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30 Seconds to Creating an Awesome Checkbook Balance By: Afford to Stay Home Have you ever watched a squirrel balancing up on the highwires? He actually makes the balancing act look easy, doesn't he?
I always wonder what will happen to the squirrel should he lose his balance. You see, the highwires are not part of his natural habitat. They are manmade, and he has no safety cushion built in to protect him.
But, we as humans build our own cushions. We love our cushions, because they make our lives easier. We have cushioned shoes to absorb the impact on our bodies from walking, jumping, jogging. We build in cushions of time by leaving early for work.
And believe me, if you're following a pickup on a dry-as-a-bone dirt road in 100 degree heat, you'll leave lots of cushion in front of you. Otherwise, you'll be eating dust, mile after mile (smile).
But, there's another type of cushion we need. It's the cushion in our checkbooks. Without it, our own balancing act can become difficult at times.
Why You, Too, Need A Cushion to Protect You
1) A mistake in your checkbook is less likely to create a crisis.
2) If the bank deducts an amount larger than the correct amount, your cushion can save you from bounced check fees. Not to mention the hassle -- and your reputation. It's amazing how many checks can bounce as a result of one simple error on the bank's part.
3) Creating your own cushion will reduce the stress in your life. (And don't we all want our lives to be easier?)
How to Create Your Own Cushion
If you're like many, you probably pay your bills as soon as you get paid. So, why not build in an extra five dollars each time you get paid? This means you'll want to leave five dollars *more* in your checkbook, after paying your bills and adding in other spending you'll be doing.
If you're paid once a month, you'll want to increase the amount you build in per paycheck.
Feed Your Cushion and It Will Grow Quickly
For example, if you normally keep a balance of $23 to fall back on, pay period number one would end with a cushion of $28 ($23+$5). The following pay period would now find you with a $33 cushion ($28+$5) remaining in your checkbook.
Pencil in your new cushion amounts to the right on your check register. It'll remind you of your new strategy and keep you motivated. You'll be amazed how quickly your cushion will grow for you.
There's No Such Thing as Extra Money...
Now, think of this as your new safety net -- not *extra* money. You could even call it your Mini Emergency Account. It's there for you if something goes awry in your checkbook.
Over the years, many of us may have walked the tightrope by leaving only two dollars or so in there until the next payday. (We probably all know someone who does this, yes?)
Today, create a new, 30-second habit -- and say goodbye to walking that tightrope ever again.
© 2005 Darlene Arechederra Article by:
Darlene Arechederra leads the delightful series, "Coming Home: A Woman's Journey to One-Income Living." Women of two-income households who want to find their way back home from the workplace will enjoy this gentle, energizing jumpstart. Visit with Darlene at www.AffordtoStayHome.com/info.htm
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