Tag Archives: Goals

Are You Living on the Edge?

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As the recent devastating downpours lashed the island of Jamaica, many people who lived close to rivers and gullies were terrified as the torrents tore away at the land beside their dwelling places. Unfortunately, several ill-fated persons watched helplessly as their homes eventually broke apart and tumbled into the raging flood waters.

Tropical Storm Nicole highlighted the fact that even the most placid streams can become destructive floods when weather conditions deteriorate. However, while those who resided near to these out-of-control waterways were living in danger, other persons whose residences were built on more solid ground were relatively unscathed by the natural disaster.

As I reflected on these tragic occurrences, I realised that many people, just like those who lived beside potentially dangerous water courses, are living on the edge when it comes to their finances.

While circumstances are favourable, they exist with a false sense of security about their money situation; but in reality, their financial foundation is weak and unable to withstand even the smallest of challenges. Continue reading Are You Living on the Edge? →

More Money Lessons from the Animal Kingdom

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A few months ago, I discussed the habits of some ordinary animals, noting that they had many positive lessons to teach us about being smart with money. From the lowly ant to the powerful racehorse, these creatures demonstrate determination and dedication in achieving their goals.

For the most part, the members of the animal kingdom are very disciplined and organised with their instinctual activities. However, I have researched some quirky animal behaviours that could be compared with the destructive habits that many us of have with money.

Here are a few actions that we do not want to emulate in our financial lives:

Don’t stick your head in the sand like an ostrich

It has been said that when frightened, ostriches will hide their heads in the sand to escape harm, but scientific study has debunked this saying as a myth. Although the speedy ostrich will first run away from danger, if it cannot move or defend itself, it will lay its head and neck flat on the ground to evade detection. As its upper body is the same colour as the sand in its natural habitat, it could easily be thought that the animal had stuck its head in the ground. Continue reading More Money Lessons from the Animal Kingdom →

We Will Rise Again in 2010!

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Most of us welcomed in 2010 with sighs of relief; giving thanks that the challenges of the past year were finally behind us. However, despite offering best wishes to friends and family, we may actually doubt that the aspiration “Have a Prosperous New Year” can be realised over the next 12 months.

Even if we managed to ignore the discussions about Jamaica’s economic crisis during the festive season, reality was abruptly thrust upon us on January 1 when the new tax increases were implemented. As I noted the dramatic jump in petrol prices, it became even more obvious to me that we were in for a financially challenging time this year.

The pragmatists and pessimists are warning us about impending job losses, increasing poverty levels and inevitable social upheavals. At the same time, some business and political leaders are declaring that Jamaica is poised to benefit from myriad opportunities that always abound in periods of crisis. Where does our future really lie? Continue reading We Will Rise Again in 2010! →

Become of Fan of the 3 Ms of Money

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Writing the ‘memoirs of my money madness’ is now a bigger task than I first imagined. As I dig deep to recall all the challenges I faced with money, I realise that so many others today are suffering from the same issues that I had to overcome.

As a coach, speaker and newspaper columnist, I interact with many people who are on the brink of financial disaster, and generally clueless about what they need to do to turn around their money situation. The level of financial distress is increasing across all sectors of Jamaican society.

Sometimes it feels overwhelming to figure out how to address the financial concerns of so many people. Although I’m really dedicated to helping people deal with their money issues, I am just one person. This is why I am writing this book, The 3 Ms of Money hoping that it can reach a whole lot more people than I can speak to individually.

The intention is to inspire others to believe that, YES, it is possible to live within your means, dig your way out of debt, start a savings habit, learn about investing, and achieve your goals. Trust me, if I can do it, then ANYONE can!

I’ve created a Facebook fan page to help you keep track of my progress along the way. Please click here to join the 3 Ms of Money Fan Club!

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Eight Essential Money Principles

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Very often, people ask me to provide them with one piece of advice that could help them to be more successful with their money.

Over the years I have learnt that there isn’t just one method to effectively manage your finances, create wealth, or preserve your money for the future. In fact, there are several steps which, when combined, can put you on a solid financial footing.

Here are eight guidelines that can help you successfully traverse the road to financial freedom: Continue reading Eight Essential Money Principles →

Money Lessons from the Animal Kingdom

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Recently, a reader commented that a lack of discipline was one of the primary reasons many people were not successful in their personal and financial goals. He noted that most animals, unlike many humans, were disciplined in their everyday habits, which resulted in a sense of order and efficiency in nature.

I thought about the many wild animals that exhibit very civilised attitudes towards carrying out their purposes. Although human beings might be more developed than other creatures, there are many valuable lessons that we can learn from them. Let’s examine some animal behaviours that can teach us important truths about the achievement of financial goals.

Envision A Better Life Like A Caterpillar

I believe that it would probably be easy for the lowly caterpillar to despair as it crawls along the pathways of life. Inching along at a painfully slow pace as it tries to eke out a living, dodging the threats of extermination from humans who despise its very existence. Why should a caterpillar dare to dream of a better life? Continue reading Money Lessons from the Animal Kingdom →

Money Lessons from Usain Bolt

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As 100m sprinter Usain Bolt propelled his way through the finish line in an astonishing world-record time of 9.58 seconds, Jamaica and the rest of the world celebrated his magnificent race. At the 2009 Berlin World Athletics Championships, Bolt definitely cemented his place in history as a legendary sports hero.

As I reflected on his amazing career, I realised that Bolt is more than an inspiration to aspiring athletes; he is also an example of what it takes to be successful with money. Here are some of the lessons that Bolt can teach us about our finances:

Examine What You’re Doing Wrong

My earliest memory of Bolt’s running was of a youngster who seemed to be struggling as he raced. Biting on his chain with a pained grimace on his face, he was a far cry from the smooth sprinting machine that he is today. Many of us find the financial race similarly difficult – despite our best efforts, it seems that we don’t have what it takes to win. Continue reading Money Lessons from Usain Bolt →

Managing Money in Marriage

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“I am frustrated with the way my husband spends money. Although we agreed that we need to stick to a budget to keep costs under control, he refuses to give up spending money on things like clubs and sporting events. I want to plan for the future, but he seems to be happy living in the present. Please help!”

Studies have shown that disagreements about money are one of the leading causes of marital breakdown. Compromise is perhaps the most important ingredient for a successful union, especially when it comes to financial matters.

But what happens when the two parties in a marriage have vastly different money beliefs and practices? How can they arrive at a workable arrangement when they have opposite money personalities? Continue reading Managing Money in Marriage →

On Your Mark, Get Set, Goal!

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“The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.” – Chinese proverb

The process of achieving your goals, whether personal, career or financial, can sometimes feel like a never-ending journey. In over eight years of coaching people about money, I have discovered that most persons don’t realise that getting what they want out of life is often easier than they think.

In today’s world where instant gratification is a common expectation, many people think that if the desired goal does not appear in their laps within a few months, it means that their objective is an impossible mission. This mistaken belief is the number one reason why people fail to reach their targets and continue to ‘lead lives of quiet desperation’. Continue reading On Your Mark, Get Set, Goal! →