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When you are struggling financially, you can become overwhelmed with prolong penny pinching all the time to the point where you self-destruct and blow your budget. You may start to recklessly ignore your financial responsibilities in life. You may even refuse to talk about your financial roadblocks with those who could really help you; such as your lender or financial advisor out sheer shame or guilt. You become so self-absorb, you only see yourself and the huge mountain of bills blocking your blessing.
This is the exactly the time when you shift your focus to a mindset of gratitude and abundance. As you do that, you will start responding to a different frequency instead of the financial pitfalls. Meanwhile, eliminate some of the destructive thoughts and beliefs you hold about money—whatever they are. Ask yourself: What negative beliefs do I hold about money? Where did they come from and why? Endeavour to banish bad money behaviour forever.
Studies show that people with reckless money mindset tend to have less and less of it. So start seeing money as your vehicle for getting you what you want in life. Give it the respect that it deserves. It is simply meant to optimize your life not destroy it. Budget for the things you wish to have and do and don't play big trying to impress others. Protect your investment and invest wisely. Not everything that looks good is good for you. Note that money only amplifies the person you already are. If you are a bad person, you'll likely become worst; if you are a good person, you'll likely become even better. God wants us all to prosper abundantly.
Figure out the real cause of your reckless spending habits. Are you spending because of stress? In need? Or is it just greed? This will give you the basis for the changes you need to make.
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Continuing Your Money Mindfulness
Shop at reputable retailers. Ones that have a hassle-free return policy and will gladly return your money should you decide that it was a rash or unnecessary purchase; or that the money could be put to better use. You want to stay away from retailers that ambush your money and give you fake store credit that tends get expired or lost (allowing them to keep both your money and their product).Better yet, stay away from the malls and shopping sites as much as possible. As the saying goes: "out of sight, out of mind". If you are a spendthrift like me, this is definitely a must do! Why torture yourself?
If you find yourself in a compromising situation, stop! Drop it and breathe. Breathe out spending, breathe in saving. Remove yourself from the store or site and meditate for a few minutes. If you find that you still want it after that, then go and get it or place the item on hold. Most of the time, by the time you leave the mall, you'd have forgotten about the item. Also, this will give you more time to process the spending carefully or shift your focus. It might just turn out to be an infatuation after all. Just that simple act could save you a shit load of debt and grief. At the very least, allow you to make a more rational, realistic, and conscious choice.
Create a vision board and interact with it often. Put it where it will serve as a daily reminder of your financial goals. It is easy to get sidetrack by frivolous spending. Become so familiar with what's on your vision board that it holds you accountable, focused and conscious of your goals.
Protect your money-holder such as your handbag and briefcase. Invest in a nice expensive one and carry it with pride. At the end of every month, empty it of all its content, clean it out and wipe it down and keep it clutter-free. Put loose change in your piggy bank. Tally receipts, scan or file them. Don't place your bag or briefcase on the floor either. Get yourself a bag hook to hang it off desk or tables. Keep a small coin purse and a separate makeup bag in it. Carry only what you need.
Finally, track your spending and assess your feelings. Is it instant gratification, entitlement or some other deep-seated issues? keep a small notebook solely for your money meditation. Ask yourself:
- Why did I buy this___________________?
- How does buying it getting me closer to your goal of XYZ?
- How does this purchase make me feel right now? or two weeks later? If the feeling is not good, bring it back if it is unused.
Until next time,
Be Blessed. Be Bold. Be Strong. Be you!
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Andrene Gregory is a life coach at Aggie Strong Ultimate Life Coaching Services. You can follow her on Instagram, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn for more tidbits of information and learn more about her.
She provides one-to-one coaching and group workshops to adults seeking to improve their life skills, lifestyle and leadership capabilities for greater confidence and work-life balance.
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