Reclaim Your Power: Money Awareness Made Simple

Living our Best Life usually involves having sufficient money to do what we wish to do.  However, sometimes we don’t have enough money for all the things we’d like to do.  Sometimes we get to the end of month, and wonder where all our money went.  If you’ve ever done that, you’re definitely not alone.  

Many people feel overwhelmed, or in the dark, when it comes to their finances.  When I was working in a financial planners’ office, I was often chatting with people who didn’t open their envelopes if they related to finances.  Or they didn’t check their bank accounts regularly, so weren’t sure how much they had in them, or weren’t quite sure where their money was going.

But here’s the thing - money awareness is one of the keys to living your Best Life.  Many self-made millionaires (eg. Suzi Orman, Leonie Dawson) advocate knowing where your money is, what it’s doing, and where it’s going.  This is one of the ways that they can grow their money.  (In fact, in one video I watched, billionaire Grant Cardone said he checks his cash accounts first thing every morning, to see if there is a way he can use the money to grow more.)  It also helps you pick up fraudulent activity, or mistakes.  (I’ve contacted a bank before asking them to fix mistakes, when I was double-charged.)

Becoming aware of your money situation doesn’t have to be scary.  However if it turns out that more is going out then coming in, at least you know, and can take some action.  (We have more resources in our Abundance section that you can use to move forward.)  In this post, we will look at some simple, stress-free options to get started.

Money awareness means being mindful of what’s happening with your money.  It’s about knowing:

• What money is coming in

• What money is going out

• Where it’s going

• Why it's going there

It’s not about having lots of money or becoming a finance expert.  It’s simply about paying attention to what you have, and how you choose to use it.

Be honest – when your bank sends a statement, or a financial letter arrives in the mail, do you open it right away?  Or does it sit in a pile, unopened?

I am aware that many of us avoid these things due to the feelings they might bring up.  There are a number of emotions that could arise, and which we might try to avoid by not opening our financial statements.

• We're afraid of what we might see;

• It could feel overwhelming; or

• We don’t know where to start.

But avoiding them is not the answer.  They still occupy space in the back of your mind.  And furthermore, unopened letters and ignored bank statements can be like unopened messages from your money.  They’re trying to tell you something that could really help you.

We can start with a few gentle questions to reflect on.  You don’t have to tell anyone the answer, but some gentle questions can help with your own awareness and understanding of where you are at.

• Do you know how much your regular bills are each month?

• Do you have subscriptions or direct debits you’ve forgotten about?

• Are you spending money on things that still matter to you – or things that used to?

A quick review might show you're spending money on things that no longer bring you joy.  And that’s okay – now you know, and awareness is the first step of getting in touch with your finances, and taking control, so they are a more accurate reflection of your values.

Because money affects everything – from your stress levels to your freedom to make choices.  When you’re aware of your money, you’re more likely to:

• Feel in control

• Make choices that match your values

• Save for things that matter to you

• Say ‘yes’ to the experiences that light you up

• Say ‘no’ to things that drain your energy or wallet

When you’re aware of your money, you’re in the driver’s seat of your life.

Your Best Life is full of purpose, peace, and possibility.  But if money feels like a mystery or a mess, it’s hard to feel truly free.

Money awareness helps you:

• Feel calmer and more confident

• Spend in ways that match your values

• Stop self-sabotaging money habits

• Make empowered decisions

• Invest in your dreams, your health, and your joy

It’s not about perfection.  It’s about awareness – and taking one small step at a time.

Here are a few simple ways to begin your money awareness journey:

✅ Look at your bank account once a week – no shame, just curiosity
✅ Open one financial letter or email you’ve been avoiding
✅ Cancel one subscription you don’t use or love
✅ Track what you spend in a day or week – just write it down
✅ Ask yourself: ‘Does this purchase support the life I want to create?’

You don’t need to be rich to be money-aware.  You just need to be honest, open, and willing to look.

Money is not the enemy.  It’s a tool – and when you learn to use it well, it can support your Best Life, instead of getting in the way of it.  It can also be used to help those around you, which can also bring much joy.  Perhaps by cancelling a few subscriptions, you discover you have more money to go on that dream holiday.  Or you could review your savings account, and discover there is a better offer, with a higher interest rate.

