Call me crazy, but I truly believe that you can afford everything you want in life. It just comes down to one little secret.
A background story
Before I tell you my secret, I have to tell you a story. Just last week a friend of mine was telling me that she really wanted to buy a new car. Not just a new-to-her car, but a brand new, never been owned or leased, car.
I immediately told her that is sounded like a horrible idea. I hated to be a dream crusher, but I couldn’t help but share that purchases a new car is one of the worse investments you can make because it’s not an investment at all.
Don’t get me wrong, I love learning about the new functions in new cars. I even like to share information about new cars on social media, but that doesn’t mean I’m ever going to buy a new car or advise any of my friends or readers to buy one.
When I asked my friend why she wanted a new car she said it was because she wanted all the fancy new bells and whistles because she’s never had all of that before. DING, DING, DING. She didn’t actually want a new car, she wanted a fancier car than she’s ever had before.
All of a sudden there are many more options! She can buy a car that was only leased for 6 months or one that was a rental car. By buying a very recent used car she can actually save thousands of dollars that could potentially be used to help her buy more of the amazing things she wants in life.
Talking to her made me realize that a lot of people think they want one thing when in reality they really want something else. It made me realize that I know the secret to affording everything you want in life.
How to afford everything you want in life
This is my secret to affording everything you want in life: find out what you really want, and then make it happen.
Too often we think we want something when in reality we could care less. We use the word want so often and without much thought that we often use it carelessly. We’ve all done it. Maybe we see a friend wearing a new purse, or we hear an ad for an upcoming concert. All of a sudden we feel like we really want that new purse or concert ticket. But do we really? Maybe what we really want is to update our wardrobe or dance to music with our friends.
These are simple examples, but you can also apply this to the big things you want out of life. If you take the time to write down what you want out of life you may find that your wants are pretty simple and very affordable.
I’ve done this and found that my wants really come down to eating and traveling well. At the end of the day I don’t care as much about what I’m wearing, where my makeup is from (although for the record I do still really enjoy an occasional Chanel eye shadow quad), or what kind of car I’m driving. What I really want in life is to not feel guilty about spending money at the grocery store, eating out, or putting money aside for travel. These things truly make me happy.
What makes you happy?
What do you want? Do you want to be a fashionista? Maybe that means eating out less, but spending more on clothes. Do you aspire to decorate like Joanna Gaines? Maybe you’ll find that what you really enjoy is the thrill of the find at thrift shops and flea markets. Find out what you really want and then put your money there. Figure out how to afford everything you want in life! It is possible.
You may just find that your big want in life is to be financially secure. Deep down I think we all really want that the most. Remember that you can’t afford to spend money on material things if you can’t pay your bills. Before you spend money on something you probably don’t need, ask yourself if you’re going to make ends meet this month. If not, put it back.
No purchase feels as good as coming out ahead financially at the end of the month. That makes me think of the saying, nothing tastes as good as skinny feels. I definitely don’t agree with that one though. I’ve been skinny, and I can tell you that eating well tastes way better than skinny feels.
Anyway, I’d really love to hear what you want to be able to afford. Let me know!
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I’m going to start by saying, Right now, I am going through BIG life changes. I have recently lost my job, my apartment, I had to move in with my mother in another state and all of my friends are back where I use to live, so no social life. I pretty much lost most of what my life was. This life change is due to spending two years going through cancer treatments. I made it out the other end (survived) and now have to figure out what to do next. Chemo, Radiation and double mastectomy has left me unable to work with lymphedema of the arm/hand, neuropathy of both feet, diabetes and back issues (that I already had from an accident) that is now worse then before the chemo. Government says I can work but employers are not so willing to hire me. With all of that I am still very VERY happy to be here. It’s hard to describe the feeling. It’s weird it’s like a breath of fresh air. I’m actually looking forward to starting over. I felt I needed to explain why before answering your question.
Back to your question:
You asked what do you want in life? I’m looking for something I can do to make money to start a new and pay all those horrible past bills. That’s step one. After that, to take life at a slower pace so I can appreciate family, dog, far off friends and the seasons around me. Simple right! =)
I found your blog with your recipe for pineapple fried rice. We are are looking forward to trying it on the weekend.
Thanks for the great question. It made me re-think about a few things.
Thank you for taking the time to comment. You definitely gave me some perspective! When I really think about what I want in life, I don’t want much more than to be healthy and happy. Unfortunately health is something we take for granted when we are healthy.
I wish you the best of luck paying off those hospital bills. I can’t even imagine. It took us months to pay off one ER visit for my son’s broken arm. It sounds like you have a great appreciation for life. I hope you can take life slower and appreciate it all!
Let me know what you think of the fried rice!