Our internal language is extremely powerful! If we internalize that we are NOT good at math, sports, cooking, etc. then we will NOT succeed in these areas. However, if we simply note we are not the BEST and are willing to get better, we will take steps to improve. Focusing on money, many times we jacked up our credit in our early adulthood, after a divorce or when you or a loved one was terminally ill or had an expensive medical emergency. (Note: I have never heard of an inexpensive medical emergency.) This can lead us to believe we can NOT improve our financial circumstances. I can absolutely tell you this isn’t true. Changing what you say to yourself can improve your relationship with money.

1. I can create a budget I can live by!

Budgets are not a bad word. You can create a budget that fits your lifestyle. The importance of a budget is to inform you when you are NOT living below your means. It’s simply an organizational tool for your money. If you don’t like your budget then change your budget…EASY!

2. I can SAVE money!

Saving can seem very difficult when you don’t have an accurate account of where your dollars are going. It is important to have a budget so you can track your money. Your budget should be set-up so that you pay yourself first and cover your living expenses.

3. I am more than my DEBT!

The debt you have may seem insurmountable. But like most things in life, you probably didn’t accumulate your debt overnight. It may have taken you 3 years, 10 years or 20 years. You look around and you may not have much to account for the amount of debt you have accumulated. Best believe YOU are MORE than you debt. While your debt is a dollar amount your worth is PRICELESS! You have dreams, hopes, aspirations and achievements. You are MORE than your debt.

Changing your invoice to speak positively is pivotal to improving your finances or any other aspect of your life. Once you make the switch changing your habits will become easier overtime. Don’t give up and don’t give in!

 

My 6 year old nephew is my nerd mini-me. He is very observant, inquisitive and strategic. However, at times, he gives up too quickly if a situation is not as easy as he thought. Recently, his strategic side overtook his quit easily side.

Last week, my sister took her children to Target. While in the store they went into the toy section. Of course my nephew fell in love with a new shiny toy. But what happened next made me especially PROUD.

He looks at the toy then checks the price. The toy cost $29.99. He asks his mom, my sister, if she had money to buy him the toy immediately. Does this sound familiar? She does as she always does and tells him, “Son, I don’t have money for that today.” Well like any kid who so desires a new shiny toy, my nephew starts pondering ways to pay for it. His thought process and rationale are those of a financially focused adult.

#1: Cost Cutting Method – Not discouraged, my nephew turns to my niece. He says “Mom spent that amount on us to eat out last night. We should have bought wings, cooked them and eaten at home.” If you can’t make more money to get the things you need and want, find ways to cut your expenses to afford them. My nephew is willing to cutout dining out…except on his birthday.

#2: Savings – My nephew then turns to his mom and request they go home immediately so he can count the money in his piggy bank. His piggy bank was about $20 too short to buy the new toy. Saving for the things you want is important.

#3: Delay of gratification – My sister asks my nephew if he is going to ask his aunt to purchase the toy for him since he doesn’t have enough money. He says “No. I’ll wait for Christmas.” If something is NOT a necessity then you can WAIT to get it.

#4: Earn Money – My nephew decided he could make money to buy the toy. He inquired about a “game” my mom played with my niece. For every 3 sentences he writes, my nephew earns a dollar. Too bad for him my mom lives an hour away so he won’t be collecting his cash anytime soon.

#5: Don’t Give Up – My nephew never gave up! He knew there was a solution to his quest to get that new shiny toy. Find the tenacity to get what you want without going into debt.

I’m so proud of my 6 year old nephew. I wonder who is going to buy the toy for him because if he is like me that money he earns will sit in his piggy bank…LOL

Just in case you didn’t notice, children pay close attention to adult behaviors!