Discovering Why Money Matters to You

Money isn't just what you use to buy stuff like food or pay for your house. It's also a way to reach your dreams and be happy. In this article, we'll talk about why money is important to you and how it can help you have a better life.

Money is like a key. It can open doors to things you've always wanted to do. For instance, imagine you really want to travel. Money helps make those trips happen. Or, if you dream of writing a book, money can give you the space and time to write without stress.

But using money to be happy isn't just about what you get. It's also about what you give. When you help someone else – like a family member in trouble, a project that helps your neighborhood, or giving to people who are really in need – that can make you feel really good. It's not about how much you have; it's about how you use it.

To really get why money matters to you, ask yourself a few questions:

• When did spending money make me feel really good?
• What things that I spend money on make me the happiest?
• Does the way I use money show what's important to me?
• What do I want to be remembered for, and how can my money help with that?

As you answer these questions, you start to see your "why" – your big reason for caring about money. It could be to make sure your family is okay in the future, to finish something that makes you proud, or to enjoy life without worrying too much about cash.

So, understanding your "why" helps you make smart choices with your money. It's not just about buying and saving. It's about using money as a tool to do what you love, help others, and have the life you dream of. That's how money can help you live better.

What Your "Why" Means

When you consider your day-to-day work, have you thought about what pushes you to earn that paycheck? Your "why" is a sort of secret superpower that drives how you make and spend your money. It's like your very own super special reason. What it is can be very different for each person. Let's look at what this means and why it's so important.

For some people, their "why" might be saving up for something fun, like a big trip with friends or family. Every hour they work is a step closer to a beach or a new city. For others, their "why" is their family at home. They work hard so they can give their kids cool toys, a nice house, or a good college one day. And then, there are some people who just want to feel safe and not worry about money in the future. They work for that peace of mind, knowing they won't have to be anxious if something unexpected pops up.

Knowing your "why" guides you, like a beacon, when you're deciding how to spend your money. It's like going to the grocery store with a shopping list – you know what you need and you stick to it, so you end up buying what makes you happiest or fits your plan.

Having a clear "why" also means you're less likely to buy stuff just because it's on sale or because other people are buying it. You've got your eyes on your prize. Plus, it helps you push through tough work days. Suddenly, that extra hour of overtime means you're that much closer to what you really want.

So take a moment. What's your "why"? Is it adventure, family, security, or something totally unique to you? Once you've figured it out, let it shine bright in your life. Use it to energize the way you look at money. It's not just coins and bills – it's the dreams and goals that mean everything to you.

Knowing Your "Why" vs. Not:

When you have a "why" for your money:

Picture this: Your dream is to go to a big music festival with your best friend next summer. That's your "why." So, when you get paid, instead of just spending on random stuff, you think about that awesome concert. You ask yourself, "Do I want a bunch of little things now, or the chance to dance all day to my favorite bands later?" Every time you decide not to buy that extra snack or t-shirt, you're saving more for the festival. It's like saving up tokens for a big prize at the arcade.

For instance, say you love video games. If your "why" is the latest gaming console, you might skip buying fast food and cook at home instead, saving that extra cash for your game time.

Without a "why":

Now, imagine you don't have a "why." You get your paycheck and just spend it on whatever, whenever. Like, you see a cool pair of sneakers and buy them, even if you already have lots of shoes. But later, you might be bummed out because you can't afford a ticket to that music festival or the new gaming console because your money's all gone on other stuff you didn't need as much.

Without that "why," it's easy to just splurge on the spot – but then you don't have the cash for the things that make you super excited. You end up feeling like you wasted your chance for something cooler because there was no plan in place.

So, when you know your "why," you keep your eyes on the prize, and it feels awesome when you get there. If you don't have one, it's easier to drift away from what could make you happiest. Having a "why" is like a secret power-up for your money. Without one, it's like playing a game without any fun goals or bonuses.

Using Your "Why"

Once you know your "why" or your big reason for caring about money:

• Let it lead how you plan with your money.
• Only buy things or spend money if they fit with your "why."
• Save part of your money for big things that are part of your "why."
• Try not to spend on stuff that doesn't match your "why."

What Your "Why" Does for You

When you have a clear "why" for your money:

• You see what you really want. You won't get sidetracked by stuff you don't need. You know what you're saving for.
• You can have fun now and still save for later. It's like planning a good party but also saving some cake for tomorrow.
• You make choices with more confidence. When you know your "why," it's easier to decide how to use your money. It's like choosing a good movie to watch because you know what kind of stories you like.

If it's hard to keep focused on your "why," or if you don't know the best way to use your money for what makes you happy, it’s okay to ask for help. That's like asking someone to help you make a plan, so you can do the things you dream about without wasting money. 

I can be like a guide for you. If you want that special reading spot, or to go to a big concert, or anything else, I can help you figure out how to save and spend smartly to make it happen. If you want to stop feeling worried about money and start making your wishes come true, let's talk about how to do that, step by step.

Just reach out.