motivation to sort finances?

pukkamum

When my 'spending money I didn't have, on stuff I didn't need' got out of control I just had to stop putting myself in situations where I was tempted to do it.
A wander round town could mean £50 spent easily, a tenner in the pound shop, a coffee and cake, some lunch, a drink whilst walking round, a few bits for the kids etc.
Even coffe with friends at morrissons led to buying stuff in the supermarket I didn't really need followed by a trip to the charity shop, you get the picture.
Now I only go in town if I need something not to wander if I want to wander I go to the park.
I have also limited mysef to coffee meet ups once a week at most, usually I have friends over for coffee instead.
You have to cut the tie between shopping and boredom.
If I feel I need a shopping fix I do virtual catalogue shopping, I browse the departments, even add things to the cart, I just dont checkout!

tara747

It's like dieting.

You have to want to be slim more than you want the instant gratification of a cream cake.

With money, you have to want something bigger more than you want the instant gratification of whatever you're tempted to spend money on.

You already know what your goals are - you just need to think about them every time you reach for your purse.

Also, saving is one of those things - the more you do it, the more addictive it becomes. It's hard to start with £100, but it all adds up. I've been saving for about 7 years - see my sig.

Good luck! xxx

tara747

Also, check out this thread for inspiration

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4797811

maman

I see it as a challenge. I've worked hard for the money I have and I'm determined it isn't going to be wasted or frittered away and I'm certainly not going to be ripped off. So I am determined we're going to get the best price for food, fuel etc. and then the money I save is mine to spend on things that really make a difference to my life.


It's all about control really. I hate the idea of not being in control of my finances.

nicolax

I think setting an amount for "pocket money" does help - means you don't feel so restricted
I put money in savings each month on payday, DDs come out on the first and then I know what's left is mine - just have to budget petrol and any events in the month in that
If I left put money into my savings account to the end of the month it wouldn't be there as would have been frittered.
Saving for a purpose also helps I think - having a goal to work towards rather than just saving for saving

BritAbroad

I am usually very motivated when it comes to sorting finances - I have spreadsheets galore and am actually really good at budgeting for the bills, but when I start looking at paying off the car loan, or saving for a goal, something totally unexpected always, always, always crops up to totally derail the plan which can be pretty demoralising (and yes, it's just happened again. ) So then I end up feeling totally deflated and I feel like I'm back to square one.

Goldiegirl

It's the goal thing that works for me.

As you can see from my signature, I'm working towards retirement, in around 18 months time when I'm 55

The goals I set myself have always been about enjoying my life, whether it's been saving for a new car, holidays, or things for the house.

It's a powerful motivator, and the current goal is the biggest of them all, that's why I'm focused like never before.

If goal setting is new to you, try smaller goals to start off with.