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Thursday, August 15, 2013

Thrifty Thursday - Choice and Accountability

There are two words that will help you conquer the headache of money management.  Those two words are choice and accountability.  So many times the problem isn't how much money we bring into our family, it's how we choose to spend it.  Then when we have no money left before the month is over, we find excuses and justify our expenditures, taking no accountability for our choices.

That isn't to say that there aren't legitimate emergencies that strain even the most generous paycheck.  Illnesses, accidents, home emergencies, family crises can all take us by surprise and hit us where it hurts...in our wallet.  But in general, our money woes are of our own making.

The fact is that you have a certain amount of money each month.  You can choose to live within your means, put some money away for emergencies and savings or you can live by impulsively spending that money (and more) on things of little worth and finding you have no money left for essentials. 

We have a choice.  If our income doesn't stretch enough to cover things like going out to eat frequently, taking vacations, having cable and smart phones, shopping at pricey clothing stores, and buying "toys", then those things shouldn't be bought.  Some might even consider those things luxuries, not necessities.  And if you're struggling to cover the necessities, then the luxuries can wait.  It's not a matter of deprivation, it's a matter of accountability.  We choose to live without certain things so we can have the things we truly need.  And we are accountable for those choices.

It's empowering to know that you have control over that aspect of your life.  By being responsible, you can pay down debt, meet the needs of your family and start building savings.  It's up to you.


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