Over the last couple of years especially after finishing university I have some what needed a social event of some sort a few times a month to make me feel a little bit like I am human not just a working machine. How many of you find or found that you were working to have a better life but actually never had the time to enjoy that life because you were busy working for it? So in hopes of actually wanting to enjoy my life I called upon different friends and every month once or twice we get together for a good old catch-up and this has now become part of my life and don’t get me wrong, I do love it but I did not really think about how much this ‘habit’ was now costing me because I just wanted to spend the money I was earning at least on things that made me happy.
A job is a job. It’s a way to pay for a living, but that’s it. Don’t let it define your happiness. Y http://t.co/bpUVYJJq4e
— Myrabev (@MyraBev) November 30, 2014
#habitcalculator on the blog this week check out Legal & General
A photo posted by A July Dreamer (@myrabev) on
Today I had the opportunity to review the habit calculator and let me just say ok I so need to change my spending habits. Obviously I am working towards becoming debt free after all the debt I racked up during my university days and I share these money issues on The Myrabev Life. But even though I working towards becoming debt free I didn’t really put much thought into my habits other than the beauty boxes that I used to get money and now cancelled 3/4 of them. The habit calculator has opened my eyes to other areas of my life that I could do with cutting back on and possibly adding that money towards saving for a mortgage and/or a car for the future. I was shocked at some of my results so much that I want to see how conscience I will be during the month of December in how much I feed my habits and maybe find other avenues of satisfying those habits without sacrificing an arm and a leg. You can do a self calculation of your habits on the Legal & General webpage.
I’ve just used the L&G Habit Cost calculator and I’ve found out that I spend £6083.33 every 5 years on Eating out! http://t.co/dNPVyFKVC9
— Myrabev (@MyraBev) November 30, 2014
I do like the idea of this habit calculator and the initiative behind this is to get us thinking about our futures by putting our habits into perspective. I am glad I have checked how much my habits affect my use of money, and it’s not just on night’s out but on other things like alcohol and makeup. Obviously it been the festive season we want to keep hold of all our money to get the best presents for our loved ones so you could do the following to ensure you get the best of both worlds; good presents and saving for the future.
- When out and about bring along your favourite drink and since it’s cold carry a flask of your hot drink, it may seem like an inconvenience but is saving you from spending money
- Make lunch at home instead of buying food when out and about
- For a night out, doesn’t always have been be out and about on the town it could be a night at a friends house and cook the food you already have. Or each contribute to the meals by bringing something from home.
- Don’t go shopping hungry, this is always a bad idea so pack some food like fruits and also eat before leaving.
- Make personalised gifts, I am not DIY savvy but home made cards or even using the photos you have online and printing them and there a lot of companies who do them for cheap with wonderful frames.
I hope you find these tips helpful and once you have used the habit calculator you can determine where you can cut back and where you can substitute completely.
Camesha says
I love the tweet about not letting your job define your happiness! Great tips!
Mia Myrabev says
Thank you it’s important to have life outside work
Aneta Alaei says
Oh I am totally agreeing with you on these tips and they are a wonderful reminder too!
Mia Myrabev says
Thank you Aneta
Geanine says
I agree! I tell the hubby all the time, we spend so much time doing this that and everything else we forget that our babies are only young once.
Geanine says
I agree! I tell the hubby all the time, we spend so much time doing this that and everything else we forget that our babies are only you once.
Mia Myrabev says
Absolutely babies are only young once, invest in there future and spend time with them now
Shari Von Holten says
you are right – it isn’t all about work. you need to stop and smell the roses.
Mia Myrabev says
Absolutely
Margarita Ibbott says
Those are some great tips. It all adds up very, very quickly.
Mia Myrabev says
It absolutely does and when you realise like i did its so shocking
Franc Ramon says
I guess we should really learn to balance having a job and having a life. We can develop good habits that can come a long way in balancing life.
Mia Myrabev says
Absolutely agree
April @ Everyday Fitness and N says
It’s always a good idea to have a budget to follow. That allows you to enjoy life without frivolously spending. That’s allowed us to get out of debt and save for our future while enjoying our life.
Mia Myrabev says
I think though I have a budget I could do with managing it better.
Eileen says
Great post, i like how it puts into perspective how little things add up. It’s a great financial planning tool. Thanks for sharing.
Mia Myrabev says
Thank you ans yes great planning tool
Echo (The Mad Mommy) says
Great concept to help you budget and save! Very handy!
Mia Myrabev says
Absolutely
Mama to 5 Blessings says
Wow that is a really great concept. It would definitely make you stop and think about buying something without using this 1st!
Mia Myrabev says
I think that is so the idea behind this. Thanks
Robin Rue says
That is a great app! I know I am terrible about spending.
Mia Myrabev says
You and me both
Amby Felix says
This is a pretty cool app. It’s great to be aware of how much you’re spending. It would be great for me since I keep a budget on blogging expenses! ^_^
Mia Myrabev says
It’s always important to be aware of expenditures to stay on top of these things
Penny @ pennyspassion.blogspot says
Interesting app! This could really help with budgeting.
Mia Myrabev says
Glad to hear it
Vicki W says
Many people do not even realize what their habits are costing them. I love how this app can put show ways to cut back and/or cut them out completely! I know I have many habits that need nipping in the bud.
Mia Myrabev says
I realise too that there are habits but need nipping in the bud big time.
Fiona Naughton says
The habit calculator sounds great for putting spending into perspective. It’s amazing how much money you can save when you change small habits and save money for things you’d really enjoy like holidays.
Mia Myrabev says
I couldn’t agree more, small habits seem to rack up when put into perspective.
Angelic @ SimplySinova.com says
I really love the concept behind having a habit calculator! When you see how much you spend on things on paper it’s crazy. I completely agree with the ‘Don’t go shopping hungry,’ that’s gotten me (and my wallet) in trouble a couple of times <3
Mia Myrabev says
It does really put things into perspective it doesn’t it? I included this dont go shopping hungry because boy oh boy have I gotten me in trouble or what lol
Michelle F. says
That looks like a pretty handy too. Spending gets really bad during December because of Christmas. I am glad I got most of my shopping out of the way. Now I have to pay it off smartly.
Mia Myrabev says
Good for you I am yet to buy anything for my family and friends, I am so behind