Uphold Standards, Build a Richer Life (How To Create Your Financial Standards)

Managing a household? You’ve got to start with the numbers. Ask yourself – do you have what it takes to keep it running smoothly? Because here’s the deal: if you start strong but can’t keep up, that’s not just a personal letdown; it’s a family-wide issue. ( ATD)

What's up, fellas!

So, I'm shooting the breeze with my son about cars. You know me, head over heels for Audis, especially those A7 and A8 baddies, and let's not forget the Q series.

But here's the kicker – am I drooling over these cars for their badge, or is it their features and stance? I mean, take our 2019 Honda Accord, blacked out, tinted, with killer rims – it's got all the Audi vibes without breaking my wallet.

My son, the sneaker king, I hit him up: is it the brand or the style that gets you? He's torn – says it's a mix. It makes me wonder, are we chasing brands or the real deal? This whole thing about what we buy and why – it's wild how it mirrors our spending and what we're after.

"Ever heard, 'You'll never see a U-Haul behind a hearse'? That's right, you can't take it with you! And yet here we are, busting our butts to outdo the Joneses, hoarding stuff like tomorrow's apocalypse.

Don't even get me started on the endless chase for the next shiny thing. We're so caught up in this rat race, we're blind to the finish line. The Bible's got it down – it's not about stuffing your pockets or jamming your garage. It's about being 'rich toward God.' Luke 12:21(ATD)

So what's it gonna be? Keep hoarding and lose sight? < Or shift gears and focus on what counts?

The ball's in your court.

Getting Real with Financial Standards

Life's a trip. And one thing that slips through the cracks is setting real financial standards. This isn't about crunching numbers or snoozing over spreadsheets. It's about standing for something – wisdom, smarts, and planning.

Budgeting: Your Financial Superpower – No-Nonsense Action Steps

Here's the Tool: start budgeting like a boss. Log every penny you spend. Skip this, and you're just playing a guessing game.

1. Track Every Dime or Admit You're Guessing: Log every expense. Not doing it? You're shooting in the dark.

2. Categorize or Keep Kidding Yourself: Break down those expenses. If you're not, you're just fooling yourself.

3. Set Limits or Keep Bleeding Cash: Set realistic spending caps. Ignore this, and watch your cash fly.

4. Prioritize Saving or Stay Broke: Make saving a must. If you're not, you're losing, period.

5. Cut the Waste or Keep Flushing Money: Slash pointless spending. Every wasted dime is a lost opportunity.

6. Plan Big Purchases or Nurse Buyer's Remorse: Save for big buys. Impulse buying is a highway to regret.

7. Adjust Regularly or Fall Behind: Keep tweaking your budget. Static budgets in a dynamic life? That's asking for trouble.

8. Use Tools or Keep Lagging: Tap into budgeting tools. Ignoring them? You're just being stubborn.

9. Set Goals or Drift Aimlessly: Lay out clear financial targets. Without them, you're just wandering.

10. Stay Disciplined or Keep Tripping: Stick to your budget. Without grit, you're setting up for a face-plant.

Standards vs. Goals – The Real Deal

Getting the difference between standards and goals is key. Your budget? That's your standard, your playbook. It's a snapshot of where you're financially and a pledge to live within your means. Your goals, like those dope vacations and dream buys, are your trophies. They're what you score by playing your money game smart.

• Fitness and Health: Standard is hitting the gym 4 days a week. Goal? Running a half-marathon or shedding 15 pounds in six months.

• Financial Management: Standard is saving 20% of your income. Goal? Snagging a house or jumping into a start-up in five years.

• Career Development: Standard is upping your game with monthly professional growth. Goal? Climbing to that manager spot or launching your own gig.

Hitting Those Goals

Nailing these goals isn't about luck; it's about grinding to your standards and hustling hard. Align your daily grind with your endgame. If your playbook doesn’t match your dream life, it's time to rewrite the rules.

Here's the A.A.R.( After Action Review )

Take a sec to think about the standards you've set and how they're steering your financial ship. Remember, setting and sticking to these standards isn't just about money moves; it's about carving out a life with meaning and kick-ass fulfillment. People will notice if your household’s half-managed, and they’ll think, “He kicked off with big plans, but couldn’t keep it together.” That’s not the legacy you want. So, get real about your budget and resources first. Then step up and lead your household like the Man you are.

Let's march towards financial wisdom and a killer lifestyle.

Sending good vibes to you in all your money moves.

PS: If you need more help, here are ways I can help you:

1. Subscribe to the UJ on  YouTube , where I upload a Video every Tuesday @ 7:02 pm.

2. Take Your Body & Mind To the Next Level With [ATD ESSENTIALS]

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Attack the day,

Drew Cameron