Time for A Change?

Chances are that you are part of the 7 in 10 American households living paycheck to paycheck.  The funny thing is that only about half of you recognize that you really do live paycheck to paycheck.  That is some serious denial going on.  Here are some signs that you are indeed living paycheck to paycheck.  You have no savings, you feel like you play catch up on payday, you have too much month at the end of the money, you are anxious about how you are going to pay for an upcoming bill and most importantly- if you lost that paycheck today, you would be in serious trouble.  I'm not trying to make you feel stupid or worthless, I just want you to have a dose of reality as ugly as that might be.


There could be several reasons for being in this predicament.  Having career or medical issues, not knowing how to live differently and not having a plan are just a few.  Whatever the reason and no matter what your circumstances, you don't have to live like this anymore.  The key to unlocking a better future is change and that makes you the catalyst.  Only you can decide if you have had enough of the stress, pressure, and turmoil of living this way.  When you come to this crossroads you have a choice, either keep doing the same thing and getting the same results OR make a change (or several) that will lead you down a new path.  Sure, this new road seems scary and I won't lie to you, it will be hard at times.  You will even have setbacks and discouragements along the way.  But having traveled this road for the last 3+ years, I will tell you that I wouldn't go back to the way things were for anything.


If you don't know where to begin, start by realizing that you need to make a change.  If you are married, talk to your spouse about how you feel.  If your spouse doesn't feel the same way, get help from a third party clergy or counselor.  Not being on the same page with your spouse may be the biggest problem you are facing.  You will always be frustrated and never get anywhere if you are trying to row the same boat in different directions.  Work together to develop goals and a plan of how you are going to get there.  Gain the tools and knowledge to help you be successful in following that plan.  Get help when you need it.  Above all remember that this isn't a cake walk or a sprint.  Almost daily, I have to remind myself to think tortoise, NOT hare.

Tip & Quotes of the Week December 3-10

Being Content

Learning to be content with what you have instead of dwelling on what you don't have is a simple concept. It is probably the one thing that will keep your perspective in life. When we have gratitude in our hearts, we are content.

Homework:

Are you struggling with stuff-itis? The insatiable appetite to acquire because it is on sale, shopping makes you feel better, or because other people have it. If so, then you need a good dose of gratitude. The simple things in life are really what is important.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us therewith be content." 1 Timothy 6:6-8

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." Epicurus

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have." Frederick Keonig

The Gift of Contentedness

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving Weekend and are starting off the holiday season in the spirit of thanks and giving.  At my house we are fans of Veggietales.  If you have never seen Veggietales I would highly recommend it because of the great moral lessons they teach.  My favorite is Madame Blueberry.  It's about about a blueberry who is 'blue' because of all the things that she wants and doesn't have.  Yet after buying everything she could ever dream of from the local Stuffmart, she still isn't happy.  Seeing a poor but content asparagus family who has love and gratitude makes her realize that things won't make her happy, having true gratitude will.  I know this is just a simple cartoon, but the lesson is the same.  Things will never fill a hole you have in your heart.  No matter how much money you spend you will always want more.  Happiness doesn't depend upon your worldly wealth or possessions, it's determined by your attitude.  It is very difficult to have gratitude if you are always thinking about what you don't have.  Instead of comparing your situation to others, remember and be grateful for the things that you do have.  Being truly content is the best gift you can give to yourself and teach your children and grandchildren this Christmas.

Tip & Quotes of the Week November 19-December 3

Get Organized!

Is lack of organization holding you back from achieving your financial goals? Something so simple can make a huge difference in how you view your finances. Not having a system that works for you to: pay your bills, track your income, expenses, and investments, and project cash-flow can be costly. Avoid these mistakes by having a plan and getting organized today.

Homework:

Choose a software program, form, or website that you like and keeps you and your money organized. Don't choose something so complicated that you don't understand it or something so time consuming that you don't use it. The simpler the better as long as it does the job.

"You will either learn to manage money, or the lack of it will always manage you." Dave Ramsey

"If you lack the courage to start, you have already finished."Unknown

"If you aim at nothing, you hit it every time." Zig Ziglar