Many readers have been emailing me recently saying that they feel deprived since they have gone on a strict budget because they feel “financial tough times.”
I would like to share a quotation from a friend when he had explained that he has started to cut-out certain “luxuries” that he used to take for granted.
He said “After all, Frugal isn’t fatal; it is a skill to be learned.”
I love this person’s winning attitude!
If you have financially had to “Tighten Your Belt” you too can avoid feeling that you are in an environment of deprivation.
Today’s “Secrets For Money” are my tips for ways that you can quickly and easily shift your focus from “What You Don’t Have” to “What You Do Have.”
1) Separate your wants from your needs: Remember how great it is that buying less now can help you achieve your future goals. Yes, this too shall pass; it is a time of transition to a bright today and future. Later on in time, you can make that ‘big purchase’ that you want. Focus on the success of creating this healthy habit for yourself, your willpower is like a muscle, the more you use it the more it develops, and gets stronger with use.
2) Enjoy Simple Pleasures and Pastimes: Truly stay “present” and let yourself fully experience everyday FREE gifts you receive that don’t cost you a penny or many items very little. Let yourself experience the fulfillment, satisfaction, and meaningful presence of all the wonder that is around you in every moment. Whether it is a smile form a stranger, when you witness a beautiful sunset, that first bite of very fresh, ripe fruit, a great night’s sleep, petting and appreciating your cat or dog…the list is enormous! Yes, that sunset is free!
3) Become a Saver not a Spender: Let go of the word “Deserve”: When we hear yourself saying “But I have to have this, I deserve it!” This stage of you needing to go on a “spending plan—a.k.a. “budget” can be temporary. But if you make it about what you “deserve” and that by not having something you are experiencing scarcity, not choice, then this stage will be more emotionally painful for you than it needs to be. It comes down to “luxuries” versus “necessities” if you are working your budget and “back to basics” can be fun.
You are making necessary financial adjustments and are re-working your relationship with money by being financially honest with yourself. You simply are choosing to not live beyond your means right now, that’s all!
Maintain an attitude of gratitude, be your “best self” and celebrate!
Copyright © 2009 by Mara Rogers of Secrets for Money http://www.SecretsForMoney.info
Photo Credit: This photograph “The sunsets are free” by Kevin Dooley. For more of this Photographer’s work: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pagedooley/ and http://www.flickr.com/people/pagedooley/
For more “Secrets” to making money, saving money, and managing your money go to the Archives at Secrets For Money http://www.SecretsForMoney.info/blog
This article is featured as an “Editor’s Pick” at The Festival of Frugality at Remodeling This Life
http://www.remodelingthislife.com/2009/03/17/festival-of-frugality-st-patricks-day-edition/
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