In today’s volatile markets, it’s easy to feel adrift on unpredictable economic currents. But remember this: while we can’t control market fluctuations, we can control our response to them.

Now is the perfect time to recommit to your financial plan and examine your spending habits through the lens of mindfulness. Before each purchase, pause and ask: “Does this align with my values and long-term goals?”

Mindful spending isn’t about deprivation—it’s about intentionality. It means directing your resources toward what truly matters to you, especially when external circumstances feel uncertain.

In this month’s newsletter, we’ll explore practical mindfulness techniques and tips to help you weather market volatility with greater calm and clarity.

Betty

New Podcast Alert!! Betty’s Smart Friends:

I recently sat down with Yvonne Montoya Matthews, a double board-certified functional nutritionist and herbalist, for a truly transformative conversation about women’s hormonal health.

In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into game-changing nutritional strategies specifically designed for women navigating perimenopause and menopause and how personalized nutrition approaches can dramatically transform hormonal health during these critical transitions.

What you’ll discover:

• Science-backed nutritional approaches that actually work
• Practical, actionable steps you can implement immediately
• How to address common symptoms through targeted nutrition
• The powerful connection between what you eat and how you feel

No more suffering in silence or accepting that “this is just how it is.” 

Listen in and transform your approach to hormonal health! Listen in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or my YouTube channel @bettyfinancial.

Everyone loves to get the answers!

Living out of alignment is a source of stress & dissatisfaction. Take the Think2Perform values exercise to help identify your top values and align your spending behaviors with these values. The exercise involves sorting through values cards, keeping the ones that resonate with you, and ultimately narrowing down to your most important values. The results can help you drive your decision-making – and find mindfulness in how you spend your money.

Here’s the link

Here are 5 tips for taking this quiz:

1. Approach the Assessment with Financial Decisions in Mind: When sorting through the value cards, specifically think about how each value might impact your spending habits.
2. Look for Patterns Between Your Values and Current Spending: As you identify your top values, reflect on your recent purchases. Are they aligned with what you truly value?
3. Create Value-Based Spending Categories: After completing the assessment, organize your budget categories according to your top values.
4. Use Your Values as a Purchasing Filter: Before making significant purchases, pause and consult your identified values. Ask yourself: “Does this purchase support my values?” This simple practice introduces mindfulness into your spending decisions.
5. Schedule Regular Value-Spending Reviews: Set calendar reminders to review how well your spending patterns have aligned with your values. This regular practice deepens financial mindfulness and helps adjust spending habits as your values evolve.

Netflix Binge to calm the nerves:

Some shows that I’m binging right now – that emphasize simplicity, mindfulness, and finding joy in life:

The Great British Baking Show – Netflix. Its gentle competition, supportive atmosphere, and focus on creating something beautiful with basic ingredients makes it incredibly soothing. And – it’s the only competition show where contestants actually help each other, probably because they’re all hopped up on sugar and tea

Salt Fat Acid Heat- I found this gem on Netflix! Samin Nosrat’s cooking show celebrates simple home cooking and finding pleasure in basic ingredients. Watch her travel the world to discover that delicious food is actually simple!

#Financial Check-in: Money Confidence for 2025

As we move forward in 2025, I’m always here to schedule a conversation to ensure you have both the confidence and clarity needed to move forward purposefully. Just let me know!

Disclosures: BW Financial LLC dba BW Financial Planning is an Investment Adviser registered with the State of Colorado. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. We may, from time to time, have a position in the securities mentioned and may execute transactions that may not be consistent with this communication’s conclusions. This communication is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, accounting and/or tax advice. Should you have any questions and/or issues in these areas, please consult your legal, tax and/or accounting adviser.