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“Do what I have to do, so I can do what I want to do.” -- The Great Debaters
I know I’m late, but I finally got around to watching The Great Debaters. The quote above is one a father taught his son. Although he was referring to working hard and doing well in school before pursuing extracurricular activities, I can apply the quote to many areas of my life -- especially finances.
Do what I have to do…
- Work hard smart and remain competitive in my career field
- Maximize my income
- Track my expenses and live beneath my means
- Practice delayed gratification
- Pay my credit card balance(s) in full every month
- Pay ALL bills on time
- Save for emergencies
- Invest for retirement
…so I can do what I want to do:
- Pursue a better job whenever I am ready or quit a job when I’m not happy
- Live day to day without worry about bills, food, needs, OR wants
- Find comfort in knowing that money will be the least of my concerns in an emergency
- Find comfort in knowing my golden years will truly be GOLDEN
- Pamper myself with hair, mani, pedi and spa days
- Dine out whenever the mood strikes me
- Plan a spontaneous vacation
- Donate money without thinking twice
- Forgive an unpaid personal loan without forgetting resentment
- Shop for shoes, shoes, and more shoes
By making responsible financial decisions, even when I don’t want to, I have the flexibility and freedom to make other decisions that bring me joy.
I won’t even lie. Man, it’s hard! Especially when I have to ignore flashy distractions that provide a temporary thrill. You know, like the iPhone. That shiny, black Mercedes CLK. A fully furnished, three bedroom, single-family home in my current zip code. A Dior handbag. Or a pair of Cavalli shoes. It’s soooo easy to say “screw this” and go on a spending spree. I can, but I won’t. At the end of the day, what does all of that “stuff” get me? Nothing, but debt and stress... and maybe a few bragging rights to impress people I don’t even like.
Instead, I do what I have to do, so I can do what I want to do. And live life on MY terms.
About the Author:
A working (single) mom and author of the personal finance blog Fabulous Financials @ http://fabulousfinancials.com
