I don’t know about you but I prefer to bury my head in the sand when it comes to my budget and my finances. I am of the view to enjoy life and worry later, the only problem with this type of thinking is whether you like it or not it catches up with you one way or another! Do not make the mistake of trying to keep up with friends. If you have to say no to a vacation, a movie or a music event then say no! It may be hard at first but be strong and find other inexpensive ways of entertaining or hanging out with friends. Picnics, days at the beach, movie nights at home or game nights!
Keeping up with the Joneses
What is society’s addiction to material things, bigger and better cars, rushing out for the latest iPhone, and purchasing a property we can barely afford just for status? Some of the happiest people I know have very little and know how to budget and those with huge money, huge debt and responsibility are miserable. I know this is a generalization and I don’t mean to offend, I am just saying that money does not buy happiness. People often say, yes but it helps! But does it? Really? The secret to life is contentment! In all situations.
“People are never satisfied. If they have a little, they want more. If they have a lot, they want still more. Once they have more, they wish they could be happy with little, but are incapable of making the slightest effort in that direction.” Paulo Coelho-The winner stands alone
Be frugal and budget
There are many frugal ways of living a champagne lifestyle on a beer budget. Pinterest has a load of DIY ideas for your home. You do not have to give your kitchen a whole new makeover but can do it in stages and sometimes it is just a touch of paint or being creative that goes a long way. My friends and I have clothes-swapping parties, they are such fun and one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure. Not to mention the cheese and wine part. In fact, I am not shy to admit that I absolutely love second-hand shopping. Refurbishing old furniture, and second-hand books and I support the SPCA and hospice shops frequently.
Get yourself a financial advisor, But be careful not to be scammed like I was by mine. He took out accounts in my name using the personal details he collected from me! Any way…It is great having someone with an external and different perspective. Someone to help you not live above your means and help you to save for your future.
You need to be in a position where you can pay all your monthly expenses and even save a little each month or at the very least work towards paying your own debt back instead of increasing it. Easier said than done!
“A budget isn’t about restricting what you can spend. It gives you permission to spend without guilt or regret.” – Dave Ramsey
