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Financial security is a major part of self-care. And, one of life’s biggest stressors is financial well-being. It impacts just about every area of our lives and many of our relationships.
If you’re fortunate and/or were foresighted enough to have invested wisely over the years it’s likely less stressful. But fortunes and circumstances can change. So here are some basic ideas about how to allocate your resources, and how to create more.
When it comes to fashion, I always encourage my clients to buy only what they need, buy the best quality they can afford, and then wear those items on repeat. That way you never feel deprivation. Those items will always make you feel (choose a few) confident, beautiful, comfortable, elegant, or elevated when you wear it.
Buying and Selling
Of course, keep your eye out for sales. But if you can’t afford something at the full price and your size is gone when the sale comes around, don’t make that a source of regret. Some things are just not meant to be. In the grand scheme of life, that nice sweater or handbag means next to nothing. Now, some amazing finds can be discovered at vintage shops. But if you just don’t go there, make sure that what you already own is laundered and in good repair.
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But, maybe you can make some money by freeing up space in your closet. Do you have some nice quality clothing or home accessories that you are thinking of parting with? Learn how to sell things on resale sites like eBay. Tell friends or neighbors that you can do this for them. Also, contact real estate agents. They often have clients who are downsizing and would be delighted to pay you a portion of the proceeds by selling items they aren’t planning to take to their new home.
Using the Skills You Already Have
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If you’re thinking about how you might be able to generate more income, look to your own experience and the things you love doing. Maybe it just requires marketing a skill you already have, like starting a cake or pastry baking service for friends, neighbors or local organizations.
Or maybe you can make casseroles for full-time working couples in your building or neighborhood. Or daycare for a local family. Can you do simple – or even complex – tailoring from your home?
Are you good at organizing, or do you know how to use financial management software like Quicken? Could you help out some elderly neighbors who might need help organizing or putting their accounts in better order. Do you have an eye for style? Can you confidently advertise to your community that you do this?
Making Life Changes
Sometimes having a better economic outlook might require bigger adjustments. Might you consider moving to where the cost of living is less expensive? Have your ever visited somewhere and felt charmed by the area? (I have several friends who have moved to Mexico, Canada, New Zealand and Great Britain in the last few years.) Do your research, ask friends who might live there, determine how much you will have to give up, and what you will gain.
And then maybe you just need to improve your ability to market yourself by taking new classes at your local adult school center to upgrade your skills. There are classes in so many marketable areas: languages, fitness, computer and finance skills, web design.
And don’t be afraid to ask for professional help from people who are already doing what you are considering. Ask successful people. They are often very generous with their advice and might be able to to advance your career or help you make some connections.
Job Interview?
Eileen Williams of Feisty Side of Fifty – Interview
Now, if you are confident in your skills and are simply thinking of applying for a job somewhere, prepare yourself as best you can to make the best impression. I very highly recommend watching this interview I did with Eileen Williams for my first series, Vital, Vivacious and Visible after 50. She is an expert in this area and offers some very valuable and absolutely practical advice.
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But if you balk at any of these suggestions, maybe it just comes down to budgeting more carefully. And maybe you can simply re-think what actually nourishes you and your family, not just nutritionally, but also emotionally, such as the things that serve as your entertainment. A family day trip to the beach or mountains can reset your whole perspective on the blessings in your life. If you want to read more, there are neighborhood library boxes that people set out in front of their homes, and of course, there is the public library. You can find a world of entertaining videos and educational films at your local library. And gratitude for what you already have is the gateway to more abundance in your life.
Give to Receive
Finally, many people encourage others to start saving, even a little bit, every month. Although that is a good idea, a very wise friend of mine suggests this counter-intuitive advice: regularly donate to an organization that is materially helping people in some way. He has seen it work in his own life, and in the lives of hundreds of people he knows.
It can be as little $5 a week or a month. But be consistent. And keep giving. He has seen repeatedly that over a period of about 18 months (and often less) people start to receive monetary blessings. Now, if even that is a stretch, donate your time.
Giving makes you feel abundant. And Nature loves a cheerful giver.
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