Pay Yourself First

Go to work - make money -  pay bills
Or Go to work - make money - pay yourself first
Which one of these scenarios sounds better to you?

Is your life so automated that you are not realizing where your wealth is going? Unfortunately, many people are still spending there day with no clear agenda or gauge for their financial life. It is interesting how much time, energy and effort throughout ones day goes into making money and spending money- without much regard to exactly where their money is going.

Most of us think in the financial order of: Paycheck > taxes >bills>other living expenses>self, but why? Why have we been taught to pay ourselves last?  It is ironic to me how it appears that everyone else is getting paid but the person who earned the paycheck.  When was the last time you paid yourself first, before you took care of everyone else?

You may always say that you’ll up your retirement contributions (next pay period, you promise!) or stash a little extra in your emergency fund, but somehow another month passes and you still haven’t done it. This has to change. When I say pay yourself first. What I mean by this is simple, when you earn a dollar, the first person you take care of: is you. Don’t leave yourself for last. It may be getting yourself that bottle of perfume you have been wanting, investing in your health by getting a relaxing spa day that you so deserve or tucking something extra into that emergency fund. As long as you designate a portion of your income to do something that benefits you.

Take a look at your earnings and decide what percentage you will pay yourself. How about a minimum of 10  percent or higher? Just do it immediately and start putting it somewhere, whether it be a savings account or an investment medium. Just start this process and look at ways this can become a positive habit for you. Pay yourself first.
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It is easy because if for some reason you were to go to work and your paycheck was decreased by ten percent no matter what measures you took to change it, I am sure you would live your life just as satisfactory as it is now and not skip a beat. My point is this, no matter where on the financial scale we may tilt it; there is another level for us all. Be willing this week to take wider and deeper steps in your financial life and take care of the one who matters most- pay yourself first.