sorry for the long hiatus. I want this blog to be amazing, I’m going to keep tweaking until I feel like I have a really cool niche.
Here, is my latest idea…
First up… the ant.
Holiday Distractions
The holidays provide a wonderful time of relaxation but it can also be incredible taxing on the wallet. Because of this, we tend to forget about Christmas and instead focus on everything else:
- the special SALE! we have to get to
- the presents we still need to buy
- the food we still need to make
- the out-of-town relatives we need to talk to
Distractions…each and every one of these types of things can become a distraction, an excuse to take our eyes off what is most important. So instead of going with the ‘distraction flow’ this Christmas choose instead to stay on budget and in the holiday spirit.
Focus on the spirit of Christmas instead of focusing on ‘spending enough’ on everyone. It’s good for the wallet…. but mostly the heart.
Constructive Criticism
Listening to Colin Cowherd on ESPN radio the other morning and heard him say this:
“Name the last time you got good after a compliment…constructive criticism is the only way you grow”
It kinda sucks…but totally true. Getting a compliment is exciting, even thrilling, but it rarely makes you better. A compliment affirms what you’re already practicing.
In order to grow you need a little ‘friction’. You need constructive criticism. The problem is only morons go around offering up loads of criticism. It’s not really the best way to make friends.
Gather the courage and ask for a personal evaluation. Whether about professional performance or your personal life… it will help you become a better person.
Here’s how Jesus did it:
How to look like an ass
Pardon the language. I am referring to the old saying that says:
Assume= ass + u+ me
Today I saw it while driving. Don’t assume the people merging into your lane are paying attention. Drivers get mad at me because I slow down when I see someone merging or pulling out onto the road in front of me. But I feel like it is worth being wary of them just in case they aren’t paying attention. AKA: I never assume they see me.
As obvious as it sounds, when you start to take the assumptions out of your life your finances get better.
Don’t assume…
you’re getting a Christmas bonus
you’re car won’t break down soon
your friends will bail you out
life is predictable
Again, simple concept, but it alters how you approach your personal finances.
What are the dangerous assumptions you are making?
No!
The most powerful word you can learn is, “NO”.
It sounds harsh, I realize. But the vast majority of you cannot say “no”. When someone asks you to get involved in something you shouldn’t financially, you cannot say “no”. Whether it’s a fun event or a weekend away…you just can’t bring yourself to turn them down.
I hate to break it to you, but you have to learn how…it’s not going to get any better until you do.
Don’t look at it as a negative thing. You’re saying “no” one place so you can “yes!” somewhere else! Saying “no” doesn’t make you a bad person. In fact, saying “no” makes you a person with more options!
Figure out how it works itself out in your own life. When you start to understand the freedom one simple word can give, you’ll never go back!
When you don’t feel like it
The most important part of your financial life are the moments when you just don’t feel like it.
When you don’t feel like going home for dinner.
When you don’t feel like staying home Friday night.
When you don’t feel like budgeting money out of your paycheck for the future.
These moments are when you become strong. When you say “no” in the midst of these psychological battles you build momentum for the next time. You prove to yourself that you can do the right thing…even when it’s hard. You don’t feel like a ‘hero’ in that moment you say ‘no’, you tend to just think you ‘got through it’. But that’s ok. Getting through it still means a win for you.
So next time it gets tough…when you just don’t feel like it, do the right thing in that moment…and make the next choice just a little bit easier.
Eat lunch for $2
My brother-in-law is awesome. He runs a great bike blog (and bike repair biz) out of North Carolina. It has been going strong for a couple years now and he continues to rock it out.
Yesterday he emailed me about eating lunch for $2. Yes! Lunch for $2.
Apparently right now is Customer Appreciation Month at Subway and you can eat two of their subs for $2 each. Sweet! I’ll be there later this week!
So I guess in the end it all comes down to knowing great people. They truly make life worth while. Here’s to you, Matt!
Intervention- the wrong kind of medicine
Your personal finances can improve in one of two ways. Intervention or prevention.
Intervention says… I don’t have control. I know I am in trouble and need help but refuse to take the steps necessary to change my bad habits. Intervention requires a crisis in order for change to take place.
Prevention is the opposite. Prevention says, I know that life will not always be smooth sailing. I need to prepare ahead of time for the bumps in the road. Prevention isn’t always as ‘exciting’ because you aren’t being rescued from the claws of disaster at the last possible second. Prevention prepares ahead of time, so disaster never happens.
Two ways, but only one will ultimately lead you to success.
Play ‘prevent’ defense starting today!
Making Decisions about Money
Figure out what kind of financial decision you are making before going any further.
Buying a house? That’s a life-altering change to your finances. From mortgage payments to repair bills, your disposable income has shrunk.
Buying a drink at the store? That isn’t quite as significant.
Let’s take buying a new car. Congratulations on the vehicle! But now you need to make a car payment each month. Add that payment to your budget and all of a sudden your disposable income shrinks. The new car is nice but your cash on hand is now smaller for several years because of your decision to upgrade vehicles.
Was the new car worth it?
Understanding the future impact of today’s financial decisions is invauable.
Develop the ability to look into your financial future when faced with a money decision. If you like what you ‘see’, you’re making a good choice.
When Less is….More
Reading about The Paradox of Choice, brings up a great point…
“Giving people too many choices tends to lessen their satisfaction”
That got me thinking. If this is true in a consumer – supplier relationship, it must trickle down to everyday finances.
What I’m suggesting is wearing ‘blinders’. With the constant bombardment of the new and latest it’s helpful to look inward and be thankful for what we already have. What if you actively started to avoid the places where you see all the latest and greatest? Not in a self-deprecating and weird way…but what if you stopped going out of your way to check Amazon.com everyday? What if it was no longer habit to just ‘browse’ in Target when you were bored?
Remembering what we DO have will help us be thankful, and satisfied.
Think about it like this….everyone wants what they DON’T have. (it’s obvious, but powerful)
So make the choice to be satisfied and happy.
