From Stress to Success: Financial Wellness Strategies That Actually Work

May 4

1. Let’s Talk About Financial Wellness (No Yoga Mat Required!)

When you hear the term “financial wellness,” do you imagine meditating with a pile of receipts? Don’t worry—financial wellness isn’t about spreadsheets and self-doubt. It’s about feeling in control of your money, reducing financial stress, and building a future you’re excited about.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking at the University of British Columbia about this very topic. My goal? To help the attendees swap financial anxiety for confidence. Because let’s face it, we’ve all had those “I’ll check my bank account tomorrow” moments. Spoiler alert: tomorrow doesn’t make the balance go up.

Financial wellness is like any other type of self-care—it’s a journey. And the good news? You don’t have to go it alone. Let’s dive into some of the tips and strategies I shared during my talk, guaranteed to leave you feeling empowered and ready to make major money moves.

2. Why Financial Stress Feels Like Carrying a 50lb Purse

Ever feel like your financial worries are as heavy as that oversized tote bag you lug around? Financial stress can weigh you down emotionally, mentally, and even physically. But understanding why it happens is the first step to overcoming it.

A lot of us feel stressed about money because we’re juggling too much—debts, bills, savings goals, and the occasional splurge (because self-care, right?). It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you don’t have a clear plan. The good news? You can lighten the load by getting organized.

At UBC, I shared this analogy: financial stress is like a messy purse. When you can’t find your keys or wallet, the frustration builds. But once you declutter and organize, it’s easier to find what you need. The same goes for your finances—clarity is key.

3. Clarity is Queen: The Power of a Financial Check-In

Ladies, let’s normalize financial check-ins. Think of it as a money date with yourself (and yes, snacks are allowed). A financial check-in gives you a clear picture of where you stand and what needs attention.

Start by reviewing your income, expenses, and debts. Where is your money going? Are there any surprise subscriptions you forgot about? (Looking at you, free trials that aren’t so free anymore.)

During my UBC talk, I encouraged attendees to use tools like budgeting apps or good old-fashioned notebooks to track their spending. By understanding your cash flow, you can make intentional decisions that align with your goals.

4. The Budget Life: Not as Boring as It Sounds

Budgeting gets a bad rap, but it’s honestly one of the most empowering things you can do for your financial wellness. It’s not about restrictions; it’s about freedom—giving every dollar a job so you can spend with intention.

**I recommend the 50/30/20 rule:**

50% of your income goes to needs (housing, groceries), 30% to wants (brunch, anyone?), and 20% to savings or debt repayment. This framework is flexible and easy to customize based on your goals.

At UBC, I explained that budgeting isn’t about perfection. It’s okay to adjust as life happens. The key is consistency—check in with your budget weekly to stay on track.

5. Debt: The Frenemy We Love to Hate

Debt can feel like that toxic ex who just won’t leave. But here’s the thing: debt doesn’t have to control your life. With the right strategies, you can take charge and pay it down.

I shared a simple two-step approach during my presentation: the Snowball Method (paying off small debts first) and the Avalanche Method (tackling high-interest debts). Both work, so choose the one that motivates you most.

Remember, paying off debt isn’t just about numbers; it’s about mindset. Celebrate small wins along the way, whether it’s paying off a credit card or simply sticking to your plan.

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6. Savings: Your Financial BFF

Savings are like your financial safety net—they catch you when life throws a curveball. But building savings can feel daunting, especially when you’re living paycheck to paycheck.

Start small. Even setting aside $10 a week can add up over time. I encouraged UBC attendees to automate their savings by setting up a monthly transfer to a high-interest savings account. Out of sight, out of mind, right?

And don’t forget about an emergency fund. Aim for three to six months’ worth of expenses to cover unexpected surprises (because car repairs and vet bills always come at the worst time).

7. Investing: The Secret Sauce to Building Wealth

Investing is often seen as intimidating, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to grow your money. During my UBC talk, I broke it down in simple terms: investing is like planting seeds. The sooner you start, the more time your money has to grow.

If you’re new to investing, start with low-cost index funds or ETFs. They’re diversified, affordable, and beginner-friendly. And if you need help, don’t hesitate to work with a financial advisor (like yours truly!).

Remember, investing isn’t about timing the market; it’s about time in the market. So, don’t wait—start today and let compound interest work its magic.

8. Retirement Planning: Yes, You Need to Start Now

Retirement might seem like a distant dream, but the earlier you start planning, the better off you’ll be. I told UBC attendees to think of retirement savings as a gift to their future selves.

Maximize your employer-sponsored retirement plan if you have one—hello, free money! And if you’re self-employed or want to save more, consider opening an RRSP or TFSA.

The key is consistency. Even small contributions can add up over time, thanks to compound growth. So, don’t put it off—your future self will thank you.

9. Building Confidence: Progress Over Perfection

One of the biggest takeaways from my presentation was this: financial wellness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making progress.

I encouraged attendees to focus on small, actionable steps rather than trying to do everything at once. Whether it’s creating a budget, setting up automatic savings, or paying down debt, every step counts.

And don’t forget to celebrate your wins—no matter how small! Progress is progress, and you deserve to feel proud of every milestone you hit.

10. Community: Your Secret Weapon for Success

Last but not least, I reminded UBC attendees that financial wellness isn’t a solo journey. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community can make all the difference.

Find friends, family, or mentors who share your goals and values. Join online groups or attend workshops (like the one I hosted!) to connect with like-minded women.

**Together, we can empower each other to overcome financial stress, build wealth, and create a brighter future. Because when women support women, amazing things happen.**

Conclusion: Your Financial Wellness Journey Starts Today

Financial wellness isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. And like any journey, it starts with a single step. Whether you’re tackling debt, building savings, or planning for retirement, remember that you have the power to take control of your finances—and your future.

So, what’s your next money move? Share your goals in the comments below! Let’s keep the conversation going and inspire each other to thrive.

Now, go forth and make those money moves, ladies. You’ve got this! 💪✨