Money can’t buy love or happiness goes the old adage.  Are you sure?  That seems to be the attitude people adopt during their working years - slaving away now to create the freedom of choices they really want later in life.   Saving for retirement is very important, though what about choices now?

What you do with your money today enables freedom of choices right now.  It’s not a matter of trading today for tomorrow, rather it’s making smart choices in line with your values.

Tips for “Buying” Choices Now:

• Make a list of what you are grateful for – this will focus your decisions.
• Spend within your means.  This creates freedom and even flexibility since you aren’t spending every penny every month.  Of course, pay yourself first!
• Choose entertainment items you truly enjoy, not just those that fill time.  You’ll prioritize your money differently if you know you’ve allocated dollars (a.k.a. budgeted) for things that make you smile.  If you love golf and like going to baseball games then maybe you go to fewer games so you can golf more often.
• Create events that include those who are important to you.  If the family loves camping, then choose outdoor events related to hiking and fishing instead of going to the video arcade.  If you love to cook, involve the whole family in learning to make a new dish.  Everyone gets to learn something new and maybe you choose to buy a new kitchen gadget to create your new specialty!

The last tip is really a mindset.  Remember that money is a tool.  Your life is what matters.