1) Build a $1000
emergency fund asap!
2) Get a savings/investment/life insurance rolled into one (separate from
my company’s)!
3) Be debt–free!
4) Start the full 3 months’ worth of expenses emergency fund!
Then came November, I did manage to strike through items on
the list. In fact, I was able to add one goal to get the momentum going.
Hurray! (Remember though that in
#s 4 and 5, the operative word is “start”. Thus, we’re still a work in progress.) But I
have to admit, it didn't come all easy.
As I've shared with you on a previous entry, budgeting is a very
challenging task especially if the funds for expenses are on the negative. Trust me, no one will ever
say it’s easy; and this is the reason why people give up and go back to losing
control with their finances. So how I was I able to do it? Here’s how:
- I wanted the change so badly for me and my family. If it’s not obvious, when I want something, I really work hard to get that something. I don’t wait for it to get to me. I am a believer in hard work and sacrifices. You know what they say about how budgeting is the same as losing weight? It really is and I can personally attest to that because I have tried to lose weight a couple of times and succeeded by only eating a half cup of rice every meal. It really is excruciating to try to lower the consumption of rice but I had to do it. Then sacrifices call for patience. You don’t lose the weight right away. It took me almost a year to lose 10 pounds. But I didn't stop. I just had to keep my eye on the goal. Thus, budgeting is all about self–control and discipline to follow through with the plan. Just like in losing weight, nothing will if you don't change anything at all. If you don’t have self-control, you just have to have it. If you think you don’t have the discipline to follow through with your plan, then may be you can partner with someone who has who can consistently check up on you like a parole officer.
- We stuck to only having one helper. We used to have two.
- My family and I had to
scrimp on a P12K monthly “FOOD” budget for a household of 5 (3 adults and
2 kids). I believe that cooking all in a week’s meals has helped us a lot!
Really.
- I postponed paying the (self–imposed)
rent/allowance to my parents so I can use the fund to pay off debts. This act
broke my heart but you got to do what you got to do. Make negotiations when you need to.
- I became an Avon dealer
and sold a few thousands worth of items.
- I partnered with my
husband and together, we had weekly finance dates. Make personal finance a family thing.
- I got organized with papers
and finances through keeping a spreadsheet for the budget and tracking our
expenses. I also had lists and files of almost everything: goals,
accounts, FLOP, etc.
- I read and read and read
about personal finance, financial freedom, or financial independence. I've
tried to read them all. Haha! Jk. There you read stories full of
inspiration and strength. It’s just addicting and motivating. I am
grateful.
- I've attended free seminars and the likes. Remember that first free talk I attended facilitated by the Colayco Foundation? I found the time because it matters.
- I always try to be
grateful that I paid it forward. I hold sessions with friends to discuss
about budgeting and thank goodness, they've indulged me. LOL! And if you,
my friend, are reading this, thank you.
I know my list is quite generic. You
may have probably read the same points from other personal finance articles.
But the only difference is it came from me and that by doing these points, everything
is so much better than before. I am happier. My kids are happier and so is my
other half. If that doesn't tug at the heart strings then I don't know what else to
give you. :hide: At first, you may become a grumpy saver, but give it a few more
months and you’ll be happier. Nothing else; just simply happier. :)
In my next entry, I will talk about
the new budget goals of ours which are “Other Savings” and “Tithes/Charity”
that will surely make me happier. Hihi. :)
Have a good day, y’all.
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