DEBT: Do Something NOW!

When it comes to "The Consequences of DEBT", we must realize that the most important thing that we can do (besides avoiding it in the first place) is to MAKE A PLAN and GET OUT OF DEBT!

No matter how impossible the task may seem we MUST begin the process to eliminate this crushing problem. As the graphic below states, "It ain't going to take care of itself!"

And, yes, I hear those of you out there that might say, "Yeah, but..." There will ALWAYS be some "yeah-butters" in the crowd! For whatever reason, they are the ones that feel that THEIR particular situation is so unique that no one else in the world has faced their dilemma. 

"My spouse and I BOTH work (or I work 2 jobs) and we just don't have enough money to make it!"   O.k....but HOW MANY OF YOUR BILLS come from DEBT?  I'm NOT talking about “normal” bills such as electricity, television, phone etc. but from bills that you pay for STUFF that you BOUGHT that you DON'T NEED? And, while we are at it, let's get brutally honest here, how much of even THOSE "normal" bills could be "cut back" in order to help with the problem? 

We'll come back to that in a moment but, let me go ahead and mention a couple of "requirements" for the program that I have shared with you in each article this week. You know, the program that can help you get out of ALL debt in as little as 5 - 7 years. 

#1. You do have to have some income. Whether it's a job or some other way that money comes into your household on a regular basis, you MUST have income.

#2. You must bring in more than you spend. This is budgeting 101 and it IS a requirement for this program to be able to work for you. However, the good news is that, as long as you have even just $10 left over after your bills, we can work with that!

Pretty simple, right? But, again, I can hear the "Yeah, But" crowd speaking up once again. However, this time I will refer to them as the "What Iffers" as in, "What if I don't have any income coming in right now and, What If I don't even have $10 left over at the end of the month?" Throw in that bunch the "Hand Wringers" that might say, "It won't do any good, we have too much DEBT and too little money!"

To be honest, my mind begins to start feeling numb at this point! C'mon people, remember, YOU MUST DO SOMETHING about this problem because, again, IT AIN'T GONNA' TAKE CARE OF ITSELF! As we talked about in the last article, ignoring it will not make it go away. As a matter of fact, doing so will only bring about late charges and other fees that will actually increase the problem!

So you don't "qualify" for this program at this time. That still doesn't remove the problem, friend, You STILL must take some action and DO WHATEVER IT TAKES to start chipping away at your debt! Get out there and take a job and don't be picky about it. "But I'm not going to flip burgers!" WHY NOT??? How is your current plan working out for you? You do what you gotta' do! Wash cars, rake leaves, mow grass, clean houses...whatever it takes to bring some extra cash into the household.

And that's only half of the equation. You must INCREASE the amount of INCOME for your household and, at the same time, you must DECREASE the amount of your DEBT!

I understand that this is not going to be easy. I also understand that you will have to also work on your mindset regarding this whole situation that you put you and your family into BUT you still must BEGIN TAKING ACTION now and work on the needed mindset along the way.

Simply put, you must take a look at all avenues of money that you have coming in for your family and you must also take a look at all avenues of money that is going out from your household. Again, you must find ways to INCREASE the income while finding ways to DECREASE the debt.

You may be able to bring in some extra money by selling things around the house that are not really needed. Do you rent a storage unit or have stuff up in the attic that hasn't been seen in years? GET RID OF IT if it's not some sort of family heirloom! If you're really ready to "get after it" you may even need to look about the possibility of selling a vehicle that has a high monthly payment and find something with NO payment on it or one that is considerably less. Too, you likely may save on insurance.

These things might be able to bring in a little extra cash but you must REALLY get serious at trimming down the debt and those things that you are paying for on a monthly basis. Do you REALLY need all of those premium channels and movie channels with your cable or satellite? How much do you REALLY understand about the seriousness of this debt problem for you and your family? Do you REALLY need the latest and greatest cell phone? Get serious and really get after "trimming the fat" wherever possible.

You might actually find this kinda' fun if you make a game out of seeing how much you can cut out of your monthly expenses! Sure, you may have to bargain with each other on a possible compromise in some areas (maybe cut the cost on a particular item by 30% instead of 70%) but when you put your family first in this area I believe that you will find that a lot of this "stuff" will begin to be seen for what it really is: STUFF.

Remember, "As long as there is breath, there is hope!" You MUST fix this and, friend, you CAN fix this! I'm here to help in any way that I can. If you find yourself in a position at a later point in time to where my program might work for you, just let me know. But, in the mean time it's time to GET LEAN AND MEAN with your budget!

