1. You are not your wealth 

Your self worth is not determined by where you are financially. It can be easy to attach the two, but they ARE NOT THE SAME. Remember that when looking at your financials.

2. Creating memories doesn’t have to cost money 

In fact, many of the best memories are free! Think of ways you can have fun with those you love without going broke. Taking walks, playing board games, visiting parks or libraries, going on hikes, etc., don't have to cost a thing!

3. It’s important to pay yourself first 

Even if it’s not much. EVERY paycheck, friends. EVERY paycheck, set aside something to put into savings.

4. Mindset will keep you down or lift you up 

What you believe deep down about life and money will manifest into your reality. If you're stuck in a scarcity mindset, it's so easy to miss opportunities and get trapped in stress. When you expand yourself to adopt a growth mindset, you can see money as a tool and believe in your ability to create more. When it comes down to it, it's about allowing your thoughts to work FOR you, not against you.  

5. Buying new is overrated

Do you know what incredible opportunities there are to purchase slightly used? What awesome finds you can make? If you're not a believer, I challenge you to go thrifting one of these days, just for fun. See what unique and awesome things you can find!

6. Every struggle can be a learning opportunity 

Humans are remarkable creatures. We can take any perceived failure and learn from it; adapt from it. Try to find the lesson in the struggle.

7. Slow and steady really does win the race

When I started my investing journey, girl...I could only afford $5 a month, and some months even that was hard. But 
consistency paid off, and as time went on I was able to add more and more to that amount. Small steps, when taken consistently, will get you to the finish line.

8. Creativity is king 

When times are tight, get creative. Finding ways to repurpose leftovers to a new exciting dish not only saves money, but can be fun! Find free entertainment by visiting the library, opening up karaoke channels on YouTube, or going on a local scavenger hunt. Life can still be rich when you've got creativity in your corner.

9. Staycations can be amazing

Be honest. Have you explored all your local scene has to offer? I'm betting not. When the family needs a vacation and that's simply out of the budget, try a staycation! Spend the day 
visiting local hotspots, find a new spot to eat nearby, shop at some of the local stores you don't typically hit. 

10. Be kind to yourself

Life is tough. When things are super tight, it feels more so. Give yourself grace and love, remembering that better times are surely right around the corner.

11. Automation is essential

I don't care if you're building an emergency fund or funding your IRA, GET AUTOMATED. Find out how much you can afford to have automatically taken out of your checking account or paycheck and deposited elsewhere and set it up. This is the NUMBER ONE thing that helped me turn my finances around. You don't have to think about it or stress about it, and it GETS DONE!

12. Take care of your health

Wealth is nothing without health. Don't scrimp on your health to save now at the expense of later. Maybe you don't need all the newest and fanciest health foods or workout gadgets, but you DO need to take care of yourself. 

13. Life is easier with money and without debt

It's just the truth. Money isn't the end-all, nor should it be. But there's no denying that a lot of things are easier when you don't have to stress about the finances of a situation. So, whatever your personal thoughts are about money, don't feel ashamed for seeking an increase of it in your life. Money is not good or bad. It's simply a tool that allows us to enhance those things that are already in us.

14. There’s always someone else who has it worse

When you feel like the world is falling apart, find a way to count your blessings. There is always someone who has it worse.

15. Giving where you can comes back

No matter your situation, find ways to give back. Find opportunities to serve. It will enhance your life in so many ways. And 
remember, helping a friend doesn't have to cost a thing!