Could you use some help with money?
When we did a reader survey back in March, one of the questions we asked was, “What is your biggest stress in life right now?” An answer that we got over and over again was, “Work, money, and finances”. So, I know that money is something many of you would like some help with.
First, the bad news, then the good news.
The bad news is that if we don’t control our money, our money will control us. Not having control over money can be stifling. In extreme cases, money can be a source of regret, shame, and disappointment.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. When we transform the way we spend money, make money, and save money it can be liberating, freeing us to enjoy the things in life we truly love.
How to fix a money problem.
Today we are going to discuss five questions you can ask yourself that will get you on the fast track to getting a handle on your budget and finances, and then I will give you an opportunity to go deeper (and more personal) than is possible in this short email.
Financial freedom can be liberating!
First, let’s talk about five questions to ask yourself that will help fix your finances fast:
1. Is there anything I need/want to get rid of that I can sell to make some extra cash?
There has never been an easier, more accessible, time to sell your possessions than there is now. There are tons of opportunities to sell online if you just look for them.
If you have boxes of old books, CDs, DVDs or video games, consider selling them on a buyback site like Decluttr. Plus, you can enter FREE5 at checkout to get an extra $5 for your trade-ins when you go through Decluttr!
Do you love to take pictures? Consider uploading your iPhone photos to stock photography sites. Eliza Snow was able to quit her corporate job after three years of doing this and now focuses solely on selling her photos!
Other sites to sell on include Ebay.com, Etsy, Craigslist, Bonanza, Ebid, and Fulfillment by Amazon, or you can even create your own online store!
Don’t underestimate little changes. All of them matter. You’d be amazed at how lots of little things can add up to a lot over time.
2. Do I have any savings put away?
Money expert Dave Ramsey suggests that everyone should have at least $1,000 put away in an emergency fund. For a lot of people this may seem like a lot, so they will have to build it up over time which is why I love this next one…
If you sign up for Acorns or Digit, they will funnel away spare change into an account, which will build up savings over time, almost without you even noticing it. If saving money seems unreasonable to you right now this can be a doable action that you can take right away.
3. Can I switch plans, downgrade, or get rid of them altogether?
When I say “plans” I am referring to things like your Internet, Cable and cell phones. Call up your cable provider once a year and try to renegotiate your cable package. You may be able to get your bill reduced!
If negotiating down your cable bill isn’t enough, you can stop it altogether. Replace your cable with subscriptions to Netflix or Hulu, which can cost less than $10 each per month. This is what we have done and you will be surprised what you can live without if you really want to.
4. Is it possible for me to bundle my insurance?
Having one company cover your separate insurance needs can be a smart money-move. You may be entitled to a better rate if you bundle your homeowner’s, auto, and umbrella insurance policies under one company. I know it sounds like a commercial, but it’s true and it’s definitely worth looking into.
5. Is there another way I can make more money?
The possibilities are literally endless. If you seek out a way to make more money you are guaranteed to find it. It all comes down to how much time you have and what you are into. Of course, my favorite way to make money, that lines up with what I love, is through my blog, but building up a successful blog does take some patience and consistency. If you are looking for something faster than that, there are a boatload of great ideas here.
Let’s go deeper and get more personal…
If you are drowning in debt and can’t seem to get ahead no matter what your try, if you are sick of living paycheck to paycheck, being stressed about money, and being scared to look at your bank account then we have the PERFECT resources for you! These resources will help you to make a financial plan that works for who you are, what you do, and who you love!
The Ultimate Homemaking (and finance) Bundle.
The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle includes resources that will help you learn how to spend your money, how to make more money, and how to save money. The ebooks, ecourses, and printables in the bundle will guide you and help you make your financial plan specific to who you are, what you do, and who you love!
Just a few of the great resources you will find in this year’s Homemaking Bundle…
- The 90 Day Budget Bootcamp Workbook by Rosemarie Groner (normally $7.00)
- How to Make a Budget Work For You: A 31 Day Guide to Creating a Personal Budget that Fits Your Lifestyle by Heather Schisler (normally $9.99)
- You Can Be A Stay At Home Mom on One Income by Becky Mansfield (normally $9.99)
- Blog Boss! Profitable Blog From The Start by Chelsea Clarke (normally $145.00)
These four resources alone would normally cost you $171.98, but you can get the whole Homemaking Bundle right now for just $29.97!
Click HERE to see what other great ebooks, ecourses, and printables are included in the Homemaking Bundle, (129 in total) valued at over $3,600.
This was tip #4 in our series of “5 Tips to a Healthier and Happier Life”.
If you missed tip #1 and #2, you can find them here:
Tip #1: Learn Something New Everyday.
Tip #2: Bounce Back.
Tip #3: Get Your Body Moving.
That’s it for today! I hope you found some ideas in here that can be helpful to you! Be sure to check back again tomorrow for the fifth, and last, tip to a healthier and happier life!
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