create a financial plan together

Why You Need to Create a Financial Plan—Not Just Hope for the Best

If you’re feeling stuck, scattered, or stressed about money, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: a financial plan can change everything.

And no, it doesn’t have to be complicated, restrictive, or “perfect.” A strong financial plan is really just a roadmap. One that helps you stop guessing and start growing.

In this post, you’ll learn how to create a financial plan that gives you clarity, control, and confidence, aka financial freedom.

Step 1: Get Clear on Your Goals

Before you create a financial plan, you need to know what you’re working toward. A good plan is anchored in real goals, not random numbers.

Ask yourself:

  • What does financial freedom mean to me?

  • What do I want my money to make possible?

  • What do I want in 1 year? 5 years? Retirement?

Your goals drive your spending, saving, and investing decisions. Start there.

Step 2: Create a Spending Plan (Not Just a Budget)

A budget tells you where your money should go. A spending plan tells your money where to go on purpose, and it’s one of the most important parts when you create a financial plan that actually works.

Build your plan around four key categories:

  1. Monthly Debt Payments

  2. Monthly Home Expenses

  3. Other Monthly Expenses

  4. Non-Monthly Expenses (like insurance, holidays, car maintenance)

Then calculate your Mojo Number—how much you can spend weekly without falling behind on your goals.

👉 Find your Mojo Number here

Step 3: Build Your Emergency Fund

When you create a financial plan, you need to plan for life’s curveballs. That’s where an emergency fund comes in.

Start small, aim for 2–4 weeks of income if you’re just getting started. Then work up to 3–6 months.

Emergency funds:

  • Help you avoid credit card debt

  • Create peace of mind

  • Give you breathing room to stay on track

📚 CFPB Guide to Building Emergency Funds

Step 4: Eliminate Debt Strategically

Debt isn’t just a bill—it’s a barrier to financial freedom.

Pick a debt payoff strategy that matches your style:

  • Avalanche Method: Pay off high-interest debt first to save money

  • Snowball Method: Pay off the smallest balance first to build momentum

That’s why, when you create a financial plan, debt payoff needs to be part of the strategy, not an afterthought.

👉 Download the Money Mastery Checklist to track your plan

Step 5: Start Investing (Even Just a Little)

You don’t need to be a stock market pro or have tons of money. Just start.

Start with:

  • A retirement account (401(k), IRA)

  • Low-cost index funds

  • Automatic contributions—even $25/month is a win

Investing is how you turn today’s choices into tomorrow’s freedom.

💡 Tip: Don’t wait for “extra” money to start. Include investing in your plan from the beginning—even if it’s small.

Your Freedom Plan = Clarity + Confidence

Financial freedom doesn’t just happen—it’s built with intention. You don’t need perfection. You need a system, support, and small steps you can actually stick to.

If you’re ready to put it all together, that’s exactly what the Money Mastery Bootcamp is for.

👉 Join the Bootcamp here

You’ll get tools, coaching, and a proven framework to create a financial plan that actually works.