Smart Finances for Yoga Teachers
/Are you feeling stressed about money?
Not a fun spot to be!
With tax season upon us, I wanted to share a few simple ideas that can help yoga teachers feel more confident about their finances. Keep in mind I’m not a tax advisor or certified financial planner, but I’ve worked with some great ones and have also learned some great lessons along the way throughout my career.
5 Ways to Reduce Your Stress Around Money
Create a budget. A simple monthly budget template can be useful regardless of how much you make, or are wanting to earn. Getting clear on your budget will reduce your stress because you know exactly where your money is going.
Meditate on abundance. I know it might sound silly, but this is one of the most helpful things I do as part of my financial planning is to cultivate gratitude for the abundance in my life. Abundance is a mindset, a constant practice. The energy you put out will manifest, so get clear on what you want.
Hire a coach. If you’re looking to level up your business, get organized, and be held accountable to meet your goals, hiring a coach is a huge step. Do your research and find a coach who can help you with your specific situation, and whose approach and personality match well with your style.
Hire a tax advisor. Look for someone who specializes in your tax situation; for many yoga teachers, that’s someone who understands how to work with independent contractors, or has a specialized knowledge of what we can write off and how we should track our finances throughout the year. I did this a few years ago and have an awesome spreadsheet template I now use all year long to stay on top of my taxes.
Know your worth. Think big. Stop giving your work away for free. These changes will shift your interaction with money— the energy exchange. Once you boost your confidence, you’ll be ready to raise your prices!
What other things have helped you make smart financial decisions and reduce your stress around money? I’d love to hear!
Photos by Jeremy Baker of JJ Baker Photo - Fine Art Yoga Portraiture.