Once again, you can go to ulivefree.com and take a look at some videos that gives you information about this program. No need to fill out any information unless you want to download the "more detailed" e-book that is available there.  DO ME A FAVOR? If you stop by that page you will find my e-mail address at the top of the page. Would you drop me a line and let me know how you came across that information? Did you read about it in one of the blogs? Did you hear about it on one of my podcasts on on one of my videos? Thanks in advance for doing so.

Next week I will be "shifting gears" and getting back to my "normal" type of messages full of hope and positive information. Sure, I'm still going to challenge you with things, but we will look at ways to help improve the positive mindset that you will need in this process as well as going through every day of your life.

Until then, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

The Consequences of Debt: LIMITS

This week, as the content of this series on "The Consequences of Debt", we have looked at STRESS, DIVORCE and HOPELESSNESS. Today, we will look at the "LIMITS" that we have put on our own lives when we allow ourselves to be burdened by debt.

Sometimes, if we have been living under the burden of debt over the course of several years, we may not even realize how limited our life has become! It's really a sad commentary to realize that we have actually become "numb" to the negative limitations that debt has put on our lives.

Here is a short list that I put together the other day when preparing for this episode. I'm sure you can come up with more ways that people can be limited by debt and I've love to hear some of your ideas on my Facebook page (link below).

    1. Buying a house or a car

    2. Christmas/birthday gifts
    3. Celebration events (anniversary, etc.)
    4. Vacations
    5. School Programs for your kids
    6. Better Living Situation (even rent!)
    7. Donating to Good Causes (Your Church / Other organizations)
    8. Helping OTHERS in need

Going back to some things I've discussed in previous articles in this series, too often there are those that have come to accept debt as a way of life...as something that cannot be prevented or resolved. HOW SAD!

Think about it - when we become so accustomed to the pain of being crushed under the burden of debt we go through life as if we are only "half alive". 

I've been in a situation before where we had to rely on other people to provide Christmas for our kids. I vowed at that time to NEVER allow that situation to ever be a part of my life again. It is painful to not be able to provide your kids Christmas gifts as well as birthday gifts or to not be able to allow them to participate in some programs at school because you don't have the money that is needed for the program. THAT HURTS! It's also very painful to not be able to do the same for your wife due to the same reason. Vacations become almost non-existent due to the lack of funds.

Maybe you have a heart to help others but you are LIMITED in what you are able to do because of the lack of funds. The lack of funds is often due to the money that is paid out monthly to pay your DEBT bills. 

Aren't you tired of living that way yet?

“Oh, I'm O.K...Yes, I have debt that I will be paying on for years into the future but, hey, I make enough $$ to cover the bills so, WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?"

Really? Are you a FORTUNE TELLER or a PSYCHIC? Do you KNOW what your future holds? Do you KNOW that your job will be in place for you over the next five, ten or twenty years, if not more? Do you KNOW that there will not be any sort of medical situation in you or your family's life that will bring about some large medical bills? 

WHY PAY MORE MONEY than necessary in interest and continued payments? WHY in the world would ANYONE want to spend money that they do not need to spend? Why spend money on interest that you don't have to pay? Why continue to pay monthly payments that you don't need to pay? Oh, I'm not saying that you shouldn't pay back the debt that you owe BUT, why make monthly payments longer than necessary?

Why not get your DEBT paid off as quickly as possible, save tons of money in interest and reduce the amount of time that you are making monthly payments? THEN, why not invest that same money into something that will EARN interest (instead of you PAYING interest) and begin to create wealth for you and your family?

Yes, this IS possible! You CAN begin to actually LIVE LIFE instead of living a LIMITED LIFE but it does take planning and it definitely takes ACTION.

We'll discuss that in the next article, the conclusion of this series, entitled, "GET OUT NOW! (Make a Plan - Get Out of Debt)". Be sure to check out the link below that is labeled, "Live Debt Free" for my suggested solution. In the next article we will discuss other ways that may help you begin this journey OUT OF DEBT. 

Be sure to join me then and, until next time, whatever you do, be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Consequences of Debt: HOPELESSNESS

When you consider the lie that so many have chosen to believe as truth - "Debt is just a part of life. There's nothing you can do to prevent and there is nothing that you can do to resolve the problem." - then you can see how this can definitely lead to HOPELESSNESS. 

Debt IS a deep, dark hole that WILL suck you in AND suck the life right out of you! You MUST look at debt this way and understand this comparison to be accurate and TRUE! This is important because, until you DO understand how serious this problem really is, you will not do what you need to do to get OUT of this debt. 

