Your mindset towards money can greatly impact whether you succeed or fail financially. What role do you see money playing in your life over the next few years? How will you balance investing, spending, and saving? The answers to important questions like these greatly depend on your mindset. In this article, you will find some tips that may help you refine your views on money and its role in your life. Below are 6 money mindsets that you can adopt in order to set yourself up for financial success.
1. Money Is A Tool, Not A Goal
Think of money as the vehicle that will take you to your financial destination. It can be tough to consistently save and sacrifice simply to have more money in the bank. But, when you formulate clear goals for your life, it will be easier to see how your savings can propel you toward those goals.
What could you do with a couple more zeros in your bank account? You could be better prepared for an emergency or job loss. You could take that vacation you have been dreaming about. You could help a person in need without a second thought.
2. Experiences Trump Things
As you accumulate savings, increase your income, and decrease debt, you will find yourself with more and more disposable income to use any way you please. While it is okay to purchase a few “toys” every now and then, remember that experiences will ultimately bring you more pleasure than things.
Use money to create memories and strengthen relationships with friends and loved ones. This will lead to a more satisfying financial future than simply gathering more possessions. Travel to a new country. Learn a different skill. Pick up a new instrument.
3. Think Long Term And Big Picture
What you do with your money today will have a huge impact on your life 5, 10, or even 50 years from now. What kind of life do you want to provide for your family? Do you think you will be interested in pursuing an advanced degree in the future? Is being debt-free important to you? How do you want to support yourself in your retirement years?
Sometimes, we get so bogged down with the day-to-day financial transactions that it is hard to think about the financial future. Still, it is important to periodically check to make sure you are heading toward your long-term goals in addition to keeping the bills paid right now.
4. Investing Is For Everyone
Today, technology has made it possible for anyone to become an investor and put their money to work. Even if you are a beginner, there are plenty of resources available online to teach you the basics of investing. The key to successful investing is starting early. The earlier you begin, the more compounding interest will work in your favor. As you create your financial plan, be sure to consider how you can make money on your investments in addition to your salary.
5. Money Must Be Actively Managed
Although there are many automated tools available to help us save, invest, and pay bills, you still want to take a hands-on approach to managing your money. You cannot “set it and forget it.” Check all your accounts regularly to make sure everything is working as planned. Did the utility bill go up a little this month? Are your automatic bill payments still being processed properly? Is there room in the budget to add a little more money to the savings account?
6. Money Ultimately Comes From Value Creation
Throughout your financial life, make sure you equate money and income with value creation. In order to earn more money, you need to constantly be searching for more ways to create value in the world. You can do this by taking on new responsibilities at work, finding a job that is more valued by the employer, or by starting a business that provides exceptional value to customers. Other ways you can create value include obtaining specialized certifications in your field, cross-training in different disciplines, and teaching and mentoring others. Each of these will not necessarily pay off in the short term, but over time these behaviors will certainly attract great opportunities to you.
Featured photo credit: Olu Eletu via unsplash.com
