The field of economic psychology explains, in very simple terms, that human thought schemes are designed, over thousands of years of evolution, to seek immediate satisfaction. Spoon and eat now, because later there may be no food.

Like a consumer trigger that fires whenever it sees an opportunity. Advertising strategies also do not help by promoting excessive and unconscious consumption to the detriment of the individual's real needs. Finally, a life of bad financial habits, as was my case - and still is, I am working on it :) - turn out to be an obstruction to the financial efficiency that is intended.

To meet our financial goals, without our daily bad habits sabotaging our plans, there are some methods or mind sets that can be grasped:

1. "Pay yourself first!" Or how I like to say: Pay YOUR future first!
   This is considered one of the maxims in managing personal finances. Perhaps the most important. It means that whenever you receive, set a percentage to pay yourself. Not to spend on beer, clothes, or restaurants. To save. This reduces the amount you have available to spend that month, and ensuring the formation of the habit of saving regularly and consistently.

2. Organize your accounts, track expenses, and identify cash "leaks"
   At the outset, if you have already drawn up a budget, you already have a plan. Congratulations! To begin this journey, on YOUR trip, it is very important to take note of all expenses and transactions. Make it a habit. Take note. It makes analyzing your actual expenses by category much easier and so also the corrections.

3. Create a decision tree. Make it your MANTRA!
   Imagine yourself in front of that new smartphone, that car, those jeans, that camera, etc ... in the shop window, looking at you, and think:

   • Do I REALLY want this product?
   • Do I NEED this product?
   • Can I buy without compromising my goals?
   • What will this product give me?

This will dissuade you from many futile purchases. Be honest in your answers. Be honest with yourself.

1. Leave home with the least amount of money needed.
   For some people it means only going out with cash, notes and coins, and only what they consider strictly necessary for that day. Leave the credit / debit card at home. "Real" money can have a deterrent effect when you spend it because we see the amount coming down in real time, in our hands. For others, as is the case with me, offering resistance to "pulling" the debit / credit card is much easier than spending the swaps in the wallet. That is, spent more easily notes and coins than paid by card. Look for the form that best suits you for greater efficiency.
   
   
   Here are some basic tips. Some rules that help you to acquire good habits of consumption according to the habits of each person. Errors are allowed. But little by little little achievements accumulate that are reflected in greater returns over time. All this leading to greater financial independence. ;)