Give Yourself a Pat on the Back

I think all of us deserve a pat on the back for the step(s) we have already taken, like attending last week's class. That was no small step, to be interested in learning something new in the financial arena. Also, as I was talking with a friend yesterday I was thinking that it might seem like "no fun" to constantly be reducing expenses. However if we take stock of what we have accomplished once in a while we might be more excited about moving forward in a similar manner.

At the end of 2007 I took some time to write down all of our financial accomplishments. My list included how much we had invested, by how much we'd reduced our student loans, how much we saved on groceries, the fun trips we took, as well as some intangibles like the financial freedom we were feeling because we brought all our financial issues into the light. This list was such a boost and proved to me that yes, all of our hard work was worth it.

Take 15 minutes and think of the good things you are already doing, whether that is trading babysitting time, shopping at consignment stores, or investing. I bet you have a few tricks already in place. Now write these down, there is power in the written word. The goal is to add a few more and to begin to think more creatively of ways to spend less money. In another month or two write an updated list of all the things you have accomplished this summer, perhaps those discussed in class. You are worth it and this "work" will be worth it!