Tag Archives: finance

The Past and Present Tense of Money

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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 →

3 Ms of Money- Dealing with Debt

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Writing my first book, The 3 Ms of Money, has allowed me to take a look back in time at all the BIG money mistakes that I have made. One of the worst wrong turns I have made is to think that having access to other people’s money (OPM) would make life easier.

Borrowing money can be a very destructive practice, as it lulls you into a spending lifestyle that isn’t sustainable. When you are dependent on a source of income that doesn’t come from you, you lose sight of the fact that you are living beyond your ability to produce. As your desire for credit grows, eventually the monthly payments become too high to manage, and then your debt mushrooms beyond control. Then you have to keep on borrowing to stay afloat. Very often at this point, you can’t access any more credit and your entire financial well-being is impacted.

The Bible says that the “borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). I have found this to be true. For years I worked hard to pay off thousands of dollars in loan interest. And for what? Useless trinkets and idle entertainment that were long forgotten!

I teach people that debt is not only about borrowing money. It’s any obligation where someone else has delivered their part of the deal, and you have not. Just recently, I almost got tempted to take a great mobile phone offer where I could get a ‘FREE’ Nokia E71. In return I would have to sign a 3-year contract with the mobile company. After thinking about it some more,I realised that I would only be selling myself into 3 years of slavery to pay for this ‘free’ phone. What if I hated their service? What if they raised the monthly cost? I couldn’t complain because they had supplied their end of the deal.

I decided I would just save up and pay for it in CASH, thank you.

Anyway, you can read more about my misadventures with debt and what I had to do to get myself out of the mess I had created when The 3 Ms of Money is published.

Keep thinking and acting Financially SMART!

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An Attitude of Gratitude

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“When I’m worried and I can’t sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings.”
– “Count your Blessings,” Bing Crosby

Over the last three months, we have covered many of your concerns – escalating energy costs, the international financial crisis, increasing mortgage rates and foreclosures, and fear of the financial future – and presented practical solutions to help you deal with these realities.

With the global economy apparently deteriorating before it gets any better, threats of recession and redundancy, and the shrinking net worth positions of the rich and not-so-rich alike, it might be easy to feel a sense of despair as the year draws to a close. For most people, 2008 will definitely not be remembered for bringing financial blessings. Continue reading An Attitude of Gratitude →

Is declaring bankruptcy an option?

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Christmas is traditionally a season of merriment and relaxation where we normally get to let go of our concerns and just enjoy ourselves. However, this year many people are so focused on their financial challenges that they are finding it difficult to have fun. Some are extremely anxious about expanding debt positions and impending job losses, and wonder how they are going to turn around their finances.

In the United States, it is fairly common for people who have been overwhelmed by debt to file for bankruptcy. According to Businessdictionary.com, bankruptcy is the legal procedure for liquidating a company, or property owned by an individual, which cannot pay its debts out of current assets. In Jamaica, only individuals file for bankruptcy as companies are placed in liquidation or receivership.

Is declaring bankruptcy an option for average Jamaicans who are mired in debt, and have no means to pay it back? I asked the Office of the Trustee in Bankruptcy to enlighten us about the process. Continue reading Is declaring bankruptcy an option? →

Homeownership Challenges

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According to recent news reports, mortgage interest rates are set to rise drastically as a result of the interest rate increases on Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) securities. Financial institutions will have to raise the interest rates paid on deposits in line with market rates, and therefore they will be forced to charge more for loans.

How will these developments affect Jamaica’s housing market? According to real estate industry experts, increases in mortgage costs will have a negative impact on both existing and prospective home owners.

BOJ data revealed that up to June 2008, the amount of mortgage loans in arrears for three months and more had risen by some 71 per cent over the previous year. Delinquency rates are expected to grow even more as the cost of homeownership increases.

In addition, most consumers’ income levels are not moving up to match these increased finance costs, so many hopeful homeowners may not have the cash flow required to qualify for a mortgage. Continue reading Homeownership Challenges →

Are You Afraid Of Your Financial Future?

