DON’T LET SOCIAL MEDIA KEEP YOU BROKE

Mindless scrolling will keep you broke. Consuming too much social media will keep you broke. The endless amount of content that people put out there and sell will have you thinking what you have is never enough, outdated, out of season, or just wrong. Please keep in mind they make a commission, receive products for free, and often times return product back to the store after posting.

We live in a world where over consumption is keeping everyone broke trying to keep up with the latest of latest.

News flash, you don’t need a tiny home size closet. Having a wall of shoes that you probably only wear once is unrealistic. That is a waste of money. No one needs 30 pair of jeans. 20 white shirts. Please take the fashion inspiration and filter the rest. Also wear what you want. Who needs a new wardrobe every season? All it takes is investing in a few good pieces to create multiple outfits. Think about it, many of us grab the same pieces to wear to work, do errands, lounge around, and even during exercise.

Next, take it from me, a beauty junkie, there’s absolutely no reason anyone needs 10 foundations, 15 eyeshadow palettes, 40 lipsticks, and 20 bronzers. First of all, you’re never going to use any one product until it’s gone. Money wasted. The product does expire. And the rate these cosmetic companies are putting out new products it’s just useless, wasteful, and unnecessary. Many of your favorite gurus don’t even use the product after posting. Again having a closet just for makeup is unrealistic. Get you the basics you need and replenish as needed.

Talking about social media keeping you broke, who has the time and money to go on 4 lavish and exotic vacations every year. In the real world, a family barely takes one vacation a year. Don’t let social media think you’re not living life if you aren’t jet setting across the globe. Spoiler alert: some of them aren’t either. Much of what you see is FAKE!!!!! You can have a great life experiencing local festivities and activities.

Ok, this is the last one and it’s a doozy. Before you check out of your Amazon cart, ask yourself if it’s a need. I love watching “25 Things You Didn’t Know You Needed From Amazon”, but I don’t go buy them. I guarantee, if you look around your home, there are items purchased that aren’t being used. Just gadgets that seem cool, fun to look at, or great concept for a one time use. Everything should have a place and there’s a place for everything.

Social media can be a great tool for inspiration. But leave it there. Keep things in perspective. Be realistic. And while they are making a great living don’t you go broke buying everything they recommend because “it’s a must have.” ALL MY SOCIAL MEDIA APPS DELETED

Ironically this will not only help your wallet, but your mental and emotional wellness also. A few years ago I began getting irritated by all the clothes that still had tags on them in the closet. Shoes, especially tennis shoes, that I forgot about because I had too many options or my lifestyle just didn’t provide me the opportunities to get a good wear out of all I had. It pains me to talk about the amount of half used makeup I threw out because I had too much or it was sitting for too long.

I took my own advice after looking around my home and seeing money laying around and wasted.

That’s when the lightbulb went off. The first step in getting to a great place mentally and emotionally is going bare. I began selling clothes and shoes that I didn’t wear. If I had’t worn it in a year I was selling it. If I forgot I had it, I sold it. Let’s get to know me and heal me without all this “stuff”. It’s an amazing feeling. No distractions, you making some money on the side, and learning to be comfortable as you are.

Don’t let social media keep broke or make you go broke. Use it for inspiration, ideas, and entertainment. But just like they do, use a filter and get rid of the excess. Be well!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

HOW RISKY ARE YOU: TO QUIT OR NOT QUIT YOUR JOB

Since the pandemic many have had an awakening of becoming their own boss versus working the current job they have. They had an epiphany about what they missed out on, financial freedom, flexibility, and being appreciated. However, depending on who you ask there may or may not be a right or wrong way to go about it.

The Risk Taker

First you have those that says I’m going to bet on myself. I’m tired of working a 9-5. I want to be my own boss. They want the flexibility to work or create when they are most effective. The risk taker also is someone who has many ideas, creative, and very social. They have much confidence in themselves and says I’m going to win no matter what. The risk taker says if you have a plan B, then you aren’t putting all your efforts into Plan A. So of course you’re going to have to rely on Plan B one day. FINANCIAL MINDSET: WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

As Steve Harvey once said, “If my plan A doesn’t work then I’ll create another plan A.”

