I recently saw an old Jerry Seinfeld bit on Night Guy and Morning Guy. He perfectly explains how Night Guy is always screwing Morning Guy by staying out too late.
It made me think about how it could just as easily be Spend Guy and Save Guy (or Gal of course). Spend Guy is great at living for now, creating experiences, having fun. Save Guy knows that they’ll be very glad there’s a cash cushion and retirement savings. Save Guy doesn’t want to be living in their car or working a job they hate until the end of their life. Save Guy feels really good about their plan and sometimes worries about being okay down the road. Spend Guy knows that life can be short; that experiences are important.
So, who is right? Save Guy or Spend Guy? The answer is both. Each person or family must figure out for themselves who should have the louder voice: the Save or Spend Guy. Problems arise when one of these guys is so loud and persuasive that the other’s voice is drowned out.
You obviously don’t want to end up in a financial crisis because you haven’t saved. On the other hand, you don’t want to get to the end of your life with a big pile of money and tons of regrets. The situation can be more complicated when there’s a relationship with one Spend person and one Save person.
What would be cool is to have Prosperity Guy mediating the dialogue. Prosperity Guy has the magic power of balancing your future financial self with your present financial self.
Build your Prosperity Guy muscles by being a mindful saver, a thoughtful spender, and a great communicator with your money partner if you have one. A good advisor, therapist, trusted (financially responsible) friend can help too.
Next time you want to hit the ‘confirm purchase’ button for an online purchase, or catch yourself saying “I can’t afford that,” check in. Ask, is this Save Guy, Spend Guy or Prosperity Guy talking?
Every good wish for your Prosperity!
Whenever you’re ready …
+ The second updated edition of Picture Your Prosperity is out! If you want to learn how to turn your visions into reality – grab your copy.
+ Interested in improving your relationship with money? Feeling like you might have some beliefs or blocks in business and your personal finances you’d like to clear? Learn more here.
+ Keynote and corporate training – Let’s talk about bringing a program into your organization. Just email me at ellen@ellenrogin.com or call 847-716-7792 and we can talk about some ideas.
+ Got a question about how I might be able to help? Let’s chat! Reach out to me at ellen@ellenrogin.com or call 847-716-7792.
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