Rediscover Your Money!
"You can do this. One dollar at a time."
Rediscover Your Money!"You can do this. One dollar at a time." |
Rediscover Your Money"If your money has been coming and going and you have no clue where it's been, then it's time to start!" - Cindy's Porch
|
Track your spending for a few months. The first month is going to be an eye-opener. The second month is going to be an adventure. The third month is going to be amazing. Each month is going to teach you something new about how you spend money. Each month is going to show you new ways to save money! Each month is going to help you make your finances come alive!
Quick Note from Cindy: Before you read any further....Do you go through the Three Rules of not BUYing? These are going to save you thousands of dollars during this journey. Did you clear out your wallet and purse? How much clutter did you find? Any missing car keys (LOL)? Is your Spending Book tucked into your purse where you can find it? Have you started writing down every purchase that you make? Any surprises yet? For me, the amount I spent on junk food, sodas, and crafting supplies was a huge eye-opener. Keep going with this. Lastly, have you created a space where you can manage your money? Can you find your bills, your checkbook, stamps, pens, a calculator, etc? If yes, then you are ready to move on. Way to go! |
"Knowing exactly where you are today is the first step to getting to where you want to be!" - Cindy's Porch
Have you ever seen those magazine articles or TV programs that show some kind of a makeover? It could be a room that was decluttered and redecorated, or a haggard looking, "exhausted" mom who was transformed into vibrant looking "exhausted" mom (smile). An essential part of these makeovers is the "before picture." Rediscovering your finances is no different. Taking the time to prepare your before picture is going to start you on the right track. And yes, some of this might be kind of tough and perhaps a little emotional. You are not alone.
- How Much Money Do I Own? (PDF file) Blow the dust off your savings account, we taking a look inside! (GIF file)
- How Much Money Do I Owe? (PDF file) Look out credit cards and other debt - we've got our eyes on you now! (GIF file)
Cindy Here Again...I know some of you are going to be tempted to skip this very important step. We've received many testimonials on how exciting and motivating it is to look at these snapshots and see how much progress has been made. When you "KNOW", fear is replaced by knowledge. That knowledge gives you the power to DO more! Take the time to DO your First Financial Before Picture. |
Your checking account takes care of the present. Your savings account takes care of the future. You need to take care of both.
Do you have a savings account? Do you know what is in your savings account? Or is your savings account continuously emptied to feed the checking account? I will be the first person to tell you that saving money is not easy. And not only is it difficult, but it is boring. You put the money in, and it just sits there. With today's interest rates, it doesn't even grow very much. A new pair of shoes begins to look like a lot more fun! WRONG!
It is about your attitude. When you learn to save, you learn to live.
- Blow the Dust Off Your Savings Account: Remember how much fun it was to open your very first savings account? Let's recapture that feeling. Spend less than you earn, and save a bit too...
Credit debt is like a dead albatross hanging from your neck. The weight of this burden on your shoulders adds stress to your life and keeps you living in the past. "The past?" you ask. Yes, every month you are reminded of the things you bought, ate, and did months (or even years) ago. And you are still paying for it: the dead albatross.
You are not alone if you have credit card debt. Remember, millions (billions?) of dollars are spent each year by advertisers, marketers, and retailers. They work hard to convince us that BUYing stuff will make us happy. Stuff makes our homes look better. Stuff makes our cars go faster. Stuff makes us look better. Stuff makes our teeth brighter. Stuff makes our kids smarter. And the latest trend is to buy more stuff to organize the old stuff. Credit cards allow us to BUY this stuff fast and faster. What they don't tell us is that their credit cards don't let us OWN this stuff fast.
It is time to tackle this debt. No more guilt. You can do this. It is going to take some time, but you can do this.
- Three Magic Words to Keep New Debt Away! How many times a week are you approached by retailers, credit card companies, and other marketers who offer you new credit cards? How many offers do you get to "save money" if you "sign up today"? Blech! If you are trying to eliminate credit card debt, then the last thing you need is new debt! Learn the three magic words to keep new debt away.
- A Plan to Eliminate Credit Card Debt one CHUNK MORE at a time. We've put together some great printouts to help you track your credit card debt and move it towards zero! With a plan and a target, you can do it! Look out albatross, here we come!
Rediscovering your money is not going to happen overnight. You take it one day at a time and one dollar at time. Remember to join the email list so you can get our messages to help you stay on track, have fun, and keep focused (it doesn't cost a thing and we won't try to sell you stuff).
Rediscovering your money is a journey that YOU take. Use the tips and ideas that work for you and DO them. And you will discover that every day and every month you will be one step closer to your financial goals. After a year, you are going to be amazed at how much you have conquered. But you have to start someplace!
"You can do this. One dollar at a time."
Take care of you,
Cindy
|
|
Thanks for visiting Cindy's Porch. Drop in anytime!
Home
-
Frequently Asked Questions
- About Cindy's Porch
- Join Our List
wife, and mom trying to make sense out of all the "advice" out there. - Cindy All images and content Copyright 2004-2008 Cindy's Porch (www.cindysporch.net) |
Where Does the Money Go? 
