Tag Archives: budget

Money Lessons from Spring Cleaning

March 23, 2012Money & Your Mindbank account, budget, control your money, Jamaica, Money Coach, money psychology, personal finance, simple life, spring cleaningCHS

Recently I found myself compelled to carry out a major re-organising project in my home. I finally admitted that I had run out of space to keep some important items, so I decided that it was time to take control of my chronic storage issues. With spring in the air, it presented the right opportunity to take on a comprehensive clean-up challenge.

At first, I thought that the simple answer to my dilemma was to purchase a few more containers or another cabinet to house all the stuff that I needed to put away. However, a quick audit of my closets revealed that I already had more than enough storage bins; the real problem was that I was keeping too many things in them that I no longer needed.

I realised that there was only one solution — some of my stuff had to go. As I went through the slightly traumatic process of unpacking, sorting and deciding what to keep or dump, I thought that most of us could probably benefit from a clean-up campaign on our finances. Upon further reflection, I began to see some lessons that spring cleaning can teach us about money success. Continue reading Money Lessons from Spring Cleaning →

The Art and Science of Making Money

February 10, 2012Income Creation, Investingbudget, earn more, entrepreneur, financial literacy, income target, investment option, Jamaica, make money, Money Coach, personal finance, profit, risk, talentsCHS

Despite the developments in technology and differences in trends that emerge over time, there is one financial certainty that will probably remain constant. Most persons – regardless of age, gender, education, nationality, status or creed – will express the desire to have more money.

The ability to increase income levels far in excess of spending needs is desired by many, but discovered by very few. Could it be that some people are blessed with an inherent flair for making money that escapes the less talented majority? Or is there a scientific approach to money multiplication which can only be exploited after years of dedicated study?

The 2012 Money Manifesto, our 12-step guide to creating financial success, provides a recipe for increasing your income and putting your money to work for you. It is virtually impossible to budget successfully, save towards a nest egg, avoid debilitating debt, and plan for future goals, without having the means to boost your earning power. Continue reading The Art and Science of Making Money →

How to Manage Debt Wisely

January 27, 2012Debtborrow, budget, credit card, debt reduction, debt snowball, Jamaica, loan consolidation, Money Coach, mortgage, payday loan, penalities, personal finance, student loanCHS

Since the beginning of the year, we have been expanding on the elements of our 2012 Money Manifesto. It is possible to create the financial life that you desire by understanding and following the basic principles of money success.

In today’s column, we will take a look at the sixth component which speaks about dealing with debt. Let’s examine some key do’s and don’ts that can help you to manage debt wisely: Continue reading How to Manage Debt Wisely →

Saving Is Still In Style

January 20, 2012Savingbank account, budget, emergency fund, expenses, Income, Jamaica, Law of Attraction, Money Coach, nest egg, personal finance, resolutionsCHS

If you have made a determined resolution to improve your finances this year, then our 2012 Money Manifesto will help you to chart the course.

Last week we looked at the fundamental principle of budgeting, indicating that it was crucial for you to be aware of all your expenses, plan for your spending needs for an entire year, and make the right choices with your money.

Another essential practice required for money success is saving. Saving is the act of putting aside some of your money instead of spending it to buy products and services. When you save you should not be intending to go back for the money a few days later to pay bills; this money should be left to accumulate over time. Continue reading Saving Is Still In Style →

Make 2012 Your Best Year Ever

January 6, 2012Goalsbudget, Financial Education, Jamaica, Money Coach, money success, persistence, personal development, personal finance, resolutions, saveCHS

At the beginning of a new year most people choose to reflect on the past and make resolutions for things they would like to accomplish going forward. However, despite their grand ideas and hopeful wishes, all too often, the days, weeks and months slip by without any progress being made towards actualising their goals.

Although they may have a good picture of the end result that they want to attain, many people fail to prosper because they really don’t know how to create and carry out an action plan that works.

Success is not achieved by a swift arrival at a desired destination; it’s the cumulative result of taking consistent, tiny steps that are headed in the right direction.

