Gratitude: It’s good for Your Finances & Your Purse by Vangile Makwakwa
Please welcome guest columnist Vangile Makwakwa to Writer’s Fun Zone! Today Vangile discusses gratitude and how it’s good for your finances and your purse. Enjoy!
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A friend of mine, a starving artist, refuses to give gifts and party away her money in December, instead she asks all her friends to choose a day and go as a group at her favorite charity.
She says this is her gift to us because it benefits society as a whole. It’s also her way of showing gratitude.
As a writer I can relate to her logic on an economic level.
I find Christmas very stressful because of the consumption that goes on. For years I just felt resentment because I really couldn’t afford to join in the fanfare ( up until recently my main concern was keeping a roof over my head and being able to afford food).
This year I have decided to plan for the festive season way ahead of time.
Because even though my current book is doing relatively well by South African standards, I’m working on my next book and have to plan accordingly so I can pay rent and eat as that book comes to life after the festive season.
As Christmas approaches why not save money by appreciating all the things you have in your life?
Gratitude Has a Positive Impact on Our Finances
Gratitude forces us to focus on what we already have in our lives instead of what we lack, which positively impacts our finances:
1. Increased income
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania divided fund raisers into 2 groups. One group made calls to raise money, as usual; the other group got a thank you speech every morning from the Director. After 1 week, the group that received the speech made 50% calls, than the group that didn’t receive the speech.
2. Decreased debt
When we’re grateful for the people in our life, we’re more likely to have strong relationships and find joy from spending time with the people we love, instead of using material possessions to build these relationships or find joy.
3. Increased savings
Gratitude forces us to see the things we have in your lives, which curbs our incessant need to spend in order to feel happy.
How to Cultivate Gratitude & Save Money In December
Gratitude is a choice and like a muscle, it can be practiced every day:
1. Keep a daily gratitude journal
Write a daily list of 5 to 10 things you’re grateful for in your life every day. This will remind you of all the treasures that you already have in your life and stop you from spending money.
2. Give gratitude cards
Sometimes we can’t afford to give gifts, but words of gratitude straight from the heart can sometimes impact people more than an object.
3. Give back to society
Why not do what my friend does – spend time with people you love and do something good for society at the same time?
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Vangile Makwakwa is a speaker and author. Her book Heart, Mind & Money: Using Emotional Intelligence for Financial Success is published in South Africa. To learn more visit her website: www.wealthy-money.com
