I'm certain TD, RBC, and Scotia don't refer to any of their banking services as 'Big Boy Pants', and I know opening an account does not make one financially mature. That being said I am at a point in my life- about to finish school, and hopefully get a job- that I have decide, as much as I don't like it, I need to look at, read, and understand my financial statements. Yes, that is right, it is time to dust off those OSAP papers and stop tossing credit card bills in a drawer. This week I've started on a path of being aware of my financial standing, and setting financial goals.

What are those goals, well I'm still trying to figure them out. Most importantly I know that I want to pay off my debt, and I want to build a good credit score. For now that really means minimize debt and pay my bills on time. Until I stop paying tuition and start getting a salary that is all I can really hope for. I also want to start forming some good habits, which I haven't been taught in nursing school (financially that is).

Trying to learn about managing my own finances has been a bit scary. No more calls to my parents, or depending on anyone else. This seriously does like learning to walk, or maybe more like potty training.


To start I'm going to the basics, which involves knowing your Net Worth. To calculate this I'm using an open source (free) piece of soft ware that runs off of OS X called Buddi. It is a fairly simple program, but it has all the basic features I need. Knowing your net worth does not inherently accomplish anything, instead it acts as your baseline. It gives an indication of where you are, and if you are a student, this isn't always what you hope. Knowing where you are allows you to start to improve, and just like weight loss it isn't easy.

In a culture that likes to spend, because let's admit it spending feels good, saving is not easy. I know I won't always be able to stick to a budget, but I need those boundaries to start to see where I over stretch and need to spend more wisely. I haven't worked out a complete budget, but I know I'm going to slowly get there.

Next step, I'm going to SPEND... money on books that is. I'm picking up some basic financial advice and investment books. I'm not going to go for broke, just find smart ways to starting to build my worth. My goals aren't to become wealthy, but to become independent and away of what I'm doing.