Truth: Unless you address your behavior around spending, nothing changes.
If only I could make six-figures. If only I earned more money in my job. If only, if only, IF ONLY……
The simple point of the matter is earning more money will not solve your money problems if you find yourself stressed, in debt, anxious and worried how you are going to make next month’s rent or mortgage payment. Did you know that up to 70% of lottery winners lose or spend all their winnings within 5 years or less? Lotto winners are more likely to declare bankruptcy.
According to a recent CNBC article, as many as 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. Many of those making over $100K (the magical six-figure threshold) say they are living paycheck to paycheck. Excuses abound for why this is. Many blame the politicians. Others blame the economy and sky-rocketing inflation. Yet others blame their employer for not paying enough or giving large enough raises. All those external factors have some validity, but I would argue the reason many live paycheck to paycheck is the one looking back in the mirror every morning. The reason is you.
Making more money only makes you more of what you already are. If you like to save, then your bank account balance will grow. If you like to spend, then you’ll spend even more. If you are in debt, and okay having monthly payments, well, you’ll go even deeper into debt. The problem in America today is not that you are poor. The problem is you have access to wealth, but you are broke. You are broke because of your mindset and your behavior towards money. Controlling the person in the mirror is the only way to no longer be broke.
You might be asking “how do I control the person in the mirror?”. The answer is to make a plan for your money and STOP making excuses and blaming others. Without a plan, money finds its’ own way. It drives you instead of you driving it.
The new year is coming up and you may already be thinking about getting in shape or dropping a few pounds as part of your resolutions for the new year. Think about how you approach losing weight. You make a plan. You create a menu. You join a gym. Some will hire a personal trainer for accountability. The point is you make a plan and then you must execute on your plan. The same holds true for your money. If you want to strengthen your financial muscle and shed pounds of debt, you MUST have a plan for your money.
Taking steps to strengthen your self-control, learning to sacrifice for the short-term and being disciplined will allow you to achieve goals and dreams you don’t even think are possible at the moment. Breaking unhealthy behaviors and habits around spending will be work and will take time BUT you will take control of your money.
Whether you make $30K per year of $330K per year, you can win with money. You can live a life where you control your money instead of it controlling you. You can live a life without debt. You can become a better steward.
Become A Better Steward,
Greg Carroll
Legacy Financial Coaching
Whether you are financially frustrated or have big money goals, I help you take control of your money so you can live debt-free, build wealth and better steward your resources to create a lasting legacy. Find out what its' like to Work With Me.
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