7 money mantras to get you through 2017
Because repeatedly chanting a phrase under your breath never freaked anyone out
New year, new you, right? As 2017 stretches ahead of us, we all have the chance to do something good with the next twelve months — we could get our lives together, or help feed the hungry, or, you know, collectively agree the Something Must Be Done about the orange menace and the literal Nazis among us.
But if you’re not ready for some kind of political-blood-pact/New-Year’s-Resolution commitment, then don’t sweat it. I’ve got something easier: the New Year mantra.
It’s not exactly a promise, so it doesn’t come with the guilt trip a resolution does. It’s just a phrase that you can mutter ominously under your breath as you go about your daily life. Or have tattooed on your lower back forever more. Whatever.
And since I’m a personal finance nerd, mine are all about dollar dollar bills y’all. Here are the wise words getting me (and you if you want) through the year:
“Price comparison is life’s most worthy pursuit.”
Charitable giving, happiness, wisdom — these are all good things to devote your life to. But in 2017, I say we embrace the fact that the most worthy thing you can spend your time on is cost comparisons.
“Student life is the good life.”
Remember when you were in Uni and the decision to spend more than $15 at once required hours of hard thought, soul searching, and moral guidance from multiple sources? Let’s re-capture that state of being — it’s the purest I’ve ever lived in.
“My neighbour is jealous of my good looks and charm.”
Stop spending money trying to impress, outdo or annoy those around you by frequently reminding yourself that you’re better than them, you’ve always been better than them, and they’re already jealous of you.
“Free gift with purchase is never truly free.”
Age old wisdom that’s as important today as it was a hundred years ago. Do not buy 3 tonnes of garden mulch just for the free, plastic garden trowel on offer. Learn from my mistakes.
“Good things come to those who hustle.”
Shake off the bad vibes of 2016 because 2017 is going to be YOUR YEAR. I’m not sure if I’m going to pick up a side-job, go out for a big promotion or start making bottle-cap earrings to sell on Etsy, but this is the year to make bank.
“I’m all about that Netflix life.”
Spending money to go out and eat/drink/establish-that-you-haven’t-died-in-your-armchair is so 2016. This year, staying in with a $10 Netflix subscription and microwave popcorn every Friday night is all the rage.
“Money management is 1 part spending and 9 parts guilt.”
Splurge on an unplanned shopping trip or a holiday? Don’t feel bad! Just do what I do: remind yourself that for that moment of weakness, your budget demands 9 frantic, panic-induced balance checks to confirm the damage.
Bonus:
If you’re one of those people who subscribe to the idea that your year should be defined by a single word instead of a full phrase (a phrase? Who on earth has the time?) then in 2017, a good choice is:
#ballin
‘Nuff said.
Got a mantra that’s going to carry you across the uncertain plains of 2017? Let me know what it is!
ShesOnTheMoney blogs over at Mozo.com.au, where you can check out the rest of her stuff.
