What Is Intentional Money Management?
Intentional money management is all about being deliberate with financial decisions and considering how they align with your values, goals, and long-term vision. When we are not deliberate, we often default to reactive or impulsive choices with how and where we spend our money.
Intentional money management involves:
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Regular reflection on where your money is actually going
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Establishing clear objectives and goals (e.g., saving, investing, debt elimination)
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Developing habits and financial plans that align with what matters most to you
The benefits of intentional management.
✅ You will gain Clarity and Focus
Once you gain a clear direction in your financial life, you will find decision-making easier and more purposeful with money. Your actions will start to come in alignment with what you really want.
Think of this as defining your own ‘Personal Value System’
✅ Identifies unnecessary and impulse spending
When you take time to regularly monitor where your money goes, you start freeing up funds for what truly matters. You start asking yourself questions like ‘Did I really need to buy that…’ and the simple act of asking yourself is often enough to change behaviours that are causing you to leak money.
Think of this as ‘Monitoring your behaviour not your money’
✅ Reduces stress and builds confidence
We can all be confident with money when we learn to master money smarter rather than money mastering us. As you walk out your plan the stress of ‘feast or famine’ living or navigating ‘the unexpected’ is replaced with confidence and other areas of life benefit from this contentment.
Think of this as ‘Living within your means’
✅ More enjoyable independence and relationships
Financial stress is the number one killer of your personal independence and relationships. Clear financial priorities opens the door for more effective communication with your partner, or other family members that may be dependent on you (knowingly or unknowingly).
Think of this as ‘All on the same page’
✅ Long-term goals become normal
Your achievement of mastering control over your money and celebrating the small wins as you progress forward instils the belief longer term goals like debt reduction, building wealth, travelling etc are possible. They go from ‘I wish’ to ‘I will’
This as ‘Intentional Money Management’
Final thoughts:
Getting there is a process and it takes time, nothing happens overnight but anyone can get there with a little guidance and support.
If you have a desire to become more intentional with your money, book yourself a Free Exploration call where we can discuss how financial coaching can support you to get there faster.
If this makes senses but you don’t think coaching is for you, I highly recommend getting yourself a copy of ‘How I fixed My Broken Budget – 7 Key Principles To Successful Budgeting.
Disclaimer:
The information presented in this article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, ReachUp and its authors make no representation or warranty regarding the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information for your personal circumstances.
Loans, mortgages, and financial regulations in New Zealand are subject to change, and the content here may not reflect the most current legal or market developments. You are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified, authorised financial adviser, mortgage broker, or lender who can assess your specific financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance before making any decisions.
ReachUp assumes no responsibility for any losses incurred as a result of using or relying on the content of this article.