What Motivated You To Be Financially Responsible
This is an article by Shane of BeatingBroke.com as part of the Yakezie Blog Swap. This swaps’ topic is “What motivates you to be financially responsible.”
Motivation is a funny thing. It’s a word that we give to many things, all of which are things that drive us to do something. Often, when someone is particularly good at something, or, succeeds at something, we say that person was “motivated”. I like to use a term called Financial Intentionality. What it really boils down to is that our intentions for our money are what give us our motivation. They are what drive us to earn, save, and spend that money.
None of that does much of anything without some responsibility. It’s easy to say that your intention for your money is to buy you as much stuff as possible leaving you with nothing at the end of the month. Well, you likely wouldn’t actually say that, but observers would. But, having some responsibility to yourself, and others, in your finances is what really helps to bring the idea of financial intentionality to life.
What motivates me to be financially responsible? There are many things that motivate me to that end.
- Morality
I belive that, morally, we must handle the money we earn in a way that doesn’t leave us wanting for more, and that also allows us to give some of that wealth to those who are less fortunate. - My Family
I want to be able to provide for my family in a way that allows for being able to pay for small things that may come up without having to find a way to cut something else. I want my family to feel financially secure, and not have to worry about how we’ll pay the mortgage next month. - Respect
Let’s be honest. We don’t respect those who frivolously spend their money. I can respect those who realize they are doing it and are actively trying to break those habits. I do respect those who have control over their finances and show some financial responsibility. But, the unrepentant frivolous spender? No respect at all. I want to be respected for the way that I manage my finances.
Those motivations are at the core of what really drives me to live my financial life with intention. They are the motivations that guide how I set my intentions for my money, not only in how I spend my money, but in how I earn and save my money. I think it’s important to define what our intentions are for our money. What are your intentions for your money? What motivates you to be financially responsible?
Shane’s response to this question is amazing. Check out my post on the same topic at Beating Broke where he’s teaching everyone how to never be broke again.
Thank you, Sandy, for allowing me to grace the pages of Yes, I am Cheap!
If you want to read Sandys post on the same subject, it’s over at my site!
I’d add to that the intrinsic sense of well-being that comes from realising that you haven’t blown your budget at the end of the month.
Thanks for participating Shane! I definitely feel I am respected more because I’m doing alright financially, and whether that’s right or wrong, it’s a nice benefit to living right.
Being financially responsible will have as many reasons as there are people. Chances are these motivations come from a set of principles that keep you are the straight and narrow. Some may be motivated by money, but generally it is way down on the list. I am motivated to be responsible with money for a variety of reasons. I was exposed to parents who were very responsible, my career (CFO)and life was successful based on my financial skills and the rewards of acting responsibly.
The fact that as a military member… a government shutdown could mean an extended period without pay. Thank God for having built an emergency fund.
All three of those reasons are huge for me to. It is simple accountability to ones self and family! You shouldn’t need to depend on others!
[...] make sure to check out her partner Shane’s post about Financial Intentionality at Yes I Am [...]
Respect is a big motivator for me as well. Especially being in the finance industry. You can’t expect to tell someone else how to manage their money if you don’t know how to do the same.
Financial intentionality- great phrase. I also like the idea of “not wanting more.” Well written article.
Thanks everyone for your comments. I’m glad that it was so well received! Such a great time, these blog swaps!
[...] from Yes I Am Cheap wrote about her Fear of Poverty at Beating BrokeBeating Broke wrote about Financial Intentionality at Yes I Am CheapKevin from Thousandaire (the organizer of this blog swap) wrote Snubbed for [...]
[...] make sure to check out her partner Shane’s post about Financial Intentionality at Yes I Am [...]
[...] wrote about Financial Intentionality at Yes I Am Cheap. Being mindfulof how you spend and live is a life tenet of mine. Here’s [...]
[...] motivation. Great post Sandy! Also make sure to check out her partner Shane’s post about Financial Intentionality at Yes I Am [...]
[...] motivation. Great post Sandy! Also make sure to check out her partner Shane’s post about Financial Intentionality at Yes I Am Cheap.Editor’s Swap:Kevin’s post Snubbed for “Most Likely To Succeed” [...]