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Episode 243 - Learn How To Take That First Step to Financial Freedom

Have you been following our podcast and thinking about trying to work on your finances, but you're feeling overwhelmed?** You just can't seem to take that first step. Maybe it feels like something is holding you back or standing in your way. I had a big realization in the past few years; this one thing helped me take the first step and keep going. Stay tuned and see if this can help give you the freedom to get started.  

 

Starting the Journey 

Before joining the Debt Free Dad program, Kati had tried to pay off debt. I paid off $22,000 on my own, but I kept falling into the same bad habits. Joining the program was a game-changer: the first thing they emphasize is changing your mindset and behaviors. I discovered that I have ADHD tendencies, which means I'll get really excited about something, do it for a while, then lose interest and forget about it. This behavior has been a major roadblock for me. 

Embracing Imperfection 

One key thing that holds many of us back is the belief that if we can't do something perfectly, there's no point in doing it at all. Growing up with the mindset of "do it right the first time" or "triple check everything before submission" has ingrained a sense of perfectionism in me. This tendency has often held me back. But here's the secret: you don't have to do everything perfectly.  

Just take that teeny tiny first step. Do a "crappy budget." Your first budget will never be perfect, and that's okay. In fact, your first six months of budgets probably won't be perfect either. You’ll often find that the numbers you estimate for expenses like dining out or groceries are way off by the end of the month. And that's perfectly fine. The goal is to start somewhere. 

It's Okay to Make Mistakes 

Taking that first step is crucial, even if you don't know what you're doing. Messing up and learning from your failures is part of the process. I always say you're either winning or you're learning. There's no failure here—just lessons to be learned. Each time you try, you either take a step forward or learn a valuable lesson, allowing you to try again more wisely. 

When I first started, I created detailed spreadsheets with templates to do all the math calculations and formulas for me. Sticking to the budget, however, was another story. I've made countless revisions and adjustments to my budgets over the years. Even now, after six years of budgeting, life happens, and things don't always go as planned. 

Consistency Over Perfection 

Special occasions like Christmas or unplanned expenses like late fees on license and registration payments can throw off your budget. And you know what? That's life. You have to put in the effort without the expectation of doing it perfectly every time. Just doing something—anything—can propel you forward.  

You might find that simply gathering your receipts, printing out your bank and credit card statements, and seeing where your money is going is a powerful first step. It's often the wake-up call needed to realize, "Okay, I have a problem." And admitting you have a problem is the first step towards resolving it. 

Accountability and Self-Reflection 

It's crucial to recognize that you are responsible for your financial situation. It’s not about external factors like your job, inflation, or hoping to win the lottery. Your decisions have led you to where you are. I've made regrettable spending choices in my past, and I still slip up occasionally. For instance, I've been on a bit of a spending spree this year—some of it emotional, some of it for necessary trips. Recognizing these tendencies helps me take a step back, reassess my budget, and adjust my spending habits accordingly. 

Just Get Started 

When you hear from our Roots members who have successfully paid off thousands of dollars, a common theme emerges: they all wish they had started sooner. So why let anything hold you back? Dedicate just 15 minutes, an hour, or any small amount of time to sit down and get started.  

We hope this inspires you to take your first step towards financial freedom. Reach out to us if you need additional support. Join our Life Without Payments group on Facebook or consider our Roots program by visiting [DebtFreeDad.com](https://debtfreedad.com/). Listen to the podcast for more tips and encouragement, but most importantly, just get started. Take that first step today.   

Resources Mentioned
Get better results with your finances in 30-60 days - GUARANTEED. Watch this video to learn how! - https://www.debtfreedad.com/payoff-debt-in-60-to-90-days 

Free Tools and Downloads at www.debtfreedad.com

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