5 Money Problems You Can Solve With a Good Attitude

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Money. They say it's the root of all evil, but we all need it to survive. Your money problems can really bring you down, and that creates a horrible Catch-22 situation. You can't reduce your stress without more money, but you can't make more money while you're stressed out.

However, with a shift in your attitude, despite whatever money problems you may have, you can work toward real solutions. Here are five ways you can solve some of your money problems just by thinking about them in a different way. (See also: 9 Ways Money Does Buy Happiness)

1. Reduce high interest rates and increase credit limits

There are a few ways you can deal with the interest rates and limits on your credit cards.

  • You can simply accept that they are what they are, and get on with life.

  • You can whine and complain about them to your friends and family.

  • Or you can be proactive, and get in touch with customer service.

Most of the time, reducing your interest rate or getting a credit line increase is as simple as asking for it. (Depending on your credit score, a credit line increase can be a bit harder to get and may hinge upon how much available credit you currently have.) Of course, how you ask is very important.

If you plan on calling, be positive, polite, and prepared. If you do it by live chat, make sure you use plenty of appropriate emojis or phrases that ensure you come across as nice, not demanding. Tell the credit card company you have been a loyal customer, you were given a low-rate offer by another card, but would love to stay with them for a reduced rate (or increased line of credit). Usually, you'll be offered something to your benefit within the first few minutes. It's really that easy. (See also: This One Ratio Is the Key to a Good Credit Score)

2. Bring in additional sources of income

There's an old saying that's applicable to many aspects of life, but it works particularly well for your finances: "Whether you think you can, or your think you can't, you're right."

Many years ago, I was convinced that the only way to make more money was to get a raise, a promotion, or move to a company with a higher paying job. I never even considered the possibility of making money from other lines of work, so no chances to make more money ever appeared. Then, I started talking to people who did. They told me to look for opportunities, be positive about new ventures, and really believe that I could make more money. And, just with that change in attitude, side-hustles started to happen. Freelance work, paying hobbies, buying and selling items on eBay, and so many other gigs fell into my lap. On their own, they were small. But together, they made me enough extra money to buy a bigger home for my growing family. Be open to the chances of making more, and you will. It works.

3. Get discounts on almost everything you buy

One of the ways to ensure you get bargains — and to never pay full price if you can avoid it — is to have a great attitude. You can demand a discount with an arrogance that stinks, and you probably won't get it. But with a smile, some genuine banter, and empathy, you can easily convince anyone to take some money off the items you're looking to purchase.

Politely ask the store manager if they have expiring products you can buy at a discount. Ask for free shipping, or expedited shipping at no charge when you buy something online. There is always a chance to chat with customer service, and if you emit nothing but positive energy, you'll usually get a coupon code, a free item included, or some other financial freebie. Try it out. Don't be smarmy, but do go out of your way to be nice. The worst that can happen is that you'll pay what you were going to pay anyway.

4. Achieve your financial goals

Whatever your income, you should have financial goals. They could be simply reducing debt, saving for a vacation, investing, building your own business, or getting into real estate. The principles for success are the same, no matter the goal. And you need to set goals and maintain a healthy, positive attitude for this to work.

Sometimes it can be daunting to go through all of your assets and liabilities, but it's important. When you have a clear picture of where you stand, spend some time thinking about where you want to be in one month, one year, and even five years. Plan these goals, and find ways to make them happen. Maybe that dream vacation needs you to sacrifice the morning Starbucks run, and fewer meals at restaurants. Or maybe you cut a few things out to pay down your student loan more quickly. If you simply deny yourself things to save money, it can be tough to maintain. But by working toward a goal, tracking your progress, and maintaining that determined, positive attitude, it becomes much easier.

5. Destroy envy-induced spending

A lot of us tend to focus on what we don't have. This is in part due to advertising and the culture of materialism. We see people on Facebook sharing photos of bigger homes, new cars, jewelry, and exotic vacations, and we think I wish I had that. That is immediately going to put you in a negative mindset, and it can be hard to escape from it. But if you have access to a safe home, clean water, nutritious food, and a life that does not involve the daily risk of death and disease, you're doing really well. (See also: 6 Ways Envy Is Keeping You Poor)

Wealth is relative. Success is relative. It simply requires a paradigm shift to a more positive view of the great things you really have, rather than some of the "great" things you want. And when it comes down to it, most of the material stuff is just that. We really get our happiness from family, friends, partners, and experiences. No one runs into the burning house to save the big TV; they go for the family photos. So, while it may sound hokey, get into the habit of writing down the things you're thankful for at the end of each day. Spend time reading through these lists at the end of each week, or month. You'll shift your thinking to appreciate the good, and while you can still want more, it doesn't make you unhappy that you don't have it.

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