What do you truly value?

Did you know that your spending habits can tell someone a lot about what you truly value in life?

A quick look at your bank and credit card statements and it’s easy to see what your current priorities are.

The key to using money wisely and in a more satisfying way is to make sure you are clear on your values so the decisions you make with money are made in alignment with what’s truly valuable to you.

This means that the decisions you make to spend, save, invest, grow and give your money should always reflect your top priorities in life.

How do you know if your money and values are aligned?

Take a moment to honestly review your bank statements, credit card statements, and bills.

And notice how you feel, on review.

If you feel guilty or uneasy about some areas of your spending, it could be a sign that something is out of balance.

It could also be an indication that you’re making decisions or using money in a way that is out of alignment with your own values. Or that you’re acting in alignment with someone else’s values and not your own.

Your money decisions should reflect your values

Think of your values as your compass to support you to make the money, time, and life decisions most important to you.

By knowing your values, you can cut out things that aren’t as important to you and focus more on the things that are. For example, if health is one of your core values, you might spend less on fast food and more on quality foods, health and fitness.

If connection, family or relationships are your priority, you might spend more on experiences and social activities with friends and family.

Anytime you are using money, you can use your values as a guide by asking yourself, “is this decision to spend leading me closer to, or further away from what I value?”

How to Identify Your Personal Values

There are a lot of exercises available to help you identify your values. A good starting point can be to reflect and answer the following questions:

• What’s most important to you in your life?
• Why are these things valuable to you?
• Do you spend your money in ways that support what you say matters most to you?
• What changes to your spending could you make so that your values become a priority? (I.e. what could you reduce/increase?)
• Are you saving for the things you value and want to achieve in life?

When you identify and live by your own values, you can begin to make money decisions that focus on what’s most important to you.

You can also create more mindful spending and savings habits to support you to reach your priorities in life.

Living in alignment with your values is a great way to become conscious and to use money in a way that supports you in building a more content, happier and less stressful life!

Blossom's savings goals feature can help you save for your priorities - you can set a goal that is aligned to your values, input how much you want to save and watch your flower grow as your savings blossom. Blossom is here to help you do more with your savings!

It’s easy to get started:

1. Sign up in minutes – through the iOS or Android App and get started on the web
2. Fund your account – you can automate your top-ups
3. Set a savings goal – or save it for later
4. See your savings Blossom every day – enjoy 5.70% p.a. targeted returns posted daily!