Buzz
We all have at least one money habit we could stand to improve.
Eliminating unnecessary expenses for a month won't make you rich or radically change your life. (And at times, spending a little extra on certain things is well worth it.) But if there’s a habit you feel guilty about or want to break, this short period offers a manageable timeframe that could lead to lasting change. Focusing on the next four weeks may help you realize that you can continue with this new habit even after the month is over.
"Something happens as you start to build your ridiculously easy habit," said David Kadavy, a podcaster who writes about work and creativity. "You start to feel good about it. When you feel good about it, you start to enjoy it. When you enjoy it, it’s easy to do."
Plus, February only has 28 days, so it should be relatively easy (ish).
Cleanse Your Spending Habits
The first step is identifying what you need to cut out. Perhaps it's obvious—you've been feeling guilty about your constant Seamless orders, or you’ve accumulated a stack of unplayed video games. If you're unsure, take a look at your credit card and bank statements from the past few months. You’ll definitely find something to work on.
If shopping for clothes is your weakness, unsubscribe from store emails, or find a new route home from work that avoids passing by your favorite shops. If food is your temptation, host meals at home with friends instead of dining out, or unfollow some restaurant accounts on Instagram.
Here’s what I’m doing: I’m cutting back on Seamless orders and eating out. My goal is to cook more meals at home, which also supports another one of my 2018 goals: learning how to make my favorite dishes.
If you want to make it more interesting, consider using an app like Qapital, and set a rule to save the same amount of money you would typically spend on clothes in a month. Or, treat yourself for every day or week you avoid shopping by putting a set amount into your vacation fund.
So, which spending habit are you ready to let go of? We’ll check in with you halfway through the month and again at the end to see how you’re progressing. Best of luck!
