7 Tips to Be Happier With Less Money

“You can’t always get what you want…but if you try sometimes – you just might find –  you get what you need…”

Who would have thought Mick Jagger was a brilliant financial advisor? Turns out though, he has it right.

Check out these great tips for getting what you need on a shoestring:

1) Learn conscious spending. Stop mindless spending. Start ranking all your discretionary spending on a “joy factor”. Only spend on high ranking items for greater satisfaction.

2) Enjoy a side benefit of less spending money: you’ll learn about the simple joys of life that give big pleasure. Think about what small things bring you delight. Fill your day with these.

3) Visit the beach or park in your town and enjoy as much nature as you can consume. All for free.

4) Learn the art and joys of creating and packing a perfect picnic. Invest in a good thermos or two for coffee and hot entrees.

5) Take a photography day trip. (Bring that picnic meal you made in tip #4) Everyone takes their digital cameras and takes as many great shots as possible. Take extra memory cards. Print them out and frame them for inexpensive yet invaluable art work for your home.

6) The most important investment of all is relationships. Staying home watching movies, day trips around town, cooking together and playing games all give you a chance to reconnect with your family.

7) Start a weekly or monthly potluck tradition with extended family and friends. Have theme nights like Italian or Mexican and watch the fun happen. Be sure to appreciate everyone’s offering to the meal.

These tips are just a few ideas to get you in the right mindset. The timeless truth is that you’re already rich in the most important things and everything you need – you already have.