When you think about Acting, you think of all of the sparkle. The fame, the fortune, the GOOD STUFF. Unless however, you ARE an actor. Then, you know it is a very different story!
Performers usually struggle to make ends meet. The constant worry of booking the next job so you can pay your bills on time is always on your mind, and chances are that you have another job so you can make your monthly payments on time. Those two words I’m sure you’ve heard before ring true to your ears “Struggling Actor“.
No, it’s not where you want to be, but when will you catch a break? Where is that ONE role that will give your career the push it needs in order to move forward? Am I even any good at this?
It always seems like there is a lot more questions than answers. But you know for a fact that being an actor is tough. The competition is fierce, you need to keep investing in acting classes and headshots…
There are so many things that you have to worry about that you might feel overwhelmed and your anxiety can start running on maximum speed. Most of the time, these things are always money related. Wouldn’t you agree?
Yes, it’s tough and it SUCKS! But I am here to tell you to Cheer up Buttercup! Things have a way of working out and although there is never any certainty, there are some things you can do that will help SAVE money so you can continue to pursue your dreams. Here are some ideas to help you start saving on your journey. Not an actor? Don’t worry, you can apply all of these ideas to your everyday life too. Saving is saving my friend. So let’s get to it!
So the first thing I want you to do is ask yourself TWO questions:
- What are you spending your money on? Do you treat yourself to a delicious Starbucks Coffee or muffin every day? Or maybe there’s something else that you buy on a regular basis? Really think about this and answer truthfully.
- Do you pay YOURSELF FIRST after receiving your paycheck? Do you have a special CD or Savings with interest that you put 5% or 10% of your earnings into?
Depending on how you answered these two questions, you know what the next step is toward Saving Yo-Self in the long run! You HAVE to always pay yourself FIRST no matter what. I know that it can be hard, especially when things are always tight and you are living paycheck to paycheck. However, it’s so important that you invest in your future any chance you get! This is also a great idea if you don’t have any insurance. Things happen and it is always good to be as prepared as possible.
Now before we dive any deeper, I want you to know that I am by no means a financial advisor and this is just very basic advice I think might help others in the performance industry or any other profession for that matter where you don’t have benefits. 🙂
PAY YOURSELF FIRST!!!!!!!
Now you might be saying ” I can’t afford to pay myself first Shannon. I have way too many expenses and bills that I am struggling to pay off every month.” I TOTALLY understand. It is hard, especially if you don’t have a steady job or one with no benefits… I know it’s true because I live this way! I have always been an independent contractor, never had any benefits from a company job, and have even said the same thing at one point in time.
That’s where you have to stop and ask yourself the questions above truthfully. If you DO get a coffee or buy lunch everyday, that’s FANTASTIC!!!! Because now you know where to start saving right away. Instead of buying that coffee at a coffee shop that charges quadruple the price of making it yourself at home, you can invest in some coffee at the grocery store and pocket that extra money you were giving to the coffee shop! THAT’S WHERE YOU START SAVING YO-SELF!!!!!
NOW INVEST IT!!!!!
Ok, so now you found the extra funds, you might be asking what next? Well that’s when you have to do a little research and figure out the plan of attack right for you! What I would suggest… As a working actor with no company benefits, 7 cats & 2 doggos (don’t get me started on those bills), and other living expenses), is to open yourself up a high-yield savings account for starters.
Just make sure that you can withdraw funds with no problems. Usually you can do this with ease, but it is always a good idea to double check!
Once you have the high-yield savings account open, you then need a plan of action to START SAVING!
Now you are off to the races. The small things add up, so be sure to give yourself a dedicated amount of money BEFORE you pay anyone or anything else! You are saving for YOURSELF. For your future. For emergencies. For YOU. Period. If you can, put 10% of every paycheck you get into it, but put at least $100/month into that account. Let it sit and see what happens. Hopefully you won’t need it right away and your money can start working for you!
OK my friend! Happy Saving and Investing in yourself. YOU DESERVE IT!!!! Want to hear more ideas or have any you want to share? Email me today and let me know! I would love to hear from you! Be well, have a wonderful end to this year and let’s charge into the New Year with a FANTASTIC ATTITUDE with your new plan to SAVE!!!