Many people that deal with a debt problem don't want to admit there is a problem in the first place. "Hi, my name is _________ and I have debt!" Maybe that is what is needed! According to an article written by Bill Fay, many people go into DENIAL about their debt in the following ways: 

• Underestimating how much you owe.
• Not answering the phone when you suspect a collection agency is calling.
• Leaving bills unopened or just stuffing them in a drawer.
• Opening a new credit card when your old one is maxed out.
• Telling yourself that everyone is in the same situation.

Mr Fay goes on to say, " Such behavior just leads to more debt as interest charges and late fees pile up. But ignoring reality is a handy defense mechanism for the brain. It’s a way to rationalize mistakes and protect your ego. The problem is reality always sets in." 

My experience has been that, a lot of people aren't just in denial, they don't WANT to know how bad their debt problem really is. It's the "Ignorance is Bliss" mentality. But, as Mr. Fay points out, REALITY ALWAYS SETS IN and, friend, this is where HOPELESSNESS also sets in. 

The GOOD news is that we CAN fix this! "As long as there is breath, there is hope!" is a phrase that I coined back in 2009 and it certainly applies here. As long as you are alive and breathing, there IS hope regardless of how impossible it may seem. You have opportunity TODAY and every day that you draw a breath to "turn things around" in your life and in every area of your life. 

WARNING: This will not be quick and easy! But, friend, do not miss the point that it CAN be done.

I do have a solution for you. I've mentioned it before but want to make sure that I share a way out for you in this area of debt. Go to www.ulivefree.com and check out the information found there. You don't have to fill out any information unless you want to download the "more detailed" information found in the e-book. Watch the videos and the testimonials found there and then get in touch with me and let's see what may be possible for you.

In the next article, as we continue to discuss the consequences of debt, we will be talking about "LIMITS". Being in debt will definitely limit your life in many different areas.

Be sure to join me for that and, until then, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Consequences of Debt: DIVORCE

The Consequences of Debt: DIVORCE

The stress that comes with debt is far reaching and, likely, more than we would really care to even consider.  In the last article we discovered a list of several physical problems that have been known to occur due to stress.

Sure, there are many other causes of stress in our lives but, at the same time, the stress from debt fuels many of these other symptoms. 

For example, I took a look at two different articles about the top causes of divorce and, not surprisingly, money or financial issues were in the top 4 on both lists. It was number two on one list and number four on the other. 

Here is one list that comes from Shellie Warren at marriage.com -
1. infidelity  2. money  3. lack of communication  4. weight gain  5. unrealistic expectations  6. lack of intimacy  7. lack of equality  8. no being prepared for marriage  9. abuse

When I look at that list, I can easily see how the stress that is related to money problems/debt would also have an influence on other things listed. For example, stress from debt could actually have a hand in someone being unfaithful in their marriage. No, I'm not saying it is an excuse for bad behavior but, if the stress is bad enough, a person may look for an avenue to just "get away" from their current situation. DEBT STRESS may also impact communication to the point where those in the relationship begin to NOT communicate at all. Weight gain? It's a known fact that when someone gets depressed and are under stress they tend to eat more and to eat more junk!

Do I need to continue down this list? Go through the rest of the list and see if you can connect "debt stress" to the rest of the items found there. I'm sure you can.  

I'm sure you can also do the same with the list that I found on divorce.com - 1. infidelity  2. lack of communication  3. physical/emotional abuse  4. financial issues  5. sexual problems  6. boredom  7. religious/cultural differences  8. issues raising children  9. addiction  10. difference in expectations

Then, if there are kids in a marriage they, too, are impacted for the rest of their lives when a divorce takes place. Sure, some handle it better than others but, friend, let's not try to paint a "pretty picture" of the impact of divorce.

And, again, the thing about this stress from debt is, IT'S NOT NECESSARY!

“Debt is just a part of life and there is nothing that can be done to prevent it or to resolve the problem."  Sadly, too many people believe that quote as truth when it actually is a BIG LIE! Debt does NOT have to "just be a part of life" and, friend, there ARE things that you CAN do to prevent it and there definitely IS a resolution to the problem. 

