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  • Writer's pictureKel Galavan

Not your mother's budget: how to get smart with money

We've all heard the saying, "Money doesn't grow on trees." But what if it did? What if there was a way to budget and get smart with your money so that you could see it grow? Well, there is. The key is thinking outside the typical "mother's budget" mentality and feeling like a money success. Here, we'll explore some tips for building your very own successful budget.


A mother's budget, ( it's not my favourite phrase by the way) is looking only at the euro and cents in isolation and sticking cleanly within the boundaries of what you have. While this is great for staying within the budget it can sometimes lead to feelings of frugality and deprivation and that can sometimes be counter-productive.


Don't worry. When it comes to getting smart with money, so many of us feel stuck in a rut. But your finances don't have to be complicated – or tedious! Whether you're just starting out or have been plugging away to get ahead for a while. Breaking outside the money box, so to speak, will get you thinking and set you on the actual path to success.


Read on and get those creative, smart money thoughts flowing.





1. Be patient and understand that success doesn't happen overnight.


Anyone who has tried to get their finances in order knows sometimes it is not a quick or easy process. It takes time to make sound decisions about spending and saving. However, patience and perseverance are key. Those who are successful with money understand that it is a marathon, not a sprint.


They also know there will be setbacks along the way, but they don't let them deter them from their ultimate goal. For anyone trying to get their financial life in order, it is important to remember that success takes time. It takes time, effort, and discipline to achieve lasting financial stability. But for those who are willing to put in the work, it is possible. Don't give up.


2. Embrace resilience and can bounce back from failures


Money is one of the most common causes of stress in people's lives. Financial problems can lead to relationship problems, health problems, and a whole host of other issues. However, it is important to remember that money is just a tool. It is not the root cause of many of life's problems. Therefore, getting smart with money and learning how to use it to your advantage is important.


One way to do this is to embrace resilience. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks quickly. This is an important quality if you want to be successful in life. If you learn to embrace resilience, you will find that you can recover from financial failures much more quickly. This will leave you with more time and energy to focus on the things that truly matter in life.


3. Trust yourself to be smart with your money and save for the future.


The first step to getting ahead is understanding your relationship with money. Do you tend to spend impulsively, or are you more of a saver? Once you have a better handle on how you interact with money, you can start making changes to ensure that your finances are in order. One way to get smart with your money is to track your spending. This can help you identify areas where you may be able to cut back or make adjustments to improve your financial health.


Another key aspect is saving for the future. It can be difficult to save but setting aside even a small amount each month can add up over time and provide you with a cushion in case of unforeseen expenses. In addition, get smart with money by investing in yourself. Investing in your education, career or mindset can pay off in the long run and help you reach your financial goals. These steps allow you to get smart with your money and set yourself up for success.


4. Relish in your positive outlook on life and believe that anything is possible


A positive outlook towards life opens up a world of possibilities. A person who believes that anything is possible is more likely to make the most of their opportunities. This kind of thinking allows you to be proactive instead of reactive, which is essential for financial success. It also helps you to identify and seize opportunities as they arise. So if you're looking to get ahead financially, it's time to start relishing in your positive outlook on life. Who knows what amazing things you'll achieve if you believe anything is possible?



5. Be proactive and take the initiative.


If you want to get your finances in order, being proactive and taking the initiative is key. Track where you are spending and find areas where you can cut back. If you have debt, create a plan to pay it off. One way is to focus on the debts with the highest interest rates first and make extra payments whenever possible. Finally, prepared as much as you can for unexpected expenses by building up a rainy day fund. By taking these proactive steps, you can get your finances on track and reach your financial goals.


6. Figure out a clear goal and be willing to work hard to achieve it


It is hard work to get ahead these days. The cost of living is rising while wages remain stagnant. If you want to be fancy about it it, let's call it stagflation. To get ahead, it is essential to be smart with your money and have a clear goal in your mind. Figure out what you want and make a plan to get there. Set aside money each month to save up for your goal. This will discipline but it is worth it.


Make smart choices with your spending, and avoid unnecessary debt. It may take some time and effort, but if you are willing to work hard, you can get there, and it will feel amazing. Just remember to stay focused and stay the course.


Summary


So, if you want to up your money game, think outside the 'mother's budget' and get smart with money, start here. Step aside from the traditional mother's budget and create your path with money. Remember, it's never too late to learn - even those of us who have struggled with finances in the past can improve our relationship with money by studying and applying these principles. What are some other tips you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments!


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If you want more ideas on how to rock your money, especially the headspace part, join the thousands of others who quietly & diligently read the Smart Money Times and carve their own path.





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