Financial Guidance Now

A Key Strategy to Increase Your Earned Income

admin — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 19:20:02 +0000

As a financial advisor, when I ask most people about what financial concerns they need help with, they frequently mention that they need to find ways to cut expenses. I do think this is a worthwhile endeavor, however I find it interesting that few clients and potential clients ask me about finding strategies to increase their earned income. First and foremost, I typically suggest continuing education to increase your skills and knowledge and then be sure you apply it in a practical way to your work. Just to learn new skills without applying them in an efficient way is a waste of time. It is amazing to me how many clients tell me that they don’t have time to take classes or workshops. I carve out an hour to an hour and one half each evening to study and make notes as to the the practical application of what I have learned and put that knowledge into action as quickly as possible if it makes sense. Many companies and the military offer educational reimbursement programs. Even if you need to pay the cost, you will typically realize a greater return on your time and money than you would in any other type of investment. In this world that is changing so quickly it makes more sense than ever to keep learning and applying those ideas. You may even wish to study with a coworker to spur each other on; this can be more fun and more productive than studying yourself, especially if it is a long or multi part program of learning. My book The Zen of Personal Finance has a lot of information about how to pay for your education, including ways to maximize grants; grants are excellent because they require no repayment.

Before you make a major career or business decision look at it from all sides

admin — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 20:38:21 +0000

Some of us make decisions more from the left side of our brain which uses logic and analysis. Then there are those of us who make decisions using the right left side of their brain which uses feelings and emotion; some call it your gut feeling. The reality is that they are both valuable. You probably know which style of decison making that you tend to primaraily use. How can you get a balanced perpective. First you can do it yourself. One great way to access the part of your brain that you don’t use is to write your problem and solutions with your other hand. I learned this by reading a book titled The Power of the Other hand by Lucia Cappachione. It may be uncomfortable writing this way but it will likely pay big dividends. Another way to to call me for for a consultation ay 772-321-6788. Better yet, do both !!

New Year’s financial resolutions

admin — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 23:19:57 +0000

With the New Year around the corner, what is your new year’s financial plan? Without a road map, you might end up somewhere you don’t intend to go. On the other hand, in this rapidly changing world, long term (more than three years) financial plans are of very limited value. I suggest that you write out a several page plan of annual and quarterly personal financial goals. If you have your own company or practice , create a separate plan for it. Remember that we are entering a New Age where less material possessions, less debt (or better yet none), and simplification is better. Ask yourself whether what you’re creating is best for just yourself or also best for the highest and best good of everyone, including the earth. Decide what is truly important and focus on that. If you’re considering a huge change but have questions, you may wish to consult with me.