Time to Live Differently? Here’s 3 Ideas to Start
Gradual changes create sustainable improvements. Yet, we are in a quick fix society. Ponder the following ideas to implement long-lasting changes in your life.
These are the ideas I have been thinking about:
1. Could you live on less?
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Food to clothes to housewares. Not only would this be good for the environment, your pocketbook would be in a better position as well.
The impact of you and your decision making is a way to take care of yourself beyond an economic blackout day, “no spend” January or stressing about how to save money.
Living on less involves more thoughtful choices. Intentional spending, rather than on-line scrolling.
Conscious consumption is not dictating what is right and wrong for you to spend on. Rather, you choose what you really want versus what is available for you to have. This lifestyle involves critical thinking. As a result, you will find yourself gifting, donating and sharing some of the things and clothes you do have.
Think about the impact of you! Your finances will thank you if you start small today.
2. Car Planning And Options
For my CFP, I am always attending continuing education sessions. This month the tax code and changes got me thinking and learning about electric cars. That session led to reading more about new cars.
I love cars and yet, I realize the fastest, newest and shiniest are not usually necessary for transportation. With all the car advertisements and holiday sales, this is easy to forget.
The idea of electric cars has always been appealing to me. Tax benefits made many consumers take the plunge. But now the tax perks are gone, I am still pondering.
A call to my insurance agent about something unrelated got me talking about electric cars. (I told you I liked them!) His perspective is “consider the practical aspects of owning one.” For example, check with your insurance company for what the insurance will cost. These vehicles are heavier and repairs often more expensive, leading to more costly insurance coverage. And, be sure there are charging stations where you live.
There are other options from gas to hybrid or better yet if you are city dweller, reevaluate owning a car. A recent article on a car free community is intriguing.
3. Take Time Out
Time out from from the world is extra critical these days. Try a few with mental breaks through movies, television, or creativity. This will help you turn off the news and the phones. “Time outs” are effective for young minds and emotions. Why not adults?
One way to do this is to keep up your creativity. I have been writing. You can feed your spirit by doing your art, whether painting, sewing or woodworking. Whatever does the trick will lower your stress and keep your positive energy flowing.
May they save you from ruminating about the state of the world temporarily as they have helped me.
Still preoccupied with the stock market gyrations?
I will write more about it in the future. For now, check out my blog from another springtime that had many reeling: