It's Time to Stop Letting Money Control Your Life ...

1. Keep Money in Its Proper Place

Keeping money in its proper place is one of the best ways to stop letting money control your life. Money is for a protection. We need money to put a roof over our head, food on the table, and we need resources to pay our bills. But money doesn't make us happy, and the amount of money we have doesn't make us superior. Recognize the importance of money, but don't make it your focus.

2. Avoid Debt

Being enslaved to debt can have an impact on happiness and increase your stress level. If you don't want money to control your life, keep debt to a minimum. Realistically, you might have to finance a home or automobile. But in most cases, you can avoid credit card debt by saving up and avoiding impulse buys.

3. Distinguish between Needs and Wants

Many people confuse their wants with their needs. They may say, "I need a new pair of shoes," or "I need to redecorate my house." If you're constantly mistaking your wants for needs, you may always be thinking of ways to drum up extra cash or increase your income.

4. Be Patient

Realize that it takes time to save up and reach many of your financial goals. Many young adults make the mistake of wanting what their parents have now. In order to achieve a certain lifestyle, they obsess about making money and work long hours. If you take your time and save up, you'll eventually get the things you want.

5. Be Content

If you're always striving for the top and you're never satisfied with what you've already accomplished, you might always be looking for the next best job or opportunity. There's nothing wrong with improving our lot in life, but you should also be content with what you have. This is one of the best ways to avoid debt and unnecessary purchases.

6. Be Grateful for What You Have

In addition to being content, be thankful or grateful for the things you have. You might have a small home, but it might adequately provide for your family. Also, may not be able to take the best vacations, but if you're able to escape for a few days at a time each year, this is more than what some people can do. Rather than focus on what you can't do because of limited resources, focus on what you can do given your salary.

7. Watch Your Association

Sometimes, the people we hang with can influence our thinking about money. If our associates are materialistic and let money control their lives, this attitude can rub off on us. If you feel that you're putting more emphasis on money than necessary, avoid people who do the same.

Money can give us a lot of choices in life, and it can provide a comfortable lifestyle. But if you focus so much on money, it can control your life and consume your every thought. What are other ways to stop letting money control your life?