Your bank account will love this

Have you ever been stuck at work when your friends went to the beach? If so, you know FOMO. 
 
FOMO, the Fear Of Missing Out, has been around for ages. Millions of people have felt worried or anxious that other people are doing more, having more fun or making more money. They’re thriving and we’re not.    
 
The fear of missing out has grown to new levels in our society in recent years, in no small part due to social media. Seeing photos of your former colleague’s over-the-ocean-bungalow vacation in the Maldives while scrolling through your phone in your pajamas at home? That has the potential to breed serious FOMO..
 
Mental health experts report that FOMO has not slowed down during the coronavirus pandemic. You might be thinking ‘but everyone is at home on the couch now. Everything is cancelled. How can we have FOMO?’
 
As activities have shifted online, there may be more to miss out on today. With so many new options available, it can feel like we’re not taking advantage of them. We can feel behind. Plus, during the pandemic, I’ve also definitely felt FOMO when thinking about what could have been this year. And I'm not alone. 
 
To counter FOMO, I’m working on embracing JOMO…the Joy Of Missing Out. JOMO is that feeling of being warm, cozy and happy on the couch watching a movie with popcorn after making the decision to stay in despite peer pressure enticing you to do something you don’t really want to do.
 
JOMO is about making a commitment to prioritize ourselves. And yes, your bank account loves JOMO. We’ve all been there – we know that spending a bunch of our hard-earned cash on something we don’t even care about does not spark joy. Embrace what’s important to you and prioritize it above any type of social media initiated comparison!
 
Is there a purchase you’ve considered during the pandemic? From new homes to refrigerators to sewing machines and bicycles, many of us have made new purchases. Have you found these to be more mindful money choices when compared to pre-pandemic decisions? 
 
With FOMO peaking around every corner, I encourage you to watch out for triggers. Instead, think about what brings YOU joy. Then, observe how you approach your money decisions. 
 
Because aligning your finances to your values? That sparks real joy!