We just recently helped a client that slowly sank into the trap of living beyond their means and didn’t even realize how bad things were. For the sake of their privacy, let’s call this client Brad.

Brad recently remarried and was trying to give his new wife the perfect life she’d always dreamed of. He told her that he would take care of everything and that she didn’t have to worry. He spoiled her with lavish weekend getaways and other trips, got her the car of her dreams, and much, much more. It seemed manageable at the time, but it all started to add up.

The reality of everything started crashing in when the bills that were coming in each month were getting more costly and more frequent, and Brad owed more money to his debtors than he was bringing in each month.

Thankfully we were able to help Brad in a major way, and he is no longer living outside of what he can afford. But Brad’s story isn’t the only way to fall into the trap of living beyond your means– there are many ways to fall into this stressful, draining lifestyle.

Let’s take a good, honest look to see if you’re living beyond your means. As you read on, see if any of this sounds familiar.

Have you ever had to make large life purchases on credit? Like a trip you deserve? Or furniture? And you plan on paying it off later, but later never comes? And since you don’t pay it off, the interest rate skyrockets making it even more challenging to pay off?

Are you trying to keep up a certain lifestyle that is outside of your comfort zone financially? Do you feel like you have to keep up appearances to others, or try to “keep up with the Jones’s” even if it’s not wise for your budget? It can also be easy to fall into a pattern where you find your happiness in buying things and rack a mountain of debt.

Does any of that ring a bell? If not, here are some other questions to ask yourself:

• Do you make just the minimum payments on your credit cards?
• Have you paid overdraft fees more than once this year?
• Are you leasing a car that’s too expensive for you to purchase?
• Have you ever set a budget? If so, do you stick to it?
• Are you living paycheck to paycheck?
• Can you afford to contribute to your retirement?
• Are you putting anything into savings?

If the answers to these questions don’t make you feel comfortable and financially secure, there’s a chance you’re living outside of your means.

We also understand that life happens and that you might be living outside of your means for reasons completely outside of your control.

No matter why you’re living beyond your means, it isn’t something you should be ashamed of– but it is something you should try to change, and we can help.

Here at Reliant Management Solutions, we don’t judge– we’re just here to help clients just like you. There’s hope for you, and we specialize in helping people who are living outside of their means find hope again.

Let’s talk today.