20+ Triggers to Hack Your Life & Money

By J. MONEY -

One year ago I picked up a large, 8 cup, water bottle to help force me to drink more water, and after staring at it day in and day out I’m proud to say I’m still going strong and hydrating my body :)

It’s rare stuff like this sticks, but according to my psychology loving friend James Clear, this is the power of “physical triggers.” Items in our life that remind us to do, or think, something specific. Every time I see this large ass bottle sitting on my desk I’m reminded to keep drinking!

We’ve blogged about these triggers before, and how I’m also obsessed with sticky notes which are my all-time favorite triggers (the current one I have on my computer screen simply says “lifestyle” to remind me of why* I blog and work so hard online), but after seeing this email from a new reader of the site, it reminded me to share some others I’ve since come across as well.

Here’s what Janice sent me:

“I love the little games we play with ourselves to motivate. Right now I am working on getting rid of my Starbucks addiction. Every morning that I don’t get one, I drop a $5.00 bill into a big glass jar next to my desk so that I can visually see what I am saving. Silly but effective! Once it is full, I will deposit the money into savings and start over.”

Nice and simple right? And even though I’m a huge fan of spending money on things that make you happy like especially coffee (so long as it’s budged for and a priority!), the idea here is pretty solid. And can easily be used to curb other splurges as well.

Here are a handful of other money triggers that might help too:

Big thanks to everyone who shared these with me at some point over the past handful of months! Some really REALLY good ones here :)

Password Trigger: “Make your passwords a goal you want to accomplish so every time you log into your laptop, download an app, etc. you’re reminded of a different goal you have set for yourself. BEdebtFREE!2016, DEC15FinishBook, DrinkH20NowJ$ :)” – Heather Stephens

Pile of Crap Trigger: “When I was in credit card debt and realized what I was doing, I piled up all of the crap I bought onto my bed and took a picture of it all. Then I carried that picture in my wallet. Whenever I wanted to buy something I saw that picture and it made me think, “is this just going to end up on the pile of crap that I don’t even use/wear?” It really helped me a lot.” – Jon @ Money Smart Guides

Parking Lot Trigger: “My parking spot at work is a trigger to check my goals before entering the building” – Catina Mount

Savings Graph Trigger: “This kind of physical graph is a very powerful tool to help you achieve any of your goals, having them in front of you every day. I find it way more powerful than digital graphs because it is tangible. The target is to be always on track with the pink line (or above!) if we want to own our home in 3 years. I do update our stash amount every month and this is great to see the black curve trying to keep up with the pink one.” – Mustachian Post

Net Worth Text Message Trigger: “I run a quick net worth calc each afternoon and text the wife the day’s number. It keeps her focused on the goal.” – @Andrew_Dad

Blackberry Trigger: “I have a recurring weekly reminder on my Blackberry that pops up to tell me to “Save Money”. I only set it a few months ago, but it seems to help me stay focused.” – Weenie

Comparison Trigger: “I always have this quote on my computer screen, “Never compare yourself to anyone; you are only comparing your worst to their best.” It really helps me put things into perspective especially after a long hard day. – Christine @ ThePursuitofGreen

Financial Independence Trigger: “Today, I have my financial independence number all over the house. It’s taped to my computer monitor, on my message board on my wall and in my bathroom on the mirror. I see it all the time and it reminds me to keep pushing ahead to reach my goals.” – Jon @ Money Smart Guides

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To continue reading, please go to the original article at

https://www.budgetsaresexy.com/financial-triggers-grow-your-money/