Continue reading Make 2012 Your Best Year Ever →

Money Manifesto for 2012

December 31, 2011Goalsborrow money, budget, emergency fund, estate planning, financial literacy, gratitude, investment options, Jamaica, make more money, Money Coach, New Year resolutions, procrastinationCHS

As many Jamaicans go to the polls today to select the party, people and policies of their choice, I thought that I would create a ‘Money Manifesto’ containing all the financially smart steps that can help you to shape a prosperous future for 2012 and beyond.

The 12 points shared below represent the essential areas that you should follow if you wish to become financially successful.

1. I will make financial education my priority.

I will invest in my own personal development by seeking to learn more about money. I will endeavour to read or listen to good financial advice every single day, as I recognise that most of the solutions to my money problems can be found in other people’s experiences in books and CDs. Continue reading Money Manifesto for 2012 →

Six questions to ask before you spend

October 28, 2011Spendingbudget, impulse buying, Jamaica, needs vs wants, personal finance, priorities, shoppingCHS

I recently had a heart-warming conversation with a reader who lives in the inner-city community of Trench Town, in Kingston Jamaica. I met Nicolini Williams two years ago when he participated in a financial literacy training I was offering to members of the Miracle Club, the youth mentorship arm of the Agency for Inner-city Renewal based in that area.

Now a first-year law student, this brilliant young man shared with me how much he had gained from learning the principles of money success. Williams explained that he had not grown up in a home where financial management was taught or even mentioned, and consequently, he often squandered money on unnecessary items.

After being exposed to new concepts about smart financial habits, Williams was able to identify his negative attitudes and actions regarding money. He realised that if he continued to seek more information about success principles and applied what he had learned, he could eventually break free from his financial problems. Continue reading Six questions to ask before you spend →

The Past and Present Tense of Money

January 7, 2011Budgetingbudget, credit card bill, Debt, fear, finance, financial problems, Jamaica, money past, New Year, resolutions, Spending, Suze Orman, WealthCHS

The start of a new year usually fills our hearts with optimism and hope for a better future. I’ve always been fascinated by this phenomenon – why should this period inspire us to create lofty resolutions and ambitious declarations? Why do we anticipate that the fading old year will usher in bright beginnings?

There is no magic elixir that gets released on New Year’s Day; the first of January is just another 24 hours that will come and go, just like they did on December 31.

Despite our fervent wishes to exercise regularly, save more, be kinder to other people or pursue our dreams, chances are that after a few days of inspired activity, we will continue along the same old pathway as we did before.

The reality is that you can choose to transform your life at any time of the year. The date doesn’t make a difference; whether it’s February 28, April 13, or September 4, any day can symbolise that moment when you finally commit to do whatever it takes to effect the changes that you desire. Continue reading The Past and Present Tense of Money →

2010 Action Plan #1: Control Your Spending

January 15, 2010Spendingbudget, expenses, Income, Jamaica, money management, personal finance, Savings, SpendingCHS

In recent times, while speaking to several persons about their money problems, I have detected a growing sense of desperation in their voices. Although many have not yet reached a stage of full-fledged panic, it is obvious that they are very worried about the current financial situation facing Jamaica.

“If I can’t make ends meet now,” a client asked perplexedly, “what’s going to happen to me when the full impact of the tax increases hits?”

I believe that good results can come out of every bad situation. The prevailing economic crisis has forced many of us to recognise that we can no longer be nonchalant or clueless about our financial condition. We have received a monetary wake-up call – it’s now time to take control of our finances!

Over the next three weeks, I will share with you an action plan that will help you to survive in these times, and set yourself on the right track to long-term financial success. Continue reading 2010 Action Plan #1: Control Your Spending →

We Will Rise Again in 2010!

January 8, 2010Goalsbudget, Debt, Economic, Financial Goals, Goals, Jamaica, personal finance, ProblemsCHS

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! →

Financially S.M.A.R.T. Advice

Practical, Down-to-earth Money Advice