10 Ways to Feel Better About Money

Upon moving to a different part of Los Angeles, I stupidly quit both of my decent part-time jobs, thinking that I would easily land a new job. Wrong. Was I in for a rude awakening or what! I couldn’t get a job. Not one. I walked up and down streets that were close to where I was living at the time and applied EVERYWHERE. I was willing to take any position practically, but couldn’t get hired. Yes, I faced what most Americans are experiencing today: recession anxiety. Luckily, my story ends with a happy ending. I ended up not only getting a job, but was offered several positions, but only after ruthlessly and relentlessly applying anywhere where there was an opening. It took time, patience, and hope. I actually ended up switching occupations, from working in restaurants, to now raising money for nonprofit organizations and tutoring. I believe my “luck” was based on my attitude and persistence. Granted, these are not fancy or high-paying jobs, but it does bring in something while I’m pursuing my artistic and educational endeavors. Most importantly, it fills up my days by not only bringing in an honest paycheck, but also challenges my mind and opens up networks to meet all kinds of people in the greater Los Angeles area. But during the period I couldn’t find a job, I found the following techniques quite useful.

1. Appreciate what you’ve got. Look around your apartment, home, mansion, tiny room, closet, whatever, and give thanks for your shoes, clothes, underwear, socks, bed, whatever. This gives you perspective about how much you really do have in regards to someone else less fortunate. Whenever I get into the thinking, my car isn’t cool enough, but I really want those $300 shoes, why don’t I have more money, etc, I take a step back and say to myself “Hey, I’m so lucky to have clean laundry today. That’s amazing. I’m so special. I’ll smell so fresh and so clean to whoever I cross paths with today.”
2. Go to the library. You can read books, watch DVDs, surf the net, listen to Cd’s for no cost! Just remember to return your materials before those pesky late fees begin to pile up.
3. Read “Culture Jam”. This book is awesome in that it examines Americans attitudes toward money and straight to the point that when you do X, X results. Like when I go out to a bar, that could be my grocery money for the rest of the week (I’m right now kicking myself for blowing thirty dollars last night). Really frickin’ cool book! 
4. Go to a park, beach, play basketball, or hey, just take a walk around your neighborhood. If you’re not working, it’s a great way to take your mind off problems, and breathe! Hey, there’s only so much you can really do! For example, my friend and I were both broke, so we went for a hike and had an amazing time while getting into shape.
5. Cancel subscriptions. Those things really do add up! Especially when you look at your negative bank account and wonder, “wait, how the hell did that happen!?” So you call your bank, and you realize your $10 netflix, magazine, nowcasting, whatever subscriptions really has it’s way of withdrawing from your account when your almost negative. Cancel those suckers and follow step 2!
6. Teach yourself how to play any unused instruments lying around your house. You know, that guitar you bought last year and promised yourself you’d learn? Or that old keyboard or piano in the garage? Yeah, pick it up and begin playing. You can go on-line and check out several, free articles as to how to tune, pick, etc. It’s a great, rewarding, cheap way to pass the time when your usually spending money.
7. Monitor your thoughts! When I couldn’t find a job, I called my mom and cried. She gave me the best advice in the world! The time you spend crying, freaking-out, grumbling, being negative, and feeling sorry for yourself, you could be looking for a job. In other words, really, it’s a waste of your precious energy that you could use to change your situation. In other words, worrying begets more worrying!
8. Have a garage sale. Clear-out your clutter, pick the items you no longer need, polish them up, and put them out for sale. You can also post those items on craigslist for anything you can’t sell during your garage sale. It’s also a cool way to meet people and your neighbors while expanding your income.
9. Forego bad habits. Hey, I love going out to dinner, wine bars, or drinking strong gourmet lattes. But, can I really afford this right now? Wouldn’t it feel better to maybe let these luxuries go? My wine bar, favorite restaurant, and coffee shop will always be there. And it will feel better to go to these places when I can comfortably afford them. If your friends are going out, you can totally join them, have an amazing time, and be amused by their silliness, while sipping on sparkling water. Hey, you’ll be without the hangover the next day!
10. Nurture your soul. Pamper yourself without it involving gobbles of money. Sleep in, rent your favorite movie, do your own nails, call on old friend, write out your own goals, or start blog writing. Try something new, like swimming in the ocean, draw a friend’s portrait. If you have a boyfriend or girlfriend, make passionate love until the sun comes up. You might be surprised by how fun and rewarding your life can be without it being attached to your bank account.

I hope this helps! Good luck!