BACKSTORY
Let’s get real! I know I advocate financial freedom on here and how to budget and be on top of your game! But we all have times when we aren’t perfect and somehow things don’t go as planned. That’s exactly what happened with me. I moved out back in June of 2016 with my boyfriend and with being moved out I managed to pay off my car, increase my retirement savings to 6%, and go on a few mini weekend trips. Looking back I can’t believe I was able to do all that. But I’ve also managed to spend money where I really shouldn’t have.
WHAT HAPPENED?
I have been in this impulse buy mentality, I’ve been purchasing way more than I used to. I think it’s a combination of making a little more money, not having a car payment and having more disposable income, and watching a lot more fashion and beauty related videos. All these factors have contributed to MY decisions. I made the decisions to purchase items and to watch those type of videos. I believe that what you take in has an influence on what you do. When I was trying to pay off all my debt I focused on money related entertainment. So I listened to Dave Ramsey’s podcasts, I watched Suze Orman, and I talked more about money to people so it was a recurring idea that I focused on solely.
CONCLUSION! HOW I’M GOING TO FIX IT HOW YOU CAN TOO!
So what did I learn? Well, I’m glad I went through this phase in my life, because I feel more confident in myself. I have a better understanding of my style and how I want to express myself. I can recognize the things that I am genuinely love. BUT MIA HOW ARE YOU GOING TO FIX THIS!?!?!? So for me I realized that other things have a HUGE influence on what I’m doing, so instead of listening to youtube videos ALL THE TIME! I’m going to change it up and get some balance in my life and also talk more about budgeting and being more strict on myself.
- 1. I’m going to continue watching style videos that I love, but less haul and consumerism videos. I want to balance that with more personal development ideals that I can resonate with and implement into my life.
- 2. I want to finish the Audio book You are a Baddass.
- 3. I want to re-infuse financial podcasts into my commutes from work to school.
- 4. I want to start listening to music in my car too, (I usually drive in silence, I know weird), music that inspire me to stay creative and calms me.
- 5. Write down monthly financial goals to check in with myself on what I’m doing and where I want to go.
- 6. Implement a running list for the month, that helps me stick to the budget and not use my “fun” money on buying stuff I shouldn’t
Does this stuff happen to anyone or am I the only one?
XOXO MJ
