What You Spend is Always Optional

By: Martin Lukac
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:17:39
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While we consider a few things to be luxuries, it turns out that most things really are. When you are in financial trouble, you really have to sit down and look at what is really necessary in your life.

You will find that most things aren't necessary. They are optional. They are the icing on your financial disaster. Remove them and you will have the chance to fix your finances. Keep them, you won't face the mess until it is too late.

All financial advisors tell you to spend less, pay off debt and save more. You may feel as if you can't cut it any more than you already do. You don't spend money every chance you get. In fact, you can't remember the last time you bought something just for yourself.

But there are always options that can be cut out of the equation.

You don't need cable. You don't need a both a cell phone and a home telephone. You don't need to spend money on clothes -- I'm sure you already have some. In fact, your grocery money is mostly optional too. There are always ways to cut back on your spending.

I know that some things take a while to change. You may not be able to eliminate that auto loan until you can sell your vehicle. But the fact is, you can sell that vehicle.

You are in control of your money. You don't have to spend it on these bills. You can change the way you spend. If you are in serious financial trouble, it is worth it to cut down to the bare bones. Find less expensive housing. Shop frugally for groceries. Carpool to work. Be a one vehicle family for a while. Get rid of the cable television and rent movies from the library for free. Wear the clothes you have. Learn to look at things differently.

See, it isn't your income that is the problem. It is your spending. It is your attitude. Listen, no one else cares what you own. You can live a perfectly wonderful life without spending money on everything you want. You simply learn to want what you already have -- more of your income.

When you have less debt and fewer bills, you have more time to devote to your family. You have less stress. You have more money in your pocket. You have more money in your savings.

Spending can get you into trouble quickly. Too often, we simply want too much. You have to start asking yourself if something is really necessary. Will you not be able to survive without it?

It may seem tough right now. But once you start benefitting from paying off debt and saving for your future you will be glad you made the decision to make your spending optional.

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