For 2013, try being more intentional. What I mean is this: try to slow things down and act with a sense of control. You could do this in many areas of your life of course: you could be more careful with your eating, your exercise, the way you treat others. But for our purposes here, let's focus on being more intentional financially. Don't shoot for changing everything all at once. But take a step, take two steps, toward taking charge of your money. Here are two ideas:
1.) Shop with cash. Whenever you go out to buy something, whether it's groceries, clothes, a cup of coffee, whatever, plan what you're going to buy, and use cash to buy it. You will spend less than if you use a debit or credit card. There have been studies that show that shoppers who use cash spend much less than those who use plastic. And, you won't be tricked into those last minute impulse purchases - you know, those things you don't need at all, but buy anyway. Do this, and I bet you will spend less and feel more in command of your money.
2.) Pay off the smallest loan first. I've spoken of this in an earlier post, but it's worth repeating. If you have a lot of debt, spread over many things: car loan, credit cards, mortgage, and so on, a good way to make progress is to focus on paying off the smallest one first. Each month, you continue to pay all of your debts - paying the required amount, on time. Now, focus as much extra cash flow as you can onto the smallest of your debts (by smallest I mean the one with the smallest principal balance). Keep doing this until you pay that smallest debt off. This frees up some cash flow. Now, focus on the next smallest debt and try to pay that one off as quickly as you can. And so on until you're out of debt. This process might take time, several years even. But it works. By focusing on the smallest debt first, you will see your progress. And that will encourage you to continue. And, you will make an impact on your cash flow situation in the near term future.
Well, I hope these tips help. Here's to a happy, blessed, and intentional new year!
Peace!
1.) Shop with cash. Whenever you go out to buy something, whether it's groceries, clothes, a cup of coffee, whatever, plan what you're going to buy, and use cash to buy it. You will spend less than if you use a debit or credit card. There have been studies that show that shoppers who use cash spend much less than those who use plastic. And, you won't be tricked into those last minute impulse purchases - you know, those things you don't need at all, but buy anyway. Do this, and I bet you will spend less and feel more in command of your money.
2.) Pay off the smallest loan first. I've spoken of this in an earlier post, but it's worth repeating. If you have a lot of debt, spread over many things: car loan, credit cards, mortgage, and so on, a good way to make progress is to focus on paying off the smallest one first. Each month, you continue to pay all of your debts - paying the required amount, on time. Now, focus as much extra cash flow as you can onto the smallest of your debts (by smallest I mean the one with the smallest principal balance). Keep doing this until you pay that smallest debt off. This frees up some cash flow. Now, focus on the next smallest debt and try to pay that one off as quickly as you can. And so on until you're out of debt. This process might take time, several years even. But it works. By focusing on the smallest debt first, you will see your progress. And that will encourage you to continue. And, you will make an impact on your cash flow situation in the near term future.
Well, I hope these tips help. Here's to a happy, blessed, and intentional new year!
Peace!
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