My posts in 2014 are finally going to start focusing on one of the most important money topics, debt. However, before we talk about what we owe, I'd like readers to join me in expanding what we save. I'm laying down the gauntlet: can you raise as much energy as I?
Fans of the internet may be familiar with this post's graphic, which I believe originates here. This is a simple, elegant way to save money, and one that should work well for Pagans. If you're the sort that includes magic as part of, or in conjunction with, your worship, then as I said, it's simply raising energy so you can work your spell. If your Pagan path has no truck with that sort of thing, pick an appropriate deity, force, or cause, and make this an offering. I will continue to refer to it as raising energy, because you can just as easily use this energy for an offering as for magical work.
This is going to require discipline. Money is quite tangible energy, and the bigger the pile, the more tempting it will be to use some of it. Depending on your money boundaries, you may need to set up systems to ensure that you put the money away, as well as hold onto it throughout the year. Here are some suggestions.
For the savings part, putting away one more dollar each week than you did last week, accountability is key. I will ask readers to check in on their progress on my Facebook page, and I'll make periodic reports here, as well. A public declaration of intent to take up this Pagan Savings Challenge -- posted in either place -- will go a long way towards your achieving it. In addition, setting up a weekly reminder will keep you focused on the task.
As for keeping it, there are a number of options.
- Swear an oath, whatever kind you're most likely not to break.
- Save in cash and hide the envelope. Each time you put money in, remember to forget where it is again. Magic might help, but I can't recall.
- Give the cash to a trusted friend. Choose wisely.
- Put the money in a box that is already charged/consecrated/personally significant, and use whatever prayer, spells, triggers, and promises are necessary to make it clear that this money is HANDS OFF.
- Open a new savings account for the challenge. If you get a debit card, put it in a metal can and stick it in the freezer. Metal will keep you from thawing it in a microwave.
- Keep a careful accounting of how much you've saved (actually, do that anyway, it's a great motivator), and set up a reward system based on milestones. Sometimes spending a little prevents us from spending a lot, so promise yourself a small reward for reaching each goal. Remember that these will require different money, so keep the rewards reasonable for your situation.
- If you're more time sensitive, tie the rewards to the seasons or the moon cycle. In either case, no reward if you spent any of the money.
- We can also serve as accountability buddies, and provide support if life's challenges make the temptation to spend a strong one.
Who's with me?