“If you would be wealthy, think of saving as well as getting.”
Ben Franklin
The holidays are upon us, so this seems like the perfect time to give some of our attention to our spending habits.
Affirmation: I can control my spending habits.
“Wisely managing my spending requires the same self-control I excercise in the other aspects of my life.
I anticipate days when making ends meet may be harder than usual. It is these days that give me the drive to maintain control of my spending habits and I make it a point to save for rainy days.
How I spend, what I choose to buy and what I choose to support, are a reflection of my character. I am honest with myself. So I can be honest about what I can and cannot afford. I live a worry-free life, so I ensure that my spending habits keep me from having to worry about putting meals on my table or clothing my loved ones.
Tody, I commit to spending wisely, consciously and thoughtfully.
Sometimes, impulse purchasing is a real challenge for me. I am human, I occasionally feel the urge to give in to my desire to spend. But I take a breath and a moment to look at the bigger picture.
I consider the possible outcomes of choosing to make the purchase and choosing to refrain from buying the item. Is there is any possible sign of hardship to come from doing so?
Today, I vow to work hard to control my spending habits. I know that financial situations sometimes arise that will alter my plans, but I commit to handling them as best as I can.”
Homework: Self-Reflection Questions
1. How do I feel when a loved one asks me to purchase something for their pleasure that I know I cannot afford?
2. Do I take the time to teach my children how to save?
3. What is my plan for recovery after allowing myself to make an impulse purchase?
Thoughts?
Comments?
How is these Sunday posts working for you?
If you haven’t read any of these Sunday posts before, here’s the deal…
This is a short term experiment.
My current plan is to do this every Sunday at least until the end of the year in preparation for our week ahead. But I need help. I need for you to do four things for me.
1. Read the affirmation and statement aloud to yourself.
2. Write out your answers to the self-reflective questions. You don’t have to share them if you don’t want to, but write them down for your own benefit and boost.
3. Subscribe. If we continue this series, the only way you will get it on a regular basis is to subscribe.
4. Comment. I don’t usually press for comments, but as I continue to consider adding this additional feature to the blog, I am asking for feedback. If you liked it, or didn’t. If you see ways that I can tweak it to make it better. If you found the exercise helpful or not. If you had some kind of breakthrough, epiphany or wake up call. If you’d rather get this as a newsletter on a monthly basis. Anything…
The bottom line for this experimental feature: No comments or feedback, no musings. Ok?
See you next week!
photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/symic/2733544788/sizes/z/in/photostream/
