Money Monday: Why? not How?

ByMichelle Garrett

Think “why.”

You’re more likely to reach your goal when you concentrate on why you’re saving  (and less on how), according to a study in the Journal of Consumer Research.

I came across this quote a few weeks ago and it really spoke to me.  Often times when we’re thinking about creating a budget and saving money, we’re focused on how to do it.  How to balance your checkbook. How to cut costs.  How to pay down your debt.  We get so caught up on the hows and technicalities of it all, that we may get overwhelmed and go right back to the same to the same financial habits that aren’t getting us anywhere.  Been there…done that…multiple times!  

My ah-ha moment came when I realized that I one day my children would come to me for help for something financial and I wanted to have the means and ability to help them.  If it was loaning them money without it being a financial burden or having to co-sign on their first car.  Whatever it was, I wanted to be able to help them and not have my credit be a hindrance.  I, also, wanted them to grow up learning the importance of saving and being frugal.  To know that they could do fun things (often the exact same fun things others were doing) but not spend tons of money doing so.  

I, also, wanted a home of my own.  I wanted a place where my family could make memories and host family gatherings.  I wanted to be able to sit on my back patio and just relax while watching my kids play in the backyard or watch the stars once everyone was tucked in for the night.  Once I started focusing on those things, it became easier for me to make the sacrifices that I had to.


So, divas, why is it that you want to save and make spending changes? Is it to teach your kids so they don’t adapt the same financial bad habits you may have had? Is it for a home for your family? Is it for a family vacation to relax and unwind together? Is it to pay off debt so you can have more disposable income in the long-term.  Whatever your reasons are, I wish you much success. Patience, dedication and perseverance will be your friends 🙂


Be Blessed Divas and remember to be a blessing to others!
~Michelle