When we lack money it creates a lot of stress and anxiety, and can be a source of tension in relationships. But how can we make our money work for us? Here are several ways we can take more control of our money to reduce our stresses:
- Change your thoughts: Reframe the way you think about money from being worried about it to being non-emotional about it. Nothing changes if you are worried about it, but worries may cause you to make worse financial decisions. This doesn’t mean that you should not care about money or be reckless.
- Be a good steward: If you think of your money not as your own, then you will manage it differently. It is a resource, no matter how great or how small, that we are given to be responsible with. Don’t be foolish with how you spend your money or the way you invest it.
- Save it first: Save your money first before you pay anyone else. Even if you start with saving 1 % of your income, it will create a habit that will last you a lifetime, and over time you can increase the percentage to more meaningful amounts. Although 1% may only amount to $20, $50 or so a week so there is almost no excuse to save this small amount, even if you are struggling. I like percentages because you save more when your income is higher and less when it is lower.
- Delay large purchases: Houses and cars are our largest expenses, but usually there is not a lot of thought put into these purchases. More time should be spent discerning larger purchases then small ones.
- Minimize useless debts: It seems as though anything can be financed today, from cell phones to plastic surgery. If your cell phone bill is $500 a month because you financed 5 iphones then you probably couldn’t afford the phones in the first place.
- Make more money: If your income is not high enough and your spending is not an issue, then figure out ways to make more money. If you need to switch jobs or hire a consultant for your business then do it.
- Give it away: I’m not sure if there are studies on this, but anecdotally, people who are more charitable seem to be happier than those who are not.
- Be timely: Pay your bills in a timely manner by being more systematic. Late fees and threatening notices are never enjoyable.
- Do something different: As with any problem, you need to change what you are doing because obviously it is not working. Yes, we are all stubborn.
By the way, it doesn’t matter if you make $50,000, $500,000 or $5,000,000, as you will have the same issues, with different variations. And, more money doesn’t mean fewer problems.