What Does Your Checkbook Say About You? by Kimberly Danger

It has been said that your checkbook can reveal a lot about where your values are. A weekly check made out to your church says religion is important to you. Payments to a private school may say your child's education is at the top of your priority list. If you're paying an unusually high amount for salon services, you value your image.

Take a minute to go over your check registers/credit card statements/receipts for the past month or so.   Does anything stand out?  Do you like what your spending says about you? Is it an accurate portrayal of what you value in life and where your priorities are?

For many Americans, their priorities aren't in tune with your spending. They say they value their child's college education, but they spend $50 each month getting manicures while saving nothing. They have a $100/week restaurant habit while they put their dreams of going back to school on hold for "when they can afford it." Maybe you're one of the people only paying lip service to your own dreams and priorities, frittering your money away while life passes you by.

Many of us need a reality check when it comes to spending in line with what's really important. It's never too late to get back on track.  Make a list of major expenditures you want to make in life. Your list may include saving for retirement, a new home, a vacation property, college education, or buying a business. These are your big-ticket items. These take planning and discipline in order to achieve. They require delay of gratification -- putting off expenditures today in order that you can have something bigger and better tomorrow.

Next, make a list of non-material priorities. This list includes things, people and experiences that are of the utmost importance you you. A typical list may include:

A good relationship with a spouse
Raising kids to be kind, respectful, and happy
Taking time to nourish your inner self
Finding purposeful work
Spending time with friends
Giving back to community

The good news is that most of the things on the non-material list don't cost money. However, that doesn't mean you can't use your money to help achieve them. Hiring a babysitter once a week so you can go on a date with your spouse can certainly help your relationship. If your job is only ho-hum, it may be time to make a switch to something that leaves you feeling fulfilled, even if you have to take a pay cut.

Spending your money in accordance with your priorities helps you lead a more authentic life. You will feel less inner conflict when your money reflects who you truly are and what you value on the inside.