The 2-1-1 Newsletter
Fall and Change
Fall is here! As I step outside, I feel the cool, crisp breeze on my face. The day is still young. The rising sun throws a hue of orange splash on the roof tops. I see the full moon still up in the sky. I release a big sigh as I soak in all of this beauty.
As I listen to the crackling sound of the dry leaves under my feet, a calmness warms my face even as the cool wind whispers gently. I look up at the brown and orange leaves on the tree in my backyard, the squirrel scurrying in the branches and on the fence, my heart is filled with gratitude.
To be honest, I have this love, hate relationship with fall. Fall is my busiest month. My list runs with items like: kids return to school after a long break; the days are shorter; it’s getting cold and so on. Hardly do I include the beauty of fall in my list.
This year, however is different. It maybe the blessing of working from home which has gifted me some quiet time every morning before my “commute” to work. For the first time I am seeing the beauty of fall – the changing colors of the leaves; the crisp fall smells; the falling leaves blowing in the direction of the wind and yes, the anticipation of warm sweaters and soups.
2-1-1 Reflections on Fall, Change & Finances
It’s so strange that autumn is so beautiful, yet everything is dying.
Unknown
I came across this quote and I thought it matched some of my sentiments about fall so well. I have applied this quote to many areas of my life as I reflect on fall. Money is an area that people don’t talk a lot about so I am reflecting on fall and money in this edition of the 2-1-1 Reflections newsletter.
2 INSIGHTS/IDEAS
- Perfect season to set up a financial plan: Fall season reminds me of the impermanence of life (A person’s life is like grass. Like a flower in the field it flourishes – Psalm 103:15- NET). It’s a period of change and healing. In some ways, much of 2020 feels like a long period of change for most people. The change may have been good for some and for others, not so good. Fall is a good time to take a fresh look at your finances. Change is not permanent. With fresh eyes, you may see opportunities that you missed in the turmoil and exuberance of summer. Fall also happens before the end of year frenzy and spending, when budgets go burst. Taking the time now in the fall months to plan and make provisions for expenses at year end and beginning of the year, will help you feel a lot more in control. This simple financial goal calculator will help you set your personal financial goals. If you currently have little or no inflows coming in, do not be discouraged. This process will help you see what opportunities may be lurking in the corner. Give it a try anyways. What have you got to loose?!
- Let go: As I look at the falling leaves, I am reminded of the power in letting go. Everyone makes a mistake once in a while including with money. I have my share of silly money stories. However, I have learned that these mistakes teach me valuable lessons. I have to be open to notice those lessons and learn from them. Fall is a good time to let go of thoughts that hold you back. Are there desires you’ve been holding on to and have not acted upon because you tell yourself, you can’t afford it? This is the time to invest in yourself, let go of those negative thoughts and embrace change. Learn from your past mistakes and use this time to become more aware of the opportunities around you. Enroll in a free course, learn a new skill or start that side hustle; start saving no matter the amount.
1 Question
- My question is actually similar to the quote. Death is not usually associated with good feelings. It’s heavy and sad. Yet the Fall season shows us that there’s beauty in death. My question is what money habits should you replace with better ones? Action and inaction are habits. If you are not saving or budgeting, those are money habits that may not be serving you. Like the leaves that fall off in this season, discard those money habits that don’t serve you and replace them with better ones.
1 Call to Action
- Of course, I have no doubt that there might be a lot going on for you. Doing a budget, saving and looking at our finances can sometimes be a dread. Take at least 30 minutes every week this month to work on your personal finance. Your first task which is really simple and will set the momentum for you is to take an inventory of your finances. Taking an inventory involves having an honest look at your current situation. Many businesses use SWOT analysis to align themselves strategically. Feel free to use this SWOT template to align yourself for success based on the season you are in right now
I hope you can use some of these insights to create lasting changes to your financial habits and personal life. Remember to share you own insights below.
Blessings.
