Making financial decisions have their own unique and distinct challenges. Sometimes we make certain money decisions and regret it almost immediately whereas other times we do not realise the consequences of our decision until many months or years later.

In my experience as a mum and a professional financial adviser, there are a number of questions women ask themselves when faced with financial decisions.

You may even have an internal dialogue that sounds something like this:

• Will this make my family happy?
• Is this a good time?
• Should I invest now?
• Is this too much?
• Is this too little?

To help you increase your comfort and confidence when making financial decisions, here are some simple tips:

Concentrate on the financials decision you have control of 

Fact: You can’t control the investment market, or interest rates or the future cost of items you might want to purchase.

Let’s face it; we don’t know what we don’t know.

Yet, we still stress and worry about the things we don’t have any control of instead of focusing on the things we know and can influence like how much you save or spend and the timing of the goals you want to accomplish.

This is a much more productive exercise and is a good foundation for creating your own financial plan for the future.

Ask yourself why?

Ask yourself why before you make a decision, financial or otherwise, will help you reflect on what brought you to a certain choice in the first place.

Whether it’s a decision about savings, spending, travel, or paying down a credit card, “Why” is much more important than the “What” or “How.”

Block the noise

If you are considered why you’re making a decision and are focused on the things you can control, the next step is to block the noise.

We are constantly exposed to more and more noise every day – from the media to family and friends (and everything in between including Facebook) who each want to share their opinions about what they would have done or what you should do.

At the end of the day nobody is perfect. You are intelligent, beautiful and unique.

Make decisions based on what you can control, why you are acting and remember… block the noise.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock.com

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The information and opinions contained in this article are of a general nature only and does not take into account the investment objectives; financial situation or particular needs of any individual or entity and does not constitute specific or personal advice. The information and opinions herein do not constitute any recommendation. No financial product or financial service should be acquired or disposed of or financial strategy adopted without you first obtaining professional personal financial advice suitable and appropriate to your own personal needs, objectives, goals and circumstances.  Information, forecasts and opinions contained in this article can change without notice. Although care has been exercised in compiling the information contained within, Modoras Pty. Ltd. does not warrant that the articles within are free from errors, inaccuracies or omissions. To the extent permissible by law, neither Modoras Pty. Ltd. nor its employees, representatives or agents (including associated and affiliated companies) accept liability for loss or damages incurred as a result of a person acting in reliance of this publication. This article has been prepared by Modoras Pty. Ltd. ABN 86 068 034 908,  AFSL 233209.