Priorities and two things you can do today to start saving money by next month!

START with this book! it motivated me, is made simple and understanding. LOVE this book. 

I got another job when i moved to Panama City Beach. Anytime you move a business, it’s like starting over when you’re in the business of people. I’m not complaining, although i miss terribly the freedom to take 15 minute breaks in the sunshine throughout the day and i took for granted all the things that are now closed when i’m done working for the day. But this post is about something else. i thought i would have less time, get less done, i thought my work production would go down for my own business. In fact, it’s done the opposite. Time was precious to me before, but now it’s on a tight schedule. weekends are filled with fun, but in the mornings i get as much as i can done for the house and for my dogs. and often photoshoots in the evenings. I’ve been better at spending the time i do have for my business and doing it efficiently. I somehow managed to read 4 books this year already. (my goal is only 10 for this year, so i’m ahead of schedule.. so far!) 

i guess what i discovered more than ever is, we find time for the things that are important. Somehow between another job, trying to build and brand my business, going to meet ups to meet people, spending time with my puppies, making my house a home, learning about finances since it’s my recent obsession, cooking, and some kind of social life, i found time management has been easy because of the habits i had before (i just had MORE time to get it all done throughout the day.)  a few years back i started the habit of getting five things done a day. it started small, but i read that accomplishing just 5 things a day will mean huge things after time. we tend to think we can go a lot done in a day but underestimate a over a span of a year and i wanted to change that by changing my daily habits. 

I used to hear from people that of course i had time, my full time job was my photography business. and dont’ get me wrong, it still is and everything that goes with trying to build a business in a new state. but more than ever, priorities and passion is what get things done. i don’t plan on staying in my new job forever, and they know that. in order to get to the place i want to be, i have to work on it. every single day. when I'm tired, when i dont’ feel like it, when i wanna just sit and watch tv. that’s the difference between accomplishing goals and getting the things you dream of. you have to start now. you have to do it everyday. and your priorities will always show. 

i could blame not having enough money, waiting till i have experience in the area, till i know more people, till life settles down, but there will always be excuses and always be opportunties. and you have the complete power to change and upgrade your life. i am daily making my life the way i dreamed. 

I have posted about priorities before and it really is about what you MAKE time for. if it’s important to you, you will make the time, and if not, you’ll find the excuses. Why am i sharing this? one- i still have PLENTY i could work on, and i always will. i always want to learn more but i’m going to share the things i’ve read about learned along the way, to hopefully help set you up for success too. 

Today’s lesson: The out to eat problem.

This isn’t something i’ve personally dealt with. in fact i’ve always been decent at this so i’m speaking from experience. If you’re tight on money there’s two things you can stop doing today that you can have a couple hundred extra dollars in your account by next month.

1- stop going out to eat so often.

it’s the easiest and fastest way to see money in your account and i have spoken multiple times with my parents that it’s a luxury, and we need to stop seeing going out to eat as a daily purchase. we all need to splurge so maybe try once a month for just a few months. you’ll save up in no time.

2- stop the small daily purchases.

Lattes/coffee/whatever drink you “must” have daily along with the baked good. if you don’t believe me. start keeping track of how much money you’re spending daily on snacks. $5 a day? yikes. that’s at least a $100 a month.

Why am I sharing Finances on a photography blog?

You might be wondering why in the world i want to share finances on my photography blog. over the past 5 years i’ve shared fitness, personal struggles and goals, and as someone who wants you to be the BEST you, finances are part of that. i can’t explain how empowered i feel now that i have a direction for my money. i have specific goals to where it’s going to go and how i’m going to get there. men might read this too, but mostly it’s for the women. it’s important for us (yes even those with husbands who take care of the money) to have an understanding of where every penny goes, because like i’ve been learning. we live longer which means we should be saving 12% instead of 10% and if we were left here while i husbands pass, would have any idea of how to take care of it all? And for those who are single, do you have retirement, security, and dream money saved? I think it's important and I'm going to be sharing what I learn along the way!

***my recent obsession that i’m so excited about it finances, investing, and everything that goes with it. i’ve read a couple books  ( I LOVE Smart Women Finish Rich) but am wanting to continue learning more. i reached out to some financial advisors and am going to go to an investment group, but i would LOVE to know which books you loved about finances. (one thing, i hate the cash system. for me personally, it doesn’t work. so don't suggest that. k thanks. ) i have basics down for spending and saving, everything is organized, but i want to learn more about investing! share what motivated or helped you learn more! and along my journey, i’ll be sharing more about money because who doesn’t want more money in their accounts!? let me know which books you loved by commenting below!

Keep Shining

Shanna Star