An article by BudgetQueen
Sometimes it feels as if you are treading water financially. It seems that you are in the exact same spot as you were six months ago, or a year ago, or two years ago. But oftentimes you are better than you were just a few months ago. It is important to recognize your small achievements, because with several more small achievements you will be well on your way to being where you need to be.
Take a minute. Take two to realize what you have achieved in the past year.
You survived a tough year!
Even if absolutely nothing has changed for you financially, or it has even become worse, you still overcame a difficult year. With millions of people out of work, and coming out of a recession — if you are still here, you are a winner. You know what it is like to live through a financial crisis. You learned to live on less. You didn’t blow money on things you didn’t need. You are smarter financially and that behavior can last a lifetime.
Take inventory!
Remember when you were a young adult and you didn’t have ANYTHING? You may have rented an apartment with some friends but you had lawn chairs for living room furniture? Well look at what you have now and take a little time appreciate it. You have a bed. You have furniture. You probably have pots, pans and other possessions. Also, take a minute to recognize your savings potential. Do you have a bank account? Do you have some investments in a reliable savings account or have a good money market rate?
Another year’s worth of debt – gone!
In the past year, you may have paid off a year of your mortgage, a year of your college loan or a year of your car loan. That is extremely impressive! You are that much closer to having it paid off. Instead of four years to pay on your car you have three. Instead of 17 years of a mortgage, you have 16. Give yourself a pat on the back. You have just a few more years to go.
Sweep bad decisions out the door
We all make mistakes. We have all been there. If you are in a debt situation through a decision that may not have been the best, recognize it, own it and then vow to never do it again.
A new year – new financial progress
Now, in the next year, demand yourself to work even harder for financial freedom. Just small steps can make all the difference. Thinking and researching a financial issue can be good as well. Think about finally investing in your company’s 401K. Think about finally looking into getting a will. Think about having at least a two-month safety net savings account.
Now imagine how you will look back on today in a year from now counting all of the good things that came from this year. Remember that you are working hard and you will get to be where you want to be, but sometimes, just sometimes you are already there.
