How do I take care of myself without spending an arm and a leg? When you’re on a mission to get your finances in order, it can feel overwhelming. Making positive changes in your financial life, like getting out of debt, investing for retirement, and building your emergency fund isn’t easy.
You need to take care of yourself throughout your financial journey.
The problem is making life changes with money is hard. Fear can set in that you’ll never get ahead, and you’ll always struggle with money.
The stress of all the demands in life can seem unmanageable. It can feel like one crisis after another keeps popping up. Your car just broke down, or you find out that you have a health issue and need surgery.
I’ve been there and done that.
So many things happen in life that are outside of your control.
Being “good” with money doesn’t mean that you have to deprive yourself or have a nonexistent social life. You always need to take care of yourself.
Here are three ways I take care of myself.
1. Frugal Self-Care
First off, self-care doesn’t have to be expensive. If every time you’re stressed you get a mani pedi, wardrobe update, and weekend trip away, you’ll end up broke.
You can take care of yourself without spending a fortune.
For example, here are ideas on how to take care of yourself that are free or low-cost:
- Take a bath
- Read a book
- Get plenty of sleep
- Journal
- Go for a walk, hike, or run
- Watch movies
- Say no (it’s a one-word answer to many life conflicts)
2. Be a part of a community
Fast Company said, if you’re trying to do everything yourself, you’ll develop fear of asking for help. The truth is no one is “self-made,” and teams always do better than individuals. I’m a fan of do-it-yourself projects at home, but when it comes to your life, you can’t do life alone.
Asking for help is not a weakness, it’s a strength of successful people. We’re social creatures. If I feel stressed, I know it’s time to call a group of friends to hang out or join a bible study.
By the way if you’re looking for community, support, or need a pick-me-up with money Best Money Class Ever starts soon. You can view it live in Austin, or online.
3. Celebrate your Progress
Lastly, work hard and play hard. I created The Finance Plan, a step-by-step plan with money. It’s your step one, two, three, and four with money. Each step is a milestones or checkpoint in your financial life and a way to celebrate your progress.
If you’re making short-term sacrifices to reach financial goals, also reward yourself.
During Best Money Class Ever, I encourage students to celebrate their progress, with a debt-free trip. It helps to have something to look forward to. I love hearing from people who’ve paid off debt.
Here is how Kim paid off over $45,000 in 28 months. Her hard work is worth acknowledging and sharing!
Take care of yourself by taking a moment to celebrate your small or big wins.
