“Money can’t buy you happiness, but it’s more comfortable to cry in a Bugatti than on a bicycle.”
~ Miguel Torres
We all understand the need for money, the want for money and what money does in our lives. Perhaps it is easier to understand what life looks like when it is filled with the wish for more money. “If only I had money for…” If you have ever found yourself saying those words, then this article is for you.
Saving is not everyone’s strong point, and nor is discussing finances. We, as humans will discuss almost any topic, including politics, but when it comes to money, all we hear coming from our mouths is complaints. Before you even begin trying to start saving like a boss, you need to change your perspective on money.
Money is your friend. Money is a globally agreed upon system of exchange, and that is it. It is not a bad monster or a taboo subject. Well, it shouldn’t be. It should be something that you work with. A tool for life. It should also be treated as such. Never think about the amount of money that you wish you had. Work with what you have right now. Once you have this perspective and your frame of mind is in the present moment, you can begin with these 5 Ways to Save Like a Boss.
#1 – Have a Goal in Mind
You need to know where you are going and what you want to do with your money. You need to stick to this path and make sure that you do not deviate. If you do, read #4: Be Okay with Making Mistakes. The end goal can be anything. This is your main goal. Once you have it written down at the top of a piece of paper, a vision board or even your diary, you can begin setting smaller goals to get you where you want to go.
Now you know where your money needs to go. You are clear about the road ahead, or at least clearer than before. With this new perspective, it is time to plan where you need money to accomplish goals. These amounts become smaller saving goals. It is wise to begin with the smaller amounts first. Once you reach one or two of these goals, you will notice an incredible drive to complete all the other goals. Planning however, and goal setting, is imperative to get where you want to be.
#2 – Watch Your Words
Speak about your money as though it were listening. Always speak positively about your finances, and if there is nothing positive to speak about, do not say anything. Payday is probably one of the worst days for most people because they see their money coming in and then the debit orders start pulling the money off. Like tearing the skin from the person, and for the rest of the month all they do is remind themselves of how terrible the month is. Stop.
Understand where your money is going. Don’t blindly wait to see what is left for living. Print out your bank statements and engage with your finances. Your money does not belong to anyone else but to you. You are the master of your financial health, and it is important that you take the reins and own them, like a boss! Look at each charge on your statements and question why it is there. Understand where your money is going. Knowledge is power and intimate knowledge of your finances is complete power.
#3 – Do Not Discuss Your Savings with Anyone
The nest egg is an important part of your life, but it’s yours. Whether your savings account is sitting at R1 or R100k does not matter. It is there, it is yours and should never be discussed with anyone, not even your spouse or children or family. And most certainly not your friends, besties or not. The personal power key of life lies in your savings account. Savings allow you to live life knowing that you have someone or something that has your back in difficult times, or that is working towards a common goal. It is empowering, regardless of its size.
When we make our savings known to people, they want to cash in on it. Family members will ask for favours or help in times of crisis. Your savings are not there to help others, they belong to your main goal, nothing else. It may seem a little tough to say no while you have money stashed away, but tough decisions need to be made if you want to reach the stars. Of course, there are instances where this is not true, like in the case of saving someone’s life. However, spending your savings money must never be taken lightly.
#4 – Instant Luxury or Goal in Mind
You have a choice every time that you spend money. You choose between boring and luxury, spoiling yourself simply because it is month end or putting the money away towards the end goal. Buying your children, the biggest toys now or putting money away for their education. It is a difficult decision that no one wants to make. It is always easier to allow the heart to control the pocket. We tend to find resistance from those around us when we are strict about our finances, however, financial health requires careful planning and thinking with the head and not our emotions.
#5 – Surround Yourself with What You Aim to Achieve
People confuse this Boss Saving Strategy with ‘dressing for success’, and it is nothing like that. You do not need to buy fancy jewellery and wear designer labels to get where you want to be. In fact, buying clothing at the thrift store and haggling prices down is how you get to where you want to be. #5 means that you surround yourself with life content which promotes where you want to be. Listen to podcasts, videos and information that teaches you and reminds you that you can get to where you want to be.
We tend to live in a world where living for oneself and looking after the self financially is frowned upon. People refer to such people as ‘stingy’ or even heartless. If you choose to give your money away all of the time for everyone around you, you are never going to reach your goals. To save like a boss means that you need to act like a boss and remember that you come first. When you are looked after and all your needs met, including your savings, you can begin branching out and looking after the finances of others if you choose to do so.
Remember that bosses also choose debt review to keep their assets and lives in order. If you need assistance in repaying your debt, contact a Debt Rescue Counsellor and see how we can help you.