104 Ways to Feel Better About Your Financial Situation
- This too shall pass.
- Even if it takes a long time, you will get to the other side of this.
- You are not alone, even though it feels that way. Lots of people struggle, you just don’t know because people don’t talk about money.
- “Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver.” – Ayn Rand
- You are capable of making good decisions.
- You have many options, including doing nothing at all.
- You can get quiet and realize you have all you need to choose the path that’s right for you.
- The world may tell you that you’re wrong but you don’t have to believe it.
- You may doubt yourself but the fact that doubt makes you feel yucky means it’s a lie.
- If you are vacillating it means you’re listening to conflicting voices/opinions. Find your own and follow it.
- It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, it happens to everyone. It doesn’t mean anything.
- Sleep on it.
- Talk to someone you trust.
- As my Mom would say, “Pray for guidance and go accordingly.”
- If you’re normally pessimistic (even if you prefer to think of it as being “realistic”), try on optimism for a half an hour today.
- Worry gives you the illusion that you’re controlling things but really it’s the worry that’s controlling you and is keeping you stuck.
- If you’re a worrier by nature, set a time limit (such as 15 minutes) for your worry time for the day. Once the time is up, so is your commitment to worrying.
- Did those 15 minutes change anything?
- Since they did not, realize that the difference between worrying about money and thinking about money is that thinking about money results in a decision.
- A decision is an off-ramp from the worry highway.
- Every incremental decision you make to become more whole, more at peace, makes you more whole and at peace.
- When faced with a financial decision, realize the emotion backing it. Name it. Then it won’t have power over you.
- If the emotion is fear-based, identify the worst case scenario or outcome and then ask yourself, “What is the probability of this outcome?”
- If the probability’s less than 100% move on. It’s just a distraction.
- Sometimes we create obstacles to give us time to process a decision.
- Acknowledge that you need time and perspective so you don’t have to rely on the obstacle(s).
- Anything can happen.
- Including the incredibly easy, joy-filled, good stuff.
- Just because it isn’t easy doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
- Just because it is easy doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
- Everyone is on their own journey.
- All your best decisions are those made in love.
- Ask yourself what love-based decisions look like so you’ll recognize when you’re making them.
- Have you noticed that most of these can be applied to other areas of life?
- Find an area of your life that’s going well and duplicate those behaviors in your financial life.
- “He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.” – Socrates
- If you can be impulsive, get to know yourself so well so that when you do act on impulse, you can trust that it’s the right move to make.
- If you don’t know what is important to you you’ll continue to wander and squander.
- You can always choose a different path.
- “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” ~ Anatole France
- Your ego will always tell you that you are not good enough, that you don’t have enough, and that you’re not doing enough.
- Your ego is a liar.
- Since your ego does not like being called a liar, it will continue to try to make you believe it. Prepare for battle. Cross examine this false witness.
- “Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.” Franklin D. Roosevelt
- If financial security is your goal, what does financial security look like? Is it a certain amount in savings? Not having debt?
- If you’re on a mission to increase your savings, keep a little note in your wallet or on your phone that has a reminder. You’ll look at it every time you open your wallet or phone for something else.
- If you’re on a mission to decrease your debt, keep a little note in your wallet or on your phone that has a reminder. You’ll look at it every time you open your wallet or phone for something else.
- “Our beliefs are the invisible ingredients in all our activities.” ~Wayne Dyer
- Regret is the most expensive emotion. It is a bill you’ll pay the longest.
- Decide when your bill-of-regret is paid-in-full.
- Practice forgiveness (towards yourself and others) for financial mishaps.
- Practice again.
- Practice some more.
- Where you are now financially isn’t where you’ll be forever unless you choose to remain there.
- It’s typical to choose to remain in your current situation because it feels familiar and the unknown is scary.
- But how scary can it be, really?
- Imagine how your life, your relationships, your health, your perspective, etc. might change if your financial situation were to improve.
- Even if your financial situation didn’t improve, how might those things change?
- Don’t fear the numbers. The more you know, the more you can control.
- The more you know, the more you can choose.
- The thought of having to choose (and possibly choosing “wrongly”) is why most people procrastinate or avoid thinking about money.
- Procrastination will leave you feeling frustrated. Don’t put up with it.
- Avoidance lies to you by saying that it will protect you.
- Don’t fall for its lies.
- Avoidance really keeps you stuck and can lead to despair.
- Success is purely subjective.
- I don’t have to replicate someone else’s results to consider mine successful.
- Define what “success” means to you.
- Progress is positive.
- Lack of progress is a lesson in patience.
- And patience is a virtue.
- Just look how virtuous you are!
- Is there any proof that you’re financially messed up?
- Even if there is proof, is there any proof that you can’t straighten things out?
- You will be motivated by what you most value in the deepest part of you. Look at it.
- If you value freedom, what choices can you make financially that will help you be free?
- If you value comfort, what choices can you make financially that will help you feel comfortable?
- If you value security, what choices can you make financially that will help you feel secure?
- If you value _________what choices can you make financially that will help you feel _____________?
- As Joel Osteen says, “Speak victory over your life.” Instead of saying “I’m a financial mess,” say, “I used to be a mess financially but now things are starting to improve.”
- Give yourself a break.
- “Be grateful…. It’s the only totally reliable get-rich-quick scheme.” —Ben Stein,
- Before tackling a financial task (balancing your checkbook, paying bills, researching your retirement plan) create a pleasant environment. Read Money “Mise en Place.”
- Learn how to say “no” without guilt.
- Learn how to say “yes” with courage and confidence.
- Don’t make any impactful financial decisions when you’re under stress.
- To avoid #81, create financial policies for yourself.
- When you or anyone else feel afraid, it usually comes out as anger. Once you know this, you’re less likely to respond with anger.
- Some of your money must be for your enjoyment or you will become bitter and resentful. Allow yourself some treats.
- Judging yourself or anyone else doesn’t offer any benefit and changes nothing.
- You can do everything you believe you’re “supposed” to do with your money and still not have the results you desire.
- Determine what actions make sense to you.
- “Make all decisions based on the person you would like to become.” – Paul Homoly
- Emotions can distort our vision, especially when it comes to money. Take a breath and return when you’re calmer and clearer.
- Give up your addiction to comparing yourself to others.
- “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Theodore Roosevelt
- Your credit score doesn’t define you as a person.
- Almost everyone is weird about money, it’s not just you.
- Try to determine who is in your head as you think or worry about money. Did you inherit thoughts from a parent? Who is influencing you?
- Reading about personal finance can be a very clever form of procrastination if you don’t act on anything.
- It’s okay if you can’t afford it.
- Generosity is always a good choice.
- “Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that.” ~Norman Vincent Peale
- What one small step might you take this minute that could set you on a more positive path financially? Leave your ideas in the comments!
The above blog is by Amy Jo Lauber originally published on her blog page.
About the author: My mission: I help people make good financial decisions with confidence. My purpose: I help people find peace with money. As President of Lauber Financial Planning, I provide financial advice, guidance and coaching on a fee only basis (no products, no commissions). I run a monthly support group called “I HATE Budgeting (But I Like Having Money)”, offer classes and seminars, speak around the world on the psychological, sociological, spiritual and emotional aspects of personal finance, and am the author of the ground-breaking book, “Living Inspired and Financially Empowered: Aligning Our Spiritual and Material Lives.”
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