There isn’t a certain time to be stable to branch out on your own. Anything can happen. The more you try to work and save until you have enough, the longer you’re prolonging your dream and happiness. The comfort will always have you pushing back the deadline to begin your own.

The risk taker may also feel the company can shut down at any moment. They can lay you off without warning. Cut positions, hours, and benefits. Then where will that lead you.

The Cautious One

Next, we have those that says I have a family and bills. What about insurance. What if something happens. They are used to that guaranteed amount and needs that security “just in case.” It’s best to save at least six months, some say, before quitting your job. You need to make sure you’re financially secure and the family is stable while pursuing your dream. It’s all about security and comfort.

So do you quit your job and bet on yourself? Or keep that stable job until you feel you’re ready to stand on your own. Either way there are pros and cons to each. Depending on your life, lifestyle, circumstances, financial status, and many other factors. They both have the same end goal. To be financially free and to have something to pass down to their children. Doing what they love. Having fun. At some point working minimum hours while receiving maximum profit.

I’m a believer in your job or career should fit into your life not your life fitting into your job.

Which mindset are you? Quit or not?

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

FINANCIAL MINDSET: WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

After hearing two coworkers different point of view about finances, budgeting, and saving it had me think about my point of view on finances. Which mindset of the financial spectrum did I fall on? One coworker said she only lives once. Therefore, she buys what she wants, when she wants, and doesn’t particularly save. She pays her bills in full every month. After that, she and her husband live their life. They didn’t believe in the rainy day. “I can’t take the money with me when I die.” Hmmmmm…….

The other coworker was on the complete opposite end of the financial mindset. Her and her family budget everything every month down to the entertainment, eating out, and extras. She said if she goes to the store and get to the counter and the total is over what she planned she will stand there and determine which item she needs less and put it back. Whenever the budget runs out for that category, that is it until next payday or it’s time to budget again. They also have a set savings amount each month. “We just don’t know what’s going to happen.” Hmmmmmm……

So that leads me to the question of which mindset are you?

A. Tomorrow isn’t promised so I’m going to live each day like it’s my last. I’ll worry about tomorrow and what is needed then.

B. I like to be prepared and make sure I have everything I need. I never know when an emergency or unexpected situation or expense may occur.

C. Some where in the middle.

D. Haven’t thought about it.

What’s your financial mindset? Which aisle of the spectrum do fall on? QUICK FINANCIAL WELLNESS TIP

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

QUICK FINANCIAL WELLNESS TIP

I don’t know who need to hear this but you can’t solve money problems with money. A quick wellness tip for you on this Wednesday, is to stop trying to figure out how to get more or make more. The more money you make, the more bills you have, the more debt you’ll have.

Yes, the world seems to have taken us all by storm, again. But to stay ahead and get ahead you must change some daily habits. First is changing or shifting how you feel about money. What is your relationship with money? Secondly, look at your daily spending. Is it necessities or wants? What can you do to cut back? Have you been budgeting? When was the last time you tracked your spending. https://amzn.to/3mQ1uh7

To be honest, you’ve probably been working overtime to make ends meet, has it worked for you? Or have you found yourself in the same spot that you were in last pay period? Meal planning, grocery planning, car pooling, and daily household planning are good beginning steps to begin your financial wellness journey. Also, playing catch up is never a good idea. If it’s food items, cleaning products, hygiene products, or even gas, not letting it run too low or get empty is key to keeping your nose above water. Money Jar Saving Method for easy saving

I know this is extremely difficult. Milk is even out of budget. Think about meals that can last for two days or have leftovers that you can cook. Make a plan to only go to the store once a week or every two weeks depending on your budget and family needs. That will save on gas. In return, the less trips to the store, the less you spend. Google events and activities in your area to go to for free. You and your family can still have fun and enjoy life.

I know this is a difficult time. But just as with anything else, this is only temporary. Making the choice to tackle it and be proactive instead of reactive will help ease stress and pressure. Start with tracking your daily activities, what’s coming in and going out, and then create a plan. “If you fail to plan then you plan to fail.” #healthiswealth #financialwellness

Have a great day everyone!!!!!

