Written by: Christine Luken, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As a busy professional, it’s easy to let the task of managing your personal finances slide. Money management can feel time-consuming and overwhelming, and some money gurus make it harder than it needs to be. If you’re imagining that wise money management requires hours of your time and multi-tab spreadsheets, prepare to be relieved! I’ll show you how to optimize your personal finances so you only need 15 minutes or less per week to thrive with money.
The Busy Professional’s Guide To Money
Mobile banking & online bill payment
I can’t even remember the last time I physically walked into my bank! Mobile banking allows me to easily transfer funds between accounts, snap deposit checks, pay bills, and even track spending. It saves me massive amounts of time because I no longer drive to a physical location to wait in line. Save that for complicated tasks that must be done in person, like opening new accounts.
You might already pay your bills via your checking account, but I recommend paying bills directly with your vendors (utility company, mortgage, car payment, cell phone, etc.) and authorizing them to take the full monthly payment due. Even though you’re putting them on autopilot, you still need to open those bills. Make note of the due dates and amounts so there’s plenty in your account to cover it.
This saves you time because you don’t have to do anything to ensure these bills get paid, which is wonderful for those of us with busy travel schedules. With online bill pay via your checking account, you need to log in and schedule the bill to come out, especially those that change monthly.
Put your savings on autopilot
Use laziness in your favor to save and invest more money! Exercise a tiny amount of self-discipline to set up recurring automatic transfers to your savings and investment accounts a day or two after your payday. Every Friday, my bank transfers money from my checking to my savings without me doing anything. When I reach the point of not feeling the pain of the money coming out, I modify the transfer and increase it a bit. Another alternative for the traditionally employed is checking with your HR department to see if they will split deposit your paycheck.
Easily monitor your spending & more
Personal finance apps are an inexpensive and efficient way to stay on top of your spending and make better choices in the moment. No spreadsheets required! Today’s money apps act as a complete financial dashboard, allowing you to see not just your personal budget, but also your investment, net worth, and cash flow trends. For some busy professionals, the initial setup of a personal finance app can feel overwhelming and time-consuming. If that’s you, why not hire someone to do it for you? I include this service for my clients as part of my 6-month Financial Dignity® Coaching package. Even if you DIY it, once it’s set up, a personal finance app will save you tons of time – and money – down the road!
Pay someone else to mind your money
Speaking of paying someone to do it for you… I am a huge fan of delegating. Honestly, some money tasks aren’t a good use of my time, because I’m not skilled in that particular area of personal finance. I got a D in Tax Accounting in college. So, it definitely makes sense for me to delegate my business and personal taxes to my CPA. I also delegate the selection of my investments to my financial planner. I have zero desire to stay on top of tax law or the ups and downs of the stock market. I pay a little bit of money to have people who are smarter than me handle those parts of my money. And you probably should, too.
One final thought
As a busy professional, I don’t want your personal money management to be overly time-consuming or stressful, but there’s one caveat. This doesn’t mean you ignore your personal finances! These hacks are meant to optimize your money management time and effort. Now, you should only need to spend about 10-15 minutes per week to stay on top of your personal finances. Yes, there will be situations when you have to spend more time on financial matters like car buying, reviewing insurance policies, and prepping for tax time. But at least you won’t be spending hours every week updating budget spreadsheets to master your personal finances.
Christine Luken, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Ready for money to support your happiness, rather than stress you out? Then you need Christine Luken, Financial Dignity® Coach in your corner! As the Founder of the Financial Dignity® Movement, Christine has coached hundreds of high-earning professionals, business owners, and divorcing women to pay off staggering amounts of debt and massively increase their net worth. The author of several books, including Money is Emotional and Financial Dignity® After Divorce, Christine blends wise money management with emotional intelligence.
