Changing how I think about money
@Rohvannyn (3098)
United States
March 6, 2016 7:12pm CST
I have had a paycheck to paycheck view of money since pretty much the first time I knew what it was. I had a subconscious idea that I should spend everything I had, right away. Now, that's really easy to do when you aren't making much - but these days I've done it when I have been making more than I need.
I'm changing that. Part of the reason for doing it is I finally have a concrete goal, something I really want to achieve. I'm using that as a tool for lasting change. Basically I'm not only working to spend less, but making sure I save what's left over instead of using it as a reason to have fun with it.
I still have a ways to go, but I'm learning to have fun saving. It's neat to watch my money grow. Part of growing up is learning to delay short term gratification in favor of long term goals, and so I'm working on that in my quest for adulthood.
Have your views about money changed over the years?
8 people like this
9 responses
@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
7 Mar 16
I have learned to hate needing it, lol. Adulting is stupid. Ahem. I like to do the small treat thing. like I get 5 dollars to whatever with
2 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
7 Mar 16
@Rohvannyn sometimes I take the 5 dollars out in cash, and i have to stick to the cash for treats or something
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
8 Mar 16
@Rohvannyn having cash in hand for something like that is easier to keep your mind wrapped around limits, when it is on plastic it can add up fast
@Rohvannyn (3098)
• United States
8 Mar 16
@Jessicalynnt There's a good idea. I like that.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157865)
• United States
7 Mar 16
Yes, they have quite a bit. My problem is convincing hubby.
2 people like this
@Rohvannyn (3098)
• United States
7 Mar 16
Good luck with that - having a concrete goal that you both really want can help a lot.
1 person likes this
@Rohvannyn (3098)
• United States
7 Mar 16
True. Setting goals can also give you a great sense of satisfaction when you reach them.
@sallypup (58326)
• Centralia, Washington
7 Mar 16
I am not fond of internships in which a person does not get paid. If you have a valuable skill you should be compensated for it. Physical money is a trade for time. The worker hopefully enjoys giving up precious time for that money. I probably have not answered this question well.
1 person likes this
@Rohvannyn (3098)
• United States
7 Mar 16
So, were you once fond of internships where a person wasn't paid? Or did you do one, once? I don't recall if the vet tech thing was ever an unpaid internship.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (58326)
• Centralia, Washington
7 Mar 16
@Rohvannyn I was paid though no one honored the training that I'd paid for. Dad was in a 2 year internship and was never paid for his hard work. At one time I think I understood the desperation imbued in unpaid internships- the hope that you will get to steadier ground. The need to be stepped on. No I don't think I was ever fond of unpaid internships. I just understood some of the underlying needs.
1 person likes this
@paigea (35824)
• Canada
14 Mar 16
My dad taught me very thoroughly to manage money so I would have it for the big purchases. So, I can't say my attitude changed over the years, just the amounts I was working with and the responsibilities I had to meet.
Good for you for setting goals and working towards them.
1 person likes this
@Rohvannyn (3098)
• United States
14 Mar 16
It's great your dad taught you so well! Many parents done't or can't take the time, it seems.
1 person likes this
@paigea (35824)
• Canada
14 Mar 16
@Rohvannyn He had me keep a ledger starting from about the age of 6. He never actually gave me cash for my allowance; I just entered it in my ledger. Then I had to go to him to "withdraw" any money. So he would generally talk me out of using it to go to the corner store for sweets!
1 person likes this
@wildlittlefan (4680)
• Hong Kong
2 Apr 16
Yes, I think either over spend for nothing or over saving without use money in a proper way are two extreme ways that many people will manage their wealth. According to the BIble, money is not a sin but greedy is. It is nothing wrong of being rich if we can use our prosperity for God's kingdom and to bless more people in this world. However, there are just some people who just keep on getting all kinds of wealth in this world without being other's blessing. People like this are rich but just for their own luxury living style and ignoring the needs of the poor. I hope someday they will wake up and help more people in need.
@Morleyhunt (21745)
• Canada
12 Mar 16
We spent the last three years crawling from under a mountain of debt. As of this moment, we are debt free and have a healthy saving account. We are hoping to never fall into the debt trap again.
1 person likes this
@Rohvannyn (3098)
• United States
12 Mar 16
Congratulations! That's really awesome! I wish you well in doing that.
1 person likes this
