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Pagan savings challenge, week two: challenges

This morning, when I went to set aside this week's allotment for the Pagan savings challenge, I was faced with another sort of challenge:  I couldn't find the envelope with the money in it.  I was being practical, I thought, by not leaving it out in plain sight; even if robbers don't break into my home, out of sight is out of mind, so I will be less likely to spend it.

Note to self:  there's a very fine line between out of sight and out of sight.  It does me no good to not know where the money is in the first place!

But there are some interesting lessons here.  I did find that envelope, but if I had not, it would have meant the loss of one dollar.  The same error in six months' time would have meant coming up with $351, a much larger chunk of change.  Money compounds over time, but it starts out slowly, like an avalanche, a wave, or the movement of a continent.

And to be faced with an obstacle so early on reminds me that, as the pile of cash grows, the number of reasons to spend some will also multiply.  That's why I don't want to remember where I keep it during the week.

What kinds of things might you write on the envelope to discourage spending?  Prayers?  To whom?  A spell?  What would it say?  A simple warning, like Don't Spend This in red letters?

Pagans of all stripes, teach me how you would handle this particular type of temptation.

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Terence P Ward is a business writer and journalist who blogs under the rather cumbersome moniker of True Pagan Warrior.  He can generally be found at home, tending to his gardens and the many demands of his cats; in the alternative, follow TPW on Facebook. 

Comments

  • Greybeard
    Greybeard Monday, 13 January 2014

    This is a good idea, especially for people who have never learned how to divert part of their income into saving and investment. Saving 10% of your income in an investment account for 20 years will make almost anyone "wealthy" for the rest of his or her life. On my cash stash I write the current total amount. A prayer or blessing would also be a good idea. Thanks.

  • Terence P Ward
    Terence P Ward Thursday, 16 January 2014

    "Anyone can save ten percent" were the most important words of wisdom that a surrogate father shared with me in my teen years. Even though I often have not succeeded, my belief in the concept has more often kept me afloat!

  • Greybeard
    Greybeard Friday, 17 January 2014

    Saving and investing 10% is the main theme in a classic book on becoming wealthy, The Richest Man in Babylon. Even the title ought to appeal to Pagans more than some others. My father gave me a copy when I was starting out as an independent yong man, economic advice similar to what you got from your father, Terence. . Its a really good book for anyone who is tired of being poor. I've see way too many poor pagans living hand to mouth. A copy of The Richest Man in Babylon is available used for very little.

  • Terence P Ward
    Terence P Ward Friday, 17 January 2014

    I will add it to my list! I'm presently reading The Soul of Money, and I have Slow Money waiting in the wings.

  • Vintah Montoya
    Vintah Montoya Thursday, 16 January 2014

    I decided to do this challenge this year, as well. I've always been good at saving up for something when I have the proper motivation. The rest of the time, however, I usually spend it as soon as I have it.

    I am also using this challenge as a catalyst to bring more financial abundance into my life. As I see my stash grow, I visualize my income growing, as well. I envision my ability and desire to manage my finances better strengthening. I see myself using my new-found abundance in fun ways.

    Here's hoping we can all stick to it and attract the abundance we desire. Blessed be.

  • Terence P Ward
    Terence P Ward Thursday, 16 January 2014

    This is the spirit with which I was hoping people might adopt this challenge. Thank you.

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