Respect for perspective

There isn't a one-size-fits-all way of seeing or prioritizing. It's a function of the individual and in an unkind yet funny expression a navel gazing past-time. We all have the ability to convince ourselves to continue on a certain path that is demonstrably a bad choice for ourselves but reasons like "I've always done it this way", "Nothing else will work for me", or "It'll all come out in the wash" are there,  ready to leap from our lips and justify behaviour that could use a correction.

Day 8 of YNAB's 34 day challenge is at its heart about perspective. We see money in our bank accounts or limits on our credit cards and think we have got it made. No budgeting needed, no worries, there's enough money to cover it all and then some. But is there? Are you covering the balance on your card, or are your growing your debt rather than your wealth. If you load up on extras on a grocery shop and go over your grocery budget by $50 but you really want that in-store sushi and four different bags of kettle chips and seven pineapples, so where does the $50 you needed to cover your internet bill come from. The credit card isn't the correct answer, debt is so rarely, if ever going to be a correct answer. Don't let a bank balance or a hefty credit limit convince you that all is well. You and your money are life-mates.

Just about everything out there is trying to split you and your money up, even money that isn't yours yet, so that it becomes their money! Which is cool, people need to get paid, money needs to change hands for goods and services, it's not wrong... but with a caveat - perspective. We aren't improved by purchases. We are improved by knowledge. The entities that exist to profit from financial illiteracy or naivety are not cool and it is on our own shoulders to learn how to keep our relationship with and perspective on money healthy. 

YNAB's challenge asks us to check our budget prior to spending and shop within the boundaries of the money you've allocated. With practice, and crafting a good habit this is like breathing. If you are learning and taking back control of your finances there's some thoughts to pursue. Taking from your savings/retirement, for example, to cover the $50 grocery overspend is not a great choice. Future you is counting on present you! Justifying creeping $50 deeper into debt by covering the overage with credit is also not a great choice. I know, I know, you are concerned about the banks and creditors shivering in the cold, weak and hungry and that $50 will help them ...oh wait 🙄 

What about other places that $50 can come from - a fun money fund, dining out fund, clothing fund - a good choice is finding somewhere in your budget there is $50 you are going to re-prioritize and cover the overage, while yes indeed reducing what you can spend on going to the movies, tacos or underpants, your obligation to pay your internet bill is covered and no new debt is acquired - you've struck a balance. You've also presented yourself with a choice and/or a lesson. Was it worth it? The sushi, the chips and pineapples? Instant gratification is no joke, was this a slip, a moment of weakness? It's okay if it was - we all have them. You are now better prepared to face temptation, yes! But maybe it wasn't a slip, maybe the sushi, chips and pineapples are an intrinsic part of your existence, they *are* a priority and reducing the amount you spend on underpants to increase the amount you spend on sushi, chips and pineapples is the best, most knowledgeable choice you can make for yourself and you are happier for it! OMG money has just bought happiness!  and it didn't involve a gold-plated 118ft yacht.

 Though if that's your dream make it work, baby!

On that note, please take care of your underpants.