How Successful People See Money

How you spend your money matters.

Not just for your bank account—but for your life.

There’s a reason money is referred to as currency. It’s an energy flow between you and The Universe. A direct representation of your priorities and goals.

If your financial decisions aren’t in alignment with where you’re trying to go and who you’re trying to be, you’ll have a tough time creating a life filled with joy.

You Should Spend Money

I’m not one of those financial gurus who will tell you to cut up your credit cards and give up your favorite coffee drink. If those actions help you reach a goal—great, do them! I believe something different: You should spend your money.

Just differently than how you probably are.

You make money for a reason: To spend it. And you shouldn’t feel bad about either things, making money or spending money. In fact, you should feel at peace every time you purchase something. Why? Because money is simply an exchange between you and someone else for something you deem worth your time.

Because at the end of the day, that’s what money is: Your time. To make your money you exchanged your time and talents. So each time you spend it, you’re doing the same.

Swipe on what brings you joy, adds value to your life, and makes you feel good. If that’s a daily latte while you work on papers or client projects at your favorite coffee shop—so be it.

How To Be Smart About Spending

If your goals are to build a successful photography business that lifts you out of debt and propels you into financial freedom—allowing you to give back, create positive impact, and fill your home with beautiful art that brings you peace—it makes sense to buy:

• A quality camera that captures moments perfectly
• Top-notch editing software to perfect images
• Clothing that allows you to move freely and be comfortable during shoots
• Coffee when meeting with a new client and healthy snacks to keep you full

When you purchase these things, The Universe sees you’re serious—you want to be the best so badly you’re willing to exchange your hard-earned money for the tools you need.

You’re in alignment, and good things will continue coming your way. You can feel good about your money exchanges.

However, if instead of the above purchases you were busy swiping on:

• The new iPhone 11 because your iPhone 10 is “so old”
• Designer bags and clothes because your Instagram feed needs spicing up
• Daily drinks because *happy hour*  

The Universe gets confused. Do you want hype and likes more than a successful business? Well OK—that’s what you’ll get. Attention from strangers on the Internet but a photography business that takes a hit.

Sure, these purchases seem like good ideas at the time (especially when everyone on social media seems to be spending this way), but in the long run, they make little sense for the life you’re trying to create.

Let’s Talk Social Media For A Second

People have wanted to appear rich way before social media came around—but Instagram has made the battle for clout bigger and more dangerous than ever before.

You see it every day: Ordinary people posting pics of their Louis V bags, shiny new cars, and extravagant vacations.

You feel like you have to keep up if you want to be noticed, be liked.

What they aren’t posting? Photos of their student loan debt, massive credit card balances, or video footage of them returning their Louis V bags after snapping a pic for the Gram.

There’s no such thing as “keeping up” when the lifestyle is fake in the first place.

And for those who can actually afford to buy these things, they probably don’t feel the need to post about it—because it’s everyday life, nothing worth nothing.

I don’t care what your timeline says, materialistic things you can’t afford are never worth it. They aren’t worth the debt, the second job, or the false self-confidence you’ll receive from stranger’s likes on the Internet.

One more thing: So what if someone wears designer and you don’t? STAY FOCUSED ON YOUR GOALS—not obsessing over someone else’s wardrobe.

Back to The Money

Now that we’re clear on the false representation of “wealth” on the Internet, let’s go over a few questions to ask yourself before spending your cash.

1. Is this purchase in alignment with my future goals? If so, how?
2. If I don’t buy this today, will it directly affect my abilities to be successful and find joy?
3. Am I buying this with intentions of showing it off in any way? In other words—if no one else knew I owned this, would I still want it?
4. Can I afford this? (Affording something means you have the capital to acquire it—not that you have a credit limit high enough.)

If your answers to these questions make you feel good about your purchase, buy it! Happily. Feel good about it. Don’t look back. You’re in alignment and things are good.

If your answers make you feel uneasy or unsure, walk away. You don’t need it. And your future is probably better off without it.

Success and Spending Aren’t Directly Correlated

Successful people aren’t always the most spendy. In fact, they’re often more thrifty than their less successful counterparts. Why? Because they’re smart—they recognize the power of investing and saving over spending wildly.

Being successful isn’t always flashy. Often, successful people aren’t even the ones talking about their own success–other people do that for them.

Successful people:

• Save regularly
• Invest in their future: 401(k), IRA, etc.
• Pay off debt
• Avoid future debt
• Think before swiping
• Feel good about spending

Appearing rich and being rich are two vastly different experiences. One is an attempt to gain recognition and a front to generate confidence, while the other is merely a state of financial being.

While others are busy appearing rich, quietly build your financial empire and keep money matters to yourself. It’ll be worth it when you’re busy living the life they can only false post about.

Moral of the story: Spend wisely. Align money decisions with your larger life goals. And quit flexing for strangers on the Internet.

Positive vibes,
Kails