Ok I know I might seem a little like Uncle Scrooge when I talk on how to avoid spending money. However, I have lately realised that as long as I am not spending money, I am able to save some of it. Note I did not say ALL of money is saved as life has a way of making me spend especially when I have no intention of doing so.
However by avoiding to spend money, I have been able to not only save more, but at the same time, I have found that life is not all about money after all. There are great things that one can do that do not require spending money. Guess what? They are fun too.
This is how to avoid spending money even for the online marketer like me.
1. Stop watching TV – Though tv stands may look good, believe me when I tell you that that little box has a knack of making people spend more money than they can afford. There was a time when only the advertising will tell you to spend. However, even watching the discovery channel latest show can make you take out your check book to go for a trip to Kenya
2. Never listen to my kids – I don’t think I was like my kids when I was young. These little people have become expert marketers. Long gone are the days when kids used to run from the house to play with their friends in the neighbourhood. Now they want to go for a camping trip, dance lessons, holloween parties and something new every day. All these involve money which they do not have. God help you if you say no when you are broke.
3. Don’t believe the hype – For those of us who try making a living online, it is nearly impossible avoiding all those “this is the latest internet marketing software, that will will make you a millionaire”. Don’t believe the hype. If it was so good, then Google or Microsoft would have bought it.
4. Don’t carry money with you – With this I mean leave your credit cards at home. If you are as brave as I am, burn those damn credit cards and debit cards. Carry only the money you need. If the so called “financial emergencies” occur, trust me, you are resilient enough to fix the problem without resorting to carrying your credit card with you anywhere you go.
5. Get a hobby – My hobby now is taking care of my bonsai tree. I have to admit I know nothing about bonsai trees but they keep me out of spending money situations. In fact I believe one of these trees was called how to avoid spending money. Ok I am just kidding. So learn how to be a plumber, a seamstress, a blogger, anything that needs time for you to understand.
Having said all that even if you learn how to avoid spending money, it does not mean that you become a miser. The only thing worse than being in debt is being a miser. Life is short so enjoy it. But do leave the credit card home when you do so.