Field Journal

One stressor in my life, like most teenagers and young adults, is money.

 

One way to manage money stress is to stay in the present. Most stress is due to projecting current problems into the future where there is no control, and the world could be in any state. This method serves as a reminder that this isn't the future, and I (or anyone) have complete control in the present moment, especially with finance.

 

Another method interlocks with this plan. Developing a plan and reward system can help me stay on budget for the day, eventually leading to the week and month. My daily budget has been reserved to bills for a very long time, considering that I had no source of income and obligatory payments that I had to make. The $300 for my car and $100 for phone, television, and internet made a hole in my savings. As long as I didn't spend more than my bills required, I was on target. According to Oprah, a reward would be something like buying ice cream. Since I still don't make enough to purchase a reward, I reward myself by relaxing at home or visiting friends- something positive to look forward to that doesn't require deep pockets.