Staying on a budget can be a difficult proposition under the best of circumstances. Today, keeping one’s spending under control is more difficult than ever, due to the ease and temptation of succumbing to online offers. However, based on my own sad experiences with this, let me offer the following tips for saving money.
First, let me ask you a question. How often have you seen something like this: “Although we cannot guarantee results, our app/online course/method generated us a six-figure income. While normally this would be worth $500 (or maybe $1,000), you can get it now for $199 (or maybe $499). But we need you to buy it by tomorrow, because after that this offer goes away forever.” Now, raise your hand if you’ve ever fallen for these lines. Don’t be ashamed if you have. I know I have.
So, my first tip for saving money is to think before you spend it. Sleep on it at the very least before you decide to get in on this “great deal.”
My second tip is to examine what it is you’re actually getting. Are these things that you need? Or are they things you can do without buying anything? A lot of these so-called deals are based on what I call the “fear factor”, which is essentially the fear that you’re not capable of doing it without help or figuring it out for yourself.
I don’t mean to diminish the value of online courses or services in saying this. Such courses and services can be great timesavers and actually help you make money faster. But before you jump into paying for anything, consider the possibility that you may be able to learn the subject on your own or with the help of a friend. Or even by reading a book. One that might even be available at the library for free.
My third tip is to not spend money you don’t have to make speculative money. Just because somebody tells you something is worth $500, that doesn’t mean it actually is. And just because somebody else made six figures doing something, that doesn’t mean you will. So if you’re accumulating credit card debt in order to (maybe) make money in the future, you could end up paying a hefty price tag in terms of interest on that debt.
Finally, I’ll leave you with this thought. Don’t assume you’re incapable. You’re probably able to do much more than you can imagine. True success requires persistence, hard work, and wise decision-making. Anyone who says you can be an overnight success is just trying to sell you something.
