Tag Archives: money problems

A Long and Lasting Financial Love

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Love is in the air, as many people become preoccupied with romantic thoughts when Valentine’s Day approaches. While love connections may be foremost on our minds at this time, we can also consider another important relationship that we all should enjoy – the one with our money.

A personal relationship requires understanding, respect and dedication to survive the test of time. Similarly, you need to develop a healthy rapport with your money if you wish to be financially successful. Let’s look at some tips that will help you to have a long and lasting money relationship. Continue reading A Long and Lasting Financial Love →

Is Your Financial Life a Circus?

Money Reflections, , , , , , ,

Recently, thousands of Jamaicans got the opportunity to experience a variety of circus performers in action at Circus in the City held in Kingston. Energetic acrobats, daring stuntmen, amusing clowns and a mesmerising magician were some of the acts which were present at the event.

As I watched the performers entertain the audience with their skilful feats, I recognised that there were certain similarities between the circus activities and the many challenges people face with money. Here are some of the ways in which your financial world could be likened to a circus:

JUGGLING OBJECTS

Juggling is the art of manipulating several objects at once with your hands. The circus juggler uses extreme dexterity to toss several balls, clubs, rings or other props into the air, without letting the items touch the ground. It is one of the oldest forms of entertainment practised throughout the ages. Continue reading Is Your Financial Life a Circus? →

A Stitch In Time

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It ‘s amazing how a few minutes’ time delay can make a major difference to an entire day. This realisation struck me on a recent bus trip to the country. The driver of the vehicle turned up about 15 minutes late for work, and in his attempt to make up for lost time, he exceeded the speed limit and was stopped by the highway police.

The driver ended up delaying his journey by several more minutes and received a traffic ticket to add to his troubles. When we finally reached our destination he admitted to his team member that every time he was a little late he got caught by the police! As I left the bus, I reflected on the fact that lost time can also multiply problems in our financial lives.

One of the biggest financial misconceptions that many of us entertain is the belief that we have all the time in the world to do the right things with our money. When we spend our money frivolously or procrastinate on taking action on our goals, we usually think that we will be just fine if we save later or start working on our plans at another time. Continue reading A Stitch In Time →

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 →