So, beautiful soul, take a breath.  You’ve got this.  Your money story isn’t finished – in fact, a new chapter is just beginning. 

1. What is money awareness, and why is it important?

Money awareness means understanding where your money comes from, where it goes, and why.  It helps reduce stress, improve decision-making, and supports you in building a life that aligns with your values and goals.

2. I feel anxious about looking at my finances. Where should I start?

Start small.  You can simply check your bank balance once a week, or open one financial letter you’ve been avoiding.  Taking small steps helps you build confidence, and reduce fear over time.

3. Do I need to follow a strict budget to be financially aware?

Not at all.  While budgets can be helpful, money awareness is more about mindful spending than strict rules.  It’s about making conscious choices, not feeling restricted.

4. What if I find I’ve been spending on things I don’t need?

That’s okay!  Awareness is the first step toward change.  Be kind to yourself.  Use what you learn to adjust your spending in a way that feels better for your future self.

5. How does money awareness help me live my Best Life?

When you’re aware of your money, you feel more in control, confident, and aligned with what matters most.  You can say ‘yes’ to what truly lights you up – and ‘no’ to what doesn’t.

6. How often should I check in with my finances?

Even just once a week can make a big difference.  Set a reminder, or pick a ‘money check-in’ day to gently stay connected, without overwhelm.

7. What are some simple tools to help with money awareness?

You can use a notes app, paper journal, or free budgeting tools (be aware of privacy), or a printable spending tracker.  Choose what feels easy and doable for you.  (We’ve included a link (below) to an Australian Government website that is simple and has various tools and articles available.)

8. Is money awareness the same as financial literacy?

They’re connected, but not exactly the same.  Money awareness is about noticing your habits and choices.  Financial literacy is about understanding money systems (like credit, investing, etc).  Awareness is the foundation.

9. How do I know if I have unconscious spending habits?

Look for patterns like impulse buying, emotional spending, or subscriptions you forgot about. Journaling your purchases can help uncover these habits gently.

10. What mindset helps with better money awareness?

Curiosity, self-compassion, and honesty.  Instead of judging yourself, ask: ‘What can I learn from this?’  That keeps your awareness kind and helpful, not critical.

Our Spending Awareness & Smart Shopping Journals can help you increase your awareness of where your money goes. It doesn't necessarily mean that you need to cut costs, it's more an awareness of where it is spent, so you can consciously choose to spend it in alignment with your values, beliefs, and goals.  (After all, don't we all want our money to be spent on the things that matter to us, rather than automatic/unconscious spending or impulse buys?)

Leonie Dawson has some great money courses that aren’t overly expensive, if you are interested:  Cash Crunch, and Behind a Multi-Millionaire’s Finances, amongst others.  (Please note these are affiliate links so if you purchase through them, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.)

Alternatively, Suze Orman has a number of easy to read finance books, as well as a free podcast.  Denise-Duffield Thomas also has a great podcast called Chill & Prosper, in addition to a few books.  You might be able to find some of these books in the library, or second-hand book shops, too, as they’ve been around for a while.

Want more practical ideas and thought-provoking content on a regular basis?  Don’t miss out on all the hints & tips that you can implement over time!  Sign up for weekly input to help you uplift your life – one week at a time!

We have also created stand-alone pages in the 7 life segments with all blogs, freebies, and paid products grouped together, so you can easily find and review items of interest to you.  Click on the links below to find the areas of most interest to you!  

Life Purpose & Best Life - Health & Wellness - Relationships - Abundance - Personal Growth - Peace of Mind - Spirituality & Energy.

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/grant-cardone-why-you-should-be-checking-your-balance-every-day

https://www.oprah.com/money/suze-ormans-10-tips-for-a-fresh-financial-start/all

https://moneysmart.gov.au/

Pape, Scott (2018), The Barefoot Investor, by Scott Page, Singapore: Wiley.

The information in this blog and freebie is for general educational and inspirational purposes only. It is not financial advice, and we are not licensed financial advisors. Please speak to a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. Your Best Life Academy shares tools and ideas to support self-awareness, personal growth, and empowered living — but you are always the best expert on your life.