You know when everything is rolling smoothly?
When you can’t believe how good your fortune is?
When you’re plans are actually WORKING and going in your favor?
These are all signs you’re on the right track.
It doesn’t happen all too often, but when it does you know it. And it happens with both big and small things too (saving for an emergency fund, switching careers). At least that’s what my Aunt says :) But I’ve been paying attention over the past 10 years and so far she’s right on the money.
The opposite holds true too, though. When you keep coming across barrier after barrier and your goals get pushed further and further away. These cases can very well mean you’re on the wrong track. I’ve gone down this road many a times too, and unfortunately it can take quite some time to realize you need a u-turn! (Case in point: my desire to own a home. In theory it was all good, but I’ve awakened and now realized it’s not for me!)
Of course, distinguishing between valid barriers and dead-end stops is where it gets tricky. You’ve got to be passionate enough to jump the annoying hurdles coming at you when you’re on the right mission, but you gotta be smart enough to know when enough is enough.
If you’re currently struggling with something, take a step back and ask yourself if it’s just a bump on the road to a much bigger (and prettier!) picture, or if it’s time to switch up the tactics. There are a ton of ways to accomplish the same goal, but sometimes you gotta play around a bit and make some tweaks to the game plan. If your debt’s not going way, or you’re having trouble saving that money, try a new route! And if you’re out of ideas, ask around! (or continue reading blogs :)). It’s never fun realizing you were on the wrong track, but boy does it feel good when you’re back in action. Faster results and much more smoother roads!
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(Thumbs up by RubensLP)
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Couldn’t agree more. Hitting a goal is a great feeling. Just need to make sure that the track you are on is the right one.
I totally feel ya on this post. Right now, I’m on a good track, both financially and life in general. However, I’m debating about going back to school for an MBA, but I’ve been back and forth whether that extra degree is worth the $75k pricetag. That would be one hella expensive buyer’s remorse….
The little set backs sting, had my share already this month. Just need to keep your eye on the prize and not get over whelmed. Steeping back and re-evaluating is always a good idea.
Agreed. Gives you the confidence to keep on going
It’s awesome when your on the right track, hitting your goals feels great. Especially in months like this one when the stock market goes up, up, and up. Theres nothing like it when you see all the money you worked hard for actually make you more money.
This post came at a great time. I recently had to bite the bullet and face the reality that I could not afford the ivy league school I was attending. Transferring to a state school in the spring. Now money is finding me. Thanks for this. great site.
Too funny.
My Xbox 360 just died on me. No warranty. Do I shell out another 300 bucks tomorrow and get a new one and put off my emergency fund a couple of more weeks or do I hold off on the 360?
I’ll go with the 360, the ER fund is done, but I want just a little bit more before I move it out of my checking account.
@UHNW – Yup, and it’s not always easy figuring that out. But in the past 10 years i’ve recognized when things keep popping in place it’s meant I’m doing good! Same with bad stuff too though, but at least I’m getting better at catching it ;)
@FrugalRichLife – Haha, no doubt about that. But if it’s going to help you for the rest of your career I’d be all about it! You’ll make it back and then some, plus opens so many more doors for you. I’d enroll in classes myself if I didn’t change my mind every other month ;)
@Techbud – Exactly.
@auntrapunewer – YES! And confidence is key! Love your name there btw :)
@MoneyMan @ FinancialOdyssey – I know, right? But it’s not like the past 2 years hasn’t brung us incredible lows though. With stocks, I say it’s an accomplishment just INVESTING in them. You’ll win some and lose some, but at least your money’s there working for you as best it can. I don’t have the patience for CDS and bonds, etc etc, too slow! :)
@J. Willy – Well good job my new friend! Glad you like the site too – holler anytime.
@Bobby – Haha… why don’t you just go on craigslist and get a used one?
Too late. I have to say, the new black one looks really good sitting in my entertainment center.
I’m not a big fan of eBay or Craigslist. Having to ship things or meeting up with people to exchange goods isn’t my cup of tea. My poor ER fund will just have to wait a bit longer.
when are you going to reveal how much you make in additional income from your blog? …and how you attract advertisers, etc.
I agree, but I also think there is something to be said for a difficult path. The victory is so much sweeter when you can look back at all of the things you had to overcome.
Wow, I just wrote about this topic yesterday. I’ve got it saved for a later date, but still. I called it: Analyzing your Current Financial Position. Good message. Realizing that you need a change and starting to actually make that change is often the hardest part.
@Bobby – You’re the boss!
@Anon – I’m not sure when I’ll feel comfortable sharing all that info yet. I’ve considered it before, just haven’t given it much thought. As for the advertising though – it’s 99% all direct. I don’t go out looking for it much.
@SavingDiva – That’s very true, as long as you know it’s the path that you’re supposed to be on :) For me, that was like college or moving to NYC. Both were VERY trying at times, but I knew it was what I was supposed to be doing. And they had many more smooth spots than they did rough ones.
@myfinancialobjectives – That’s pretty cool :) I bet all pf bloggers write about this at some point. It’s a pretty important one in my opinion.
Great points J.Money. They’re especially relevant given the financial crisis that the megabanks are pretty much responsible for getting us into. They all need to take a step back and figure out a game plan. And if they don’t, then the consumers will – movements like Move Your Money are calling on consumers to rethink where they’re putting their money and why. Try a new route – like putting your money into a community bank or credit union and support community businesses – and you’ll (most likely) have a new future ahead of you. ☺
I love that movement! Huffington Post rocks…. if just 10% of Americans did that things would start changing for sure.