Let's face it, we all know to spend less and save more. We know we should pay our bills on time, try very hard not to borrow and save for that rainy day that always comes when we least expect it. Easier said than done is more like it, especially when we see pretty things for the house or our favorite discount store has a really good deal and we better grab it while it's there! I thought I'd share some of my own thoughts and advice I share with others, and we all know hindsight is 20/20. Looking back, I see where I picked up some good and bad habits and what I hope to pass on to my own children soon enough.
My wisdom comes in no particular order:
- I started working at age 15 and I needed a worker's permit in order to do so. These days I see teens just waste their time on nothing, all the while complaining about life and all the drama that comes with being a teen. Getting a job requires skills to interview well, responsibility for getting to and from work, paying attention to your paycheck and checking/savings account and managing money whether it's for personal use, saving for college or car/gas/insurance.
- From age 15-18 I had four jobs. I learned about myself, my strengths and weaknesses and the kind of environment I was happiest and most productive. Our ultimate goal is to recognize where we fit in and can truly thrive while making the money necessary to sustain our lives and be as content as possible.
- It's absolutely acceptable to try new things until you find what works for you....as long as you make sure to avoid burning bridges and maintain dignity and respect in every workplace and work relationship. You never know when you will hope for that networking opportunity from a past employer or colleague, or in my case, you may want to go back! You want to make sure they are happy to have you and they welcome you with open arms if that's the case. (Thankfully in my case it was!)
- Contemplating marriage with your soon-to-be fiancée is important business. I'll share more on that in another post, but financially, don't ever think you can fix things after marriage and everything will be okay. It won't. The problems that occurred with you or your fiancée in terms of financial status will still be there after the wedding. If you or your partner has outstanding debt, credit report issues or a low credit rating, I strongly suggest you hold off on walking down the aisle until you get those matters squared away. It's not fair to either of you to start a life with someone who has already done a sorry number when things were easier i.e. they were only responsible for one person! Also, it's not crazy to ask for W-2 or make sure they file their taxes on time and don't owe the government. Some may laugh but trust me, I've been there, done that and you'd be surprised what comes up when you're supposed to be honeymooning in la-la land.
- First time parents: Congratulations and by all means, have that baby shower! Ask for gift receipts, gift cards, and cash. lol I laugh because honestly, the style and décor of the nursery won't match the bits and pieces folks will bring to the shower. Even items like diaper cakes and huge boxes of diapers and wipes won't always be safe bets. Your baby could outgrow the five cases of newborn diapers you were so kindly gifted...and now what? You're stuck giving them away or hiding them in a closet for your next baby. The wipes? Your baby's hiney doesn't like those gifted wipes and you have to conduct your own experiment by trying a sample pack of every brand until you find one that works. Same goes for clothes, toys etc. As a first-time parent, you won't know what works for you and your baby until you get in there and just DO IT. And along the way you'll trial and error until you find your holy grail baby products. One kid might love an exersaucer, another might prefer a bouncy seat or swing. Bottom line, buy as you grow and learn along with your baby. Also, what worked (or didn't) with your first child may be the complete opposite with your second or third. Actually, that's almost a guarantee. I've never heard of a parent say they had two identical personalities back to back.
- When to stock up and when to skip it? I love a bargain and I love to see packs of items I know and love. If you know it's cheaper buying multiples of favorite products, especially if it's a limited time sale, by all means stock up. Buying furniture and décor for the house you're still dreaming of....? You probably want to skip the knick knacks and actually save for the house itself! Online sales are usually only set for a certain time so nothing hurts more than kicking yourself that you ignored the sale, only to hit the same site a couple weeks later at full price. If you're a big online shopper, leave a tab open with Ebates so you won't forget. Check for free shipping and discount codes before you complete that order!
- I'm obviously always onboard with skincare and cosmetic purchases but in a sensible and reasonable fashion. Something that looks pretty in the container or works for someone else, may not be right for you. For example, I've learned that I don't like lip balms/glosses in little pots. I don't like using a lip brush and I can't stand getting my finger goopy. So no matter how pretty it looks, I'm not buying another one. Pigmented glosses don't work for me either. I never reach for them. Unless it's a gloss to use on top of a lipstick, fuhgetaboutit. I won't pay for a high-end lipstick if I know the formula or color isn't unique. Why am I paying a higher price? I WILL pay a higher price for packaging, smell, texture and unique color, however. One gorgeous high-end lipstick in a great tube package in an everyday neutral color for the purse is definitely worth the splurge. Over time, you get to know which shadow colors bring out the best in your eyes. If you see a palette where you KNOW you won't use 9 out of 12 shades, skip it. Instead, try to find single shadows similar to those couple in the palette that you liked. Even if you pay more for each single, you know you'll get your money's worth and actually USE it.
