This is day 9 of the 30 Days of Financial Affirmations challenge. If you missed any of the previous days, check out the overview page for links to the other affirmations.
There’s this trend going around where we feel that we have to buy what we can’t afford. Or, even worse, we purchase items that are out of our budget, and then catch ourselves “making room in the budget” for it after the fact. No. Just, no.
When we do these things, we are abusing our money. We using it for things that we aren’t supposed to, and we’re being frivolous with the value of our funds. Forget acting our age. We need to act our WAGE.
Yes, act like you have some sense (or dollars and cents). The biggest part of appreciating what we already have when it comes to finances is using it appropriately. If you can’t afford new items for your business, because all of that business money isn’t in, then wait. Act your current wage.
I have to admit, this is very difficult for me, even after all of these years. As a blogger, there’s always some new book, or class, or piece of photography equipment that I want. But, there’s also rent, and school tuition, and groceries that need to be taken care of first. I don’t want to disrespect my money by using it inappropriately, so I behave myself. I act my wage. I save, little by little, until I can afford to get my “wants” and not jeopardize my “needs.”
Here is today’s affirmation:
I vow to act my wage and respect my finances. My needs will always come before my wants.
Today’s task is simple but difficult. Walk the walk. Go through your finances, yet again, and make sure that you aren’t smuggling your funds into items that are wants, rather than needs. Don’t worry — we have a task later in the month that will tackle how to purchase your wants without disrespecting your incoming money. But for now, let’s clean house and show our finances that we can act our wage.
I’m learning to act my wage. This year I’m doing a lot better than I have in the past. After making financial mistakes when I was younger, I’m trying to make smarter choices for my family.
Why do we humans not act our wage? Is it because we want to keep up with the Jones even though our purchases bring us buyers remorse and anxiety. This year I am realizing that I do not need or use more than half of the items I own. The items sit in drawers, closets, cabinets and hiding places never to be used. I have read the Minimalists book – Everything that Remains, and it hit home hard. I now try to purchase only what I need or am going to use. This week I am observing the items I USE each and everyday and you know what they are very few from all the items I own. I hope to be a minimalists soon so I can enjoy the freedom it brings.