The future, the end goal and living happily in the now.
So I recently posted about paying down debt. Now I need to stick to my guns and stay off the credit cards.
After the gift we had with our car I feel like my husband and my have a renewed sense of purpose and drive towards savings and the budget. Today Eze mentioned that he chose not to go to wawa yesterday and get a quick bite to eat which is a win for us and being mindful of our spending!
Score one for us.
Every time I think of going to the store to get a little something I have to remind myself of a few things...
1.) I have enough for now. I don't need it right now
2.) Remember I have enough for now, and if I buy this one thing right now that means I have less for what I really need later.
3.) My happiness does not come from things.
All these add up to 'Remember the greater goal.'
What is my greater goal and how can I be happy in the moment if I constantly have to tell myself 'NO.'
First of all. My greater goal does not include not spending a penny and being miserable and house poor because I refuse to spend money.
So what are my goals here? Let me give you a quick and general rundown of a few of them. Its not exhaustive or extensive but its a general snapshot of my mind right now.
Goals;
1.) Live peacefully. Wow so general, but for me to live peacefully is to know that I have money to pay my bills, money to save for the future and for our goals and money to DO THINGS and take time off with Eze. Quality time is extremely important to me and budgeting time and money for this is a major priority! Living peacefully also means working out the differences I have with my Eze as we are two different people with different approaches towards finances. I am a planner and he is a free spirit and this is very good.
2.) Save for a house - this is currently in go mode
3.) Pay down student loans - this is running on 3 wheels - we are paying a little extra than the minimum payment but we are not giving it all we've got because we need to save for a house. Cash is king in that instance.
4.) 3 months living expenses saved. This is an ultimate goal - not there yet...
Like I said, the list is not exhaustive but its generally where my mind is at right now.
The BIGGEST challenge to myself is to not use the credit card. There are things I need to do that I have put off because of the situation with the car. I need to buy a pair of work shoes and I need to renew my passport. I have a commitment to pay for these things in cash which I have but for some reason fear rises up when I think of spending my cash stash which is silliness.
I do need to address #3 of my reminders. Happiness does not come from things. I SO often look to a small purchase to boost my mood but in the end it actually gives me a small degree of anxiety because I can think of a dozen other things I could have spent that money on than the meaningless thing I just bought. Makeup has been one of those small purchases that I've indulged in this past year. There is a limit to how much blush, lipstick or eye shadow you need! I find that the thought of paying for my shoes in cash at the expense of forgoing the impulse buy is far more rewarding! Every little bit adds!!
After the gift we had with our car I feel like my husband and my have a renewed sense of purpose and drive towards savings and the budget. Today Eze mentioned that he chose not to go to wawa yesterday and get a quick bite to eat which is a win for us and being mindful of our spending!
Score one for us.
Every time I think of going to the store to get a little something I have to remind myself of a few things...
1.) I have enough for now. I don't need it right now
2.) Remember I have enough for now, and if I buy this one thing right now that means I have less for what I really need later.
3.) My happiness does not come from things.
All these add up to 'Remember the greater goal.'
What is my greater goal and how can I be happy in the moment if I constantly have to tell myself 'NO.'
First of all. My greater goal does not include not spending a penny and being miserable and house poor because I refuse to spend money.
So what are my goals here? Let me give you a quick and general rundown of a few of them. Its not exhaustive or extensive but its a general snapshot of my mind right now.
Goals;
1.) Live peacefully. Wow so general, but for me to live peacefully is to know that I have money to pay my bills, money to save for the future and for our goals and money to DO THINGS and take time off with Eze. Quality time is extremely important to me and budgeting time and money for this is a major priority! Living peacefully also means working out the differences I have with my Eze as we are two different people with different approaches towards finances. I am a planner and he is a free spirit and this is very good.
2.) Save for a house - this is currently in go mode
3.) Pay down student loans - this is running on 3 wheels - we are paying a little extra than the minimum payment but we are not giving it all we've got because we need to save for a house. Cash is king in that instance.
4.) 3 months living expenses saved. This is an ultimate goal - not there yet...
Like I said, the list is not exhaustive but its generally where my mind is at right now.
The BIGGEST challenge to myself is to not use the credit card. There are things I need to do that I have put off because of the situation with the car. I need to buy a pair of work shoes and I need to renew my passport. I have a commitment to pay for these things in cash which I have but for some reason fear rises up when I think of spending my cash stash which is silliness.
I do need to address #3 of my reminders. Happiness does not come from things. I SO often look to a small purchase to boost my mood but in the end it actually gives me a small degree of anxiety because I can think of a dozen other things I could have spent that money on than the meaningless thing I just bought. Makeup has been one of those small purchases that I've indulged in this past year. There is a limit to how much blush, lipstick or eye shadow you need! I find that the thought of paying for my shoes in cash at the expense of forgoing the impulse buy is far more rewarding! Every little bit adds!!
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