Does Your Money Reflect Your Values? Where True Financial Literacy Begins

💡 Financial Education and Financial Literacy Are Two Completely Different Things

Seven years ago, I thought I was pretty good with money. I had a finance degree. I had worked in banking for a few years. I could calculate compound interest in my sleep.

But here's the thing: being financially educated and being financially literate are two completely different things.

The truth is, most of the habits that made the biggest difference in my financial life weren't complicated at all. They were simple, small changes that compounded over time.

---

🎯 First Habit: Match Your Money With Your Priorities

This is probably the most important habit on this list—and something I wish I had done earlier.

What I Used to Do

For years, I was spending money on things that didn't really matter to me:

• Buying clothes I never wore (because I thought it was the right thing to do)
• Going out for expensive dinners (because everyone else was doing it)
• Spending on things I barely used (because I felt like I should enjoy them)

The Realization

Your money should reflect what you actually care about. You work hard for your money, so you should use it on what matters to you—not on what you think you should care about, or what others seem to value.

💪 What I Did

I did an exercise where I wrote down my top five priorities in life:

1. Spending quality time with loved ones
2. Staying healthy
3. Learning new skills
4. Achieving financial freedom

Then I looked at where my money was actually going. There was a massive disconnect.

I was spending so much on things that didn't align with my priorities and investing nothing in what mattered most.

After the Change

So I flipped the script. I started directing money toward my priorities:

• 📚 More money on books, learning, and education
• 🥗 Better quality food for my health
• 💪 More spending on fitness
• 📈 Investments for financial freedom

Strangely, I felt richer even though I was spending the same amount.

---

📋 What You Can Do Right Now

1. Write down your top 5 priorities
2. Look at your bank statement from the last 30 days – see where your money is actually going
3. Find the gap – it's almost certainly there

Closing that gap is where true financial literacy begins.

---

📅 Second Habit: Do a Monthly Money Date

This was a game changer when I implemented it—and probably the easiest habit to adopt on this entire list.

What Is a Monthly Money Date?

Once a month, block out 30 minutes in your calendar for a money date.

• Just you
• Your laptop
• Your bank statements
• No distractions, no phone
• Pure focus on your finances

🔍 Three Things I Do During This Time

First, review spending from the last 30 days:

• Where did my money go?
• What patterns am I noticing?
• Any surprises?

Second, check progress toward financial goals.

Third (most important!), set ONE focus for the next month:

Don't set 10 goals. Don't create a massive financial overhaul plan. Just pick one thing—one simple, achievable focus for the next 30 days.

Examples

• 💰 "Save an extra $200 this month"
• 📈 "Increase my investments by 1%"
• 🍔 "Reduce takeout spending by 20%"

Why Just One?

When you try to change everything at once, you get overwhelmed and change nothing. But with one clear focus, you're far more likely to actually do it.

For 30 days, your brain isn't overloaded juggling multiple financial goals. You just have one target to hit.

---

✨ Key Takeaways

Habit	How to Practice	Expected Outcome
Match money with priorities	Write 5 priorities + analyze 30-day spending	Feel richer with the same money
Monthly money date	30 minutes monthly review + 1 goal	Steady progress without overwhelm

---

💝 Final Thoughts

Financial literacy isn't about complex financial knowledge. It starts with making your money reflect your life's priorities.

Start today:

1. Write down your 5 priorities
2. Check your spending patterns from last month
3. Schedule a 30-minute "money date" for next month

Small habits compound over time. In 2026, take your financial literacy to the next level! 🚀