We are in a midst of the holiday season and you are probably busy shopping for presents for your loved ones, going down the list of what they would like to have and experience… So, because we are in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the pre-Christmas and Hanukkah holidays, I want to invite you to take a deep breath with me here… and talk about one of the most important aspect of Wealth Creation – SPENDING.
Allow me to start with sharing with you a short tale about my own journey to wealth and financial freedom…
As a first generation immigrant, I experienced a modest lifestyle first hand when we first came to America from Europe. Although we were well educated, my family had a very humble beginning in our new home country. I was happy about every work opportunity I could get (e.g. florist assistant, computer programmer, consultant, etc.) because it was an opportunity to take care of my family.
During this time we were spending over 80% of the moneys we earned on necessities (food, cloth, transportation, job search) but we never felt poor. Although we worked hard just to make ends meet, we had quality time with family and friends, felt blessed for the opportunity to live in this great country and were inspired to achieve Financial Freedom.
I share with you my “humble beginning” story to underscore that no matter how little your current income may be, you can plan your spending in such way that would allow you to live comfortably and enjoy life. You must be flexible with your expectations and patient with your BIG Dreams. Reckless spending and taking too much risk lead to accumulated stress and dis-ease.
There are a lot of high income earners that make a lot of money but spend even more to support their lifestyle. So, the “money drama” may happen to anyone if you lack awareness of your “spending habits” and lose control of your financial situation.
The truth is that you can enjoy the fullness of life on a modest income and feel miserable while having a fortune. Your family can be just as happy in a $200,000 house as in a $2 million house. Driving a used but good brand car will get you to your destination the same way as a new one but you will not lose money for paying “the latest season model.” Eating “in” more often than eating “out” will allow you to have quality “home-made” food and save quite a bit of money at the same time. Avoiding paying high toll fees whenever possible is another “saving idea.”
You can buy latest and greatest expensive gadgets for your kids but your love and attention will always matter more than ‘things’ that you buy. You can have an “expensive look” by having fewer but better quality pieces of cloth and learning how to put them together in a way that embellishes your appearance. You can find great vacation opportunities on a relatively small budget – just need to do some research on-line. In fact, true luxuries in life require very little money.
Whatever you want to buy, do it because YOU want it and can afford it, not in order to impress your family members, neighbors or colleagues. Owning expensive things will not make them like you more. Being attentive and kind very well may.
It is very difficult to accumulate wealth and achieve Financial Freedom if your “spending appetite” increases every time your income goes up. The spending jar has a hole in it…everything you put in it will be gone by the end of the year and the faster you spend the faster you need to re-fill it.
Be mindful of your “spending appetite.”
While spending money prudently is a virtue, being stingy (e.g. paying less than market value for services) simply because you can, is a flaw. Money, as a form of energy, needs to be in motion. You must GIVE in order to RECEIVE as postulated in one of the Universal Laws of Abundance. This is an important aspect of your spending pattern… and a reason why your spending must always include giving and donating to the causes that you support.
One more thing… Setting very aggressive financial goals or desiring “expensive toys”—fancy new cars, extravagant vacations and exquisite jewelry—drive many smart folks to take greater risks. A few of very successful people (doctors, lawyers, movie stars, famous athletes and businessmen) experienced financial ruins by taking too much risk. Smart financial decisions are cautious decisions… When you must take risk, do so with some sort of loss limit in mind. A good habit is to never lose more than you are comfortable losing.
When it comes to wealth building, slow but steady growth is the key.
If you experience money worries and financial anxiety or have reached a financial plateau and don’t know what to do next – I am just a phone call away. For the next couple of weeks, I offer you an opportunity to have a complimentary money breakthrough strategy session with me. You can schedule it right on this website or at www.thinkandlivewealthy.com/apply
To your Health, Wealth and Happiness,
Millen
