Value What You Have

We've all heard the phrase, "you never miss the water until the well runs dry". Sometimes in life we get so caught up in everything that we don't spend enough time appreciating what we have.

How Easily We Forget

Things we easily take for granted like food, water, and lights hold so much value. It's not until we're hungry, thirsty, or in the dark that we realize have valuable these things are in our lives. Having lived in Florida for some time, I've seen some of the damage a hurricane can cause.  In those times, there may have been a loss of power for several days to weeks. Then is when you realize how important electricity is and how lost you may feel without it, even for a short time.

Realize how valuable your money is before there isn't enough of it

Money can be the same way. We can get so caught up in the routine - going to work, getting paid, paying bills, and just living life -  that we just expect it to always be that way. But life is so unpredictable and full of surprises, a series of peaks and valleys (highs and lows).  When a financial valley arrives, you're forced to deal with the reality of how valuable money is, but at this point, it may be too late. Financial hardship can snap you back into reality quick.  Realizing that you can't just live life as if there is no tomorrow and that financial planning is critical.

No one wants you to lose your job, but what happens if you do? No one wants your water heater to stop working, but what happens when it does?

The point is to not let finances be an afterthought. Continue to enjoy life, but plan for tomorrow, even if you're doing well today. 

Ways to value what you have: 

1. Invest in a Rainy Day Fund 
•   Save money in case of emergencies.
2. Spend Money Wisely 
• This goes for the money you make and the money you receive (gifts, unemployment, social security, inheritance, winnings). 
3. Avoid Wastefulness 
• In general, but also when it comes to food, money, water, electricity, gas, etc.  
4. Save whenever, however, and on whatever you can 
• Use coupons, discounts, miles, credit card points, etc. when possible.
5. Practice Gratitude
• Write down what you are grateful for daily or just say it aloud daily. 

We mustn't take for granted the things that we have. Managing your finances means recognizing how fortunate you are, but also preparing for times when money may not come as easy. It's far easier to prepare for a storm in advance than to try to prepare once it hits.