One of the things that women love and hate more than anything else is money! We have a unique relationship with it in our lives. We love to have it, but we often don’t like learning about it and making it work for us. And we definitely stress about money when it disappears and isn’t available when we need it!
You’ve heard the saying, “Money doesn’t buy happiness.” No, it doesn’t. The best things in life are not only free, but priceless. However- I am convinced that money is connected to stress relief! Think about it….
Financial stress has been a theme of the nightly news for several years now. Not only is financial stress connected to the economy, but it’s also connected to life events. Many of the stressful events that occur in our lives- such as divorce, being laid off from a job, finding out about a medical condition, to name a few- have multiple layers of stress attached to them. No, I’m not sure there is a way to prepare for the emotional stress that accompanies these events in advance. But, by having some financial resources in place, it can certainly take off other stressors. That allows you to focus on the things that really matter during these stressful times.
So how can you pay it forward- in this case literally? Take a moment to look over your monthly bills. Where can you cut things out? Do you really need all of those TV channels? Can you take your lunch to work a couple of days each week? Can you barter babysitting services with a neighbor? Can you reduce your insurance rates?
The next part is just as critical as finding the areas to cut: you must MOVE the money into a “safe” place where you aren’t tempted to spend it. As you watch the money grow, that sense of accomplishment, “Yes! I did that! I didn’t think I had any extra money to save!” is a WONDERFUL feeling!
While I don’t wish any crises on you, the next time your car needs a repair or your child breaks a pair of glasses, though you may still be a little irked- you won’t have the same stress as you’ve experienced in the past!
Pay it forward- to yourself! Save for a rainy day!
If you found this post helpful, you may find the free e-course, “7 Surefire Stress Busters for Women” to be helpful! There you’ll find 7 real-life tips that you can implement in your life to make your life less stressful and more fulfilling!