How to regain control over your finances

At Puissante, our favorite topic is self-love. We preach it through advice on sexuality, self-knowledge , and body acceptance.

Today, we want to go further by addressing the issue of financial well-being . We are convinced that taking care of your money is a form of self-care.

Yes indeed, money is a source of stress, power and freedom, so it's high time we talked about it! In this article, we share our tips for regaining control over your finances and enjoying your daily life even more . 

A quick disclaimer before you start reading: this article and all the advice on this blog are intended to be educational and should not be considered financial advice. You must consider your personal circumstances to define a suitable investment strategy; you should consult a qualified financial advisor.

Understanding one's relationship with money

We hear a lot about "relationship to money" without understanding the link between these two terms.

Attachment theory, developed by psychologist John Bowlby , suggests that our early relationships with our parents or guardians affect our ability to establish healthy and secure relationships throughout our lives.

This theory also applies to the money going in and out of your account.

Whether it slips through your fingers or you're stingy with your pockets, studying how you spend is a crucial first step to regaining control of your finances.

If you grew up in an environment where money was sometimes scarce, you may have developed an anxious relationship with your savings. You lack the confidence to believe that achieving your financial goals is possible. This translates into impulsive behaviors that can lead to debt.

If you were raised in a world of financial abundance, you've likely developed an avoidant attachment to money , where you struggle to save or invest wisely. When it comes to money, you simply don't want to think about it.

Working to create a secure relationship with your money involves setting clear and realistic financial goals , developing a simple budget, and saving regularly.

Take the time to decipher the financial habits inherited from your family . These behaviors, often unconscious, can be obstacles to your well-being.

Don't be afraid to seek the help of a financial advisor. Contrary to popular belief, their services are not reserved for an elite few. 

Dare to educate yourself on the subject

Like sexuality, money is such a taboo subject that good practices are rarely passed on . Seeking information from reliable sources is key to regaining control of your finances.

We are familiar with the classics of financial literature like Warren Buffett and Napoleon Hill, but what about advice specifically for women?

• You can turn to Mieux gestionnaire son argent from La Petite Budgeteuse and Mon budget sur pilote automatique from Mon Budget Bento.

• Regarding money management in couples, try "Couple and Money: Why Men Are Richer Than Women" by Titiou Lecoq or "Good Accounts Make Good Lovers" by Héloïse Bolle.

• In addition to books, we recommend Plan Cash , which describes itself as a feminist financial education media outlet . With an engaging newsletter, training courses on targeted topics, and in-person workshops, Plan Cash dares to talk about money from a woman's perspective, and it's refreshing!

• If reading isn't your thing, there are plenty of podcasts to help you build a real financial education. We're thinking of La Martingale , Osons l'Oseille , or Argent Conté . 

Better money management: technology is your bestie!

Good news: you no longer need to be a math expert or an Excel pro to take care of your money !

Technology is your ally in better managing your money on a daily basis.

Budget management apps allow you to connect your different bank accounts and credit cards to get an overview of your finances.

They alert you in real time to budget overruns or when your balance is low.

Even better, some apps, like Bankin' or Linxo , automatically track and categorize your spending into different categories, such as food purchases, electricity bills, car payments, etc.

This data sheds light on your spending habits. It allows you to identify at a glance the areas where you can save money or redistribute some resources.

We know how easy it is to give in to a meal delivery on a lazy evening without realizing that the accumulation of these expenses could go into a savings account, a life insurance policy or the weekend of your dreams in Naples.

Warning: check that the application you choose is approved by the Bank of France to guarantee the protection of your data.

Ultimately, it's quite simple to put your money at the service of your life, not the other way around. We hope these tips and resources will help you regain control of your finances and enjoy your little pleasures with peace of mind. Want to receive more tips and inspiration every week? Subscribe to The Powerful Break, our weekly newsletter!