The start of a new year is a perfect time to start refining some personal habits, including our spending habits. The news reports of the past week, which reflected on the past year, had a common theme: last year was a financial mess. 2012 doesn’t look much better, particularly if problems with the Euro are left unresolved. Since the start of what has become known as the “Great recession” people have had to take a hard look at their finances, but experts suggest that our careless ways are creeping back. Time after time, stress questionnaires reveal that money problems rank at the top of people’s stressors. Financial wellness is comprised of many things, not the least of which is will power. Pulling in the reins of our spending, seeing each purchase as an investment (regardless of the cost). It is still recommended to move your money out of the corporate banks and into a local credit union, and this should be at the top of your list of things to do for financial wellness.
Stress Tip for the Day:
It’s easy to go over budget when you don’t keep track of what you spend. Debit cards and credit cards may be great for emergencies, but consider using cash (or checks where they are still taken). Many people buy things only to find out that when they get home, they already have the item purchased. Take time to clean your house, taken mental inventory of your possessions. Take a look at your leisure habits and start to see what you can do that is free; spend more time in nature. As they saying goes, the best things in life are free. Be mindful of what you spend (without becoming stressed about it).
Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:
Michelle Singletary is the financial reporter for the Washington Post. Here is a link which may be of interest for some good financial advice:
http://www.oprah.com/money/Michelle-Singletarys-Short-and-Long-Term-Money-Advice_1
Quote for the Day:
“The best way to double your money is the fold it in half and put it back in your wallet.” Anonymous
Photo for the Day:
Sunrise or sunset? You decide. This photo was taken in Florida last year. It seemed like an appropriate photo for this, the first photo for the 2012 blog. New Beginnings! Enjoy!
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (7e) and the forthcoming, A Beautiful World: The Earth Song Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.
