This image says it all!
When I created my handy dandy spreadsheet, my mentality changed on how I looked at my money. Even though I had $2,000 in my bank account, I knew at the end of the day that I was at -$1. I considered myself broke! So I made sure that I spent the money I had available in my budgeted categories.
Now at that time, I did not have an emergency fund so of course, I had to swipe the credit card when it was needed. Sometimes I charged it to the game because I wanted to have fun lol. As I evolved, I realized the freedom in knowing you don't owe ANYBODY. Especially those credit cards!
When I went through pre-marital counseling, it was suggested for my husband and I combine our bank accounts. I was hesitant at first but it was the best thing we could have done in the long run. I just knew I had to manage the money......I am an accountant after all.
Once I got our new budget together, it took my husband a minute to get into the mentality of living like we were broke. We would argue all the time.
He would say, "We have $3,000 in the bank account".
I would say, "No, we are at a -$50."
Are friends were included in this argument as well. They were all familiar with my spreadsheet. At the end of the day, they knew I was going to quote whatever the ending balance I had in the spreadsheet.
Over time, my husband realized the value of living like we are broke. This helps us pay off our debts, build emergency funds, and achieve other financial goals we wanted for ourselves.
So I want you to start living like you are broke. Sometimes you have to say NO to brunch or getting the latest shoes that dropped. Your financial goals are more important. When you reach your goals, the feeling of FINANCIAL FREEDOM is EVERYTHANG!
LIVE LIKE YOU'RE BROKE!