Most women are happy to have a makeover done - whether it be of their wardrobe, hair, makeup, shoes, career - and sometimes even their men!

But how many of us take the time to complete a financial makeover to ensure we're refreshing our finances for a secure future?

Most of us have dreamt about what we would do if we won the lotto and then promptly forget about it - but actually, turning dreams into reality may be as simple as having clear financial goals - and a plan for reaching them.

One of the greatest myths surrounding money is that you need to earn more to be rich. Whilst this seems logical, in fact, what determines your wealth is not how much you make, but how much you keep of what you make. The problem is not your income, it's what you spend!

Do you know where you money goes?

Completing a budget may seem boring and unimportant - and a lot of women won't complete a budget because it's embarassing if it shows that their finances aren't in control. A budget is an essential tool, which can help you identify areas that you can change in your financial arrangements so that you can reach your goals. Ergo - it's only embarassing if you complete one for the wrong reasons.

Once you've identified areas in your budget that you can make some changes, it's time to set some goals. Make sure the goals are realistic and broken down into small actions, with specified timeframes, that provide you with stepping stones to achieve your desired outcomes.

One of the keys to achieving your financial goals will be to step off the credit and debt merry-go-round. Only 20 years ago most people wouldn't have dreamed about buying something without first saving up the cash to make the purchase - you simply went without until you could 'afford' the item.

Today - we use a very different measure to determine whether we can 'afford' to buy something. There are a lot more options available to us to purchase an item, and debt now has a standard place in society. Access to additional purchasing streams has driven consumer demand, and created a society where it is normal to buy with credit and have everything now - whether we can afford it or not.

Unfortunately, this buying pattern makes it too easy to create a cycle of debt where we are living pay to pay - often with the next pay cheque desperately needed just days after the last one arrived.

The only way off this merry-go-round is to stop spending on everything except the absolute essentials, enabling you to pay off more than the minimum repayments to reduce the debts as quickly as possible and hide or destroy the credit card(s) to avoid using them to spend more.

Discipline, getting debt under control and protection of your income are the keys to the success of your makeover. Set a plan in place, diligently stick to it and make sure you at least have your income protected to make sure you can continue to achieve your goals if you are sick or injured.

Lastly - but most importantly - make sure you enjoy the rewards that your financial makeover brings - especially the choices that come from being in control of your finances. Don't forget to make time for regular financial makeovers - it will help you stay savvy, keep up with financial changes and explore new ideas.

Sound too hard to do yourself? Don't let that stop you from having a makeover done! Do you always give yourself a facial at home, or do you go to the beautician once in a while? Seek professional advice to help you create the financial future you deserve! The worst thing you can do is nothing!

Why wait to be wealthy? Addwealth for Women have developed a number of strategies that can easily help keep you on track to achieving your financial goals.

Call Addwealth for Women today on 08 9284 3144 or register online at www.addwealthforwomen.com.au

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