My grandkids were visiting me at Easter, and if you around kids in a playground, have you ever noticed that every kid always wants to go up the slide backwards?
I’ve come to think that it’s really our human nature to want to go against the grain like that. It helps to instill our rebel mentality that creeps up now and then! But, are you fighting the same uphill battle against the grain with your money as well?
Many of you are. You’re on a cycle of debt, living pay-cheque to pay-cheque, and often don’t know how to get off the hamster wheel that makes up your lives. It’s possible to stop going against the grain.
Here are 4 action steps to take to gain back control.
1. Don’t use your credit cards – stop adding to your debt.
At some point in your life, you’ll have to say enough is enough. There comes a time when you will hit a brick wall. Sometimes things come crashing down around you. But, the sooner that you realize that you have a problem, things will get better. So, make today the day that you stop adding to your debt. Tip: Ask yourself these questions before you buy; why do I really want it? Do I have the cash for it? Do I need something else more? Can I get by without it? What if I don’t buy it now? How much time will have to work to pay for this?
2. Know your numbers and have a monthly written budget.
Whether your family is 2 people or 6 it is really important to have your monthly needs written down. It’s your money – so every dollar that you make needs to have a name. Here’s a tip for you – at the beginning of the month, sit down and list out where every single dollar need to go. Spend every dollar on paper every month before the month begins. Track every month where you are spending your money – Tip: great free tool is www.mint.com
3. Put your savings on auto-pilot.
The best way to get into the habit of saving money is to make it automatic. Almost everyone has heard the phrase, “pay yourself first”. You should set up automatic withdraws from either your bank account or directly from your pay-cheque before it even hits your bank account. Start small and then you can work your way up to larger sums every month. This is a great way to start saving for an opportunity fund (aka – emergency fund). Tip: You can start saving with automatic debit as small as $25 per month. The point is to ‘start’!
4. Start setting goals!
Most people do not have any monthly goals for their money – other than to pay the bills. I know you don’t get out of bed in the morning saying; “Yippee – I get to pay my bills!” Goals are a great way to change the way you handle money. Is there something that you really want to save for instead of adding it to your credit card debt? Save up for it. Set a goal. Tip: Write you goals down and look at them every day. Post them on your mirror in the bathroom where you will see them as you pass by.
Money and your finances don’t have to be an uphill battle. Managing your money does not have to be a constant fight like a child on the playground struggling to get up the slide backwards. You can take control of your finances if you just chose to do so. Start with these action steps to take back control of your money.
Have you received a digital copy of my new book yet (Maximum Money Momentum)? If not go to my website here! www.molchanfinancial.com. If you want to start setting goals – then get your copy right away – I’ll tell you how!