It’s no secret that most people have a complicated relationship with money. For some, it brings feelings of joy and abundance, while for others, it can be associated with stress, anxiety, and scarcity.
If you want to improve your relationship with money, it’s important to take some steps to reduce your stress and get your finances under control. Here are some tips you can start using today!
Think About Your Current Relationship with Money
Money is often seen as a symbol of success, which can add to the pressure we feel to earn more and spend less. This can create a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break. The good news is that there are ways to be mindful of your current relationship with money and work toward a healthier one.
Make time to think about your relationship with money. How do you feel about it? Do you tend to worry about money or feel guilty when you spend it? Take some time to really dig deep and define how you feel and where those feelings come from. Then you can start replacing those money stories with something more helpful.
Create a Budget
Making a budget may not sound like the most exciting way to spend an afternoon, but it is an important step in ensuring your financial well-being and creating a healthy relationship with money.
A budget can help you track your spending, set aside money for savings and investments, and avoid becoming overwhelmed by debt. The key to creating a successful budget is to be honest with yourself about your income and expenses. Expenses and debt can spiral over time with disastrous consequences, so if you find yourself in that position you might want to consult with a Phoenix bankruptcy attorney, who can help you through this difficult time.
Once you have a clear picture of your inflows and outflows, you can start making adjustments to ensure your spending doesn’t outpace your income. Be sure to include “fun money” in the budget — it will help you stick to your plan because you won’t feel deprived.
Reduce Your Bills
You’d be surprised how many of your bills can be negotiated and how much savings you can get by switching providers.
For example, if you aren’t in a television contract, you might find a new provider that offers a much lower introductory rate for six months. Or, even if you have a poor driving record, you can shop around for better car insurance. Always check a company’s star rating before you switch. Freeway Insurance reviews have high star ratings so you can be confident that Freeway Insurance has some great rates for not-so-great drivers.
As you get control of your bills and lower your payments, you’ll find your anxiety about money is much lower. Paying less can give you the chance to breathe easier and also have more space in your budget.
Make Money Work for You
Many people with a poor relationship with money feel enslaved by it, but the truth is that cash is a resource you can use to make your life what you want it to be. When you adjust your relationship with money, you can have a healthier attitude about your budget and your spending.
Take a look at these tips and pick one to start on today!