Flip the Script - Turn Impulse into Impact!
Fuel future you, not just Friday you.
Unfortunately, many of us (including me) find it hard to save or hold onto extra money. It seems to slip through our fingers faster than water. However, what if you could flip your spending habit into a hidden strength? Could you still satisfy the shopping impulse and build long-term wealth at the same time?
There are more investment options than ever before, and with today’s tools, it’s easier than ever to invest in your future. Many companies now offer fractional shares, allowing you to buy small fractions at a time. This means you can begin investing with only a few dollars.
So, what if, before the impulse hits, you buy something that benefits the future you? This may still satisfy the urge to spend while building a legacy rather than clutter.
How to Spend to Your Advantage
First, ask yourself:
Do any investments reflect your values and future vision? Are you drawn to specific stocks, ETFs/Index funds, precious metals, cryptocurrencies, or maybe even adding to a high-yield savings account that will accrue more interest for you?
Next, take action—even if you're not ready to invest yet.
Once you know where you'd like to “spend” your money, research the best platform or bank to purchase those assets. Set up your account(s) early if possible. That way, when funds do come in, you're ready to invest before they vanish on impulse buys. The less time money spends in your hands, the less likely it is to disappear.
Now, make investing a habit.
Every payday (or during your budget check-in), see what’s left after essentials. Instead of letting those extra dollars disappear on non-essentials, spend them intentionally on your chosen investments. Each dollar you “spend” this way will keep working for you, long after it leaves your wallet.
Note: This is also a great DCA (dollar cost averaging) approach.
*PLEASE NOTE: This should ONLY be considered after you have your emergency fund in place and have all high-interest debts paid off. Trying to do this without an emergency fund or with high-interest debts could be detrimental to your financial independence journey.
Why does this approach work?
Psychological Shift – You still get the satisfaction of spending your money, but it will be in a way that benefits you long-term.
Passive Growth – Instead of vanishing, your money will continue to grow, compounding over time. "Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it. He who doesn't, pays it," – Albert Einstein.
Built-in Discipline – By automatically redirecting your extra funds into investments, you turn an impulsive habit into a wealth-building strategy.
If you have a hard time holding on to extra money and love the feeling of putting money to work for you, consider investing those extra dollars. This could give you the same reward that spending gives, except this time, you’re setting up future financial wins.
Check out these pages below for more information:
Annual Financial Checkup Course - This course helps you guide your dollars with purpose, building stability, peace of mind, and lasting confidence in your life.
