White Sales, Clearance Sales, Last Call Sales, Grand Finale Sales. I love them all!! The excited chatter of my fellow bargain hunters, the sensation of supple leather or soft cashmere, the rush of snagging an awesome bargain, it’s what shopaholic dreams are made of.
Sometimes the adrenaline gets pumping and I’m blinded by the amount I’m saving. $125 off this dress. Woo Hoo- Need That! $60 off these shoes. Must Have Them! This scarf is only $15- YESSS!
After the high wears off I’m often left with buyers remorse. Great bargains that I’m never going to wear. A derby hat? What was I thinking??!!
Reality is, I wasn’t thinking. I wasn’t the one in control in that moment. The little, “I need it” voice in my head was in control. What I really needed was to take a time out.
This realization was an “ah-ha moment” for me, a game changer in how I work with my clients. As a financial advisor I give guidance every day to others looking to save more and spend less. What I hadn’t realized was what my clients needed to do first was take a time out so they could take back control.
Maybe shopping isn’t your thing. How about coffee? Eating out? Checking your social media posts every 6 seconds? Whatever it is that your inner voice pushes you to buy or do, that’s what I am talking about.
I’m going to offer up a challenge. This is something I do regularly myself and with my clients. It’s a great exercise for anyone, not just someone looking to spend less. If you accept, chances are your finances, your waistline and your well being with thank you!
I’m challenging you to take a time out. A time out from responding to your inner “I need it” voice. Take one week and monitor your wants. Try and really notice how often that voice in your head starts coaxing you.
Each time this week that voice speaks up in your ear, take a time out and ask, do I need this? Do I really need another $5 coffee? If I wait 24 hours will I still need it? If I don’t read that text while I’m driving will the Earth shatter? Will this end up being donated to charity next year? What if I put this money towards my goals?
Take a time out, evaluate and make a thoughtful informed choice.
I’m not suggesting you go cold turkey and deny yourself everything you enjoy. One thing we know is starvation diets don’t work. This isn’t about denying ourselves. It is about starting to be aware of that pushy inner voice and taking a time out in the moment to question our wants. It’s the only way we take back control.
It is an exciting moment when the awaking happens with a client. When they realize how often that voice in their head is bossing them around. Before long I see them getting to a point where they can recognize this mind bossing and shut it down. I can witness them taking back control.
This is often a turning point for clients. An empowerment moment where they realize that they CAN take control of their finances. This is where the magic happens and financial freedom begins.
Give yourself a time out, you deserve it!
When she isn’t coaching on finances, you can find Kathleen Cramer volunteering, playing with her two dogs, or exploring with her husband. Her passion is helping empower women to manage their finances so they can enjoy a life of abundance and generosity. Prior to Thrivent she was the director of a healing center for grieving children. Connect with Kathleen on Facebook, her website, or email her at kathleen.cramer@thrivent.com.
Ladies, if you’d like to join Kathleen for a complementary “Suddenly Single” presentation, you will have 3 opportunities during the month of September!
