So I used to run a successful construction business but last year an accident happened during an assignment & not only did the business go bankrupt but also went into huge debt from all the legal stuff I had to pay off. Sold house, sold cars, sold everything valuable. Now I have a day job which doesn’t pay super well. I have a son and I feel like I’m letting him down, even though he’d never admit it; on the contrary, he always comforts me & tells me he’s happy with what we have. I basically cut off all of my personal expenses to spend the money on him. I feel so bad everyday.
3 is the way.
Have your goals. Feel your feelings. But don’t expect to jump to the other side of the ocean. Set small goals and revel in your daily/weekly wins.
For example, I wanted to eat better and save money, when I was young and had no money. It was harder then, but I tallied up all the fast food money I was spending, and realized if I didnt buy fastfood I could afford more and better groceries including more fresh vegetables and meats. And STILL saved some money.
So I watched my grocery bill and stopped eating fast food, ended up with some extra cash each month, and even lost a few pounds.
This is a small thing, but I felt more in control of my life, and it made me happy.
Modern banking apps have search features to make tallying your spending easy