Today is uniquely special, it’s the first day of spring (1st of March). Spring is the season of new beginnings. Fresh buds bloom, animals awaken, and the earth seems to come to life again. Farmers and gardeners plant their seeds, and temperatures slowly rise. There's no better time to write on the topic “INTENTIONALITY” than today.
Intentionality is defined as: “The fact of being deliberate or purposive”. It is derived from the word intentional, meaning “done on purpose.” In other words, you really mean to do it - you have a clear goal and you are deliberate about taking action. In personal finance, being intentional means letting your daily money habits and choices be a result of your set goals and not spur-of-the-moment decisions.
Your long-term financial success will not happen by accident. Financial growth does not happen by chance. It requires intentional planning, taking definitive actions and deliberately making appropriate adjustments along the way. Let's say your destination goal is to be debt-free or own a home; your financial success in these two areas will only materialise when your money decisions (spending, saving, investing, giving, etc.) are intentionally pointed towards achieving these goals.
When I started embracing intentionality in my finances, I got into the habit of having weekly money date with myself. And I encourage you to do the same. A money date is a date with your bank account. My bank account’s love language is ‘quality time’ so I devote at least 30 minutes each week to make sure my weekly spending aligns with my budget and my values. Being in my bank account each week means I know exactly where my money is going, ensures that I proactively plan for expenses, and helps me stay focussed on my goals. This is what intentionality is all about!
If money were no object, what lifestyle freedom would you claim? I have found financial intentionality to be one of the key secrets to financial success. It's truly amazing how much can be accomplished with discipline, dedication, and intentional living.
Welcome to the month of March. Our month of being intentional and deliberate about what we spend money on, where we spend our money, and how we feel when we’re making financial decisions!
About Nike
Oyenike Adetoye (aka Nike) is an impactful speaker, author and personal finance expert. A Chartered Management Accountant by profession. Nike is the founder and CEO of LifTED Finance, a private financial firm that educates, coaches and supports people on their journey through financial fitness and wealth management.