Can you give me advise about improving my life?
I feel that sometimes I do not make the best decisions, especially when it comes to money. I spent on unecessary things, therefore, my first step today was to cut my debit and credit cards and to start saving money today. I felt wonderful when I cut my cards; it was amazing. What else would you recommend? I personally feel that this change will make me a better person in general and be more cautious on what I am doing. Thanks
Public Comments
- Write down all your debts: credit card, car loan, etc. People don't want to look at what they owe but to get out of debt, that's the best thing to do. Work on paying off the lowest amount first (some say pay off the higher interest first but I think this works better). Start putting money away each week or whenever you get paid. It's never too little, even if it's only $5, just start. As you make more and pay your debts down, add more to your savings. It can really add up over time, no matter how small and you'll feel great doing it. Good luck and keep it up!
- Well done in cutting up your credit card but you may regret doing the same with your debit card. It does have its uses. Credit cards makes you get into debt because you are spending money you don't have. When I was young - now in my mid-seventies- if you wanted to buy something, you had to save for it. Banks did not give credit as they now do so, we had to do without until we had enough money to make the purchase. It did us no harm and indeed, if anything it made us happier in the long run. I am a firm believer too in not "having-all-my-eggs-in-one-basket" so would put some of my earnings into the bank, some into a building society, some into the Post Office Investment account (it is tax free), some into Premium Bonds and some into an ISA. If I needed to buy something special eg the wedding cake for my god-daughter, I started collecting 50p pieces and for every £10 worth, I deposited them into a building society account. I did not actually miss them and now, I collect one pound coins and buy £1 stamps from Tesco and put them onto the card provided - you can go up to £49 and Tesco gives you £1 to bring it up to £50. Improving one's life is a challenge. Having kindred-spirit people around you makes a great deal of difference. Eighteen months ago I went on Alpha course and since then, all sorts of wonderful things have and continue to happen. I have never had so many wonderful friends in my entire life and it is great. I have also started to fill my life with worthwhile pursuits - help reception children twice a week with their reading, do some administrative work for a local charity, more adminstrative work for our local Centre of Christian Healing once a week, go to bible classes, Scrabble once a week - we always have a good laugh on these occasions and it is great fun, started creating and making cards six months ago and selling them in aid of charity, started a Maths course at our local college. Count your blessings by taking stock of your life by discarding the people and things no longer important and put something better into your life, you will find you become happier within yourself. In this way, you will feel happier within yourself and be able to give more of yourself to your immediate circle of family, friends and colleagues. Be gentle with yourself too, get good night's sleep every night, stay off the booze and cigarettes, lots of fresh air. Take up new hobbies and exercise, go to the theatre or a concert, or a walk in the countryside. I hope some of these thoughts and ideas will encourage you to change your existing way-of-life.
- Read "Personal Finance For Dummies." Its a great book that covers the basics about getting your financial life in order.
