Overcoming Money Mistakes

When I write all of these posts, I can’t help but sit back and think at times, “I can’t even follow some of these things myself”! Today I just wanted to give you some encouragement if you feel like you keep “falling off the wagon” … or spending without planning on it.

I realize the principles of budgeting and saving can be very hard to follow at first … and in time … they do actually get easier. But the fact of the matter is, it’s never that easy to say “no” to yourself when you really want something.

You see that adorable pair of shoes in the store (that are even on sale!) and all you want to do is bring them home with you! Or you are walking through the grocery store, really craving your favorite snack, and you can’t help but sneak it in your cart.

Trust me, I know the feeling. And before you know it, you are just drowning in shame with the fact that you just couldn’t hold yourself back.

I would say most people regret purchases very often. They may not say it out loud, but when you are staring at that new vase you got a few years ago that is accumulating dust and doesn’t match anything in your house, the guilt can start to set in.

So I guess the question is…how do you get back on the wagon?

How do you get back on track, when everything inside you is screaming “You’re a failure! You can’t save money!” Well, there are a few things you must keep in mind through the process of saving and budgeting…

# 1 It’s Never Too Late to Start Reaching for Your Goals

So what if you messed up for a few days now, or years! It’s not the end of the world, and even though you may be facing some serious debt, only good can come out of this from here. Keep your eyes focused on the future goal, and know that there is never a financial situation too hopeless. You can always start today on saving for your future.

#2 If You Truly Regret It, Return It

The other day I went shopping and was determined to find a striped pull-over hoodie (I know, don’t ask why!)…and the only one I could find was in the men’s section! So of course, as stubborn as I am, I bought it! Only to come home and totally regret my purchase. The most simple solution here is to return it. I know it can be a little embarrassing, out of the way, and just plain annoying, but I think in those kind of situations, you will feel a lot better if you do return it! So do it! You will find that even “large” purchases have a return window. Ever heard of buyer’s remorse? It’s a very real thing!

#3 See the Good in Yourself

There will always be categories in our budget that we struggle with. For me, it’s always the food and grocery section of the budget. Sometimes no matter how hard I try, I always seem to fail in this way. Either I go WAY over what I wanted to spend, or just a little bit over every week. But every time I look at our budget, I feel dejected and sad. What I suggest to other women out there who are feeling these same feelings is that you just need to see the good in yourself and not focus on the bad. Sure, I struggle with the grocery side of things, but when it comes to miscellaneous spending like a t-shirt I saw at my favorite store, I can usually hold back. Look at your budget on a holistic level, and make the most of every opportunity to learn what you need to work on, and what you already excel in!

Got any stories on how you’ve fallen off the wagon? I’m sure we can all relate! Leave us a comment below, we would love to help you get through your specific struggle. We can all improve in different ways, and I think that is the beauty of God’s work in us, we are constantly growing!

By: Erika from Faithful with Finances

Meet the founders of Faithful with Finances:
Tony Amaradio and his wife Carin.