Financial Health..how fit are you?

Financial Freedom is what I hear most people say when they tell me why they want to learn Real Estate Investing. They understand the power of leverage through Real Estate, however, financial freedom is a vague statement.

Let's take it a bit deeper. Those who tell me I am looking for Financial freedom are really looking for more time to do what they "want" to do. They want the choice of their schedule. They want more time with family. These are all good and fine but still we must dig a little deeper. Get to the core issue of what we must learn and do to obtain this goal.

Interesting! I am all about Fitness. I work out and I strive to learn how to eat healthy. My basic physical make up is a high fat content which I have dealt with all my life. In fact, I have my fat percentage checked regularly something most people don't even know what % they have. I do, and have been labeled in the "obese" category all my life. If one looked at me, that wouldn't make sense but I swear based on the charts I am borderline ALWAYS in the obese category. Is that frustrating? YES!

I am doing a body "rehab" to get my body fat % under control. I know it is healthier for me to get it lowered. I continue learning how to maintain it through healthy eating. I learn more and can handle it better each time I focus on the goal of getting it lowered. Is it easy, not really. Is it simple YES.

Those who know me, know I use analogies in everything and financial health and physical health compare nicely. Here's what I have found.

I have been financially obese most of my life. My debts were out of hand. On paper, our debts didn't look so bad but come every month our checkbook took a beating. We usually had more month left over money.

I began my financial rehab 2 1/2 years ago. Doug and I wrote down every penny we spent and on what. We learned where we spent our money. Once we knew where our priorities were, we could split up our monies in different categories. Yes we have a "play" account. As T. Harv Ecker states in his book, "Secrets of a Millionaire Mind" a play account is to be spent every month. It's not fair to "save" up for something big. That something big is your "future vacation" fund or "Future whatever" account.

You spend your play money on quality not quantity. For example, If you had $100 dollars to spend. You would spend it on an expensive dinner vs buying 100 dollar items at the dollar store.

There is a game plan just like a diet plan to achieve your goals of financial health. Stay tuned...more to come in following posts

Create yourself a great day!

Jody Hill



- About the Author:
I guide and direct others to live life earning six figure incomes on their time and in their timeframes so they can do more and be more for those they love the most.

To learn more about what I do and how you can become financially healthier go to: http://www.moneymama.biz

Gratitude

This morning I have been pondering all the things in my life I'm grateful for. It's amazing how abundant life becomes when you can spot those things of importance. The most significance is relationships. I'm not sure why I was so hesitant to connect with others, including my own husband and children. What a great journey I have been on and so blessed to have this time to learn more about how amazing my family and friends are. My gratitude is indescribable!!

Our children think it's a bit strange at times because that is not what they grew up with. I figured I was doing them a favor not connecting with them, thinking they would be disappointed in my short comings AND me a favor because then I wouldn't get hurt. Silly thoughts but they were very real.

In Napoleon Hill's book "Think and Grow Rich", one of his 6 fears... fear of loss of love. I would never have believed this was a strong driving force behind why I did what I did. The other big fear was .... fear of criticism. This one made sense, I grew up where I could do nothing right, according to everyone in my life such as; Teachers, Mother, Sister, Friends, Neighbors etc. I mean no one!!! I either talked to much or too little, did too much or to little, expected to do great in school but didn't, even my 7th grade choir teacher asked me in front of the class, "what in heaven's name are even doing in this class? You can't sing!" She suggested I not come back. Yes that is a true story.

It got so it became true for me as well. I self judged myself as never being good enough. When I married and started our family, this made more sense as to why I stayed back from connecting to those that matter most in my life. Those fears felt real and strong. HOWEVER, when I learned and understood more about what fears are and where they come from, I began to walk through the darkness as I started my new journey towards love and acceptance. First person being myself! I knew if I couldn't accept and love myself -- I knew I could not give what I didn't have!

This holiday season, give yourself the ultimate gift.... the gift of acceptance and love of who you are ... the good, bad and ugly!

Create yourself a fabulous day!

Jody