I recently saw a statistic: 'The average wedding cost in the U.S. is $33,391... and that's not even factoring in the amount that gets spent beforehand on an engagement ring.' Repeat...the AVERAGE cost is $33,391...meaning some people spend even more than that.

Have we gone mad? Does spending all of that money ensure a more stable and loving marriage? Apparently, not. Statistics also show, regardless of how much money is being spent:
42-45% of first marriages end in divorce.
60% of second marriages end in divorce.
73% of third marriages end in divorce.

Now don't get me wrong. Weddings are a wonderful thing...and many marriages last for years. I enjoy seeing the bride's gown and the men in tuxedos. I love the flowers, decorations, the band or DJ, And the catered food. I mean, what's not to like? I've been to huge, lavish weddings that have been wonderful...doves being released into the air, an exquisite dinner, a chocolate fountain, a photo booth, a videographer at every turn, and sometimes an after-reception party with more food, booze, desserts, and entertainment. But I've also been to smaller weddings that were equally wonderful (even better in many cases) that included burgers and brats on the grill or catering done by a local family restaurant, a single rose for each bridesmaid instead of pricey bouquets, and music provided by a home stereo system.

Bottom line, we don't need to spend huge amounts of money in order to have nice things, go to nice events, and live happily ever after.

According to Kelley Blue Book, as of December 2018, the average price for a new car in the U.S. rose to over $36,000. Taking on a car loan of this size spread out over 5 years would result in a $600 per month car payment BEFORE interest gets slapped on.

Granted, it's enticing to drive around in the newest cars, with all the add-on features that the auto manufacturers have to offer. The days of roll-down windows and cassette players have been replaced with power-everything and bluetooth technology. We now have heated and cooled seats, built in GPS, and surround-view camera systems. There are so many features that can be added to a vehicle, all for higher and higher ticket prices.

I think back to the first cell phone that I owned. It did everything a cell phone was supposed to do. It made and received calls and I had the ability to text. It cost me a grand total of around $75. Today, the newest iPhone on the market is retailing for around $1,000. It does the same thing my original cell phone was designed for: to make and receive calls...but with more bells and whistles.

As manufacturers create more, it's easy to want more. What was once selling for around $100 is now going for ten times that amount.

This is certainly not meant to imply that we should never buy nice things. Working hard should have a nice payoff now and then...and when we spend, it's helping the local economy. The problem comes in when we're spending way more than we can comfortably afford.

And of course, the more we buy, the bigger the chances of clutter in our lives.

Before just jumping in and spending huge amounts of money on things that we think we need, take a moment to step back and ponder a bit. In today's world, living without a car or cell phone is almost unheard of. But do we really need a car that's going to cause us to lose sleep every time a car payment comes up? Do we really need the latest and greatest cell phone upgrade as soon as they're released when there is absolutely nothing wrong with the one we now have?

It's so easy to spend money needlessly on things when what we already own is still serving its purpose. Perhaps, instead of updating or upgrading, put that money into an account and save it for when something that you really NEED comes up...and that need ALWAYS does come up. In fact, when one appliance breaks down or the roof starts to leak, isn't it Murphy's Law that the refrigerator is going to go 'on the fritz' or the central air conditioning will need to be replaced?

In most cases, we can all get by with less, and are better off having some extra money in the bank.

Think first...

If you're paying for a gym membership because it's helping you stay active, great. Keep it. If you're debating paying for a book or course because it's helping you better your life, wonderful! Get it. If your monthly Netflix membership is giving you an inexpensive way to stay entertained, super-duper. It's worth paying for.

If, on the other hand, you're upgrading your car because your neighbor down the block just upgraded his, but yours is a perfectly nice car that's running in tip top shape, perhaps keeping what you have is the better choice. If you're upgrading to a new cell phone just because a new version was released, take a breath and consider if that's a good idea in your current circumstances.

Can you afford what you're buying? Do you have enough money in the bank for emergencies? Is your money best spent elsewhere? If you had to buy it in cash, could you? Or is it yet another charge you're adding to your credit card? Is your storage space nearly full...and are you using everything you own to its fullest capacity?

Bottom line, a budget isn't such a bad thing...and spending more doesn't necessarily equal better.

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the JULY 2019 issue and I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

If you don't already receive it, it's a great time to get your hands on a full year of Anything and Everything because, when you do, we're giving away 10 Bonuses, AND ALL of the back issues...complimentary!

Here are the topics in the July Issue...

Why you should always celebrate your birthday
I've heard people say, 'I don't celebrate my birthday' or 'I don't like birthdays.' Here's why you should always celebrate your birthday

Scavenger hunt adventures
Scavenger hunts are a fun way to do something physical, enjoy friendly competition, and have a good time

Little-known fascinating animal facts
Animals with fascinating characteristics you might not know about

29 unique travel and vacation tips
Travel can be fun, but planning can take some legwork. Here are a few travel hints that will make the undertaking easier on you

July Bucket List
25 TO DOs for you to include on your own bucket list.or to use as a springboard for your own creative ideas

How to mindfully make important decisions
When faced with a challenging decision, here are some strategies that may help you figure things out

Make a beach craft
Maybe you can't be at the beach all the time, but you can have the beach with you with this fun, easy, summer craft

Summer Shrimp Tacos
These are so fast to make, incredibly tasty, and the perfect treat for a summer evening

S'mores Nachos
No campfire? No problem. These delicious s'mores nachos can be whipped up in your kitchen quickly and easy

A Few Cooking Hacks
These 2 hacks will save time and make cooking so much easier

The importance of celebration
Words of wisdom to motivate and inspire you to celebrate every single day

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

We have thousands of readers who LOVE it...and I'm certain you will too!

Maria

P.S. BONUSES...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on July 5th: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

GON Monthly Checklist: July This summer, check off those TO DOs AND take time to celebrate your accomplishments. It's easy when you follow our NEW July Organizing Checklist
getorganizednow.com/organizing-checklist-jul.html


GON Mini Organizing Challenges: July For each week of July, our organizing challenges will be focused on Healthy Habits. Here are your mini weekly challenges. Can you accomplish the challenge for WEEK ONE this week?

getorganizednow.com/organizing-challenge-jul19-healthy-habits.html


In ADDITION, on my home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...

NEW Web Poll Do you generally MEET or MISS your deadlines? VOTE in our new web poll and let us know

Determination is our featured theme of the week, and the two quotes on my home page reflect this theme. Be inspired.

Social Media Feature If you want to achieve a goal, be sure you set SMART ones...learn more!


Access all of the above on my home page. Visit:
getorganizednow.com

'When you understand that making, saving, and spending money is all based on the thoughts you're thinking and the actions that these thoughts lead to, you can completely transform your reality - and your bank account.' --Jen Sincero

I'd love to hear from you.

Comments, suggestions, or just to say hello. Just REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

getorganizednow.com

(c) Copyright 2019 by Maria Gracia, Get Organized Now!

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