Spending your money while you're still sexy

When I meet with people it feels a little like working backwards or trying to go back in time. Usually everyone has their finances set up to be using every last penny, with no room for savings or insurance. It happens just about 90% of the time so don't feel alone. That being said, it's still a major red flag for me that we are working in the wrong direction as a society. Really, when we are fresh out of school and start working the first thing we "should" do is set up to PAY OURSELVES first, then insure our own human energy (as we are the ones who get up and go to work and make the pay cheque everyday) so that if something happened to us, our lives could still go on with little to no stress...aka we wouldn't have to move back into our parents basements (eyebrow raise). At first it comes as a bit of a shock when you take a look and realize you have set aside any money out of all that money you make to pay for long term goals. It just goes right away to pay everyone else. The grocery store, the carpenter, the shoe manufacturer and the electronics that are so shiny and sexy. Follow the rule of 10 percent. Look at all your expenses and discretionary spending and skim a bit off the top to put towards your financial plan so that at least 10% of your income is going towards your goals. That way if an emergency hits, or an opportunity to take advantage of - you CAN DO IT. It'll feel pretty damn good when it happens knowing you are in control and you were the one who had the good sense to plan ahead. High five to yourself right? If you are buying a home, factor in your life insurance on top of your mortgage then work with that final number to see if it fits. It would be a most unfortunate shame if something were to happen and that house you worked so hard for and dreamt of all your life was gone in the blink of an eye, which is usually how accidents and sickness happen - like a tornado leaving barren lives in their path. And hey if sleeping better at night is not enough, just check in from time to time and watch your little nest egg grow and imagine the possibilities! Buying something DEBT free, no financing, no credit approval - just HAND OVER THE CASH baby. Or...imagine retirement a little bit early - taking those cruises before your hair is grey and your fingers curl up and you can sexily beckon to the pool boy to come and rub lotion on your still young-looking-liver-spot-free-back.