Personal finance is 80% BEHAVIOR and only 20% HEAD KNOWLEDGE. – Dave Ramsey
Photo Credit: TheTaiChiClub (MorgueFile)
The books, articles and blogs that save me the most money do so by inspiring me, not just offering printable coupons and deal alerts. Why do you think that is? For me personally, I’m fueled by stories about real people sacrificing to get out of debt. Real people celebrating with a trip to Hawaii. Real people finding ways to make money from home so they can be with their family. Those resonate so deeply with me, because I too have reasons to sacrifice and save.
And so do you. It’s arguably your most powerful weapon in your debt-crushing arsenal. That’s the reason your first step toward financial freedom is to know your “why”.
Let me give you some examples.
What are my “why’s”?
- Staying home to raise my children
- Traveling the world with my family
- Having a godly and unified marriage
- Becoming wealthy so we can give more money to people in need
You know what’s NOT my “why”?
- Becoming debt-free
- Using cash vs. credit
- Having an emergency fund
- Using coupons
Those are all vital tools in my financial toolbox. They are the vehicles I use to reach financial freedom, but they are not my “why”. They are not woven into the fabric of my being. Loving my husband, taking my children to the park instead of daycare, and supporting orphans in an impoverished country. THOSE are the reasons I can go without a second car in the family for seven months or replace our clothes only when they fall apart. They are powerful enough to keep my mind trained on the end goal.
So what is your “why”? Seriously, stop and think about it for a moment.
Your attitude toward finances is far more powerful than your calculations. So, figure out what matters the most to you. I don’t care if it’s having your own Toyota Prius collection or starting your own hydroponics farm; if it resonates with your core, it will empower you on this financial journey.
Why the “Why”?
This is why I named this blog “Piggy Bank Dreams”. When I was single and broke, I didn’t do a whole lot of dreaming. I felt guilty about my bad habits, so I punished myself by not creating a bright future. If that’s you, knock it off. You’re only hurting yourself. Now, dreams are the fuel that drive my financial success. They helped my husband and I pay off $22,000 to become debt-free right before becoming parents. It helped us learn how to communicate better when we went from a two-income to one-income family after our second child was born. And it is currently helping us as we save up for our first home.
Don’t start the road to financial freedom with spreadsheets, money tracking apps or books about investing. Start with why you’re on that road. Start with why it matters.
Join the Discussion: Sometimes it helps putting thoughts into words. Type your “why” in the comments section below.
Great post! My family is my “why” building a better future for them, being able to share experiences with them, and not having to say “no” as often is the main reasons we use money tools build a better life.
Not saying “no” as often is definitely a great incentive to stick with a budget. Thanks a bunch for reading, Brian.