Think of DEBT as a "dark hole" that is ready to suck in anything that comes anywhere near the "mouth" of this monster. And, by the way, DEBT IS A "DARK HOLE" and you need to begin to look at it in that way! Take another look at that quote in the previous paragraph and, if you believe that quote to be true - or ANY PART OF IT to be true - then apply it to the "dark hole" view. IF debt was just a part of life then, friend, what you are saying is that you or anyone else can do NOTHING to keep from getting sucked down that dark hole! You, and everyone else, is DOOMED to this fate! And, according to this quote, YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT and YOU CANNOT RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM! In other words, to put it bluntly, YOU'RE SCREWED!

I want you to know that, although I will be discussing some of the CONSEQUENCES OF DEBT in this series, I will also be sharing with you my suggested solution to the problem. Yes, I shared that suggested solution with you in Lesson 5 of the last series and I will mention it again with every article in this series. It won't be a sales pitch but I feel that it is important to share a SOLUTION and not just talk about the problem. Simply go to ulivefree.com and take a look at the two videos and then look over the rest of the information. This is an INCREDIBLE program designed to get you out of debt - ALL DEBT - in a fraction of the time!

I'd love to get feedback from you on the series so far and anything else. I'd love to hear from you! In my next article I will be discussing another consequence of debt - HOPELESSNESS.

Until next time, friend, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

The Consequences of Debt: STRESS

In my last series ("Working From Home Series") I concluded with a lesson on "My Suggested Solution". In that lesson I shared the following numbers as it concerns debt in America:

In an article written by Bill Fay entitled, "The Emotional Effects of Debt" he states the following: "...72% of Americans said they felt stressed about money, according to an American Psychological Association study. And 22% said they felt “extreme” stress over their finances."

In another article, written by Jennifer Soong and entitled, "The Debt-Stress Connection", she states, "An AP-AOL study reveals that debt-related stress is 14% higher in 2008 than in 2004. Those who report high levels of debt stress suffer from a range of stress-related illnesses including ulcers, migraines, back pain, anxiety, depression and heart attacks."  

I read other articles that talked about other physical problems from which those under stress might suffer. Things like lack of sleep, loss of appetite and even hair loss. From my own experience and what I have seen with others, they may also include acne breakout on a persons body and even panic attacks. 

When you consider these things then you can also see why stress due to financial problems (debt) is one of the top reasons for a couple to get a divorce. Think about the impact on each of the two in the marriage as well as any children that may be a part of the marriage. All of this due to the stress with DEBT. 

The thing is, it's NOT NECESSARY! Too many people - maybe you? - have settled for the lie that debt is just a part of life and there is nothing that can be done to prevent it or to resolve the problem. BOTH OF THESE ASSUMPTIONS ARE FALSE. 

For the rest of this series we will be taking a look at other "consequences of debt" as follows: DIVORCE,  HOPELESSNESS, SUICIDE and LIMITS.  Think about how stress has a role in each one of these produced issues that come from the burden of debt. 

Debt is NOT just a "numbers" problem. It is a problem with our mindset and attitude. Debt often occurs when we decide to BUY THINGS THAT WE DO NOT NEED so that we can IMPRESS OTHERS THAT WE DON'T EVEN KNOW with MONEY THAT WE DO NOT HAVE.

Folks, that's a problem and the consequences are real but, again, they are unnecessary. Click on the link below ("Live Debt Free") for a REAL solution to help you remove ALL debt from your life in a fraction of the time than you can following "traditional" pay-off plans. 

In closing, think for a moment about the change in YOUR life as well as the life of your family and those close to you once you remove debt - and the consequences - from your life. Yes, you can!

Join me in the next part of this series as we continue to discuss "The Consequences of Debt".

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Work From Home Series #5: My Suggested Solution

In today's concluding article for this series, I will systematically go through the "Six Warning Signs" that I mentioned in Lessons 2 and 3 and see how they "stack up" with the company that I will share with you today. I will also see how this company "stacks up" with my personal "Mission Statement" that I shared with you in Lesson 4.

As I stated before, if you have not checked out Lessons 1 - 4, please be sure to do so. All of these lessons are important for those that may be considering connecting with a company for the purpose of "working from home". Too, I STRONGLY suggest that you watch the videos for this series. I believe you will benefit greatly by doing so. As a matter of fact, I will mostly be sharing the screen shots from the video in this article. Watch the video for full details.

Here is the comparison of this company with all six "Warning Signs"...

 Take a look at these stats...

 I recently worked for a company that built custom homes. I would work with those that showed interest in getting information about the process and would get them to the point that they wanted to fill out an application to see about getting a loan so that they could purchase their "dream home". 

