When I take a look at my statements and view my Mint.com spending trends, I always review my expenditures to see if everything on the list TRULY added to my happiness. How much did I spend on “keeping up with the Joneses” and what did I spend on what REALLY contributed to my ultimate life? Those Joneses are quick like bunnies and keeping up with myself is the only race I want to be in.
Make a list of everything that you’re spending and then ask yourself the following:
– Did this expense contribute to my overall happiness?
– Did this expense make me a bigger person?
– Was this expense a “Want” vs a “Need”?
– Would I have felt more satisfied if I allocated this money somewhere else?
Write down what really makes you happy. What would your day-to- day events be? What would you want to do more- travel, spend time with family, more sports events or continue your education?
Make a week of your ULTIMATE life and then compare it to what you’re spending now. See if you’re trying to get a quick fix on things that don’t contribute to your best life vs. spending or saving towards things that you really want.
It is amazing how we live these lives and many times don’t do everything that we truly want to do. We’re here just once so living our ultimate life is what we need to do. Now that you know what you really want, support it with your spending- be it writing a book, learning to sail, opening your own business, having a TV show or getting a new career that supports your values.
Here is what you need to ask yourself….
–How do I achieve this? What is my first step?
–If I had no chance of failing, what would my next step be?
–What would make me feel most comfortable with this decision?
–If I did know the solution right now, what would it be?
See where your money is going and if it isn’t supporting your best life – change it!
Love your money and it’ll love you back with your best life,
Dave
