It can be tough growing up. Whether you are the one growing up or the one watching your child grow up. This world can be an unforgiven haven for any and everyone. Learning lessons come with the territory of growing up. A lesson all of us should, scratch that, must learn is the power of ‘No’.
I can’t pinpoint the exact time when I learned the power of ‘No’. It was sometime when I was a young kid. My parents provided me with a comfortable life, but there also wasn’t a lot of money to spend on lavish goods. I had what I needed, but like most children wanted something more. At some point during this time, I learned the power of ‘No’. My parents said ‘No’ enough where I eventually stopped asking (for the most part).
When I started to have money, I, unfortunately wasn’t smart enough to value it despite my upbringings. I was more inclined to finally enjoy the good life. I would perform the good ol’ American act of wasteful spending and had little savings. I always wanted to go out with friends and have a good time. I rarely bought nice things but I always seemed to be out of money. Even the last few years, I have said ‘Yes’ more often than ‘No’.
The reason I stress the importance of the power of ‘No’ is that I could have set myself up for a better situation. I could have developed a better savings account and contributed more to retirement accounts. I could have skipped many events and night’s out. I could have and should have done many things different. But that wasn’t the case so I am here to teach you all a lesson based on my mistakes.
Before continuing, let me also stress that life needs balance and many of my suggestions may not always apply. For example, if you love taking a cruise every year with friends, then do it. But, you may need to say ‘No’ to other aspects of life. The following is a list of financial situations that you may want to consider saying ‘No’ to:
- Limit the nights out. Try to seriously reduce going out for happy hour or dinner and drinks with friends and family. Bar tabs grow faster with the amount of consumed alcohol. Have your friends over for a night in. Have everyone BYOB and a snack for everyone to munch on and play board games.
- Limit expensive habits. Like seeing your favorite ball team live week in and week out. Well, those excursions to the ball park can be more expensive then just those tickets. Beer, food, etc. add up. Try a healthier habit like playing your favorite sport on a recreation team. Lots of times the league will only cost $50 per individual and is something to look forward to weekly.
- Stop treating others. I have this bad habit. I will pick up a round or two and soon I am down a $100. Don’t put yourself in a situation where peer pressure influences you to spend freely, but ends up being costly.
- Don’t fall to the power of pleasing. Those baby doll eyes of your son or daughter or husband or wife can be damning. You end up spending frivolsly just to please others. Tell them what your life goals are and ask them to be a part of that.
What do you think? Do you say ‘Yes’ too often? Click here to leave your thoughts and suggestions…
Have a good one….and say ‘No’ once today for a good financial reason. Just try it. You will feel good and thank me.
Dave
LifeExcursion