However, there were so many that were not able to get approved due to their "debt to income ratio". Simply put, the amount of debt that they had was too great for the amount of their income and the financial institution decided that they could not take a risk on such a proposition. So much of their problem would usually have some connection to student loans, medical bills, credit cards and/or automobile loans. Often the problem involved ALL of the things that I just listed. 

DEBT IS A MAJOR BURDEN IN OUR SOCIETY!

So, here is my business card that will introduce you to the company that I have decided fits every area of my search and my purpose. The name of the company is United Financial Freedom...

Please be sure to go to the website listed above - www.ULiveFree.com - and watch the 2 videos that you will find there. This will give you a GOOD idea of what it is that we do. Write down any questions that you may have and then contact me with those questions. 

By the way, this is NOT some sort of "credit repair" company at all. This is NOT a company that will try to find some "loophole" that will allow you to skip out of debt that you owe. It is a program designed to help you pay off your debt - ALL debt - in a fraction of the time and save you THOUSANDS in interest. Again, WATCH THE VIDEO to get the full story of what I shared there. 

Let me mention one more thing: IF you feel that this is NOT for you as far as a "work from home opportunity", please take a close look and see if this would not be something that could help you and your family in the area of debt and the stress and strain that is a part of that circus.

I'd love to get your feedback and hope you will do that for me. Until next time, whatever you do...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Growing Opportunities - Part 2

Financial Opportunity - Part 2

 

 

You know what the "snowball effect" is, right?

 

The idea that a snowball, rolling downhill, gets more and more snow attached to it so that, when it reaches the bottom of the hill, it has increased in size dramatically.

We'll apply that to jobs and careers in the next article but, for today, we're going to apply the SNOWBALL EFFECT to opportunities with MONEY.

We ended the last article talking about people complaining that they don't have enough money or that they have no way to pay off debt or save any money for the future.

In RARE instances, that may be true. But I'm talking RARE.

More than likely you do not fit into that category and you DO have ways to pay off debt AND save money for the future.

The #1 thing you must do with this is to TAKE AN HONEST ACCOUNT of what is going on with your money. Notice that I said, "honest". Hey, listen, you can lie to yourself if you want but, friend, it's not going to help you and it's not going to change your situation. As a matter of fact, your situation will likely worsen due to your lack of honesty in this area.

*Ouch!*

Hey, it's time to get real here! You MUST be honest when looking at your money and where it is going. "Disappearing" is probably more like what seems to be happening, right?

Again, first and foremost you MUST stop paying money to everyone else (along with the high interest rates) through credit card payments, car payments, furniture rental, etc. No, I don't mean just stop paying. Get this debt paid off as quickly as possible so that you don't HAVE to pay!

"But Mike, how do I do that? I'm broke!"

Sure, you can go get another job but, friend, that's not really going to change anything because you will spend or waste that money as well. THAT'S A FACT! Yes, I do understand that there are SOME exceptions and that SOME people would actually apply that extra money the way that needs to be done. But, honestly, that likely is not you!

What can you do - TODAY - to save money that will not require you to work extra time or at an extra job?

1. STOP SMOKING! The average price of a pack (1 pack!) of cigarettes in the United States is $5.51 per pack. In a week, at ONLY 1 pack/day (I emphasize only because most smoke MORE than 1 pack per day) that comes up to $38.75 and, in a month, it comes up to a little over $150.  Oh, and in a year, just by smoking 1 pack of cigarettes a day, you have watched a little over $2,000 go up in smoke!

2. STOP EATING OUT SO MUCH! Oh, I know, I know...you're rushed and you HAVE to do that. No, you don't! I'm not saying that you have to stop eating out completely but, c'mon, how serious are you about this whole money thing? OPPORTUNITY is right in front of your face when you consider how much $$ you spend eating out over the course of a week. YOU do the math!

3. JUNK FOOD! Add it up yourself and see how much of your overall grocery bill is junk (chips, cookies and other sweets, soda, etc). Do you have to cut them out completely? No, but, I can almost promise you that you can cut out at least 90% of it right now.

I could go on and on on things that you could cut out of your budget. I haven't even started on your entertainment costs and how much you're paying just to watch television. But, hey, you might want to take a look at that as well.

All of those "small" things SNOWBALL into BIG EXPENSE for your wallet and, a lot of those listed also create a BIG EXPENSE on your health!

If you would do even those 3 things listed (or, if you don't smoke....find something else to replace it, like alcohol or the entertainment I mentioned), you will see how much extra money you will have to start applying toward some of your debt! And, all without having to get another job.

Small opportunities GROWING (the "snowball effect") into BIGGER opportunities!

