Investing in small luxuries can be a savvy financial move- if you do it strategically. Here’s permission to treat yourself to a daily latte!
That’s right you can have that morning Starbucks coffee. Unlike many financial experts out there who are telling you to eliminate any unnecessary expenses to save money, I believe you have the potential to save thousands even if you are buying that daily high-end coffee. Here’s how…
Your time is money. If you think of yourself as having billable hours because your time is valuable, then you’ll want to be conscious of the fact that there are only so many hours in each day. In order to be the most profitable in your business, it is important to identify your value per hour. To calculate your hourly rate, all you have to do is divide your monthly income by the number of hours you work per month. Let’s say that your time is worth $50.00 per hour, and it takes you one quarter of that hour to brew coffee at home (be sure to include the time it takes to clean the pot). Although you may be saving the $5.00 by not buying the Starbucks coffee, that 15 minutes that it takes to make the coffee is worth $12.50! The same idea applies to making your own lunch or doing your own manicure or pedicure. Doing everything on your own will not only take a tremendous amount of time- time that you can spend making money, but it also will wear you out! Stop stressing over the small stuff and look at the big picture – own your value!
Small luxuries can help build confidence. Putting stock into small expenses that can make you more organized, confident and productive can pay big dividends. I will often buy a new suit or dress for an upcoming presentation or get a manicure before an event to make me feel more polished. This gives me more confidence. Many studies have linked confidence to higher salaries and better performance. Many other studies show that women tend to lack confidence according to Katty Kay and Claire Shipman of Womenomics. So invest in things that make you feel empowered! There are areas to cut back in, but tools for self-improvement and career development, do not fall into that bucket.
Denying yourself may backfire. Think about this: Diets rarely work, right? They often lead to binging later. If I denied myself of a chai tea latte for example, I may get cranky and feel strapped, so I may react by making a pricier purchase somewhere else. Research has linked inappropriate spending choices and compulsive shopping to the need for a mood boost. So remember, depriving yourself and putting too many demands on yourself will leave you feeling poor and stressed. When you invest in yourself, value yourself and your time, you are setting that example for others. That is a great formula for success.
If you would like to use this post please include the bio below:
Megan Tull is an Entrepreneur Success Strategist, Transformational Leader in Business and Life, an Author and an International Speaker. Megan is CEO and Founder of Silverlining Concepts, LLC, a business coaching and consulting firm that specializes in innovative and transformational training and workshops for entrepreneurs, CEO’s and small business owners.
She has a new book called The Passion Belief Method- Own Your Value and Earn Your Worth in Business available in your favorite bookstore Fall 2015. For more info visit –www.megantull.com
