Tag Archives: financial freedom

Financial Independence for Jamaica

Money Reflections, , , , , , ,

Happy Independence Day, Jamaica! As we celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the date when the British flag was lowered for the last time and replaced with our iconic black, green and gold standard, it is an ideal time to reflect on what it means to be an independent nation.

When we made the bold step towards self-governance, there must have been an expectation that we would be able to manage our own affairs and lift our country to new heights. Half-a-century later, can we report that we have been successful in doing what it takes to be truly independent?

We may have fulfilled one definition of independence — “not subject to another’s authority or jurisdiction” — but there are other characteristics that we have not yet acquired. An autonomous entity should not be dependent on others for its existence, or have to rely on others for support. Continue reading Financial Independence for Jamaica →

Financial Freedom at Last!

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On August 1, our nation commemorated another Emancipation Day; a time when Jamaicans can reflect on the challenging periods in our country’s history and give thanks that the practice of human slavery was abolished. Personal freedom is a right that we should never take for granted.

According to Dictionary.com, ’emancipate’ means to free from bondage, restraint or influence. A person who has been held back by a restrictive system, physical impediment or an inhibiting force will be emancipated when the thing that prevents him from moving freely is eliminated.

While we can celebrate the fact that our citizens are no longer bound by the organised structure of slavery, the reality is that many persons are still shackled by the chains of financial bondage. Their money problems hinder them from living their desired lifestyles and accomplishing their goals. Continue reading Financial Freedom at Last! →

A Makeover For Your Money

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I like to watch television shows that present dramatic transformations in people’s lives. Whether the participants receive a home renovation, a wardrobe revolution or a personal renewal, it is very satisfying to observe the positive changes that take effect. It is also heartening to see that even the worst situations can often be resolved once the right treatments are applied.

If you have a problem with your vision, then a visit to the optometrist and the right eyeglass prescription will usually allow you to see clearly again. Similarly, if your financial future looks fuzzy, then you probably need to get the right remedy from a ‘money doctor.’ The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey is definitely one book that can provide you with a cure for your money concerns.

Financial disasters can be fixed

If you are having challenges with money, I recommend that you read this book. It is interspersed with inspiring stories of persons who were facing severe financial crises and were saved by applying the Total Money Makeover plan. You might be encouraged to know that there are solutions for people with money problems that are even worse than yours. Continue reading A Makeover For Your Money →

Money Mission: Make A Realistic Retirement Plan

Retirement & Estate Planning, , , , , , , ,

I vividly remember dealing with a client many years ago at the financial institution where I worked. He was in his late-50s and wanted to put aside some funds for his retirement. Preparing to discuss investment options and strategies for this objective, I asked him how much money he had to start his plan.

He presented me with a cheque for just over J$150,000 (at that time, the equivalent of about US$2,400), and after I asked some pertinent questions, it became clear that this was the sum total of my client’s net worth. He explained that he had worked in the music industry for his entire life and had seen a lot of money pass through his hands, but had never thought about putting aside some of his earnings for the future.

As he continued to relate his sad story of business setbacks and personal challenges with a chronic illness, I realised that he had become despondent and was not really receptive to my ideas to improve his situation. Just before he left, he said, “I wish someone had taught me these things 20 years ago when it could have made a difference.” Continue reading Money Mission: Make A Realistic Retirement Plan →

Getting Out of the Rat Race

Book Review, Wealth, , , ,

“Warning: Do not read this book unless you want to quit your job!”

With such a dramatic introduction to The 4-Hour Workweek, I was instantly hooked. The blurb on the back cover continued, “Whether your dream is escaping the rat race, experiencing high-end world travel, earning a monthly five-figure income with zero management, or just living more and working less, this book is the blueprint.” I mentally placed a check against each of these desires.

