There are a lot of great traditions families have when it comes to Thanksgiving. Sometimes it’s food related, such as a secret family recipe for candied yams, deep frying a turkey, or just knowing exactly what dishes to expect at the table. Perhaps your family always participates in a local Turkey Trot race, or watches the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, or takes turkey coma naps after the big meal.
There are all kinds of traditions that our families look forward to every year on Thanksgiving, but gratitude is something that can be practiced and expressed every day of the year, and can actually have a positive impact on your finances.
Your family will give thanks for the food and the company around your Thanksgiving table, but what can you do on a daily basis to add a little more gratitude to your life? One of the easiest things to do is keep a daily gratitude journal. You can write five, ten, or however many things that come to mind that you are grateful for that day. If you write in the morning, maybe before you get out of bed or when you are having your cup of coffee, it can set your day up for success by bringing you a little more patience and positivity before your day begins. If you do it at night, as the day is winding down, it can help you reflect upon the day’s events and might even help you sleep better.
So how can being more grateful impact your finances?
- Puts your true priorities in focus – We often get caught up in the daily grind and lose sight of how truly fortunate we really are. Taking a step back and acknowledging all the things you do have, instead of focusing on what you don’t, can give you a better perspective on where spending your money makes the most impact in your life.
- Takes focus off buying “stuff” – When we focus on the things we already have, we often realize we don’t need to buy other things, and that in turn makes you spend less money, which leads to more money in the bank.
- Puts you in the giving spirit – Listing what you are grateful for can help you realize just how much you have to be thankful for, and can lead to thinking about those who may not be as fortunate as you are. You might start thinking about charities or non-profits you’d like to support.
This Thanksgiving, enjoy your traditions and your food, and remember to stop and really take the opportunity to be thankful for everything you have. Perhaps start a new practice of taking the time to be grateful every day, whether it’s writing it down on paper or just taking a quiet moment to contemplate. However you choose to be grateful, we here at Your Grown Up Money wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Until next time, enjoy!
