Living on the edge, just one paycheck away from certain poverty is not a lifestyle that anyone enjoys. Yet, the vast majority of the American population (approximately 75%) live this way. Unfortunately, it’s a scenario doomed from the start, wherein any situation that presents itself that requires money, will unravel your delicate financial state. The good news is that there are many ways to turn your life around and enjoy a bright financial future.
Debt Free
You see the word “debt-free” and you say to yourself, what? It’s impossible. The truth is it’s not impossible to become debt free. The reality is that you are in complete control of what you owe. If you spend money irresponsibly you will never have any money. However, if you learn to be responsible with your money, you will have money. The key is to stop putting items on credit. It’s easy, of course, but did you ever stop to think what this convenience is costing you? If you can’t afford to buy it with cash, then you can’t afford it now. And, if you purchase it regardless, you won’t be able to pay the entire credit card bill and here’s where they get you. Now you’ll pay the minimum payment due monthly for a few years. If you do the math, you will end up paying 2 to 3 times the cost of the original item.
Home Maintenance
Maintaining your home is another way to ultimately spend less. Most major repairs signal themselves in plenty of ways prior to actually breaking down. For instance, you have a small puddle of water on your basement floor, so you wipe it up and move on. However, that small puddle is a slow drip from a pipe with a fine crack and, if ignored, will lead to a burst pipe. And now, instead of a nominal fee for replacing a small piece of pipe, you have hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars in repairs. Another example is pest droppings. You see them inside a cabinet drawer and clean it up instead of thinking “I have a pest control company near me, maybe I should call them.” What follows is serious damage to your home’s structure and possibly even sickness to a family member.
A Low Key Lifestyle
In order to achieve a comfortable lifestyle, you have to spend less than you make. Many wealthy people started out with humble beginnings. They lived on the bare minimum and enjoyed doing simple things that cost very little in the form of money. Instead of having a two hundred dollar dinner out, they opt to dine in by candlelight. Or, instead of spending money on an expensive gaming system, they visit an arcade once a month. Reeling in your spending on frivolous expenses will put money back into your pockets, where it belongs.
Saving Money
Saving is probably not at the top of your list of things to do. However, saving money is a key element in anyone’s financial wealth. If you are unable to save money, you’ll always fall short when an unexpected bill or repair comes along. Establishing a savings will give you peace of mind in that should you need extra money, you have it at your disposal.
Smart Purchases
There will come a time when you need something and it requires spending money. Before making the purchase blindly, make sure to shop around to get the best price possible without sacrificing on quality, that in the end may end up costing more. For example, if your washer breaks, shop around for a sale, but make sure to purchase one that’s energy-efficient.
Anyone can achieve the American dream of a comfortable lifestyle. If you curb your spending, create savings, spend less than you make, and shop smart, you’ll learn the value of every dollar made and put more away for your future.
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