This year, the season of Lent starts on March 6th. If you’re unfamiliar, many people give something up for Lent in preparation for Easter. And if you’re observing the season, there’s a possibility that what you give up can also have a positive impact on your finances (like having more money to pay towards debt). Let’s see how.
If you’re trying to pay off debt, Lent is a good opportunity to reevaluate your spending.
Using Lent to Your Financial Advantage
Lent is almost like a second New Year’s resolution. A lot of people participate, and others don’t. If you decide to give something up for Lent, great! If not, that’s fine too. No judgment here! But, we want to point out that you can potentially kill two birds with one stone by using Lent to your financial advantage.
Some common vices people give up for Lent include:
- Coffee
- Sweets
- Social media
- Fast food
- Alcohol
- Netflix/Streaming services
- Swearing
- Eating Out
- Soda
- Smoking
- Negativity
Maybe you’ve noticed, but a lot of these items have a few things in common. First, there’s an emphasis on improving physical and mental health. We’re always on board with that! Secondly, giving up these items for 40 days can really help you save money to put towards debt management. If you take the money you would’ve spent on fast food or entertainment services, that can add up to a serious chunk of change.
From Lent to Beyond…
Lent is a great “trial period” to give up some bad habits or cut back on areas where you want to do better. See if you can make it through those 40 days. If you can, and you actually find you’re doing okay, keep the ball rolling! If not, maybe you can re-introduce whatever you gave up, but in moderation. Lent is a great way to temporarily remove something from your life and give yourself a detox of sorts. Talk about self-care!
Can you think of any other ways that you can use Lent to your financial advantage?
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
