Remember Me
forgot your password?

What you Spend is Always Optional

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.

Greg Smith

Martin Lukac http://www.MartinLukac.com , represents http://www.RateEmpire.com , an Internet consumer banking marketplace. RateEmpire.com is a destination site of personal finance, investing, taxes and mortgage rates. RateEmpire.com provides mortgage guides and financial rates and information. RateEmpire.com also operates a financial portal #1 American Financial, found at http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Finance Articles
  • More from Greg Smith

Debt Help - Why Would a Credit Card Company Agree to Eliminate 60% of Your Debt?

By: Matt Couch | 15/12/2009
In this period of economic recession, Americans are suffering from severe loan problems so there is a need of debt help.

Debt Settlement Options - Utilizing Stimulus Money For Debt Settlement

By: Matt Couch | 15/12/2009
If you do not have the resources to pay your credit card bills then there is nothing to worry about as debt settlement options are available.

Debt Settlement Help - Why Credit Card Companies Are Fearful and How You Can Get Debt Relief

By: Matt Couch | 15/12/2009
There was a time when people were scared of credit card issuers when they were unable to repay their debts on time.

Practical Way to Look For Reliable Debt Settlement Companies

By: Jeslyn Jessy | 15/12/2009
Are you in the midst of looking for debt settlement companies? If yes, here are some practical ways you should refer before making your final choice.

Do You Really Need a Debt Settlement Company?

By: Jeslyn Jessy | 15/12/2009
For people who are the victims of global economy crisis, overcoming debt issues has become their common goal. However, in order to become debt free, it is indeed a challenging task because not everyone is good at managing his or her finances. Managing debt requires a lot of patience, self discipline, courage and determination. Without all these, the people in debt will be very depressed and emotional in handling their problems as well as in making decision.

Get Out of Debt - What Are the Best Proven Methods to Get Out of Debt?

By: Matt Couch | 15/12/2009
Repayment of debt is the best way to get out of debt.

Knowing the Drawbacks of Debt Settlement

By: Jeslyn Jessy | 15/12/2009
In United States, debt settlement has become one of the most popular financial options among people in debt. However, it is not the best for everyone. There are some drawbacks you need to bear in mind.

Knowing the Pros and Cons of Getting a Debt Settlement Company

By: Jeslyn Jessy | 15/12/2009
Nowadays, there is an increasing number of Americans looking for debt settlement companies to assist them to overcome their financial hardship. In common, these service providers act as an intermediary between the debtors and their creditors. They represent the debtors to negotiate with their creditors for reduced repayment amount.

Get Mortgage Rates at 4.5%

By: Greg Smith | 11/12/2008 | Mortgage
Lobbyist are pressuring the Treasury Department to prepare a plan to purchase current portfolios of mortgages from banks in hopes of lowering mortgages to as low as 4.5%. Last week, the Federal Reserve announced it would buy $500 billion in mortgage backed securities from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac a Ginnie Mae. Response was immediate as mortgage rates dropped.

What Does Insurable Interest Mean on a Life Insurance Policy?

By: Greg Smith | 08/05/2008 | Insurance
People often have many questions about life insurance policies because of how intricate and complex these policies and contract can be. One of the most popular questions that many people have when it comes to life insurance is what insurable interest means or refers to within the terms and context of a life insurance policy.

Is a Broken Windshield Covered Under My Auto Policy Deductible?

By: Greg Smith | 08/05/2008 | Insurance
Unfortunately, a broken or shattered windshield is not just a nuisance, it is also detrimental to the overall driving practices of the individual operating the vehicle since the glass through which the individual would otherwise be looking is damaged. This can make it more difficult for the person to drive, if not impossible.

What Kinds of Debt Can be Included in the Debt Consolidation Program?

By: Greg Smith | 03/05/2008 | Debt Consolidation
Debt consolidation programs can help many people get back on track with their monetary assets while also helping to improve their financial futures during a time when many people may feel hopeless and lost. Many people who are interested in debt consolidation programs are not sure if their specific types of debt will be included in intriguing debt consolidation programs, helping them to eventually escape debt and the financial problems which are burdening them.

What are the Warning Signs That I Am in Too Much Debt?

By: Greg Smith | 03/05/2008 | Debt Consolidation
While the baseline for having 'too much debt' can vary from person to person based on their income and expenses, there are a number of general guidelines that you can follow in order to determine whether or not you have too much debt. First, what does your income to debt ratio look like? This is one of the clearest indicators of whether or not a person has amassed an unsafe or dangerous amount of debt in their life.

Debt Consolidation for Saving Money

By: Greg Smith | 09/10/2007 | Debt Consolidation
Riding on their strong economic condition the modern day youth often ignore the necessity to save money. The increase in the real income of young adults has therefore led to a dangerous trend, which often leads to an increase in debt burdens on youth. Therefore, it makes sense to adopt several money saving techniques to avoid such untoward situations.

Free Life Insurance Quotes

By: Greg Smith | 16/07/2007 | Insurance
We often ask ourselves whether we really need life insurance. Well life insurance can be thought of as an investment for loved ones or can also be thought of in terms of protecting one's assets financially

Low Refinance Rates

By: Greg Smith | 16/07/2007 | Mortgage
If the thought of paying your high housing loan interests makes you feel queasy, then opt for refinancing and get rid of all your worries and anxieties. Refinance your loan and lead a stress free life.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.22, 6, w2)