The advice you wish you’d known years ago.
Often people don’t like talking about money.
It can be awkward, uncomfortable and sometimes (depending on your current financial situation) downright depressing.
But you know what? There is always going to be someone who has more of it than you do, and there is always going to be someone who has less. That’s just the way it is.
That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t care about your money. In fact, sometimes when I’m trying to squirrel some dollars away for something I try and remember what it took for me to earn those dollars, and what it will mean to spend it.
For example, for some people, spending $20 on a takeaway lunch equals an hour of work. When you think of it like that, do you really need to spend that money on store-bought lunch, or would you rather take a sandwich from home?
Related: ‘No, women shouldn’t be able to dip into their super to buy a home.’
For me, equating what I’m about to spend with the time it took for me to make that money really hits home. It’s a great way of keeping my spending in check and makes me reevaluate a lot of what I would have wasted my money on.
Just as an FYI, this post is sponsored by SodaStream. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100 per cent authentic and written in their own words.
I’m also the kind of person who loves a good quote. You know, some inspirational words from intelligent minds that say exactly what you want to say, only better.
I’m a shocker for a fridge magnet, and one of my favourites was a quote about saving money which basically said “Look after your money and it will look after you” (But in much more sophisticated language, naturally).
Related: This woman draws inspiration from the most unlikely place.
Here is some rock-solid advice from women who know what they’re talking about when it comes to looking after the dollars. Feel free to sticky tape them to your fridge.
1. “Money has no power of its own. You alone are the power source. You are the one who makes the choices to spend money, to save money and to borrow money.” – Suze Orman
2. “Be thankful for what you have, you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” – Oprah Winfrey
3. “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.” – Maya Angelou
4. “Plan your work for today and every day and then work your plan.” Margaret Thatcher
5. “No one’s ever achieved financial fitness with a January resolution that’s abandoned by February.” – Suze Orman
6. “A woman’s best protection is a little money of her own.” – Clare Boothe Luce
7. “It is not the creation of wealth that is wrong but the love of money for its own sake.” – Margaret Thatcher
8. “I truly believe that women should be financially independent from their men. And let’s face it, money gives men the power to run the show. It gives men the power to define value. They define what’s sexy and men define what’s feminism. It’s ridiculous.” – Beyonce
9. “We all have the ability in us to move from struggle to grace.” – Ariana Huffington
10. “Power comes from who you are, not what you have.” – Suze Orman
And if you’re in need of more advice this is what Nicola Wood wishes she could go back and tell her teenage self…
Here are some more snippets of inspiration should you feel yourself lagging…
What’s the best financial advice you’ve ever received?
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Top Comments
I'm so bad with this! Buying lunch most days and at least one coffee a day adds up to sooooo much!! TRhe train is hella expensive in Sydney too! :(
I have several accounts which helps though. One for household expenses and another for leisure, buying lunch etc.
I think of my finances the same as diet and exercise. It's the small things that add up. You might think it doesn't matter if you buy a $5 coffee and spend $10 on lunch, but it adds up (both in your wallet and your waistline!) I also find it easier if you don't get swept up in trends and silly competitive things that don't matter... like having expensive cars and the latest shoes, clothes, TVs etc. Live simply as best you can. Quality time with family and friends is free!
I know what you are saying and I mostly agree but I really dislike the whole "you spend so much money overall if you have a $5 cup of coffee every day". Life shouldnt be all about saving up for the big things, sometimes it's about that simple pleasure of having a cup of coffee.
I totally agree R. There are some people for whom that makes a big difference (eg they can't pay rent if they're buying lunch), and the policy may well be relevant for them.
But for me, I love being able to drink my delicious coffee while I drive to work in my warm, pretty (fuel efficient) car. It's like a daily treat to myself because I deserve to be treated. I think it's good to be kind to yourself in those small ways (so long as it's not actually significantly negatively impacting you).