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Saving money can be a lot like drinking eight glasses of water each day. Don’t you think? We know it’s a healthy thing to do. But, do we?
Many of us don’t. Did you know that about 80% of us walk around dehydrated? That’s a huge number!
How about you? Are you a water drinker?
I have to admit, I personally struggle with drinking eight glasses of water. It’s not my favorite thing, and to be honest, I’m just not fond of water.
Now, give me a good cup of hazelnut coffee — and I don’t have a problem gulping that down! It’s easy to see which would win — hands down — for me.
Over time, I’ve managed a few small changes. Like exchanging my lunchtime iced tea for a glass of water. (That means one less pack of sweetener each day, too. I’m just waiting for the experts to tell me it’s going to kill me!)
I talk myself into having a large glass of ice water in the evenings, too.
But, how exactly do we cross that bridge from *knowing* what’s good to do — into *doing* what’s good for us?
In a nutshell?
I believe it’s in the motivation. Like, reading an article on the wonderful things water does for the body. Or, reading a good book about the many benefits of water — and how it affects each and every organ in my body. (You know I’m a book addict, right?)
For me, it’s the kick in the pants I need. It encourages me — and reminds me of the *why.*
Without a *why,* it’s more difficult to make changes, or do something on a consistent basis.
So, why is saving money a lot like drinking that water? Because it may not be on our daily To-Do list. Or maybe it’s just not our favorite thing to do (wink).
How about your own *why’s* in saving? Why exactly would you want to save money?
Perhaps it…
* Gives you a sense of peace and well being.
You can sleep easy, knowing you’ve got your bases covered. Your children are well cared for. You’re able to provide for the necessities, and then some.
* Enables you to choose jobs you can truly enjoy.
Do you know someone who hates his or her job? We tend to ask why he/she stays in such a job. A common reply? “I can’t afford to leave. I’ll never make this kind of money elsewhere.” Owing no money — and having some set aside — can set you free from that type of thinking.
* Provides for those things that are important to you.
How about investing in your favorite hobby? Or funding a much-needed mini-vacation for you and your loved ones? Do you have a class you’ve been wanting to take (that you haven’t shared with anyone yet?)
* Buys you time when making decisions that cost you money.
Have you ever noticed that, when you can truly afford to pay for something (credit-free) — it takes away the urgency? That’s right. You’ve got the money, so you can take your sweet time thinking about your purchase. To find the best bargains. Even wait until you find *exactly* what you’re looking for.
* Enables you to help others.
It’s much easier to be generous when you’re not worried about your own basic needs being met, isn’t it? And the rewards for helping others? Priceless. You can even help others — and never tell a soul you did it. Just because you can — and because you want to.
* Eliminates worry.
Can you remember putting just three or four dollars’ worth of gas in your car’s tank, hoping it would get you through payday? (Hey, I remember those days! I love filling my tank now, and not having to worry about running out of gas!) It may seem such a simple thing, but imagine the stress created by not knowing!
So, what would your own *why* list look like? Take just three minutes now to jot down your reasons for saving a portion of your money. Post your list in your car, or anywhere you can see it on a regular basis.
Know your *why’s* — and use them as your motivation!
© 2005 Darlene Arechederra
About the Author:
Darlene Arechederra is the creator of “Goodbye Boss, Hello Kids! — A Mom’s Guide to Coming Home From The Workplace.” Moms who have considered returning home will enjoy her FREE Report, “5 Secrets to Coming Home.” Claim your free report at
http://AffordToStayHome.com/5secrets.html
Also, enjoy her FREE report, “Five Deadly Myths of Saving (and How to Save Anyway!)” Simply Right-Click Here:
http://RatRaceRemedies.com/5-deadly-myths-saving.pdf
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