Everyone wants to be financially stable. No one wants the anxiety caused by high debt.

You can save all you want. You can open up those retirement accounts. You can start funding them. Yet, there are three words that can make your goals slide further and further away.

These words are “I deserve it.”

Often these words are preceded by ‘well I shouldn’t but I deserve it’.

People know they should not buy the new outfit. Or the new car. Or go on that trip. We have savings goals and we are not there yet but, (see how it goes?) we deserve it. We have worked so hard. We have put up with so much. We justify our purchases that we know deep down are not necessary. We do this by telling ourselves and others that these things are deserved.

We end up sabotaging our goals yet again. And gain a short term rush of pleasure. This rush doesn’t last long and soon we will “deserve” some reward. Again.

This phrase is used to justify upgrading a good reliable vehicle for the latest model. The new generation of phones. Watches. Even your house.

“But dear, we work so hard, we deserve this”.

You must understand that achieving your financial goals comes with some sacrifice and delay of gratification.

Put off upgrading your car today and sock that penny away into a high yielding retirement plan. Keep maxing out your government offered retirement programs instead of putting that money to yet a bigger home.

What do you deserve? Do you deserve the latest gadgets, expensive houses and cars. A new pool? A fancy trip every year? A trip to Vegas with a big budget every year?

Or do you deserve to retire early? Do you deserve the peace that comes with not having to work “until you die”?

That new car payment can instead be put towards your financial goals. And with the magic and wonder that is compound interest will magnify and make that goal a reality.

It all comes down to valuing your future self. And giving the older version of you what THEY deserve.

What do you want more?

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Be aware of how you use that statement to justify your spending. Make sure that what you purchase is worth it. You really need it. You really want it. Keep it in your cart for a week. Wait another week to see if that impulse is still telling you that you “need” it.

If you find yourself using this phrase often, ask yourself a question. How can you satisfy or reward yourself without having to buy anything?

You must learn to deal with your subconscious feelings. This is important if you want to become financially independent. It is also essential to live with financial peace. If you feel unsatisfied or unrewarded unless you go shopping, you need to look deep within. Find out what need actually needs satisfying.

Do you need to feel more appreciated?

How can you get that in your life? Can you start to give appreciation to yourself? No money needed!

Do you need a reward for something difficult you accomplished or are dealing with?

How can this be done cheaply or free?

Can people in your life help you feel requested or celebrated or appreciated? If they can, great! Ask them. If they can’t, then you have to be there for yourself.

Start appreciating the work you do. Thank yourself.

Rewarding yourself without breaking the bank or dipping into any savings can be done.

You’ll also have to work on the mindset of abundance and being and having enough. Stop competing. If others you know always need to have the best of everything, just let them. Be yourself. Let yourself be okay with less.

If you are not aware of what’s driving you, those three words can derail your goals. They can also affect your hopes for the future. Do not let them.

Your future self deserves it.