November 6, 2023 • Newsletter
THIS MONTH’S MONEY MESSAGE: INVEST
When you see the word invest, you most likely associate it with financial assets – investing in stocks, in retirement funds, or in real estate. But what if we thought instead about how you choose to invest your time?
Business coach and author Marshall Goldsmith poses the question, “Am I willing, at this time, to do what I need to do to achieve my goals?”
What a powerful question.
It takes the power away from the size of the goal and returns it to the goal-setter – The person with the choice about whether (and how) to invest their time to achieve their goals. We know achieving big things takes time. Are you willing to invest the time? Saying yes is easy. Actually investing the time is more challenging.
(And to be clear – It is challenging for a long list of reasons that could be outside of our control. That’s okay. It’s still a good question to answer.)
Modified for financial purposes – and financial goals – we might have a variation of the question (with apologies to Goldsmith for tweaking his question):
It’s completely okay if your answer to this question is “no.” If you are preparing for a busy holiday season, you might not be able to focus on anything other than preparing inventory and navigating the chaos that is November and December. That’s okay.
If the answer is “yes,” however, then let’s make sure that you have the right strategies in place to help you reach your goals. How do we do that? We answer four questions.
What are your financial goals? Aim to have 3 or 4 to work on, and add to the list as needed.
What – specifically – do you need to do to achieve those goals? List the tasks with as much detail as you can.
How much time will each task take? Where will that time come from in your calendar? (Remember, every “yes” is a “no” to something else timewise.)
And lastly, what support do you need with any of these steps? You don’t have to do this alone. Healthy people ask for help.
As you consider time investments this month, here are some things to know, do, and believe:
Know: The amount of time you can devote to achieving your financial goals.
Remember that your time is a limited resource. Use it wisely.
Do: Create your list of financial goals and the tasks to achieve each.
Remember that your time is a limited resource. Use it wisely, and be clear (with yourself) of what time you can realistically invest.
Believe: If you invest time in achieving your financial goals, you’ll make progress.
Progress doesn’t have to be perfect. It can be messy and frustrating and celebratory all at once.
WHAT WE’RE DOING
Right of Return
Do you know Right of Return? You should. It is a fellowship (now in its fifth year!) devoted to supporting formerly incarcerated creative individuals, and this month, Elaine has the pleasure of supporting the group with their financial needs.
Bowling Green State Univ Tax Workshop
Elaine also gets to travel to Bowling Green State University to talk taxes with graduate and undergraduate students in a variety of creative arts programs. Every single person in every single creative collegiate program should have the chance to learn about taxes, and Bowling Green has been making this investment since 2016.
Bridgeway Capital ECDI
Lastly, if CDFIs aren’t yet on your radar, they should be. CDFIs provide capital (and education and support) to underserved communities. Bridgeway Capital is one such (exceptional) CDFI, and this month, Elaine has gotten to work with participants in two of their entrepreneurship programs.
WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT
Time. We’re talking about time, and specifically how (and whether) to invest it to achieve your own financial goals.
CREATIVE COACHING (1 HOUR, $125)
Need some support as you work toward those goals? I’ll be happy to chat with you along the way.
INVEST YOUR TIME
I hope your time investments go well this month. Whether you are researching retirement plans, improving your bookkeeping systems, or creating new work, I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Until next month…
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