Debtfree Magazine April 2019

KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES
STEPS WE CAN TAKE
Now that we know how bad the Joneses situation is, let’s consider
how you can take positive steps to avoid feeling the overwhelming
urge to keep up with them.
Do your spending and money habits line up with your personal values?
Have you thought about what is really important to you? Do you really like
yachts? If not, maybe you get sea sick, so why do you care if somebody else
is on a yacht in the Caribbean?
Make financial decisions based on what you really want in life, rather than
what you think others think you should be doing.
Make sure you budget for some fun. Even if it is only a small amount and it
is something simple do not think that just because you are under financial
stress or debt review that you cannot have fun. So many things that are
great fun can be enjoyed for very little. Budget for it, that way, you’ll be able
to have fun without feeling guilty or stressed about it.
If you feel pressured by friends, next door neighbors, or even people in
your extended family to live outside of your means, then it might be time
to cut down on how much time you spend with them. Rather than surround
yourself with people who make you feel inadequate spend time with people
who lift you up and like you for who you are and not what you have.