Why is it So Difficult for So Many

What is it that is so difficult… Chances are you know, but no one really likes to admit it. Home finances… It most houses this is a bad word, a leader of divorces, marital problems, depression, anxiety, you name it. But really why is it so hard? Why do 70-80% of homes live paycheck to paycheck? Why are people continuing to live the lies that the marketers have told us. The answer is is pretty simple, it is right it front of us, but the truth is no one really wants to deal with it. It is like that baby sitting in the corner, stinking out the room. No one wants to go over to him, because you know if you pick him/her up you are going to have to deal with it.

We are afraid to look under the covers and even more afraid to talk to someone about it. Definitely don’t want to talk about our money, because that is a private matter. But is it… I’d like to start down that road, dissect this a little bit and start to give way for you to find freedom with what you earn, live better, be less stressed and enjoy all that you have. This is going to be a new section of my blog where I am going to try to tackle this problem of money, finances and offer some free advice to anyone that wants to read. No catch, no obligation. I’m going to be starting down a path to become a financial coach, which will bring with it some opportunity, but this blog will continue to offer my advice for you to do what you will.

The problem with money in our lives, go right down to the roots. How you learned to use it from your parents growing up, or what you didn’t learn. There are some core values that I am sure you did not learn. I know, there was no high school or college course that taught me how to use money or what to do with it, but thankfully I did learn some key principles early that helped me to stay in check.

First thing is first, you have to know what you make, what you need to spend and start a savings account. There is no reason you should not have some level of savings. Why do people use credit so easily, well because they do not have the money in the bank to pay for it. Know what you got and what you need to spend and live within your means. You do not have to be a millionaire to live without credit. We all have that capability.

Next, stay away from debt. Zero! Do not mess with it. I’ll have some more posts to show you how much interest is costing you, whether it is a car, a home or the worst a credit card.

Plan for an emergency and plan for the future. Set yourself up for what is to come. One thing that my wife and I have always been good with is getting quotes from people for home renovations. We like to know what these big projects are going to cost us so we can plan accordingly and make sure we will have the funds. Sure the contractors don’t like that, but if they are good they will be there when we are ready in 1, 2 or even 3 years. We just finished a bathroom renovation, which we had quoted 2+ years ago. Unfortunately the guy that gave us the initial quote seemed to disappear with no follow-up. For us, we found a great contractor who did fantastic work and our money was budgeted and ready to go.

Finally, get help where you need it. This is where a close friend, a coach, and investor can really help you. Know what you know and get help where you need it. Don’t be afraid to ask and be willing to be open, transparent and provide what is needed to get you down the right path. As I start this journey to become a coach, my goal is to help people get to where they want to go. Reduce stress, live their lives and enjoy all that they have been blessed with.

I hope this has been a help and will be an add on to my leadership blog and focused specifically on finances as I try to help you not only become a great leader, but manage all that you have been blessed with so you can be even more than you imagined.