As I mentioned before, I started this blog to help (military) people out.  Whether it is done by putting together various math problems, or to shed light on some items that are unknown to the average person, or anything else.  The problem I have been experiencing lately is that I forget that this is my own personal blog.  Although I will always look at different ways to have a purpose I stated in the first sentence, I must also realize that this is a way to keep me not only in check, but allowing me to write, brainstorm with myself, and to keep myself in check as well.  My wife has been bothering me about my (lack of) writing here and I kept rationalizing the reasons why without really thinking of it… excuses like:

Oh, I’ve been swamped at work all day and with the new health issues that have crept up, I do not have energy or desire to work on that today. 

Well, the weather is finally nice out, so I can take care of those neglected issues around the house like mowing the lawn.

We have been getting things dropped on us near-last minute every few weeks that change our plans for months ahead and you want me to think about writing?

I finally know what I want to talk about, but it’s just such a broad topic I start feeling overwhelmed with all the research and I just shut down.

Looking back at the last few weeks, I realize that it is exceedingly simple to fall into this way of thinking.  For me, it may be this blog and trying to maybe do too much.  For others, it may be finishing (or starting) their further education.  Doing something for their relationship (or lack of).  Perhaps going to the gym.  Of course, this also includes finances.

I talk to, and hear about, many people that are not “on track” for retirement.  (To clarify, I use the word “retirement” in this sense as a complete retirement from the work force, not just doing 20+ years in the military, getting a pension, but continuing to work elsewhere.)  They have squandered thousands of dollars into huge trucks, houses three sizes too large, boats, guns, Magic the Gathering cards, video games, and the list goes on and on and on.  They look back and realize their mistake, but they feel too “trapped” to do anything about it. 

A few years ago, I remember the “penny a day” challenge (where you save the amount of pennies amounted to the total days you are into the challenge) where you come out ~$677 ahead.  Then there was the “dollar a week” challenge where you start week one with $1, add $2 in week two, $3 in week three… you get it.  All of these demonstrate how things may look hopeless in the beginning (when you’re dealing with such tiny numbers), but the constant progress adds up to be much larger. 

Imagine doing the latter challenge with the change of $5/week?  Total addition of nearly $7,000 – in only one year! 

Although I will admit that someone who is struggling to stay afloat with bills may have difficulties with the last four weeks taking almost $1k, but you get my point.

As I will try to hold myself more accountable for posting content (if not for my readers, then at the very least for me), try to hold yourselves more accountable for continuing to progress financially.  Continuing with the examples made above, if your house is too large, maybe downsize and invest the profits.  If you have a huge 4×4 and you have went off-road (or used any of its capabilities) once or twice this year, maybe think about selling that and buying something more economical while renting a 4×4 for any trips that require it.  If you are unable to bring yourself to do so, maybe think about downgrading the 4×4 into an older, or slightly cheaper model?  I overheard someone talking about spending $500/mo on Magic cards at an appointment yesterday while his wife looks at it as permission to spend $500/mo on purses.  Maybe that $1K would be better put elsewhere monthly?  Maybe bring that down to 200/mo for each and save the $600?

One final statement on all this – do not take the above as “devoid your life of all pleasure”.  Just prioritize what is important to you – is it having toys that you rarely use outside of showing people that you seemingly “have it made”, or is it actually making it by having more time for your family or actual hobbies when you retire instead of slaving away at another desk/jobsite? 

 

-Art