education in financial literacy early. If we change our own money habits but don't teach our kids how to properly handle money, as they get older they will inevitably end up in some of the same situations we hoped to eliminate for them. Don't assume that being good with money is something that will just naturally happen as they get older (sidenote: we didn't magically end up with brilliant money-management skills as we aged). If we want to see a better financial future for ourselves and generations to come, we have to teach financial responsibility and discipline now.

Financial stress and mental health issues can become a vicious cycle. As a result of debt-related stress, many people state that they've experienced sleep difficulties, increased anxiety levels, diminished social life and even depression. To avoid these things we must be intentional about dealing with money and money-related stress in a healthy way. Here are some things that can help: talk to someone about how you're feeling, get professional financial advice, make a plan & stick with it, and practice gratitude- it'll give your mind a break from worry and boost your mood.

The full verse in the New International Version says, "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth." Each day we have many opportunities to be productive, grow, or to serve others. It can be so easy to let those chances slip away, but we must make the most of all that we're given. Laziness, apathy, and lack of motivation are guaranteed to bring only poverty. However, consistency, diligence, and persistent effort will bring advance, achievement, and growth. This applies financially AND spiritually. Choose actions that lead to wealth!