Why Budgeting Does NOT Work!

Budgeting Doesn't Work

Credit: The Bub Hub

Before you rip my head off, trust me I've been there I've put money into small envelopes and counted and accounted for each and every dime. And no I wasn't born with a silver spoon either, as a matter of fact I was probably born with a half broken plastic spork in my mouth instead of a pacifier. Okay, back to the subject before I start ranting my autobiography about my origins.

1. Budgeting is a crutch and destroys ambition, the thing is you sit own weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, like myself, and stare at this sheet of paper to determine what you can and can't buy this week. Over time you've developed a habitual practice to look at this sheet of paper that you've created and let it determine your financial destiny. Before you've even made a purchase of any kind your mind automatically thinks back to that sheet of paper and say "nope" I can't afford or buy it.

Don't get me wrong this mindset is great for saving money and being frugal, but it also makes the mind lazy. It just stops there instead of stretching itself and thinking "how can I afford that". Maybe I should get a second job? Further educate myself? Develop a secondary income stream? Take out a loan? Ask family friends? Work harder?

2. If your core purchasing principals are still bad then budgeting will get you no where. If you budget to buy hedonistic items like another purse or a bigger T.V a newer car. Then what is the point of budgeting when you always go back to 0? People use budgeting as an illusion that they're financially responsible. Instead use your savings to purchase assets or items that give you money back and internalize the habit of being frugal and minimalistic. 

But, but, but, I don't have enough money to buy a house or start a business! Stop torturing me you don't understand my situation X. Well the fact that you're reading this article means you're headed in the right path. Look around you almost everything can be turned into financial opportunities. 

Four Gifts Even a True Minimalist Would Appreciate

Four Gifts Even a True Minimalist Would Appreciate

If one of your loved ones is a minimalist (like me) and nothing is good enough for them ;). And bless your heart, but you really want to give them a physical object, then here is a list of things that even a true minimalist would appreciate.

Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life

This book by Joshua Fields Millburn and contributor  Ryan Nicodemus (many consider the father of modern minimalism)  is like the Bible for atheist minimalist and secondary Bible for the religious ones. As a matter of fact is good for everyone. It was an eye-opening experience for me and I can honestly say after stumbling across Joshua my life has taken a turn for the better. There is no more frustrations from picking out which wrist watch matches the outfit for of day, instead just put on your clothes and the extra time saved spend eating breakfast with your kids or hitting the gym. If you enjoy the thought of that then this book is definitely for you. Heck get’em a Kindle version if you wanna play it safe.

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Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife

There nothing better for a minimalist than a small versatile tool that can tackle many obstacles. And such is the King of versatility; The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife is the end all be all of tools for everyday tasks; opening packages / letters, plucking out an ingrown hair or splinter, tightening a screw, clipping a hangnail, opening a beer and most importantly of all it all fits on your keychain. Also did I mention it doesn’t look half bad with its sleek curves and blade forged of the finest steel from Switzerland?

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Food & Drinks!

Credit: National Geographic

Honestly, all of us from minimalist to mild hoarders we all love to eat and drink being a minimalist doesn’t change our deepest human desires as a matter of fact being minimalist will heighten our experiences with food. So yea bring us a nice bottle of wine and if you’re under 21 then give us a hamburger and turkey leg or something call it a day. It's easy don’t make things complicated.

Hugs and Smiles

Credit: Sasha Cobra

If you truly can’t bring anything then bring your best hugs and smiles, we won’t judge you at all we’ll actually appreciate the gesture (I think everyone in the room would) because remember in the end what matter this holiday is that we are all together sharing the precious few moments we call life. So please forget old grudges and pains this winter and learn to embrace the fellow man or woman.

If you think Smiling and being happy and interacting with family, friends and co-workers is a definite weakness of your then Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People is a DEFINITE read for you and everyone you know. It's like the 8th wonder of the world the Holy Grail on well How to Win Friends and Influence people. (It's not some pickup artist book, its a genuine science-backed way to get people to like you by working on yourself. I'm going to write a review / summary on this later down the line, maybe even pick it up for the more toxic member of your family, so you can love them more easily.

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