“You can make money two ways – make more, or spend less.”
John Hope Bryant
Do you want to have more money?
Well, unless you have a huge and unexpected windfall (any lottery ticket buyers out there?) your choices are to either ...
EARN MORE, OR SPEND LESS
Drops mic.
Boom.
Yes, it really is that simple.
I know, I know … there are so many variables yada yada yada. But you know I like to simplify. So let’s look at these two options and see what opportunities might present themselves.
Firstly, let’s talk about EARNING MORE.
This approach involves finding ways to boost your income. You might like to explore this by looking at:
Your current employment
➡️ Can you ask for a raise?
➡️ Can you apply for a promotion?
➡️ Are you taking advantage of the employee benefits that are offered?
A career switch
➡️ Is there something else you would like to do?
➡️ What networking opportunities are there?
➡️ What connections could you build? You never know where a chance encounter or an off the cuff conversation might lead …
A side hustle
➡️ Do you have a hobby you could turn into a money maker?
➡️ What are your skills and passions – what are you an expert in, that people might come to you to learn?
➡️ Think outside the box – what hidden opportunities could there be for you?
On the other hand, SPENDING LESS
... or perhaps spending more intentionally, can also create a financial boost.
Perhaps you could:
Create an expenses tracker to help you be more aware and make smarter choices?
Make a budget to intentionally reduce spend in certain areas?
Make small regular changes, and don’t be sucked in by lifestyle inflation!
Of course, things become really exciting (yes, I find money stuff super exciting!) when the two approaches are combined.
Earn more AND spend less
Imagine the possibilities if you successfully negotiate a pay rise and implement some frugal living hacks at the same time. Where could that extra cash go? You could pay off debt, save for a dream holiday, boost your emergency fund, or invest in your future.
Earning more and spending less is one of those unusual, but real win-win situations that can create a positive snowball effect and propel you towards achieving your financial goals.
And don’t forget to regularly revisit, re-analyse, reflect and stay curious to what changes you can make to your income and expenses to encourage yourself in a healthier financial situation.
So this week, take a moment to reflect on your current financial position.
Ask yourself if there are any untapped opportunities to earn more, and don’t be afraid to explore them. Simultaneously, focus in on your spending habits and look to find ways to make reductions without affecting your happiness.
As always, everyone and every situation is different, and what might work for one might not work for another. It’s about finding what works for you, aligning your actions with your goals, and being open to learning and adapting along the way.