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The demands of adulthood can be daunting—monthly bills to pay, social obligations to keep up with, risks to take on, and the hustle and bustle of city life. One way or another, the way you choose to handle your money affects these things.
What does it mean to be financially healthy then? Why should you step back and see things from a new perspective? Why should you care? The simple answer to these questions is this: developing the right spending and saving habits provides a sense of security to your physical and mental health. Marjie L. Roddick, MA, NCC, LMHC said “Finances are a common stressor for people, so being able to minimize worry about this aspect of your life can enhance your overall wellness.”
Since no one can stop you from giving your best, your personal #FinHacks should reflect the boss that you are. Fret not if money talk makes you anxious; the 3Cs will guide you to achieve your goals!
Confront Your Reality
Your reality includes your daily dues, weekly splurges, and your savings goal. If it helps to write down your day-in-a-life, then do it. What matters is that you take the extra effort to confront what you are currently facing to prepare better for the future. “It’s important to have a purpose… lives filled with loneliness and despair when no specific purpose has been embraced,” said Brad Klontz Psy.D., CFP.
Where does your money go the most? Is it food, commute, or other necessities? Do you need to spend so much on this particular aspect of your life? Ask yourself the hard-hitting questions and make an action plan for these. The more truth you let in your life, the better you will be able to handle them.
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Another tip is to do your research on finance terms that may sound big at first but are helpful after all. What you know will enable you to do more. Let us face it: we all have different realities. The proper mindset and motivations make the sacrifices worth it. “Mindset” according to Gary Klein Ph.D., “help us spot opportunities.” He further added that “It is about the beliefs that make a difference in our lives—the beliefs that distinguish people who are successful at what they do versus those who continually struggle.”
Compartmentalize And Organize
Some people are more comfortable going cashless because they have mobile applications to help them track their spending. Others are more confident of getting a hold of their hard-earned money in physical bills and coins. A lot of people own just one wallet, but the tip here is to find a second compartment to let you see your money in full and help you break them down into different tabs.
Whichever path you choose to take, remember that visual cues and representations aid in your goal-setting. Seeing and then organizing your activities make you more proactive and not passive.
Compromise
You do not have to sacrifice your night-outs or splurges just because you are on a budget. You can have your way around by exploring more options other than expensive movie tickets with friends or a lavish dinner with your loved one. Try other exciting endeavors such as jogging around the neighborhood, cooking home-cooked meals, or catching up on what is showing on your local television. What matters is that you make time and save money on the side for more significant financial decisions.
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Remember: building habits involve doing seemingly small things, but they have a lasting impact in the long run. You will now see the value of your money more clearly and be able to make your plans for you, not against you.