Everyone loves money when it is flowing to them and not so much when it is flowing away from them. Money is not something that most people grew up talking openly about yet money is something that needs to be talked about. If you are running a household, a business, or an organization, knowing your numbers is crucial in decision-making. To make good financial decisions, you need to know what money is going out and what is coming in. I am not a financial advisor nor am I guaranteeing you a profit. You are in charge of how you manage your money. I want to encourage you to pay attention to what your numbers are telling you. I have learned that I need to tighten my financial belt in different areas to achieve my goals. Money, sometimes, needs to be redirected to pressing priorities or to where it will have the greatest impact.

Know what your financial goals are. Whether you are growing your business to reach a certain revenue or profit, you want to have some idea of what that number is. If you are planning a family vacation, you do not need to slap it on the credit card. You can do some advanced planning and drop the headache of dealing with the bill after you come back. Enjoy the vacation, know your numbers and save for it. You can save to save but you must have some idea of a number you want to achieve to know when you have reached it – it will be most satisfying! Write down the goal. Ink it so you can think it!

Know where your money is flowing. Keep track of where your money is coming in from and where it is going out to. Measure daily if you can, otherwise, weekly and monthly. You may catch overcharges and maybe even some undercharges. Are you investing your money in the right places? Could you be redirecting it to other places? Where is money being wasted? Are you buying too many gifts, grabbing too many lattes, or investing in marketing without a return on investment? Track your income and expenses. Are you waiting for money from anyone or are they waiting on you?

Know what you are willing to sacrifice, modify, or put on hold until you reach your goal. Are you organizing your errands? Are you buying things with an intention or randomly because it feels good? Can you limit the lattes or lunches? Where can you cut back on groceries (put buying steak on hold for a few weeks)? Instead of eating out, can you host a potluck or dine in? Are you willing to get part-time work if needed? What are you willing to do to make your goal become a reality?

Know what is working, what is not working, and what you can improve on. Evaluate what is working – keep doing more of it! What is not working? Stop it! What can you do improve on…do it!

Start loving your numbers…they might seem scary to look at in the beginning but when you start seeing the numbers climb and the debts decrease you will be in love. You will be able to reach some of those goals you have been thinking about, “Someday I will _________”. Instead of thinking about it, you will be able to say, “Today I will ________”. Wouldn’t that feel great? Your numbers are the pulse of your household, business, and organization. Do a pulse check and see where you are? Don’t wait until tax time to know your numbers. Your numbers also drive action. What needs to be done to make you love your numbers?

DEBRA KASOWSKI, BScN CEC is an award-winning best-selling author, transformational speaker, blogger, and Certified Executive Coach. She has a heart of a teacher and is certified in Appreciative Inquiry and Emotional Intelligence. She is a contributing writer for Diversity and Fabulous at 50 magazines. Debra Kasowski International helps executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations boost their productivity, performance, and profits. It all starts with people and passion. www.debrakasowski.com