What makes you rich

Have you ever thought, if I could just make more money then I wouldn't be living client payment to client payment... then I would be rich?? (ok, maybe you haven't actually used the word rich but you catch my drift).

Well, I believe it isn't your income which determines your "richness." It's your spending habits. If you have bad spending habits, an increase in income will only mean an increase in spending. You get an extra client project and think "woohoo, I'm going on vacation!" 

Suddenly, the extra money is gone and you didn't even go vacation yet. You didn't have extra money that you thought you would. Where did it go? 

That is why you must focus on your spending habits. Here are some bookkeeper approved spending habits:

• Delayed gratification. Don’t go out and buy right away (especially for large purchases). Look at your options and shop around for the best price. You may also delay the purchase for a week or month. After that time is passed, ask yourself whether you still need to buy the item.
• SAVE! I know, this is supposed to be about SPENDING habits but I couldn't help myself. Set up a savings account and transfer money into it every month. It's better to save while you have money than to wonder where they money will come from later.
• Don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s just a small purchase. Benjamin Franklin wisely said that small leaks sink large ships. Remember that $5 x 20 days a month = $100. You could be saving for a future vacation!
• Give yourself a "fun" budget. Set aside money each month to use just for fun: shopping the sale at your favorite store, buying a new piece of decor for your office, browsing Amazon. That way you won't be deciding how much to spend in the moment.

Remember, I’m not saying "never spend money." Rather think things through before you buy. Tell "your money where to go instead of wondering where it went" (John Maxwell).

Happy spending,
Brittney