Hello beautiful!

Let’s take a moment to check in with the Q.U.E. finance challenge. For those who don’t know, every month the goal is to save $85 towards your emergency fund. As of right now, you should be halfway there with a total of $510 saved! If you’re not or you want to join the challenge late, don’t even fret. The goal is to save. So even if December comes and you only have $25 put to the side give yourself a round of applause as you still did that girlfriend!

It’s hard being a woman and juggling so many hats. Oftentimes we push ourselves harder and harder without ever taking a moment to recognize ourselves for the badasses we are. Being a wife, mother, sister, friend, auntie, cousin, girlfriend, boss, stay-at-home goddess can be exhausting. What I want to reaffirm is it’s okay if you fall short. None of us are superwoman and we don’t have to do it all or do it all well. We’re human with our own shortcomings and roadblocks. Managing finances is hard work but there are some indicators that let you know when you think you’re not doing well, you might in fact are doing the damn thing!

1. Maintaining safe and adequate shelter in a world where rent most times is over 30% of your budget is hard as hell. Budgeting for skyrocketing rent with stagnant wages is a challenge within itself. You may have a roommate or two or you may even live alone. You might still stay at home with your parents. Whatever your situation is, if you’re maintaining a roof over your head be proud of yourself. It’s no easy feat.

2. Your loved ones are happy no matter your current financial situation. Girl, you did that! Let’s give a HUGE shout-out to moms out there. If your kids go to bed happy and satisfied you are doing a job well done. Kids rarely remember the new outfits or even the new toys. What they do remember is the time you spend and the love you give. Q.U.E. has given you suggestions on how to create memories with the children this summer at no to low cost. If your mama and daddy are proud of where you are please give yourself a pat on the back. It’s not easy adulting but hey, you’re doing it.

3. That emergency fund has something in it! You may not have saved your $1,000 yet. Have you saved $100 or even $10? Regardless of the amount, you took the initial step to save something and that counts! Be mindful of your goals and the route you want to take to achieve them. The year isn’t over and there’s still plenty of time to slay your goals sis.

4. You can let your hair down and have fun every now and again. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t get to do all the things I want to do. However, I cherish the things I can do. I can’t always afford to go out to eat with my friends, but I can make a big pot of spaghetti with garlic bread and a Caesar salad for about $20, ask them to bring a bottle of wine, invite them over and we will enjoy ourselves just the same! I can’t take a weeklong vacation every month, but I can take a random day trip every other month to enjoy a new and nearby city.

5. It’s sometimes difficult to differentiate your needs from your wants. If you take care of your needs (food, clothing, shelter, health care) you’re doing a great job. It’s super hard out here! It’s not easy to stay afloat. I struggle sometimes; last month was super hard for me financially due to unexpected car troubles but I made it. I asked for help and everything was taken care of.

Even if you are struggling with any of these categories IT’S OKAY. Don’t clutch your pearls just yet. Take a step back to evaluate where you are and where you want to be. Create a solid and attainable game plan to accomplish your goals. Realize, no one is perfect and we all aren’t running the race at the same speed. You are blessed and you are doing well in spite of your obstacles. Keep saving because every little bit counts.

-Chantelle

How to Know You're Doing Well Financially