Bad Habits

I'm sure by reading my posts, you'll acknowledge that I'm becoming a "geek" to the land of budgeting. Well for myself that's a great move.
The past couple weeks has been an eye opener. I've managed to catch up with friends and within the last few days it has come to my attention that a few of us ladies do not tend to put our finance into consideration! Tut tut!

Time is money and money is time.

Ladies. Be careful on how you spend. This is an advice to myself over and over again. I know that I am not an expert at not carrying a certain amount of cash on me but be aware that spending to fulfil your needs when you are upset isn't a great idea either.
And ladies. Do me a favour and put your debit cards aside.

One friend of mine at work expressed to me that she spends a lot and on how much it is more or less becoming a habit. Yes the beginning is hard but disciple is a virtue too just as patience! Teach yourself that some items are not needed. just because its nice it doesn't mean that its a need. Learn the difference between your NEEDS and your WANTS and also if you have the money for it!

How did I overcome it?

- I looked at my bank statement once and was ashamed of two things: 1. Small consistent purchases made and 2. Sum of the figures spent. This made no sense and I realised that I wasn't working for free and needed to see the fruits of my labour.

- I started saving by doing it "small-small". I calculated how much I needed for my outgoings. From this point onwards the money which was left over, was directly popped into my savings.

- Writing and keeping notes on where your money is going, or in harsher terms, telling your money where to go is also another solution. Make sure that you are in full awareness of the bills which needs to be paid off first as this can have a bad result to your credit score.

- If I used cash, my change will be put aside. This has made me value change a lot more than dashing it around the house (I will post about it later on).

-Think of how your work schedule is for the week. Mentally tell yourself that you wake up to go to work and once work is over you will go straight home. With this technique you will not spend and if hungry tell yourself that you will eat at home.

- I looked at everything that I had at home. Clothes, shoes, jackets ect. and realised that it was more than ENOUGH! I had been buying things, that so many items still had tags on them or I either had a duplicate of an item which was either very similar but in a different colour.


Cutting a habit for myself is like giving your life away, but now, I can say that hard work makes you a lot happier than having a mounting of things which you will hardly remember.

Reading to better your goal

Books! I honestly wouldn't have grown the way I have today if it wasn't from them. Of course towards this journey and from the very first step I wanted to better myself with my financial habits and needed that little boost, these amazing lectures made me realise that it was achievable to change my ways of spending and perspectives.

7 Money Rules for Life by Mary Hunt had opened my eyes! I love this book and it also helps you to believe that whatever financial status you may find yourself in you will be able to get out that deep end with respected timing, discipline and patience. Borrowed from the library, I will definitely invest towards it!
If you are financially stable but would still want to go in deeper other reading books such us .... will
this is also a good way to see how you are progressing with your finance. Right? Doing a check on yourself here and there, lets you keep in check.

This blog is to help and better myself. I'm finding deeper passion in speaking about my goals, teaching my techniques with friends and still wanting to progress. Coming from a non taught financial family background, its come from a big realisation. Whilst on this subject, if you feel that financial books have helped in anyways, feel free to help people around you. It isn't everyday that we speak on how to save and how to be financial stable. If you cant afford to buy them right now, sign up to a library and get borrowing for free! (But be aware of when the book needs to be returned also)!

BOOKS

Sort Out Your Family Finance £10.99

-----------------

Personal Finances by Margaret Corridan £10.99

-----------------

7 Money Rules for Life by Mary Hunt £11.00 (approx.,)

Tip/Review:

These books are very helpful to see how you progress and for personal and professional guidance. Investment wise these books will help you to flick through, highlight whatever point that will benefit you (well that's how I like to read). On the other hand, if you also feel like after couple reads that it has helped you, you will be able to pass onto someone else :) 

x