What if you could do something and bring in just an extra $10 per week. Believe it or not, most people won't even consider something like that because "it's ONLY $10 per week".  But, listen, that extra $10 per week (without any kind of interest added to it) turns into an extra $40 per month, $520 per year and, after 5 years, it will bring you an extra $2,600!!

 

Small things that, done consistently, can and WILL become BIG things due to the "snowball effect" with your finances.

 

As always, this is up to YOU to make happen. It's not easy but, friend, if you are always short of money and have a lot of debt, consider it a NECESSITY.

 

Next, we apply this "snowball effect" to job opportunities.

 

Until then, always be sure to...

 

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

 

Mike

 

(Note: if at any time, ANY of the links below do not work, be sure to contact me at mike@futureyouuniversity.com )

 

Future You University  "Like" FYU on Facebook!  Podcast on iTunes 

Podcast RSS feed     Remove DEBT Now!     See How 100% Involved MAKE MONEY

 

 

Growing Opportunities - Part 1

 

Financial Opportunity - Part 1

 

As we discussed in the last article, opportunity is around us each day that we are alive. Sometimes we see it, sometimes we don't. And, there are even times that we see it but, for whatever reason, we still don't take advantage of that opportunity.

 

In this article, and the one to follow, we're going to take a look at growing FINANCIAL opportunities that are available to us on a daily basis. Then, we're going to apply those same principles to growing CAREER opportunities that are available to us as well.

 

First of all, too many people are waiting for that BIG opportunity to fall into their lap and ignore smaller opportunities that cross their path every day. Too many are waiting for the lottery to come their way and, waste away day after day and dollar after dollar chasing this big "dream".

 

I'm sure, like me, you've heard and/or read stories about school teachers that retired very wealthy. It was NOT because they got some HUGE award or MAJOR raise along the way. No, it was because they took advantage of the "little opportunities" that came their way to put away some of their paycheck for the future.

 

Some of you already don't like where this is headed and, friend, that is a problem. Too many people whine and complain about not having enough money and yet don't want to hear ANYTHING about cutting back or saving money in order to grow their earnings.

 

I once new an older gentleman that was not ashamed to stoop over and pick up pennies. Here's the contrast: the pennies were being thrown out on the car lot by a younger man that said he was "feeding the lot so that the lot would feed him". Stupid. This was a car sales lot where I worked at about fifteen years or so ago. The younger guy would throw out pennies every day and, from time to time the older gentleman would pick them up and put them in HIS pocket.

 

Did he get rich off of those pennies? No, but it was the MINDSET that he had that, I promise you, put him in a much better financial position than the fool throwing the pennies away on a daily basis.

 

If you've not done so, be sure to click on the link at the bottom of the page, fill in your information, and then read up on the information about how to become DEBT FREE. Removal of debt is the #1 way that most - if not all - of us can INCREASE our financial wealth without having to go out and get a second (or third) job.

 

Yet, too many won't do that. I'm not saying you have to buy the course. What I AM saying is that too many people do NOT want to change anything and, yet,  they whine that they don't have enough money.

 

We'll talk more about that in the next article but I did want to leave you with this information that I shared on the podcast. You can listen in to get some of the ideas there, but I'll share the link with you on how Dave Ramsey says that you can retire a millionaire by just setting back $35 a week. Go HERE to read it for yourself.

 

"But I don't have an extra $35 a week to set back!". Come back and, in the next article, I'll show you that you likely DO have that  - and MORE - available for you to set back for your FUTURE opportunities.

 

But it all begins with SMALL opportunities that are before us on a daily basis.

 

Until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to...

 

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

 

Mike

 

Future You University  "Like" FYU on Facebook!  Podcast on iTunes 

Podcast RSS feed     Remove DEBT Now!     See How 100% Involved MAKE MONEY

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starting Over Financially?

 

Just like all of the other "areas" that we have been discussing over the past few days, the same is true about STARTING OVER financially.

 

There is NO SHAME in having to do so and, sometimes, this need is actually do to circumstances that are out of our control. Divorce, hospital bills and many other things.

 

However, if we are going to talk about it, then we also need to be willing to be open and honest about OUR ROLE in many of these scenarios. Financially, we are responsible for the "little things" that tend to sabotage us and set us back.

 

Here's the thing about what I'm going to share with you today: it doesn't matter if your financial situation is due to someone else's fault, unplanned events or your own mistakes.

 

Nope.