As I started reading Timothy Ferriss’s debut Wall Street Journal best-seller, I realised that his cautionary advice was not merely a great marketing plug. The 4-hour Work Week is not a recommended resource for employees who value the perceived security of their jobs. If you really love working for other people, this book may be too disturbing or intimidating for you. Continue reading Getting Out of the Rat Race →

Creating a System for Success

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If you are in business, or have ever attempted operating your own venture, you’ll probably be very aware of the unique challenges that are faced by most small business owners. Running a business can sometimes be a lonely and laborious task, instead of the pleasing and profitable experience that many entrepreneurs dream of.

If you’re seeking a route to business success, one book that should be required reading is The E-Myth Revisited, by Michael E Gerber. This book reveals the secret lives of many struggling small business owners, as Gerber presents the realities that most of them would never dream of sharing, even with their close associates.

The truth is that many small operators are completely clueless about running a business.

They may be experts in their technical fields, but they have a difficult time carrying out basic business procedures such as managing people, controlling accounts, streamlining production, marketing effectively and delivering consistent customer service. Continue reading Creating a System for Success →

Why Do Many Small Businesses Fail?

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I often receive enquiries from persons who are looking for advice on how to be successful in starting and running their own small businesses. I also get feedback from disheartened business owners who have seen their entrepreneurial dreams transformed into financial nightmares.

A common complaint from local entrepreneurs is that it is extremely difficult to operate a business in Jamaica. However, business challenges are not limited to this country, as international statistics indicate that anywhere from one-third to one-half of new enterprises will fold within the first five years of operation.

While owning a business can be a route to achieve personal financial security, it is a reality that many people will experience a negative result from their entrepreneurial attempts.

There are many reasons why business success may be elusive, but I think they can be grouped into three categories – inadequate knowledge, insufficient capital and inappropriate opportunity. Continue reading Why Do Many Small Businesses Fail? →

What’s stopping your financial success?

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One observation that has both fascinated and frustrated me is that very few people actually attain the financial success that they dream about, while so many people seem to exist without a sense of direction towards achieving any goals.

I have had many opportunities to examine the attitudes and actions of persons who seek my advice about their money problems. Very often, I would give recommendations to two persons in similar situations, yet only one would follow my counsel and achieve success, while the other would continue along a financially destructive pathway.

Many years ago, as I searched for solutions to improve my own money situation, I realised that I had to understand the forces that could help one person to achieve, and the impediments that could hinder another from getting ahead in life.

I thought that if I could learn and follow the habits of success, and identify and avoid behaviours that led to failure, then I too could join the ranks of the financially successful. Continue reading What’s stopping your financial success? →

Breaking The Cycle of Debt

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One of the problems with money is that there never seems to be enough of it to buy all the things we want in life. However, the lack of funds doesn’t necessarily stop some of us from getting the things we desire. Thanks to our culture of credit, there are many sources from which we can borrow – bank loans, credit cards, payroll advances, and informal money lenders.

I can still recall my first loan transaction. After graduating from university, I wanted to buy my own television so that I could determine what I wanted to watch instead of depending on my parents’ viewing preferences. Even though I didn’t have any money to buy one, my mother had saved up enough money in my credit union account over the years to allow me access to a loan.

Thinking back on that experience in which I had to fill out forms, get proof of income and find a suitable guarantor, I remember that it made me feel important, as if I was doing a very grown-up transaction. It also felt great knowing that I could get what I wanted even though I didn’t have any money! Continue reading Breaking The Cycle of Debt →

Using OPT to Earn More

Income Creation, , , ,

One of the biggest financial challenges many persons face today is the need to earn more money to make ends meet and achieve their goals. As most people obtain their incomes by selling their time for dollars, their ability to increase their remuneration is severely limited by the number of hours in a day.

Many employees and self-employed persons neglect to pursue earning options from sources that are not wholly dependent on their physical efforts. They believe that work security lies in their own ability to complete a task and receive a payment for it.

In reality, this is not a very secure way of earning, as circumstances such as pay cuts, job loss or illness can derail expected income.

One solution to this problem is to create a passive income source that pays you repeatedly without your continued personal effort. As your earning potential is not completely dependent on your time, it is easier to make more money to supplement your regular pay cheque and channel excess money to invest in long-term goals. Continue reading Using OPT to Earn More →