5 Core Money Behaviors– How Do You Rate?

As mentioned in my last blog, these behaviors come from Sarah Fallaw of Data Points. She created a Household Cash Job Description, which is a simple, brilliant way of defining specific money behaviors so we can stay focused on what counts.  Financial literacy is part of it, but not all of it, which explains why many people in financial services don’t manage their money particularly well either. Ever heard of the man who makes $2 million a year and wants to retire by 35? He has one small challenge – he spends $3 million a year. Yep. Believe it. One was a client, and now is saving his hard-earned money.

Final 5 Good Household Cash Behaviors

1. Responsibility/Locus of Control:

“Do you think you are responsible for your financial outcomes in the first place?” If you consistently blame others for your predicament, you are not taking responsibility. CHANGE: Own It. Millionaires take responsibility for their money behaviors, and for getting out of less than ideal situations.

 2. Composure:

Do you have the ability to manage your emotions? Are your everyday money behaviors driven by a plan or by how you’re feeling in the moment? CHANGE: Have a plan and try to stick to it. Start small, like a grocery list. When you’re feeling an urge to spend more and you’re pretty sure you shouldn’t, pause, breath, walk away.

3. Numeracy:

This means having a sense of the magnitude of numbers, the ability to use numbers in real-life situations, and estimating costs. If you understand that 50% off a $5 item is only $2.50 versus 1% off a $20,000 item is $200, this is an example of numeracy. You won’t respond to a big %; you’ll understand the actual dollars. CHANGE: Math is hard to learn overnight. But you can have the calculator app on the front page of your smartphone.

4. Confidence:

The confidence that you have been educated in financial literacy and have the tools to make a good decision is core to money behaviors. Overconfidence leads to risk-taking. CHANGE: Confidence can be built with time. Learn from friends, and remember your mistakes. It will keep you on the right side of over confidence.

5. Time & Effort Spent Planning:

Do you have goals for yourself and your family? Do you take time to think about them and right them down? Goals are the Opportunity Cost every time you ask yourself, do I spent impulsively, or save for my goal? CHANGE: Plan 1/2 hour every week or two to go through your spending and saving. Start with small goals, such as your next vacation or new car. Build up to longer term goals when you have the time, energy, and help to think about them.

Related Article: Build Tiny Money Habits to Achieve BIG Success

How did you do on the Final 5? If you feel a need to improve a few of these, let’s chat.

Carrie Rattle is a Financial Therapist and the CEO at BehavioralCents. She is an executive veteran of the financial services industry and works with professional women on their mind and money behaviors to help them build an equal voice in the world. Thoughts always welcome: carrierattle@behavioralcents.com.