End of the Month Financial Celebration!

{A simply luxurious life, while full of the concept less is more, luxuriates in the decadence of high quality, complementary style and an appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us in decor, fashion, nature and people themselves. One does not need to maintain a balance in the bank that one might associate with a millionaire, however, it would be a mistake for me not to address the fact, that being secure financially – just the knowledge of this fact – brings about a priceless piece of mind that contributes greatly to a well-balanced simply luxurious life.

With that said, my new series every Friday will focus on sharing a bit of financial food for thought that will help you create a sound financial life that makes it possible to make the choices that will help you create the life of your dreams.  Because after all, simply having choices is a luxury – enabling independence, however we might choose to go about our every day lives. }

Whether the end of your financial month is the last day of the month, the 20th or follows no routine at all, I do believe that we must take a moment, however briefly, and pat ourselves on the back for being disciplined and wise with our money. While putting away money each month for retirement, dream trips or vacations may seem like a goal that takes forever to reach, it is a important that we recognize and applaud the small steps along the way to creating a secure financial future.

It can be so easy with a simple click of the mouse or trip our favorite shop to blow our planned budget, but choosing to remain disciplined, to keep the goal in sight during those times when we are tempted to stray is an accomplishment in and of itself. Here are a few tricks on how to stick your goals:

*Keep a visual plan of what you are aiming for with your long term financial goals accessible. For example, propped up in front of my computer on my desk is my inspiration notebook, turned to the pages that hold my goals. This is an easy, yet daily reminder of why I’m sticking to my stringent plan.

*Make a list of at least 100 things you enjoy doing that don’t cost any money or are very inexpensive.

*Create an RSS feed of money saving blogs and read the posts daily.

Below are a few money saving blogs I follow and to find even more, read Kiplinger’s Best Money Blogs:

*The Daily Worth

*The Mint Blog

*Budgets Are Sexy

*Fashion Me Green

*Learn Vest

And now, find a way to celebrate your efforts – possibly making a decadent meal at home, springing for your favorite bottle of wine and sharing it with friends or a loved one, going out to see that movie you’ve been curious about. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s within your budget and after you’ve enjoyed the event, you have no regrets. And most importantly, enjoy yourself! You’ve earned it.

Image: Southern Sophisticate