Money Dates are a simple, concrete way to regularly check in with your money and your money goals. Over the past 8 years I’ve been improving upon a system so that anyone can start (or maintain) a better, healthier relationship with money and I’m super excited to share my process with you today! 

I LOVE Money Dates. My husband and I have them periodically (we used to be very good about weekly dates, but now they are more irregular), and I have them with myself every Friday. Solo Money Dates are pretty simple - all you need is a little bit of time, a willingness to learn more about yourself and your money habits, and access to your bank account(s). To make them even easier to implement, I’ve created a FAQ list that will get you started off on the right foot (or buck?). 

Why should I do this?

Such an important question! Culturally, we are very isolated from our money, yet use it (almost) every day. Money Dates help to:

• Normalize our experiences with money

• Keep us on track towards our Money Goals

• Teach us about our money habits - which often teaches us about our other habits and priorities!

• Understand our lifestyles more fully

• Become more mindful with our money habits

How much time do I need?

Not much! I set aside 30 minutes for each of my money dates. I love them, so sometimes I end up spending more time, but I always commit to at least a full 30 minute chunk of time.

How often should I have Money Dates?

My personal preference is once a week as part of my regular morning routine because I find that that frequency and time of day is the easiest for me to make habitual. However, I have clients who find that 2x a month or even 1x a month is a better fit for them. I have other clients who like to have their money dates during a lunch break or at the end of the work day as a way to mark the start to a relaxing evening. No matter your preferred frequency or time of day, make sure to set aside the time in your calendar so that you don’t forget about it.

EXPERT TIP: If you choose to have money dates less frequently then try to go for a little longer — shoot for 45-60 minutes instead of 30.

Where should I be?

Wherever! You will need access to either your bank accounts or a money tracker (want to set one of these up? Schedule a free call with me so we can chat), so make sure to be somewhere where you’re easily able to pull those up, but otherwise it is totally up to you. I recommend being someplace comfortable and private so you don’t have to deal with interruptions. Usually that means I head on over to my couch, but I’ve had successful money dates in coffee shops, parks, by a pool and even on a train! Anyone else feel the start to a Dr. Seuss book here?!

What do I actually do during the money date?

First review your Money Goals and ask yourself the following questions:

• Do my goals spark joy? Marie Kondo that list y’all.

• Do any of my goals need updating? Am I updating them because I haven’t made progress? If so, what do I need to change about my action steps?

• Have I reached any of my goals? If so, do a dance, scream at the top of your lungs and shoot me an email so I can do the same! 

Then, look over your spending and saving habits since your last money date (or, if this is your first one - look at just the last week). Ask yourself the following questions:

• Are my spending and saving habits aligned with my goals? If not, what can I shift now? What will take more time?

• How can I make my spending and saving habits even more aligned with my goals?

• Does anything seem wrong (i.e. got charged twice for Netflix, my health insurance auto payment isn’t showing up, my paycheck looks smaller this month)? If so, make a plan to follow up with the appropriate people.

What treat should I have?

Treats are an important part of Money Dates. Diving into your personal finances can be scary and hard, especially when you’re first starting out, so I recommend bribing yourself with a little goodie at the end. My favorite treats are really simple -  a little bit of chocolate, a homemade matcha latte, a yummy cup of tea (do you see a pattern here?). My treats are always food or drink related, but you don’t need to be so focused (or hungry) and instead plan an activity for after the date that makes you particularly happy. Or, better yet, do both!

As always, I’m rooting for you. 

XOXO,

A few years ago I noticed that a lot of folks in the coaching and advising space were offering intensive coaching options, often called VIP Days. These were usually full day (or days) long coaching sessions where the promise was that you would walk away completely finished with the work. At the time I thought, “that makes sense for their work, but doesn’t work for my work” and moved on pretty quickly. I had spent so much time creating systems for coaching that were anathema to the quick financial “fixes” that get people into financial trouble that the idea that moving quickly could work did not compute with my brain. 

In a lot of ways I don’t think I was wrong. For many folks, one of the biggest benefits of working with me over the course of several months is the long-term accountability and support. By the time we wrap up our work together new habits have been fully developed and are integrated into their lives. The skills have been practiced and honed. The knowledge has become fully ingrained. I know that for many clients if we had done everything over the course of a couple days they would likely not have been able to maintain those new systems over the long term and therefore would not be successful at reaching their financial goals  

All of that said, I have finally come to the conclusion that there are times when ripping the proverbial band aid is actually a better fit than the slow-and-steady-wins-the-race approach. 

And thus, Verdi Sprint Days were born…

Verdi Sprint Days are Two 3-hour coaching sessions split up over the course of a couple weeks in which we tackle one big financial goal. 

For example, I’ve worked with clients to: 

• Determine and set up business structures & systems

• Update financial plans and systems to better fit business goals and working styles 

• Analyze current financials (i.e. net worth, spending habits, investments) and create an investment plan to meet long-term goals

After the Sprint Days are over I’m offering clients the option of quarterly or semiannual check-ins so that we can make sure that the work is continuing and all challenges are addressed. 

So far, so good! 

I like this structure a lot -- I get to help someone move forward really quickly and productively and I still get to offer the long-term support that I think is necessary for lasting change. I still don’t think this approach is good for everyone or for every financial goal, but I’m glad I gave the idea a second look. I didn’t think I was throwing the baby out with the bath water when I dismissed it years ago, but I think in reality that is exactly what I was doing. 

Y’all - owning a small business is alllll about course correction. I’m in the middle of a course correction now with this new offerings and I’m sure there will be many more to come. They are necessary, but not the most comfortable thing in the world to do. 

Maybe you’re in a similar boat? 

As always, I’m rooting for you. 

XOXO,