Müller: The idea is to use both accounts consciously instead of automatically spending money. By weighing up what amount I really need and which one I put on the long-term account, I become more attentive. I can see: What is the relationship between everyday and long-term accounts? Do I have to transfer something back?
As a result of these actions, I stay in a medium attention span, as it is said in psychology: I don’t care about everything, but I’m not very tense either. In a medium attention span, we react wisely and organize ourselves best.
SPIEGEL: What else can help with the organization?
Müller: An annual plan can be useful in which to list what amounts are due each month and what only once a year. Insurance for the car, for example, falls into the latter category. A topic plan can be created for the everyday account, for example as a mind map. Then there are branches with vacation, future, debt, and so on. Then you think about which amount should be spent in which month with which goal. You should do that in writing. Our brains work best when our hand is doing something.
SPIEGEL: And then everything works by itself?
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“Young professionals have almost a lifetime of experience with money.”
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Müller: Young professionals have almost a lifetime of experience with money, for example with pocket money. This wealth of experience comes back. The aim is to get an intuitive clarity of what way of dealing with money suits you and to develop unconscious patterns.
SPIEGEL: What if I’ve always had trouble dealing with money?
Müller: Perhaps then there is simply a lack of knowledge, for example how to set up an investment savings plan. Then I advise you to read up on the Internet, there are offers there enough . Sometimes, however, it is also due to emotional hurdles if, for example, you simply do not pay back your siblings. They are of course very individual. It can help to sit down with professionals, such as a fee advisor or a finance coach.
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Reward yourself?
SPIEGEL: After a busy week, I often want to reward myself and buy something nice. Is that bad?
Müller : The question is, what is the motive behind this wish: Do you want to satisfy a need that cannot be met with a purchase? If you are actually looking for appreciation from your superiors, you shouldn’t give yourself the reward, but ask for feedback from others.
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“Do you want to satisfy a need that cannot be met with a purchase?”
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SPIEGEL: What if I just find that I’ve done a lot during the week?
Müller: Here, too, you should research what is really good for you. Maybe it’s not the part you buy, but a short pause at the end of the week. Then the conscious thought that you did a really good job this week could make a big difference.
Icon: The mirror
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