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

#7 TIPS OF FINANCIAL ADVICE TO MY YOUNGER SELF

When we’re younger we have no idea about money, finances, budgeting, and credit. The one thing we may hear is to avoid credit cards, don’t borrow money, or save. Some may have never learned the importance of having a relationship with money and finances. Here is some financial advice to my younger self.

You need to develop a relationship with money. Not just going to work, making a paycheck, and paying your bills and debt. But know how to budget, track, and invest money. Handle Your Business…Get Your Finances Together Educate yourself on different kinds of accounts and investments. Know what you want to earn and learn about money. Have a goal in mind.
Money or financial mistakes are easy to make but hard to recover from. When we make a unplanned purchase, moving, or purchasing a new vehicle it seems like its the right thing to do at the time. Especially if it was something that was done on a whim. However, when you find yourself in a financial bind, most often you have to look 6 months to a year prior on what you had done. Our set backs doesn’t happen right when we make the purchase but it catches up with us.
Piggy backing off of advice tip #2, plan out your large purchases or life changing obstacles if you can. Prepare for expenses after a move or purchasing a new vehicle. It’s difficult to prepare for the unknown when we make such life changing decisions. But, with preparations, budgeting, planning, and saving it can be done economically.
Track your spending habits. Know what you are bringing in at all times. Also know what’s coming out at all times. Be mindful of budgets in all areas of your life. Be able to answer not only bill expenses, but grocery, personal items, entertainment, and any other expense that you have. Depending on your lifestyle and income you can track how often needed to, to keep up. Not to mention we have many tools available to us now to keep up with our finances.
Live below your means. Just because you have it doesn’t mean that you should spend it. Don’t live so tightly that you aren’t able to handle an emergency.
If managed right, credit cards can be a good thing. Learn how to use a credit card to establish credit and payment history.
Live your own lifestyle. Don’t try to keep up with everyone else and what they are doing or buying. Notes I Would Give To My Younger Self

These were just a few financial tips I would tell my younger self. Actually, this is the same tips I gave to my nieces who are entering adulthood. Your financial goals and relationship with money is something that is personal to you. Just like with anything else you are going to make mistakes, just seek the knowledge and advice needed to help you.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Handle Your Business…Get Your Finances Together

The older I get and as I approach a age milestone the importance of handling my business is more important to me than ever before. Now when I say handle my business its making sure the non tangibles are in tact.

It pains me to see so many people focused on what others are doing on social media, what they are wearing, where they are going, and twisting themselves into a pretzel trying to keep up. The more you focus on someone’s filtered life on social media the less time you are spending making sure your ish is together.

The first step in handling your business is managing your finances. Get a calendar book or journal and write stuff down. You need to know what your monthly expenses are, how much is going in and how much is going out. The more organized you are the more successful you can be in managing and saving your money. Money Jar Saving Method for easy saving

What are the due dates on your bills? Are your bills spaced out enough through the month according to your paydays? Did you know you can request a different due date on certain bills? Changing your due date on certain bills will allow you to effectively manage your income and stay in control.

Another way to handle your business is to stop overspending. Before you buy something ask yourself if its a want or need. Take a look in your closet and around your house and you’ll see how much money is sitting there wasted. I bet there are clothes and shoes that you’ve purchase but haven’t worn in a while or still have the tags on them. When you look around the house do you see stuff just sitting there collecting dust?

Along with overspending, save yourself time and money by paying things off. Instead of paying the minimum pay a little extra. If you’re minimum payment is $27, go ahead and give a solid $30. You are saving money and paying interest down and that bill will be paid off quicker. You can also save money by paying in full. So often we choose to pay in installments, however if you look at your statements on many of your bills there are installment fees.

I know some of this may be easier said than done. But start somewhere and start small. One of the main reasons we become overwhelmed, depressed, and lose ourselves often times begin with a financial situation and things just spiral after that.

You don’t have to be rich to live a rich life.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.