Pay Yourself First: A Key to Financial and Personal Wellness
This week, I've been reflecting on the principle of "Pay Yourself First" and its impact on financial and personal well-being. Just as prioritising financial savings is crucial, applying the same strategy to our wellness can be transformative. For me, adopting the simple but powerful key of "consistency" has made a significant difference.
As a busy professional and mother, I've found that when I prioritise myself, everything else falls into place more smoothly. My mind becomes sharper and more focused on work, my patience and empathy towards my children improve, and my nervous system feels much calmer. Whilst I am certainly not a financial advisor, below are some tips I have implemented and adopted - many of which you would have come across before.
What Does "Pay Yourself First" Mean?
In financial terms, "Pay Yourself First" means setting aside a portion of your income for savings or investments before dealing with other expenses. This approach treats savings as a non-negotiable expense, like mortgage payments or utilities. By automating your savings, you ensure that you consistently build wealth and prepare for future needs.
Why is This Strategy Effective?
Consistency Builds Wealth: Regularly saving and investing, even in small amounts, takes advantage of compounding interest, which can lead to significant growth over time.
Reduces Temptation to Spend: By saving and investing first, you limit the money available for discretionary spending, which helps prevent impulsive purchases and keeps your savings intact.
Prioritises Financial Goals: Paying yourself first helps you stay focused on long-term financial goals, such as retirement or building an emergency fund, aligning your spending with your financial priorities.
How to Implement the "Pay Yourself First" Strategy
Set Clear Savings Goals: Identify what you want to achieve with your savings, whether it’s an emergency fund, a home down payment, or retirement.
Automate Your Savings: Set up automatic transfers to your savings or investment accounts. This ensures that your savings are prioritised and kept from chance.
Budget Wisely: Incorporate your savings goals into your budget as fixed expenses. Treating savings as a priority helps keep it alongside other essential costs.
Start Small: If you’re new to this strategy, begin with a small percentage of your income and gradually increase it. Even modest, regular savings can grow significantly over time.
Review and Adjust: Regularly check your savings plan to ensure it aligns with your goals. Adjust the amount you save or invest as your financial situation evolves.
Applying "Pay Yourself First" to Your Wellness Routine
Consistency Builds Health: Just as with finances, setting aside a small portion of time each day (or twice a day) for wellness can have huge benefits. Whether a morning walk and/or a short workout at lunchtime, regular activities help reduce stress, improve concentration, and boost overall health and compounds in other areas.
Reduces Anxiety: Prioritising time for yourself helps you recharge and reduce anxiety. By investing in your well-being first, you fill your own "bucket," making you better equipped to handle stress and support others.
Focuses on Wellbeing Goals: Paying yourself first in terms of wellness allows you to concentrate on long-term health goals like better nutrition, stronger social connections, and a balanced lifestyle.
Set Clear and Simple Goals: Define what you want to achieve with your wellness routine. It could be daily exercise, muscle strengthening, meal planning, or simply finding more calm in your day.
Automate Your Routine: Block out dedicated times for wellness activities in your schedule. This helps you stay consistent and avoid making excuses when life gets busy and things go awry.
Start Small and Compartmentalise: If you're new to this approach, start with manageable blocks of time and gradually increase as you adjust. Even small, consistent efforts can lead to significant improvements.
Review and Adjust: Periodically reassess your wellness routine to ensure it meets your evolving needs. Be flexible and adjust your plan as necessary, giving yourself grace as you adapt to new circumstances.
Feel the benefits
I have found the "Pay Yourself First" strategy is not only essential for financial health but also a powerful tool for my personal well-being. By prioritising savings and self-care before other commitments, I have created a strong foundation for financial security and personal happiness. Embrace this approach with discipline and consistency, and watch your wealth and wellness flourish.
