webphotographeer / Getty Images Your lifestyle might affect your financial health in more ways than you realize. Rachel Cruze, a personal finance expert and Ramsey Solutions personality, recently shared a video offering advice to help improve your finances.Read More: 7 Frugal Habits of the ‘Shark Tank’ StarsFind Out: 4 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000She highlighted some habits to implement that can simplify and improve your financesAlso see seven surprisingly easy-to-learn money habits to help you save.Too much rushing around and being busy affects your money and peace of mind, Cruze said. This isn’t healthy for you, so she advised scheduling your life more intentionally.Slowing down can help improve your financial situation in a variety of ways. For example, you might have more time to make dinner, meaning you’re spending less on takeout. Or you could slow down when shopping to save money. According to CNBC, “slow shopping” is about slowing down and thinking each purchase through before buying, which can help you save.Check Out: 5 Frugal Habits Suze Orman Still Follows Even Though She Can Afford Almost AnythingInstead of constantly using your money to acquire new possessions — especially those you don’t need — Cruze advised spending it on experiences. She said experiencing things with people you love will make you happier.“Stuff will not bring you joy,” she said.Of course, she emphasized that you also need to make sure the experiences you book fit into your budget. She also noted that it’s okay to have some stuff, but just avoid continually buying things, as doing so won’t make you happy.This one should be obvious, but many people need this reminder.Cruze said having money left over at the end of the month is a peaceful place to be. If you’re having trouble staying on budget, she recommended eliminating costs like dining out, buying expensive coffee, and paying for subscriptions and memberships you’re not using.In fact, according to a CNET survey, the average American spends more than $1,000 each year in subscriptions. So trimming down your subscription costs alone could save you a lot of money.If your home is filled with clutter, Cruze suggested getting rid of unwanted items. Creating more physical space in your home will also free up mental space, as you’ll have less to maintain.“You’re minimalizing not just the space that you’re in, but the brain calories it takes to make decisions within those spaces,” she said.After freeing up more mental space, you’ll have a greater capacity to focus on your finances.“Sometimes we have relationships in our life that can be very draining, and there may be a time and a place to set boundaries,” Cruze said.Of course, she said this can be more complicated if the person you need space from is a family member or a friend who has been in your life for a long time. Regardless, if you’re able to cut this toxic relationship off or at least distance
Mar. Feb 11th, 2025
