There are many characteristics wealthy people have in common, and being efficient with resources is one of the most important. To be happy and successful, making the most out of your time at work, time outside of work, and money is a requirement. Time and money are two of the most precious resources we have. Although spending time at work is essentially trading time for money, there are several things to look for to make sure you’re making the most of your time spent at work.
Time at work
Make sure your time at work is spent working towards some longer-term goal other than simply earning money. Punching the clock and being miserable everyday is no way to live life. Your job should be engaging and have mobility; not many employees want to be in the same position for the rest of their career.
If you have specific career goals or aspirations, it’s a good idea to write them down or tell other people what they are. Doing this holds you accountable and makes goals seem more concrete and attainable.
If your career isn’t where you want it to be, don’t give up. It’s never too late to go back to school or go to night school. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for college or trade school costs, so it might be worth looking into if that’s something you’re interested in. Work doesn’t have to feel like a waste of your time, it can and should be enjoyable and something you look forward to.
Time not at work
No matter how much you love your job, you need time away from work. Away from work, you might enjoy spending time with family and friends, or you might have hobbies that you enjoy. Time away from work should not only be your time to recharge, but also to better yourself. Every minute that you have is precious and valuable, so make sure you are allocating your time wisely.
Time is also the one resource you can’t necessarily get more of. There are some things you can do that will probably buy you more time, like eating healthy and exercising, but nothing is guaranteed. Your earning potential is unlimited, but your time on earth is not.
Money
Although time is your most valuable resource, money might be your most powerful resource. Money can give you the freedom to live life how you wish. You can afford to spend more time with family, start your own business, or change the world through charitable contributions.
Make your money work for you
To make the most out of your money, you need to make sure every dollar has a place and a purpose. If you aren’t sure where your money should go, check out our Financial Order of Operations show. In our Order of Operations show (which should be considered required watching for everyone in The Money Guy audience) you’ll learn how to prioritize paying off debt, saving in an emergency fund, getting the employer match for retirement contributions, and much more.
Having a plan and a place for every dollar will make your money stretch further. You worked hard for your money, so make sure your money is working hard for you.
Don’t get distracted
Growing your wealth through long-term investing is not a difficult path to follow. However there will be bumps in the road, and plenty of distractions.
The old-as-time fable of the tortoise and the hare applies to many facets of life, and is especially pertinent when it comes to investing. The hare wants investing to make them rich as soon as possible. They might try to time the market, and choose riskier investments. The tortoise, on the other hand, is in no hurry to build wealth. They stay focused on the long-term goal of reaching the finish line, and don’t let anything distract them along the way.
Plan your purchases
Another great way to make every dollar stretch further is to plan your purchases. If you’re going to be making a big purchase soon, read reviews online and shop around for the best deal before purchasing. Many different sites will notify you if an item goes on sale, so you can make sure you get your item for the price you want. There are browser extensions available that automatically fill in promo codes or discount codes for almost any website you can imagine.
It’s not always the best financial decision to spend the least amount of money you can on things, either. Sometimes if you spend more on items, they can last years longer than less expensive alternatives. Would you rather buy a new wallet every few years, or one wallet that lasts for the rest of your life?
On our new show, 7 Financial Habits That Can Change Your Life, we discuss even more ways you can make the most of your resources. Watch it now on YouTube!
