Managing money is one of the leading causes of stress for the majority of people today. It’s actually been a pressure point for families and individuals for generations, but it doesn’t have to be. There’s no time like the present to flip the financial script and create a new mindset around spending and saving.

Here are five fresh ways to take the guesswork – and stress – out of your finances.

1. Know how. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: when you know better, you do better. But sometimes people don’t even know where to start to begin to do better, and that’s okay. You’re not reading this right now by accident. I’m always eager to spend some quality time getting acquainted with you and finding ways to help support and encourage you. In the meantime, check out this resource on Bare Bones Budgeting that will work for you regardless of where you are on the financial ladder.

2. Confidence. With wisdom comes confidence, but confidence also requires practice during the building process. Once you know how to do a thing – in this case understand and manage your money decisions — changing your thoughts and habits is the next step. Nothing changes if you keep doing what you’ve been doing, so take your new wisdom, put it into practice and before long you’ll be so confident you won’t even remember a time you weren’t.

3. Finding Value. Understanding and confidence lead into a fresh perspective on the value of a purchase. Do you really need it? Is it worth its cost? If it’s on the “high end” of your budget, will it hold its value enough to make the purchase? Before long you’ll begin to notice what you used to buy verses what you currently spend your money on and surprise even your own self!

4. Opportunity. Ask yourself, “What kind of opportunity would this financial decision afford me if I do it? Will it have a good return on investment or will it be a setback? Is it worth the risk? Is it one I can’t pass up?” Take some time to learn the ins and outs of an opportunity and be sure to reach out to a professional if you need any guidance. Remember: it’s rarely a good idea to take advice from family or friends unless they’re “in the biz.”

5. Simplification. When you have simplified, effective systems in place you can make better decisions in the present that will help fortify your financial future. It also helps eliminate confusion, overwhelm and frustration and puts you in the driver’s seat of your money management. And it’s not just systems that can be simplified: thinking less about your finances and more about your family, fun and friends is a goal everyone can achieve by learning to K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple SmartOne.)

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