Keeping Up Appearances After Your Income is Slashed

After my divorce, my life changed completely. I walked away from a joint small business and had to find a new job. I left a beautiful house and moved into an empty apartment. I tore my financial life apart to give myself a better personal life. It was then that I learned the importance of keeping up appearances when your income is slashed. After all, it's human nature to stir clear of failure. But by keeping up the appearance of a successful person, I found a great new job and started my new life on the right foot. Here's how I did it.

Judge a Book by Its Cover

Your future boss, clients or business associates won't know where you live, but they will likely see the car you drive. To keep up the appearance of success, I rented a small apartment but kept my new, beautiful car. I went to 20 job interviews in 2 weeks, at the end of which I had 2 job offers. My future boss commented on my car as I left the job interview, telling me that it was his wife's favorite. My car didn't get me the job, but it gave the impression that I was capable of paying my own way to success.

Is that Ketchup on Your Tie?

To save money I stopped dry cleaning my business clothes. However, I bought starch and took the time to wash and iron my clothes to perfection at home. Keeping up a sharp outward appearance not only helped me get the job I wanted at the salary I needed, but it played a role in the raise I got three months later. Part of my success as an office manager came from the effect I had on clients. I radiated professionalism both in manner and appearance.

Not that Old Thing Again

New clothes are quite literally the trappings of success. I made it a point to change my wardrobe with each season to keep a fresh look of success about me. I shopped for new clothes at outlet malls and on sale racks of my favorite stores. I was surprised to find nice things at second hand stores as well and even at the Salvation Army store. By wearing a different jacket with the same pants, or a new shirt with an old skirt I gave the impression of owning a much larger wardrobe than I actually had.

No Fast Food Poison for Me, Thanks!

Just like Tom Sawyer who made it seem cool to paint a fence on a hot day, I made it seem cool to bring a bagged lunch to work. I simply stated that I had enough of fast food and wanted to eat healthy. Adopting healthy eating habits, I ate several small meals a day instead of one large one, which gave me a further excuse to bring a bagged lunch. I ate an apple at my desk, a yogurt between meetings, a sandwich for lunch, granola with my afternoon coffee. Not only did I save money but I shed a few unnecessary pounds.

I Eat; Therefore I Am

When it came to business lunches I spared no expense. Regardless of whether we split the tab or I paid for the full meal, I always left it up to colleagues or clients to suggest the setting for our business lunch. To make up for the money invested in this way, I avoided going to restaurants for pleasure or bringing take-out home. Instead, I shopped for groceries in bulk and bought frozen family meals for workdays when I felt too tired to cook.

Do You Mind If I Take That?

Saving money on utilities like electricity and water by reducing consumption is a good idea. By canceling the insurance for the lines, I further reduced these utility bills. I also cancelled my home phone, but I increased my cell phone bill by upgrading to a smart phone and getting a data plan. Having access to phone listings, addresses and internet browsing anywhere gave the right business impression. In addition, placing a few calls in the morning ensured that my phone would ring throughout the day. When with clients, I wouldn't take the call. But it gave the impression that I was busy. Busy equates to success in people's minds.

More from this Contributor

6 Psychological Money Traps to Avoid

The 10 Ways I Maximize My Money

Financial Steps to Take If You're Getting Divorced