Being Thankful for Financial Turning Points

No one makes their financial journey alone. All of us can think back to times in our life when someone helped us, even just with some advice or a word of encouragement.

Sometimes even a small action can become a financial turning point.

My sister Lyn often tells the story of how, when she and her husband were just starting out, getting a new-to-them car from her mother-in-law completely changed the course of their life. Without car payments they were able to save money to buy the duplex where they had been renting, and the rent from the other apartment paid their mortgage. This allowed them to save, travel, and eventually start their own business.

My biggest financial turning point was going back to school at age 30. I had spent my 20s as a broke Chicago theater artist doing random day jobs to pay the bills. I decided I needed to make a change and I ended up going back to school to get a degree in Civil Engineering. It took five years, but it was completely worth it. I will forever be grateful for:

• the City Colleges of Chicago, which gave me an affordable way to get my math and science prerequisites before going to the UIC College of Engineering;
• the boss at my “day job” who let me switch to part-time hours AND gave me a raise;
• every friend who bought me dinner or invited me out during those years when I was broke beyond broke;
• my fellow students who accepted me as one of their own even though I was older, and who helped and encouraged me every step of the way.

I couldn’t have made it without all these people and more, and getting that degree completely changed my life.

What were your financial turning points?

Take a moment to think back on the people who helped you at your financial turning points. If they are still in your life – tell them thank you!

We can also think about the people in our lives right now that we might be able to help with their own financial turning point. It might be just a word of encouragement, or it might be something more substantial, but it could be the thing that changes their life forever.

Want to create a financial turning point of your own? Financial coaching can do just that! I have helped many people change their relationship with money and even completely change the direction of their lives. I offer a free 30-minute introductory session and affordable rates. Coaching is over video calls and I do not sell financial products, just practical solutions to get in control of your finances. Find out more at sjvfinancialcoaching.com.

Content provided by Women Belong member Sandra J Verthein