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“I work in the tourism sector and I’m worried that the current international financial situation will cause me to lose my job. I don’t know how I’ll be able to manage without this income, and I’m feeling really scared right now about my future.”

The global economic crisis is having a negative impact on a wide cross section of the society – large conglomerates and small businesses, company executives and line staff, wealthy people and the poor. Institutions and individuals alike are reeling from the repercussions of a financial world in turmoil.

A reader recently asked me how it was possible for me to advise people in this financially challenging period. The reality is that whether times are good or bad, the principles that govern money remain constant.

If you understand the essentials of how to manage, multiply and maintain your money, you will always be able to keep a sound footing even in the midst of a financial storm.

Continue reading Are You Afraid Of Your Financial Future? →

Why Do You Love to Shop?

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“Despite the current financial uncertainty, I still find myself shopping too much. I earn a great income, but I’m not saving enough, and I realize that I have to be more responsible with my purchases. Whether it’s at the supermarket or online stores, I really enjoy buying something frivolous every week. What can I do?”

One of the first steps in curing yourself of the desire to shop excessively is to figure out the reasons that drive you to overindulge. Let’s look at some common motivations that may cause you to spend too much, along with possible solutions to curb your consumer cravings:

Reason:  You’re bored

The reality is that for many people, shopping is fun. Think of the adrenaline rush that comes from finding that perfect item in the right colour, and on sale to boot! Shopping can become even more entertaining when done with a group of friends. I’m sure most ladies will agree that there’s nothing that bonds us together like a shared passion for shopping.

Solution: Stop browsing online shopping websites to pass the time. Find another hobby that can stimulate you without costing you. How about forming a book club where your friends can meet to discuss the book of the month? Or you could start a group physical activity like jogging, which will not only bring great camaraderie but create health benefits as well. Continue reading Why Do You Love to Shop? →

Profit From Problems

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One of my favourite TV shows is The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, an entrepreneurial programme broadcast on CNBC. In the light of the severe financial crisis bedeviling American businesses, Deutsch recently explained that he had to temporarily change the format of his show from showcasing entrepreneurship to discussing the economy.

There definitely are tremendous challenges now facing large and small enterprises. However, I wonder if Deutsch was completely correct in his declaration that the entrepreneurial spirit was forced to become dormant due to consumers’ lack of confidence and their consequent refusal to spend as customary.

It has been said that big opportunities are born in times when there are great challenges. The test of a true entrepreneur comes when he or she can ignore the prevailing darkness of despair, and focus on the light of possibility.

This is easier said than done, as it takes tremendous strength of mind to keep a positive outlook in the face of overwhelming negativity. Continue reading Profit From Problems →

Conserve Resources and Save Money

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Consumers today are faced with difficult spending decisions. How can we find money to save towards our goals when the costs of necessities such as food and utilities are constantly increasing? Our only option is to find ways to conserve and become more efficient in our usage of these commodities.

Last week we revealed some clever inventions that can help us to conserve on our electricity usage. This week we will also examine how changing the way we use precious resources such as electricity, water and petrol can help us to cut costs.

Conserve energy

One of the best ways to cut energy consumption is to use our appliances in a more efficient manner. Cranston Ewan, Managing Director of Jamaica Energy Saving Solutions in Kingston, confirms that consumers can see drastic reductions in electricity bills by simply turning off machines when they are not being used. Continue reading Conserve Resources and Save Money →

Saving Money on Your Electricity Bill

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Trying to be frugal in spending money can be a big challenge in these times. Despite our best efforts to conserve on the use of some big-ticket expenses such as our electricity bill, it sometimes seems that these costs have only one way to move – UP.

What can frustrated consumers do to fight back against rising electricity prices? The good news is that there are some companies that have heard our complaints and have seized the opportunity to supply the market with viable energy-saving options. Here are some exciting new products that can help us to conserve on our light bills:

OWL Energy Monitor

This energy monitoring device gives you a reading on the energy consumption in your home or office on a real-time basis. Andrew Jackson, managing director of Jetcon, distributor of this product likens the Owl to the speedometer on your car. Continue reading Saving Money on Your Electricity Bill →