How to learn to spend money without guilt
'07.07.2019'
Source: Life hacker
There is nothing embarrassing to sometimes buy something just for fun.
You probably met the advice to refuse coffee takeaway or a new pair of shoes in order to quickly save up for a large purchase. If only it were that simple! Unfortunately, the refusal of petty spending almost does not bring to a new apartment or early retirement. But constant restrictions increase stress. And when you deny yourself everything, it is easy to break down and buy something unnecessary under the influence of emotions, writes Life hacker.
And hardly take away coffee - the cause of your financial problems. Rather, they are to blame for the lack of a clear budget and good financial habits. But it is quite possible to fix it.
1. Make a financial plan and stick to it.
Perhaps you think that money spent on yourself could have gone for something more important. Of course, you will feel guilty, if after purchase you are not sure whether you will not have to save on food next month. In this case, financial planning will help.
Try to build a budget on the principle of 50 / 30 / 20. According to it, 50% of income is spent on mandatory payments and needs, 30% on entertainment and 20% on self-help in the future (savings for some purpose, creation of a reserve fund, investments).
Naturally, you can adjust it to your conditions. If your city is very expensive housing, distribute income on the scheme 60 / 20 / 20. If you want to pay off the debt more quickly or save for a vacation, increase the amount in the third category.
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When you know exactly how much is spent on basic needs and savings, you can safely spend the rest on yourself.
Now, instead of repeating "I have to be more responsible with money," you can say to yourself: "I took care of my bills and goals and can please myself with something, because I earned this right."
Do not scold yourself if you deviate from the plan and spend too much on pleasure. Just adjust the budget for the next month, reducing costs in the appropriate category. After all, for this you need a plan - to help yourself control spending.
2. Change your attitude to the budget
Many people think that the budget does not allow spending money at all. In fact, it does not limit, but frees. With it, you take care of yourself. Having calculated in advance how much you need for basic needs and long-term financial goals, you can safely spend the rest on entertainment or self-development.
You have worked to earn this money, so why not spend it on yourself? You deserved this dinner in a restaurant, or a trip with friends, or a new thing. You do not have to blame yourself for a spontaneous purchase, because it is included in the budget.
3. Spend free money only
If you need to take a loan for a purchase or pay with a credit card, refuse it. If you want to get into the reserve fund, also refuse. A reserve fund is needed for emergency cases such as illness or loss of work.
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If you don’t borrow money and don’t ignore your financial goals, and you still have a feeling of guilt, it’s probably a matter of the purchases themselves. Keep track of what you are buying for a couple of weeks. Write down every waste in a notebook and evaluate how valuable this purchase is for you. If something does not bring joy and benefit, but you buy it out of habit, stop doing so.
4. Find a little more money for yourself
- Trim one cost category to be enough for something else. For example, you want to go to the gym, but you do not have a free amount for a subscription. Try to give up something else, such as lunch in a cafe or going to the movies.
- Sell unwanted items. Surely you have appliances, clothes, books or furniture in good condition that you no longer use. Get rid of excess and get some money for something nice for yourself.
- Watch for discounts and sales, look at sites with used items. It is not necessary to buy the thing you dream about at full price.
