Family Living: How to Stop Comparing, Save Money, and Still Live a Full Life
Today on the blog I thought I’d talk about Family Living: How to Stop Comparing, Save Money, and Still Live a Full Life. There’s so much pressure for us all to be doing so much; to be the most outgoing, fun, interesting family, but why can’t the simpler (and less expensive) things in life give us more joy? Well, I think they can, so here are my tips for living life your way and saving pennies!
Family Living: How to Stop Comparing, Save Money, and Still Live a Full Life
There are days when I feel like a complete failure as a parent. Social media seems to be the crux of this feeling; the pressure of how other families live their lives weighing heavy on my mind as I say no to the latest cool thing, or I’m unable to go abroad, purely because I can’t afford it. In the moment, I can feel awfully self-indulgent and feel really sorry for myself, but then I look around and think, we’re only doing all this stuff because we feel we should.
Societies pressures are intense. Someone on Instagram is abroad with their family, lapping up Spanish sun, or your friend has taken their kids to the latest local attraction, maybe you struggle to buy designer trainers so your kid feels left out. Even people just saying they’re always happy and fun and full of beans can be enough to make anyone feel less than worthy… Honestly, it feels exhausting to constantly compare, but it also happens without us even thinking!
When I look at my family, I know for a fact they are happy. They eat well, they socialise (find out more about the ‘s’ word and home ed thoughts here), they have friends, they know what they want, they play, they learn, they see new and exciting things, and most importantly, they are LOVED.
With every fibre of my being, they are loved.
So, how can we stop comparing?
Firstly, know you are awesome. Because you are. You do all you can for your family, so stop comparing. Because, deep down, everyone is probably comparing themselves to you too! A few ways to stop comparing could include:
- social media detox – take time out from the web and immerse yourself in the real world
- meditate – give yourself time to clear your mind and focus
- yoga/exercise – this will boost your feel good hormones and make you feel fabulous!
- List three things you love about your life every day (gratitude is so helpful with this overwhelming world!)
- Treat yourself like you would treat your best friend
- Relax and take time out (think spa nights at home and early nights!)
And how can we save money?
I’m big on budgeting, but I can be pretty rubbish with money. Zoey and I had a debt management plan for years, so I think you end up learning to spend all of your money, even when salaries go up! It becomes a habit to live within your means, but really you need to focus on finances, planning and budgeting. So, how can you save?
- Check out free things to do in your local area
- Find free online resources for activities
- Get outdoors (families have the best of times exploring the wide outdoors)
- Make things, don’t buy them! Gifts, clothes, anything… Get Pinterest happy!
- Buy second hand (Whether it’s eBay or your local charity shop, buying in this way can save you money and help reduce landfills!)
- Talk to someone – Payplan have an amazing infographic all about the higher costs for single parents, and they can also be someone to turn to if money is becoming a big worry for you.
- Use discount websites to find the latest deals in your area
Live a Full Life
I have to say, I think the key to living a full life is living it your way. No compromises, no comparisons, no regrets. If you can get there (and I’m still working on this!) then I think this is the key to living a full life; the finances and the mental health both playing a part. What matters most is that you start believing in yourself, because…
you’re amazing!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post, please let me know what you think in the comments below…
