Let’s talk about expectations-you may wonder how in the world does that translate over into your finances!   Back last summer I had someone tell me (when talking about traveling) they set out on the trip with no expectations that way they couldn’t/wouldn’t be disappointed.  I will say that attitude got my attention, made me think AND is a lot harder to do than I thought it would be.  Now fast forward until today and I was reading something where the Author was basically saying the same thing about life in general. 

Think about all the things for a minute, all the things that cause you sadness-it’s because you had an expectation that didn’t or hasn’t yet been fulfilled as you thought it should be.  All the things that make you mad-it’s because you had an expectation that didn’t or hasn’t yet been fulfilled.  We have so many “voices” today, from radio to tv to social media all telling and showing us things we need to make us happy, people we need to make us happy, actions people need to take to make us happy…see where I’m going here?

So now let me ask you – who says? Who says you need this person or that thing? Who says you need this result or that outcome?  WE HAVE A CHOICE on what expectations we have or set and just think it thru…if you didn’t have the expectation for your kids to act like angels during the Sunday morning chaos trying to get ready for church then you wouldn’t walk into church all mad and flustered.  If you didn’t have the expectation of that person buying you that certain gift or planning the “perfect” weekend getaway then you wouldn’t be upset with them when they didn’t and/or when it didn’t turn out “perfect” (see that too is an expectation within itself).

Let’s bring this around to our finances.  Sometimes we have the expectation that we need that certain house (that comes with the hefty payment), THAT house will make everything right with the world.  THAT car will show everyone how successful I am, THAT husband will make every weekend Hallmark movie worthy, THAT dress will turn the head of THAT person.  What THAT ______ will get you is disappointed and in debt!  I’m not saying you can’t have nice things but what I am saying is to start working at setting aside the expectations of what that thing or that person can do for you.  We end up buying a bunch of “stuff” that we can’t afford, don’t need and don’t have the time to maintain.     

As of this writing we have just entered into February…try going thru this month with no expectations and just see how you feel.  See if that doesn’t create a little less spending…THINK BEFORE YOU BUY.  Why are you buying whatever it is? Do you have an expectation from this thing?   I think you’ll find a much simpler life when you set aside the expectations.  I am just starting this myself and going to try it for this month  (I think it will definitely take some practice) but can’t wait to see the change in both life and my finances. 

To wrap up, if you need to create a budget or get a game plan on paying off your debt let’s schedule a Coaching Session.  Feel free to email:  budgetwithcarla@gmail.com