Have a friend ask you for a catch-up coffee, and you come up with many excuses, including “I’m busy this weekend.” This is the common one; it’s not really that you are busy, but you can barely breathe under the water of debt. The last thing you want is to spend money on coffee while catching up with your mate, let alone the hamburger; the costs seem like a month’s rent when you are broke. Although you would love to catch up, your wallet won’t let you.
Most have been there and done that. You know what is rather shocking? More people live like this most days of the month.
The other day, I read some strange stats reported by Business Tech that claim about 80% of the middle-class salary in South Africa is spent within the first five days after payday. Another retail bank survey found that 76% of South Africans run out of money before the end of the month.
If you are one of the 76%, cheer up — you are not alone. You can change that if you want to.
The reason I am writing this article is to make you feel bad. Really? Yes, most of the time, feeling bad about where things are will trigger some change.
Being Broke Can Be Temporary
Being broke can be temporary if you are willing to put in some work. If you won’t work on it, forget it. No miracle will save you.
Take stock of where things are. Start by printing out three months of your bank statements and get yourself a highlighter pen to do the work. Brace yourself, we are about to do a money post-mortem. You might need a box of tissues in case you become too emotional.
This is the first step to find out where your money is going. You are earning a salary, and you remember receiving that SMS from the bank saying you’ve been paid. Perhaps your money vanished right after the SMS, who knows? Let’s check the statement.
This is no easy exercise, not for the faint-hearted. That’s why most people won’t do it. But you’ve had enough. You are tired of being broke. So, this is necessary.
Let’s squeeze that boil we have neglected it far too long. You have no choice. You do have a choice, though: do the work and see change, or ignore reality and continue drowning.
You are sick and tired of being sick and tired. This is the best stage to initiate change since there are no more excuses. If you are serious about your freedom, you have to confront reality.
It’s time to change the current way of living, thinking, and spending. This is not working.
Take Stock and Track Your Spending
Taking stock of where things are should be your first step if you are tired of being broke. You need to be prepared to track your money to figure out where it is going.
It is hard work since it can be an emotional experience, often associated with guilt, shame, and hopelessness, but don’t beat yourself up; it’s no use crying over spilled milk. You can’t change the past; only today and tomorrow can you influence.
One needs to change their spending behaviors, informed and reinforced by a budget going forward.
Remember the saying, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” Your budget is your plan here.
I think it’s ridiculous that you work and get paid every month, but you live with no plan to use that income.
If one is pursuing financial freedom, one needs to be intentional with their money. Otherwise, every day you are just wasting away without a plan.
Cut the Waste — It’s Your Journey
As you work with a budget, you will see there are some things you’re spending money on that are taking you away from your freedom.
Cut those things ruthlessly; this could be as small as unused subscriptions to as big as a fancy car to impress the Joneses. Don’t worry about the Joneses; they were never impressed after all.
Again, you decide what is important to you. Remember, this is personal finance.
Frankly, if you can’t afford a coffee catch-up and you work full-time, something is seriously not working in your money game; it’s time for a change.
Living from hand to mouth is not faith; it’s poor planning and a lack of personal finance management.
Confront the Truth — You Are the Saviour
Come on, brace yourself. It’s time to take the bull by the horns and confront this state of broke and replace it with intentionality and purpose.
You have to face the truth. Finally, no saviour will come to save you. You are your saviour.
Being broke is a temporary state if you are willing to do the work.
This state can be permanent, however, if you don’t confront the real culprit.
Who is this culprit? It’s the one you are looking at in the mirror, that is, if you are even brave enough to face the mirror finally, you will come face to face with the culprit.
You Are Worth Your Freedom
Don’t hold back. We’ve all been there.
It’s only the brave who can face debt head-on and say, “No, this is not normal.”
If you still think it’s normal, you won’t have the willpower or courage to face this monster.
Work at it one step at a time, and finally, you will reach the mountain top, and you can live life on your terms.
Defying modern-day debt slavery, you are worth your freedom.
I am cheering you on as you walk your journey to financial freedom.
Trading Time or Buying Freedom 
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