Saving for anything can be a challenge, there are a million things that can come up and knock you right back to square one. If your savings goal is rather big and you have a family to raise saying NO can get very repetitive and you begin to feel like you're missing out on so many things that others are enjoying. There are a number of different things you can do to make sure you reach your goals and feel good about it!
Talk to your kids.
Depending on ages of course but talking to your kids about why you can't do certain things and what the reason is can really make a difference. You should be talking to your kids regularly about finances and money as it is so they don't grow up to be ignorant with their own financial decisions. Your kids should be included in the family goals and they will be a lot more understanding when you can inform them why you can't take trips to Disneyland or buy those $200 shoes. Get them involved and explain what will happen when you reach your goals. With us it is quite simple, we explained we are saving for a down payment on a bigger home so they can have their own space separate from my home daycare. My kids are very excited about this and the fact that we can get a dog when we own our own home!
Stop comparing yourself to others.
Be proud of yourself and what you do, everyone has different budgets, goals, expenses, and incomes. Not everyone is saving for a home, new car, fertility treatments, or a wedding. Some people have been born into wealthy families and others marry into it, others have extremely successful careers and can afford a lot more. Be happy with where you are and what you are doing and if you're not happy then figure out what it will take to make you happy. As long as the reason you are unhappy isn't from comparing yourself to others then you can do what it takes to make improvements and be happy about where you are and what you are doing.
Share your goals with supportive friends and family.
Hanging out and talking to like minded people who understand your goals can really help you go in the right direction and stay that way. When you're trying to save money it is never a good thing to be around people who spend like crazy, this will make you want to spend money and keep you further from your goals. Having people around you that know your position and want you to succeed can keep you on track and motivate you to keep going. You can talk to them when it feels hopeless and ask questions when you don't know what to do, maintain friendships that have a positive impact on your goals.
Stay true to you.
The world has become one huge reality TV show with social media spewing everyone's personal business around the globe. Every beautiful girl thinks she is a super model on Instagram, every moderately wealthy family is a travel writer, moms are spoiling their kids with hot new toys to try and become Youtube sensations, and everyone is constantly being compared to everyone else. Do not get involved in the whole social media comparison game, you are your own person and you don't need to look like you have a perfect life. Share photos of you and your family enjoying your life the way you normally would, don't pretend to be someone you're not. Be yourself, be honest, and keep your dignity in tact.
Saving money is not a bad thing.
Do not ever feel bad about using coupons, buying clearance items, having an old purse, old shoes, or an old car. Have you ever gone past the clearance section and decided not to stop because someone you know is in sight? Do you feel embarrassed about your clothes, shoes, or vehicle regularly? This should never be an issue, saving money is not a bad thing. Being well dressed and driving a fancy car is all well and good if you're in that place in your life where you can afford it but if you are saving money and have a purpose put your pride to the side.
Whatever goal you have in mind is totally doable with the right mindset and proper motivation.
If you can dream it, you can do it. - Walt Disney!
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