How many times have you asked yourself, “Why can’t I save money?” Or better yet, “What happen to my paycheck?” The answer to these questions can be found in two words, “immediate gratification”. We have become a society that needs things now. This urgency is directly connected to our “mindset”.

The way to see if this is true is the next time you want to buy something and make the purchase on the spot, take a moment to assess how you feel. As well, take the time to write your feelings down. Assess who you tell what you’ve purchased and if there’s excitement attached to having the object in hand “immediately”.

Then, compare this with the next time you see something you want to buy. This time decide to “sleep” on the purchase. Or better yet put it one “Layaway”. I heard you say, “Do they still have layaway?” The answer is yes and I challenge you to find the places that have layaway or purchase on “time” payments, before you get the item. When you find these outlets and make a purchase, take note of the difference in your feelings and write those down.

So, here lies your challenge. This test will help you decide if you’re an “abuser” of “immediate gratification”. Please note the fact that I didn’t use the word “victim”. This would imply that something was being “done” to you against your will. This is not true we are very capable of controlling immediate gratification if we choose.

Finally, the true indication is an evaluation of your “debit” and “credit” card statements to see what you have spent your money on. If you have a credit card balance that is used for “non emergency” purchases, chances are you prefer “immediate gratification” versus “delayed gratification”. The problem with immediate gratification is that it keeps us stuck from creating wealth and it can be disastrous to our financial success!

As always, I invite your comments, as well, I invite you to list some of the places you’ve found with “layaway” or payment plans that you don’t receive the merchandise until it’s paid in full. Please share those with our readers. In the future, I will share the list of places, I have, but you’ll have to “wait”. This is your first lesson in controlling “immediate gratification” ;-). Here’s to your prosperity….

WRITTEN ON JULY 31, 2014 BY NISHA JACKSON