Really Learning to Live Within Our Means
We have been working hard over the last few months, and lately it seems easier than ever to live within our means. It really is a mindset. We’ve had to practice a lot over the last few months, but it’s paying off. We think hard before we buy something and I’ve finally made saving a priority.
Although I would love to put all my money at my debt, and I know my savings would grow faster if I didn’t have that debt, for the moment, we are putting money into savings every month. I am still managing to pay extra toward my Amex card, but the economy has made me realize just how important savings are to a comprehensive personal money management plan.
If we don’t have money to save, we are clearly not living within our means, so we have taken steps to correct that.
I try not to worry too much about my finances, because at the moment, I am doing all that I can reasonably do to improve them. I am working extra to earn enough to be able to both save and pay extra money monthly toward debts. I am spending less, which I achieved by cutting my satellite TV service in favor of the more economical Netflix subscription and an antenna. I am working to build up a side business to bring in even more money to help me pay off debts. Finally, I have not incurred any new debt since June of last year and my current plan doesn’t allow for any new debt ever.
Paying off debt is my most important financial goal, but I’m not going to do it to the detriment of my financial safety net. I do worry that if something unfortunate happens with our finances, we could see ourselves losing all the progress we’ve gained.
Money is tight right now and I want to have some money put back in case things take a turn for the worse. Hope for the best, be prepared for the worst is a saying that seems to be resonating with me right now. So that’s what I’m doing.
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