Money Matters: Building Financial Health for a Prosperous Future

A stack of coins getting bigger with a plant on top also getting bigger as the money grows.

We all think about money—whether it’s paying the bills, saving for the future, or dreaming of something bigger. Songs, sayings, and cultural traditions often highlight the importance of money in our lives.

🎵 “Money, Money, Money” by ABBA reminds us how hard we work, yet there never seems to be enough left at the end of the day.

💬 Dave Ramsey, a renowned personal finance expert, once said, “Financial peace isn’t the acquisition of stuff. It’s learning to live on less than you make, so you can give money back and have money to invest.”

💡 Even across cultures, money symbolizes prosperity. Feng Shui ties wealth to vibrant colors like purple, green, and gold, while Native American salmon totems symbolize abundance.

Money is always a hot topic, so it’s essential to manage it wisely—especially for nurses who dedicate themselves to caring for others but may overlook their financial well-being. Balancing long shifts, unpredictable schedules, and personal responsibilities can make financial planning feel overwhelming. Yet, taking control of your finances can lead to a prosperous life now and a fruitful retirement in the future.

The Starting Point: Know Where You Are and Where You’re Going

The first step to financial health is understanding your current situation and envisioning where you want to go. Financial goals vary by life stage, so here are some key considerations by decade:

The Twenties

Adjusting to life after college with student loans, rent, car payments, and utility bills.
Budgeting for essentials while saving for retirement—even if it’s a small start.

Thirties and Forties

Managing mortgage payments, childcare expenses, extracurricular activities, and family vacations.
Planning for your children’s education while continuing to save for retirement and building an emergency fund.

Fifties and Sixties

Paying off your home and possibly supporting aging parents.
Enjoying time with adult children and grandchildren and preparing for retirement.

Create Your Vision: Plan the Life You Want

How do you imagine your future? Creating a vision board can help turn your dreams into reality. Whether paying off debt, taking your dream vacation, or retiring early, a clear vision provides direction.

Examples of Vision Board Goals:

My student loan is paid in full.
I have $5,000 in my emergency fund.
I’m taking a dream vacation to Paris.
I have $1 million in my retirement account.

There is power in the pen. Writing down your vision and goals shows you are serious about making your plans come to fruition. Planning small actionable goals with steps for each vision allows you to track your progress as you work towards creating the life you desire. Remember, we write down goals for the patient to achieve; this is also a fundamental part of the nursing process. Now, it is time to do it for yourself. For instance, to establish a $5000 emergency fund in one year, you must save $416.67 monthly. Visualizing your dreams daily can inspire action, so take the time each day to review your dreams and goals. Celebrate your milestones along the way to build momentum and confidence.

Join Us on This Journey

We’ll share practical tips, strategies, and insights each month to help nurses like you build wealth, reduce stress, and secure a brighter financial future. You work hard every day—let’s make sure your money works hard for you.

We’d love to hear from you! Share your vision board or a financial goal you’re working toward, and let’s inspire one another to thrive together.