 

Today we are going to focus on a SOLUTION. Because, for whatever reason, being in a bad financial situation is a very stressful position to be in. A SOLUTION is needed, regardless of how or why we got there.

 

Agreed?

 

You probably noticed that I've been sharing information on Dani Johnson's "War on Debt" program the past few days. Now, before you "turn me off" let me ask you this question: WHAT'S YOUR PLAN?

 

That's right...WHAT IS YOUR PLAN to prevent having to "start over" again and again, financially? What is it that you PLAN TO DO to keep this from happening?

 

You see, many like to TALK ABOUT what they are going to do and many want to "play dress up" (see yesterday's discussion) and act as if there really isn't a problem when there really is. But most - if not all - FAIL when it comes to taking action that will actually bring results.

 

Take a look at this next picture and make sure that you read the information about this group of people. This picture was taken back in July at the Dani Johnson event that I attended in San Antonio. So yes, these are REAL people and these are REAL results of what this group of people has been able to accomplish over the past 5 years.

 

Think about it, friend. How long have you been TALKING ABOUT the need to do something about your finances? How many years have you stated that THIS YEAR you actually were going to FOLLOW THROUGH with your New Year's Resolution for once?

 

I'm telling you...GET THIS PROGRAM and get it NOW.

 

You want to hear the "kicker"? Dani Johnson shows you how to eliminate your debt WITHOUT having to make more money to get it done!

 

Yeah, I know, right?  (Just click on the graphic to read all of the details about the program)



 

My wife and I do actually own this program ourselves. It is easy to understand and, if followed, easy to do! The fact is, just like with everything else we've talked about this week, the problem may come in with having to swallow some PRIDE in order to make progress.  

 

A PROVEN program by an honest person that actually is full of integrity. Just take a few moments, go to the page (click on the graphic above) and read the testimonials that you'll find there. I have never in my life seen ANY ONE with as many testimonials as Dani Johnson.

 

There is a 100% money-back guarantee, so stop making excuses and TAKE ACTION.

 

Talking and planning to do something never seems to work, does it?

 

Think about it: the stress that comes from financial struggles literally impacts EVERY AREA of your life. It really does. And, many times, we find ourselves starting over in some of these "other" areas due to the stress that comes from THIS area.

 

Take control of your finances once and for all and start moving forward with what really matters in your life. And, by the way, help your children see and understand the importance of taking control of your fiances instead of your finances taking control of you.

 

You can do it but, friend, here's the question: WILL YOU?

 

Until next time, whatever you do, be sure to...

 

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

 

Mike

 

Future You University   "Like" FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes  

 

Podcast RSS feed 

Break FREE From Debt!

 

You've heard me talk about Dani Johnson many times before, right?

 

Her programs WORK - end of story and, friends, THIS is just one of the programs that are completly CHANGING PEOPLE'S LIVES!

 

I own the program myself and it is INDEED making a difference in reducing debt and how we now look at money in every way.

 

Check it out for yourself and make a decision to GET OUT OF DEBT and then to STAY OUT OF DEBT!

 

You'll be glad you did!

 

And, yes, I stand behind this fully because any thing that Dani Johnson does WORKS. Simple as that.

 

- Mike

"When the Going Gets Tough" - Part 5

"The 3 R's of Change: Retreat, Regroup, Rethink"

Yesterday we looked at the first "R" of "The 3 R's of Change" when we examined the thoughts behind the word, "RETREAT".

Again, the word "retreat" DOES NOT mean surrender! Do NOT forget that and do NOT confuse that point. It is vitally important to your success as you move on with your decision to "get up and get going" again.

Think of this analogy as we consider "The 3 R's of Change"...

This example is true whether you are talking about college football or the pros (it's also true in basketball as well as other sports) - there is a halftime for a reason.

Halftime gives each team a chance to RETREAT, REGROUP and RETHINK!

When that horn or whistle blows signifying that the first half is over and done with, each team retreats to the locker room. Have they given up? Have they forfeited the game by leaving the court? NO!

They have simply "retreated" so that they can "regroup" and "rethink" before beginning play in the second half of the game.

Now think about this - even if everything has been going in their favor the whole first half of the game the players still need to regroup! Perhaps someone needs to have an ankle taped or they all need to rehydrate and catch their breath before going back at it again.

And, even if everything has been going in their favor the coaches STILL need to "rethink" what has gone on and decide if they want to keep doing the exact same thing (that has been working) OR change it up a little bit to throw the opposing team off of their guard a little bit more.

