Zen About Finance

Lately I've been re-examining ancient ideas and philosophies about life.  I tend to do this when I get stressed out and in the past few months I've been stressing about my career.  In the midst of what could've been a breakdown I actually had a breakthrough.  It's funny when you already know something intellectually but it takes a moment for it to click in practice, on the ground.  Well, that's exactly what happened.  I have been aware of the nature of the universe for quite some time but it has only recently clicked within me, and boy does it feel wonderful.

Money and success are not the key the happiness.  They don't hurt, but they should not be the ultimate source of satisfaction in one's life.  In fact, preoccupation with the goal is not ideal.  We all want to be recognized for our importance and our contributions.  But it is not the recognition that truly matters.

It is all about the journey.  Really and truly understanding that one's life and goals are not to be micromanaged but surrendered to the universe is liberating.  This doesn't mean we don't work to achieve.  I believe desires are healthy, especially in our society.  But, it's important to remember that the real value, true growth and meaning lie in the journey itself and not in the achievement.

In regards to finance and financial situations, it's important to remember that while we have financial goals and desires.  It's the pursuit that has the meaning.  Not only does understanding this alleviate stress and pressure on ourselves but it's exciting.  Trust that the Universe has your back, because it does.  If you can genuinely believe this you will have far less stress, about money or anything else. 

It's important to take risks both in life and in finance.  But don't be afraid of those risks or try to control the outcome.  Just know that it will work out.  Know that money will come.  Know that you will meet your goal and know that abundance is waiting.

10 Ways to Stop Worrying About Money

Most people worry about money so
1. Stay Present
Stop dwelling on the future.  Staying present is something I can't emphasize enough.  Whether it's worry or joy, try to stay present and remember that you are not promised tomorrow.  No need to get all worked up about what has not happened, good or bad.

2. Remember
My life has always been amazing.  In fact, it keeps getting better.  Despite that, somehow I still find myself worrying that someday it'll all fall apart.  I've never been destitute, homeless or even without some kind of income.  And yet I worry that I will be one day.  But if I just remember that everything has always worked out in the past, I can trust that it will continue to work out in the future.
 

3. Make a Savings Plan
Many of us don't know how to budget for a rainy day.  A savings plan will help you put money aside so that you don't have to worry.  Creating a little nest egg is a smart thing to do given today's economy and it can be as simple as putting $10 a week into an envelope beside your bed.

4. Brainstorm Solutions
Can you get a part time job?  Can you apply for a grant?  Can you start your own business?  Just jot down whatever comes to mind and most likely something good will come up.
 
5. Ask for Help
Ask friends and family for their advice on how to control money worries.  Everyone goes through it and everyone has their own way of dealing.  Asking for help and not hiding your stress is one of the best ways to relieve it. 

6. Breath
Inhale slowly.  Hold.  Exhale slowly.  Repeat.
Smile, breathe and go slowly.  ~Thich Nhat Hanh

7. Exercise
I jog and boy does that relieve whatever stress I carry.  I run, and enter into a trance of sorts where all I can think about is my breathing and making it to the end.  It's a good way to stay present, release toxins, and build endorphins which will make you happy.  Be careful though because you might get addicted!
 

8. Be Grateful
Do you have food on your table?  Clothes on your back?  What else do we really need in life?  Money is not the key to survival.  Money is great don't get me wrong.  But stress is bad.  So stop worrying and take a moment to thank your lucky stars.

9. Research
Luckily there are investment and saving options out there that can help increase your income.  It's your job to read up on them and decide what works for you.  In this blog I will cover some old options and new trends and the effectiveness of them both.  But don't take my word for it, go out and research for yourself.

10. Perspective
Usually our problems are really not that deep.  Even money problems.  If you're stressing because you can't buy a new car or the high-end clothes that you want, remember it's material and those things really don't matter.  Money can't buy love.  Money can't buy happiness.  You need to find those things on your own.  If your money problems are bigger than that, then you need to adjust your attitude and your priorities.  No need to worry, just change your mindset to that of abundance and you will attract it.

Welcome!

What are the two things in life that people stress about the most?  Love and Money.  Well, since I'm madly in love with the man of my dreams I have nothing to worry about when it comes to matters of the heart.  Money, however, that's a different story.

I know I'm not the only one who worries about my future, my low bank account balance and my lack of sufficient income.  So I decided to blog about it.  I see this as a place to share my money saving techniques.  I hope it can serve as a forum of sorts where I can share ideas with readers and they can share with me as well.

I'm not a financial expert.  In fact, I'm just a regular person living my life.  I make it a point to enjoy my life, not stress about the future and to live each day to the fullest.  In order to do this, I have to be smart with money.  

According to some metaphysical philosophies, we're supposed to think of abundance rather than lack.  Repeat in our heads that we have money even when we don't and it will magically appear.  But on the ground there are concrete steps we can take to be more responsible, plan for the future and, best of all, live sans money stress.

If you, like me, want to figure out what these steps are.  Please read on.  I'll do my best to enlighten you.