Sticking to Your Guns

Aren't these cute?! Good color story too

Hey Designers,

No, I don't own a gun or carry firearms, but in the world of interior design, I think it's critical to stay true to your gut or strong feelings. This you must do even in the face of difficulty, attack, or criticism from others (yourself included!)

It can be really difficult to finish a makeover, especially when you see costs adding up. Despite planning and budgeting for all the steps, I'm having a hard time sticking to my plan, even though I know it's a good one.
I ran into trouble last night, with... (drum roll please)... these very cute shoes! Let me explain, I had been 'stalking' this pair for some time, and it was impossible to get one in my size. Then last night I saw they had new stock, IN MY SIZE, and on SALE!!! I was on cloud nine.

Until I remembered my budget, and the other plans I have to renovate my home. I must get my bedroom walls done very soon, and I'll be gardening this weekend, so I cannot afford to waste money on shoes. Boo hoo! I can't describe the despair I experienced... for all of 20 minutes... but maybe the picture below will give you a hint LOL. I got over it real fast though, especially since they sold out again in 24 hours.





Lesson learned, avoid temptation. Don't go shopping online or anywhere, for that matter, if you know your money is already spoken for. Yes, think of it as already spent. Pretend you have handed it over to a contractor, retailer, etc. and you can't make a return. Stick to your guns people. I'm working really hard on doing that.

Another way to ensure you stick to your budget, is to build in fun elements into the plan. For instance, don't just allocate money for bills, food, repairs, and 'renovation' in a static list, use visuals too. If you are like me who planned my bedroom makeover on my computer, include pictures of what you want the finished product to look like. It could be an entire room, or individual pictures articles, such as lamps, mirrors, furniture, etc. I like to visit my favorite store and interior designer magazines and websites to remind and motivate myself. For deals and ways to save on makeovers, click here.

Also, don't forget to plan for entertainment! A movie, dinner, weekend getaways, you name it.

One last word, our money does not belong to us. No, that wasn't an earthquake, I didn't say anything earth shattering. Want proof:

The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it (Psalm 24:1 New American Standard Bible)

That includes money / possessions, um hmm ;-)

More support: 

...Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?...Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. (Malachi 3: 7-8)

I've found that when I put God first, I have far less trouble managing my finances, and much more to spare / save :-)

Happy designing!

Kyla