Now, let's go to the other locker room. Let's go to the locker room where NOTHING seems to have been going in their favor for the first half of the game. They were HAPPY to have the chance to retreat to the locker room before things go any worse! They were HAPPY to have the chance to "regroup" and "rethink" what has been going wrong with their game plan.

They may need to completely scrap their original game plan and go with something different. Why? Because what they have been doing has not been working!

If you know anything about sports then you know what would happen if that team were to go back on the field without having changed their approach. You would hear a chorus of "boos" coming from their fans if they came out and did the exact same thing that WASN'T WORKING in the first half of the game!

And, likely, that coach would end up losing his job. Why? Because it is ridiculous to think that you can keep doing the same "proven-to-fail" methods over and over again and expect anything BUT failure as a result.

So, this may seem like an oversimplified analogy, but it is one that fits what we are talking about in a way that should help us all understand that this is something WE MUST DO if we plan to have different and better results when we face tough times.

Oh, and by the way, I discovered a 4th and very important "R" to go along with the first three - you don't want to miss it!

Until then...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Fight Through the Darkness

Let's take some time to "get real".

We ALL have problems and "bumps" along the way that can easily derail us if we allow them to do so, right? Sure we do!

However, sometimes we put others on a pedestal and assume that they have no problems or "bumps" in their lives - NOT TRUE! As a matter of fact, if you follow any great "leader" in any industry, you will find or hear discussed struggles that they have gone through and/or ARE going through.

"Google" any persons name that you want to look at that is "famous" and do some research and you will find this to be true. Donald Trump, for example. I remember a time when he hit rock bottom and was basically the laughing stock of late night television. He has rebounded, has he not? I used the example of Sam Walton, founder of the Wal-Mart stores, on today's podcast. Back in 1987 the stock market crashed in a big way. I'm not sure the exact number concerning the amount of money that Mr. Walton (among others) lost in that one day - BUT IT WAS HUGE! His response? "Those are just numbers on paper" - or something very similar to that.

So you see, even these "titans" in the business world have to deal with setbacks and struggles. Why should you or I be any different?

In today's podcast I go further into the story of how I went from $32,000 in one year to only $5,000/year in income the next. I can tell you that it was painful to relive this and share it with you. So, why do it?

1. I want you to know that I, too, have problems in my life. I am not immune.
2. I want you to know that the things I say are not just a bunch of "hype" or "rah-rah" as I call it.
3. I want you to know that when I say things like, "Where there is breath, there is hope!" - I mean it and I know what I'm saying on this to be TRUE!

In my darkest times it was truly hard to keep hope.

In 1991, after the birth of my youngest son I did finally land a new job in another state. This job allowed us to climb out of debt and get back on our feet. It wasn't easy and it took a lot of self-discipline on the part of my wife and I as well as a designed plan that we came up with to make this happen. We did so and then the bottom fell out again as I was fired from this job. I was hurt. I was bitter. I was angry.

Time gets away from me and I can't exactly tell you what year that was, but I was not at this job very long - not even a year - when this happened. The spiral of debt and my struggle with depression hit again. However, this time, as hard as it was, I seemed to be more determined not to allow the depression to gain hold of me (I'll talk more about this in tomorrow's podcast) but it still was very, very difficult.

It was during this time that I seemed to hit one of my lowest points. A time when, laying in bed with my wife with tears streaming down my face I said, "I've lost all hope." To which my wife replied with something along the lines of, "We can't lose hope! If we lose hope we don't have anything!" Powerful words!

Bottom line...we made it out of those times, landed another good job after a period of time and have left those times of desperation in the past. Yet, I felt that it was important to share them with you and to encourage YOU to "Fight Through the Darkness!".

And now? My life is still not immune to struggles. As you know, my wife almost died from a heart attack three weeks ago tomorrow. That hit hard! And now also comes the wading through the mountain of medical bills that have come as a result of that struggle.

Honestly, I'm not sure how I'm going to handle this - but I will! I WILL handle this and I WILL NOT allow this to pull me back down. NO WAY!

I REFUSE to give in to doubt and pity and negative thinking!

So, in all reality, you will be with me as I go down this road - and I have no idea where this road is headed. But, here's the key - I AM PREPARED FOR THE JOURNEY.

Have you adequately "packed your bags" for the journey? A journey that has many twists and surprises in store for you? Some good. Some bad. But all a part of life?

Are you prepared - HAVE you prepared yourself to - FIGHT THROUGH THE DARKNESS?

I'll be here. Let's help each other as we go through this journey together.

And, all along the way, be sure to remember to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike