You may know a gazillion money tips -- you can even work with and write about money every day, like me -- but there's a big difference between knowing about money and applying what you know to your daily life!
For instance, I've known for 20 years that I should create a household budget...but do you think I've gotten around to it? Not even close.
It takes time and effort to whip a slovenly financial life into shape, but once you do, you're set for life. To take control of your personal finances, read The Cure for Money Madness: Break Your Bad Money Habits, Live Without Financial Stress--and Make More Money!
And, here are six ways to apply money tips to your daily life…
1. Activate two tips a month. There are smart ways to save money everywhere - the internet, books, your rich old aunt, on placemats at funky restaurants. Don't try to implement every tip you find; instead pick two a month. Focus on making those two tips part of your life. In a month or six weeks, find two more tips to work on. This way, you're not overwhelmed with a million ways to save money - and you're steadily progressing towards your goals.
2. Be accountable to people in the same boat. Create an accountability group (even if it's just two of you) for people who want the same thing. Meet in person or check in online every month, and keep each other accountable for establishing the money tips.
3. Factor in your personality traits. When you're making your tips stick,, pay attention to your likes and dislikes, characteristics, and lifestyle. What's your money personality - what are your money beliefs? Are you a saver or a spender? Do you associate with people who make good financial decisions, or are you always on a spending spree with friends? To control your money, you need to "ride the horse in the direction its going" - which means not trying to change who you are. Instead, find ways to fit those tips into your life.
4. Be aware of bigger issues that stop you from establishing good habits. Sometimes a bad habit, such as obsessive shopping or gambling, is the symptom of a bigger emotional issue. If you've been trying to implement money tips into your life for years without success, take a look within yourself. Why is money such a struggle for you? Is there something you're trying to avoid - or an emotional gap in your life that you need to fill?
5. Live from your vision, not your circumstances. Creating a vision is difficult, but once you know what you want for your life (such as being credit card debt free, or paying off your mortgage), you have a framework for your future finances. Your circumstances will never get you closer to your goal; only your vision can guide you towards what you want. If your goal is to earn more money, act like someone who is already successful and responsible (and don't run amok with your credit card). To achieve your financial goals , focus on what you want - not where you are.
6. Turn price tags into hours worked. This is a brilliant tipt from the founder of Mint.com: "So you don't really need another pair of jeans, but you eyed one that costs just $40," says Aaron Patzer. "Inexpensive, right? That depends on how you think of it, Patzer said. Say you earn $7 an hour at your part-time job (not uncommon for high school or college students who work after school and on the weekends). You'd need to work almost 6 hours to pay for those jeans. If you work 10 hours a week, that's 60% of your work time. Think of it this way, and that pair of jeans doesn't look that cheap, after all." Make it a habit to look at the things you want in terms of how long it takes to earn them.
What do you think of these tips? I welcome your comments below...Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time writer and blogger who created and maintains five "Quips and Tips" blogs:
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