UNITED STATES—I am a firm believer that when it comes to money, as soon as you get it, the quicker it disappears. It seems like the more I work the more bills I have or things just unexpectedly arise that I never expected. I’m a planner first and foremost. When it comes to income I always want to know what is coming into my household and what is going out. I think that is the first and most important rule when it comes to accounting. You have to be able to track WHAT YOU HAVE, WHAT YOU SPENT and WHAT YOU CAN SPEND? There are so many people who think with money, just spend, spend, spend, and just work on making more money. Now ponder that thought for a second, if it was that simple, don’t you think everyone would do it? Of course they would, but the reality of the situation is that life does not operate that way.

You are always going to have unexpected expenses arise; the key is to find a way to deal with those unexpected things so they don’t become problems later down the line. They always say it’s good to have at least 6 months of your bills prepared to be covered if you lose your job or something unexpected transpires. However, I know far too many people, who don’t even have a month yet alone two months of expenses covered if something unexpected transpires.

Here is the biggest issue we have America: we spend too much. With the ease of online shopping, we just click and buy. We don’t even have to leave our homes anymore and because of that we are more inclined to buy for the sake of buying versus buying because we actually need it. I mean do yourself a favor, tally up all your expenses for a single week. This will allow you to see what you are actually buying. Are there things you can live without? Is some wasteful spending taking place? Where can you cut expenses and perhaps save a few bucks along the way.

Look, I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but you have to find a way to curb any unnecessary expenses that will allow you to save more money in the future. Like seriously think about it. How great would it be to take a vacation, where you are able to spurge and not worry about the bill later? Or how about finally earning or having enough money to purchase that large ticket item that you have been angling for weeks, months or even years.

At the same time don’t allow yourself to be tempted. Do not buy something just to buy it because it’s on sale? Buy what you need and forget about everything else. Temptation can be a difficult thing, but if you can resist it, it places you in a great position in the long run. Money is a tradable commodity; some people understand that a lot more than others, but don’t forget, what you have today can be easily taken away from you tomorrow.

Money is the exact same way people. Materialistic things might provide you some relief at the moment, but after that moment dissipates then what? If you’re regretting that $500 or $1000 purchase, than you have the answer to your question.

Written By Kelsey Thomas