Debt Free Living Flying to Freedom

Over 70% of Americans are financially stressed.

How is that for a welcoming and “I’m so glad you’re here” statement to this most encouraging post? 🙂

Yes, three out of four of us reading this article have stress which impacts our life due to the condition of our finances.

And I understand. I’ve been there.

Our years of unemployment opened my eyes to a new kind of financial stress, yet also gave me the solid foundation we have now. Being on the other side of those financial difficulties, allow me to now share the lessons I’ve learned through those difficult years.

Here are a few more startling statistics that come along with financial stress.

80% of people admitted that their personal finances keep them awake at night
12% of Americans skip going to the doctor because of financial concerns
21% of couples who rate their financial stress as at least “somewhat high” are arguing more

32% of adults say their finances keep them from living a healthy lifestyle and previously, I’ve shared that 50% of divorces site finances are their chief reason for the split.

One of my goals here on Balancing Beauty and Bedlam has always been to encourage women to have a new perspective on their finances. It’s no secret that I love to try to find new and creative ways to save money, but it’s not just about saving money for “savings sake.”

It’s about saving with a vision. Setting goals, getting out of debt, and building an emergency fund (to name a few) are all important steps to take so that ultimately, you can save and then spend wisely, and give generously.

Winning at finances is not about quick results.

This isn’t a sprint, it’s a stinking’ marathon with lots and lots of baby steps.

Can I share just how much I hate running? It’s painful. After just one mile, I’m sore, but the end result is so worth it. It’s the same with our money. We need to put one foot in front of the other and just keep going.

Whether it’s getting out of debt or just taking back control of our finances, it requires focused intensity.

Sacrifices in the every day money choices.

This stress didn’t happen overnight. You didn’t wake up one day and find out this happened to you. Most likely this happened bit by bit, over a period of time, but you suddenly woke up and wondered how in the world this happened?

Financial Stress and slashing debt

This stress? We have a chance to change that and it begins with one step forward, one goal, one determining factor. Everyone deserves the financial confidence to pursue a life well spent…whatever that means to YOU.

Money should never cause a fight, cause you to neglect your health, or most importantly, be the reason why you can’t be present, present in the moment or present to enjoy ALL the moments that matter most to you.

Talking about money shouldn’t be taboo. Remember my post, “Money Talk is Sexy?” That title might have been a stretch, but we need to start the conversation. The conversation where we realize we are not alone. The conversation where we start thinking about our money differently. A conversation that inspires us to take the first step in our journey towards financial confidence.

That deep gut wrestling that you may feel right now?

It means you’re ready to do something about it. Your choices start today. How you respond and react to your circumstances will determine your next steps and we can do this!

I love watching Superbowl commercials and I couldn’t have been more excited to see our very own bank, SunTrust, had launched a national movement to inspire millions of Americans to take control of their finances and gain financial confidence so they can pursue a life well spent.

This is something I am passionate about in the day to day of life.

The on Up movement is one of optimism to encourage millions of Americans to take control of their finances so they can focus on the moments that matter in life. SunTrust’s goal is to have 5 million people take the pledge at onup.com and join the movement, and make a commitment: Get control of their finances, and gain financial confidence so that they can pursue a life well spent.

Take the pledge to join the onUp Movement to take charge financially, and set a goal, then there are specific actions, tools and tips tailored to help each of our situations whether it’s slashing debt or planning for the future.

At SunTrust Bank their purpose is lighting the way to financial well-being. When you feel confident about your money, you can save for your goals and spend knowingly on what matters most to you.

The onUp movement was created to guide millions of people one step at a time towards a more financially confident life without ever losing sight of the moments that truly matter along the way.

Join the growing number of people transforming their stress into positive motivation to move onUp.

Join the movement and get started today!! You can do this and I’ll be cheering you on! 🙂
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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of SunTrust. The opinions and text are all mine.