Taking A Budget From Bad Word To Blessing, Part IV

[Jenifer Madson]

I hope you've continued to work on crafting your spending plan, budget, or whatever you decided to call your process for directing your income. Many people get discouraged by what they see and give up, but I promise you that the short-term discomfort of this exercise pales in comparison to the long-term pain of not being in touch with your money, so stay after it, it gets easier over time.

When it comes to reconciling your frustration over your financial picture, how do you spell relief? When it comes to settling our stomachs about money, most people would spell it I-N-C-O-M-E. So if more dollars are the cure, we need to get creative for sure!

What ways have you discovered for increasing your income? Are you limiting yourself based on your education, skills, or the job market? Or have you found creative ways to access the abundance of wealth that exists? Compensation comes in many forms; let your curiosity lead you to inventive ways to accomplish what’s in your financial plan.

Take A Minute:
What are some of the ways you can increase your income?

Some suggestions:
Get a raise for your current position
Get a promotion
Lower tax withholding (consult your tax professional)
Get a second job
Increase tax write-offs
Start your own business
Trade
Barter
Raise your fees

Make A Minute:
Choose at least one possibility for increasing your income and take action to incorporate it.

Remember, affordability is a matter of desire. Is there something you want badly enough to find the money for it? If so, find a way. If not, take it out of your budget, and be at peace with the decision. If it keeps showing up, take another look at how to creatively raise the money.

Next time, we'll tackle the subject of decreasing your expenses.