Money: A Good Servant, A Bad Master.

This colouring page is taken from the "Daily Affirmations Colouring Book.

How do you calculate your monthly income and expenses? Is it weekly, quarterly, or monthly? The truth is—there’s no one-size-fits-all. But having a good hold over your finances is part of your self-care. It’s not just about numbers. It’s about peace of mind, dignity, and making decisions that honour your values. Depending on where you live, your approach might look different. If you’re in a country where most transactions happen in cash—like street vendors, market stalls, or informal transport—you may need to track your spending daily. That chinchin you bought on the bus, the cold pure water, the meatpie from the roadside trader—it all adds up. Please write it down as soon as possible, or you’ll forget. And forgotten spending is the fastest way to financial fog.

Ask yourself:

• What am I spending money on?

• When do I spend it?

• What are my essentials?

• Have I set aside the basics first?

If your child needs £15 per week for school meals or transport, that should be the first pot you fill. Not the birthday party. Not the new outfit. Not the takeaway. A birthday celebration is not essential if you haven’t yet bought your child’s school shoes or bag. Prioritising doesn’t mean you don’t care—it means you’re building a foundation before the extras.

And let’s talk about entitlement. You celebrated your birthday last month, invited friends, and spent freely. Now you’re asking those same friends to bail you out for rent or school fees. Sis, who does that? We must stop this cycle of emotional spending followed by financial panic. It’s not sustainable, and it’s not fair to those around us.

Money is a good servant—but a bad master. When you’re in control, it can help you build, heal, and grow. When it controls you, it can lead to shame, stress, and strained relationships.

So here’s a gentle challenge:

• Track your income and expenses weekly, even if you budget monthly.

• Create pots for once-a-year payments like car insurance, uniforms, or Christmas.

• Write down every cash transaction, no matter how small

• Prioritise essentials before celebrations

• Ask for help only when you’ve exhausted your own options—and never make others responsible for your choices.

This isn’t about judgment. It’s about empowerment. You deserve financial clarity. You deserve to feel proud of how you manage your money. And you deserve to build a life that reflects your values—not just your impulses.

And if your partner handles all the finances, that’s okay—as long as you’re not outsourcing your awareness. Financial clarity is a shared responsibility, not a luxury. Don’t wait until there’s a crisis to start asking questions. You deserve to understand, contribute, and feel empowered.

Let’s make money serve us—not the other way around.

Want a budgeting worksheet that feels like self-care? DM me and I’ll send you a printable version that helps you track your income, essentials, and reflections—all with love.

Tap below to download your free worksheet.