The working class has always distinguished itself as the working harder class. As time goes on, a malaise has curdled on top of that thinking amongst those making ends meet and saving little. If anything, we are entering the age of working smarter, more out of necessity than anything else. This means, socio economic priorities are shifting: spending less time doing things and being more productive, minimizing debt, and saving a little at a time towards an uncertain future.
For Gen Y’s, there is less equity in their assets and their minds in consideration of job security, pensions and retirement. In a Globe and Mail article by Rob Carrick, he notes that 20-somethings are worried about their retirement. Millennials may not be worried that they end up in poverty,; however, as Carrick notes, “… they will very likely retire later in life than their parents – almost certainly past the age of 65. And, to a larger extent than the previous generation, they will have to invest with discipline and consistency over a long period of time to retire well. Millennials will have the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security when they retire, but company pensions won’t be much of a factor.”
Millennials will very likely retire later in life than their parents.
With increased volatility in the economy, companies are waging their own fight to operate and sustain their business lives. So, now that I have depressed you … Good news! We can life-hack your thinking.
Here are some tips on how you can become work-smart. And, for you older types in my aging forest, you can benefit from these tips as well. It’s never too late to “do now immediately”.
- TIME MANAGEMENT
Some of you are probably thinking, “Right, Another app to control my life and make my decisions.” Although that’s not such a bad idea. If you care to check them out, we offer you: Listastic, Coach.me, Finish, 2DOI --- you can find others here --- http://www.additudemag.com/slideshow/73/slide-1.html.
However, what is more interesting is how much time you can create by NOT doing certain things. Like, turning off your phone once in a while. According to Mobile Statistics, we spend 90 minutes a day on the phone. That’s 23 days a year and about 4 years of our life.
So the lesson here is: to manage time, create it.
- ACTUALLY, USE THE PHONE
Take your 2 fingers off the keyboard and use the phone to CALL people instead of creating emails, texts or direct messages. In fact, learn how to use more than 2 fingers to type. This would save you a significant amount of time poking the keyboard.
- MEET VIRTUALLY
Human interaction is wonderful in person. Get over it. Most meetings consume too much time, especially when the meeting place is a destination requiring time to get there --- through traffic, potholes, badly sequenced traffic lights and daydreamers roaming across the cross walk. It’s a CROSS walk. So, CROSS! Use Skype. Use a can and string. Eliminate travel time. And keep the meeting shorter.
- LEARN NEW WAYS TO SAVE MONEY
Here’s the thing. More money may not make you happier, but it can make being miserable so much more fun. Certainly, I would be remiss in not pointing out that CASHCO offers a savings account you can bank on and one that will pay you money for saving. Seriously, examine every bank account, utility service, phone contract, cable network, internet provider annnnnnnnd READ THE FEES!
You can do better. Even Cashco’s bank accounts offer no fees. Trust me, you probably have one provider of something that is nickel and diming you to death. If you don’t believe me, then believe Robb Engen. He reveals 10 … count ‘em --- 10 fees you can avoid paying. He expresses it better than I can. http://boomerandecho.com/10-fees-you-can-avoid-paying/
- STOP COLLECTING. START SELLING
Last summer, I generated $800 at my garage sale. Every year, I can probably sell at least $200 worth of stuff I accumulate annually for no reason other than impulsiveness. Be honest. When was the last time you looked in your closet … or your basement storage area? The pantry? Is the pantry panting?
- SIGN UP FOR EVERY FREE CUSTOMER AWARDS PROGRAM
Sometimes, I can buy my aftershave for free, because I take advantage of that store’s rewards program. I also save at the grocery store, the gas station and the café where I get my java fix.
- DOCUMENT YOUR LIFE. SPECIFICALLY DOCUMENT EVERY PENNY YOU SPEND
Ok, there are no pennies in the currency, but there are loonies. Perhaps the most significant way you can pave the road to saving money is to save your behavior by scrutinizing it. Spending reveals everything about anyone. It also reveals opportunities.
In the last year, I discovered how much I waste. Subsequently, I have been able to reduce my living expenses by over 30 percent. I actually have money in my bank accounts. I know where I am weak. It hasn’t been easy walking past a store or a glittering retail display and resisting temptation. I have chewed on my sleeve walking past the cheese case because I already have two wonderful bricks of cheese in the fridge.
8. DO IT YOURSELF AT HOME
Invite friends over to dinner. Repair clothing.
Drink more water. Turn off the lights. Get a programmable thermostat.
Get a savings account and USE IT!
I dare you. Get a savings account and start putting 20 dollars in it every week for 5 weeks. Then see how 2 digits turned into 3.
And, by the way, there are dozens more ways to save money.
Did I say ... start using your savings account? If you don’t have one, get it here. Right now!
https://cashcofinancial.com/product-features/
It’s not hard. It’s SMART!
