Spending too much...

[Michael]

One of the most importnant issues I've come across in interacting with individuals and couples who are wanting to become "financially independent" is lack of control when it comes to spending. I'm not going to lie, i had a problem with this out of college for about five or so years. It is simple to tell yourself that you are spending too much and all you need to do is reduce your spending in certain areas and everything will be OK. But, if it was that easy then the average household savings rate wouldn't be so low and a larger potion of the population would have an adequate portfolio to provide for retirement. What needs to be done then? How do you overcome this barrier?

[Rogue]

I agree that this is a central issue today. So many people want to buy that new car or get a larger tv...whatever it may be. It is more of a "I have this" type of mentality with no regard for the future. Not that you shouldn't live in the now and reward yourself at times but responsibility, especially with finances, requires you to look into the future and plan.

[AmyB]

Wow...this is truly one of my struggles. You need support. It's like anything, you just have to make the choce to do better. I see it as the same psychology that henders my New Years resolution to lose weight. I stick to it for a week or two and then it is downhill.