Forced Scarcity: How To Trick Yourself Into Becoming Rich
Forced scarcity in personal finance is a powerful tool to help you reach your financial goals. Forced scarcity tricks you into thinking you are broke, which results in you striving to earn more while spending less.
The process of applying forced scarcity to your finances is simple.
In this article, I will show you how the steps impact your savings and spending.
Forced Scarcity Meaning
The meaning of forced scarcity intentionally creates the illusion that money is scarce. There are several ways to accomplish this, but your money is out of sight and, therefore, out of mind.
By “hiding” your money from yourself, you create the motivation and pressure to earn more of it and spend less of it.
The psychology behind this strategy has been discussed in numerous books but with a different term called “paying yourself first.” One of the best books that describe this concept is “The Richest Man In Babylon.”
It's a timeless book that helps you build a foundation for financial success.
Now I'll review some simple ways to set up forced scarcity with your finances.
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Apply Forced Scarcity To Your Finances
Now I'm going to give you quick steps on how to apply forced scarcity to your finances.
Following these steps should increase savings and earning potential, which you can use to grow your wealth.
1. Pay Yourself First Into Your 401k & HSA
Paying yourself first into tax-advantaged accounts is the easiest way to start implementing forced scarcity. The money never goes into your checking account. Therefore, you don't even get an option to spend it.
By doing this, you also save money right away on taxes.
I've written in-depth about the best way to prioritize your investments and easy ways to automate your finances. Payroll deductions into your 401k and HSA allow you to pay yourself even before the government has a chance to take its fair share!
2. Transfer Extra Money From Checking To Savings
If you look into your checking account and see thousands of dollars, you are more likely to spend it. Similarly, you might also reduce the opportunity to work overtime if you know you have that extra money in the bank.
However, by transferring that extra money into your savings account, the money is “hidden” from you.
Next time you look at your checking account, you might only see $300, for example, and that could motivate you to work that extra shift or meal prep for the week instead of dining out.
The money is still in your savings account in case of an emergency and will grow if you use an online savings account.
3. Live Off The Rest
The last part is to live off the remaining balance and repeat the cycle. Applying forced scarcity to your finances helps you live within your means and invest more.
Over time this builds wealth and helps you reach financial independence.
Just an example of how powerful forced scarcity is. If these steps help you invest only $159 per month starting at 25, you can retire a millionaire!
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Conclusion
Following the steps above, you can trick yourself into earning and saving more. With the extra money you earn and save, you can invest it toward a better financial future.
You can learn much more about behavioral finance at Investopedia.