Where Do I Start With My Money? The 3 Questions That Change Everything

If there is one question I hear more than any other when speaking with women about money, it’s this: “Where do I even start?”

There is a quiet frustration that underlies this question, because it's something many women have been asking themselves for years.  Because we aren't taught about money, and because there is so much jargon and so many trends, we feel like we can't ask questions about money without looking stupid.

Time passes, and many women sit in silence not knowing what to do.  This is where things need to change.

Women are more than capable of managing money well.  They are already juggling so many things - household, kids, partner, parents, siblings, work, business, etc.  Their calendars are full, and the life admin is immense.

Managing money often gets put on the backburner, because it feels hard and too complicated.

Time passes, and issues (if there are any) start to get bigger.

Recently, after speaking at an International Women’s Day event, I found myself having the same conversation again and again. Women would come up quietly afterwards and ask:

“What should I do next with my money?”

So, I decided to break the answer down into three simple questions.

These questions can immediately bring clarity and direction — without making money feel complicated or overwhelming.

1. Where are you feeling the most financial stress?

When life is busy, our attention becomes scattered. We have lists everywhere: planners, phones, calendars, reminders, sticky notes.

Money often gets pushed down the priority list simply because everything else feels more urgent.

But stress leaves clues.

Ask yourself:

• Is it day-to-day bills?

• School fees?

• Insurance costs?

• Not knowing where your money goes each month?

Start there.

Sometimes relief can come from surprisingly simple changes. Reviewing recurring expenses like insurance, phone plans, or utilities can often uncover hundreds or even thousands of dollars in savings each year.

The point isn’t perfection. It’s easing the pressure first.

2. What are your goals?

Once the immediate stress is addressed, the next step is clarity. What do you actually want your money to do for you?

• More freedom?
• Financial independence?
• Property investments?
• Security for your family?

Many people never write their goals down. They simply carry vague ideas in their heads.

But something powerful happens when you put pen to paper.

Writing goals down forces you to confront an important question: Is this actually what I want?

Sometimes we realise our “goals” are simply expectations we’ve absorbed from society, family, or social media.

True financial momentum only happens when your goals genuinely align with your values and lifestyle.

3. Do your habits support your goals?

This is the step where real change begins. Money habits operate quietly in the background of our lives. Some support our future. Others sabotage it.

Ignoring bills, accumulating small debts, or relying on “buy now, pay later” services can slowly erode financial progress.

On the other hand, simple habits like reviewing expenses, paying bills strategically, or saving small amounts regularly can create powerful momentum over time.

The goal is not perfection, it's awareness.

Start Small — Build Confidence

One of the biggest misconceptions about money is that change has to be dramatic. It doesn’t.

Sometimes the first step is simply saving $10 a month, or starting a micro-investment., or reviewing your expenses for the first time.

Small actions build confidence. Confidence builds momentum. And momentum is where wealth really begins.

You don’t need to be “a money person” to manage your finances well. You simply need clarity, awareness, and the willingness to take the first step. And once you do, you might be surprised at just how capable you really are.