Dear Creatives,
Happy Friday! I have great news. New opportunities are emerging for me and considering them has postponed this message’s arrival. However, a stall isn’t a stop. I’m happy to present this short yet important note to you today that I had to learn the hard way.
As creatives, it’s easy to forget the mundane things associated with life and work. We often play numerous roles and wear several hats in our operations. And amidst the hustle and growth of it all, we can forget not only ourselves and others but the financial part of the work.
This week, I received an email from Microsoft confirming that I had paid the annual fee. Unfortunately, I forgot to transfer the necessary funds into the account, leading to it being overdrawn for a few days. I felt really embarrassed that my excitement over various creative projects distracted me from the back-end tasks that still required my attention.
Creating a tickler on our smartphones or posting a sticky note on the door can remind us to set aside an hour or two each week to ensure that the financial matters are properly attended to and that we will continue to thrive. Can you imagine doing all our good work, only for a financial auditor to put a “notice to vacate” on our door? Ugh! I don’t want to imagine it and I don’t want to lose another dime to neglect.
I know I might be preaching to myself because you probably taught Martha Stewart and Warren Buffett everything they know. Feel free to ignore me if that’s the case. However, if you’re anything like me—overwhelmed by the love of your work and still figuring out how to stop long after the Pomodoro alarm goes off—which is why I have a brace on my wrist just to write this note to you, then read on.
With tax deadlines and business certifications looming, it’s important for all Americans to organize their documents for timely filing with all the necessary government agencies. While it’s a chore, it feels much better than the penalties we could incur if we forget. Paying attention to the pesky emails and reviewing our financial statements regularly may be a bore, but it may also keep us out of the poor house.
Yours in work and wealth, Really,
Leah
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