Have you ever gotten sick and tired of trying to get your sh*t together?

It seems like no matter how much I try I can't turn things around. I am 31 and started working at 26. I will admit I should've started working early and saved, saved, saved. I have no savings, but I am working on it. Currently living with parents but helping them out financially, I give them between $500-$700 for rent. I am trying to save up enough to get myself a nice cheap little studio and car but whenever I try to save, something always comes up. I am working on a side hustle which is a clothing that looks promising. We are planning to open up a store in march in one of the biggest malls in America. Our site goes up later this month. I'm hoping it goes well so I can get some extra income. I am also working on small projects away from work to try and save money. As of now I have $2,600 to my name. I am trying budget more which is key and staying away from social media. Because when ever I see my friends and other people my age and younger getting married, buying cars, getting their own place etc... it makes me depressed. I know I shouldn't compare myself to others but it shows me what I could've had, if I had taken things seriously at an early age. I know I can do it but it will take a lot of time and patience. I am not lazy or untalented. I have just been bad with saving money and had some bad luck along the way.

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4meAndyou · F

I learned early that you have to set up conditions that are out of your own control, and automatic, in order to save.

At your present age, you have to pay yourself first. In other words, arrange automatic deposits to fund your savings. Explore ways to earn more interest with a savvy financial advisor. You will want 2/3 of your savings to be inaccessible to you without penalties.

Pay your parents $500 a month, steadily.

Invest in life insurance NOW while it will still be affordable for you. You might be able to get a sizeable policy for $15 to $25 per month. You should make your parents your beneficiaries. If something happens to you, you can continue to provide for them.

DON'T beat yourself up about the stuff that always comes up. Roll with the punches for now, and try to meet each challenge with a good plan.

lonelydreamer · 31-35, M

@4meAndyou Thanks for the advice, helps a whole lot. You're right about the automatic deposits to savings account. A friend actually approached me about life insurance, will have to reconnect with him about it. Will continue to push forward.

4meAndyou · F

@lonelydreamer I was just thinking about you. While eating dinner, I saw a commercial on television about survivors and champions...sponsored by the UFC. Survivors and champions are people who get knocked down, but they get right back up.

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4meAndyou · F

@lonelydreamer And consider putting 2/3 of you savings into a 5 year CD so you can't get it without paying through the nose. It's a disincentive to taking your savings and using it to bail yourself out of minor life events.

Heartlander · 80-89, M

@4meAndyou One way to discipline day to day, out of pocket spending is to leave the credit cards at home and pay cash. Decide before hand how much you can afford to spend for the week and convert that to cash. Then, as you spend it, you'll have an awareness of how much you have left to last until th next week. With credit cards it's too easy to overspend.

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4meAndyou · F

@Heartlander Another way is to decide in advance how much you can spend each day, and then jot down every single penny you spend in a small notebook. (I did this during a trip where we were on a very tight budget!). When you add up how much you have spent already, it helps you decide whether you need to buy cheese and crackers for dinner at the grocery store, or if you can afford fast food.

lonelydreamer · 31-35, M

@4meAndyou @Stereoguy @Heartlander Thanks everyone, appreciate the feedback and advice.