Saving animals and establishing humane laws takes money.  Therefore, I’m dedicating every Friday to Fiscal Fitness.

Have you been living like Scrooge lately?  Holding on a bit too tight to what you have been blessed with?  Many times I see people in dire financial straits I see a habit of hoarding.  If you don’t have money coming in, maybe it is because you have been trying to hold on to what you have too hard.If you learn to open your heart, mind and pocket book, you will find that money, like all matter is dynamic. 

If you hold on to what you have because you are afraid nothing else will come your way, you are outside of faithful living.  I realize it is very hard when you don’t have much money to give some away, but at the same time, if you don’t shift your fear based hoarding, you will continue to block energy. 

Take a moment right now and pray.  Ask God what you should give and to whom or what.  Then trust that divine guidance. 

The sad truth is that there is enough abundance in the universe to feed, house, cloth and educate everyone on the planet.  It is only distribution and greed that get in the wayKate’s book, “Anyone Can Make a Million Investing in Real Estate” has many more practical tips on ways to save money and increase earnings.  $10 will buy either an ebook or a paperback copy (while supplies last).  Click here.

This is part of a series I’m writing called Motivated Mondays.  In order to be able to provide service to others including animals, we need to feel good about our bodies and keep them healthy.

Who says exercise needs to be complicated.  There are many great outdoor and indoor activities you can do by yourself or with others.  Dancing is one of the best ways to keep in shape.  If you are single, you might want to look for a line dance group in your area.  Walking or hiking with friends is another way to keep fit.   If the gym has lost it’s thrill maybe it is time to incorporate some natural outdoor activities.  What did you enjoy doing as a kid?  Should you learn to climb rocks, row a boat, or take a group of kids (any age) to the paint ball park?  With so many options, exercise never needs to be boring.

Saving animals and establishing humane laws takes money.  Therefore, I’m dedicating every Friday to Fiscal Fitness.

Clutter is often a sign of hoarding and a fear of letting go.  If we hold on to things from our past that we no longer enjoy we are blocking energy to create our new improved selves.  Since dealing with clutter can be physically and emotionally draining you may want to consider the following:Start small.  Set up a routine time each week to tackle clutter.  For example, you may want to set aside 7-8pm Tuesday night. 

Start with your smallest closet.  Remove everything and place back in it only the things you love and use.  Put the other stuff in a box to give away or take to a consignment shop.  (I never recommend having yard sales for two reasons.  First, your keeping your stuff in the house for that someday that may never come.  Then you have to deal with all that crap again.  It is too much work physically and emotionally.)

Hire professional help.  Having someone with you to guide you through the process can be extremely helpful.  They will keep you on track, help you through your emotions and may provide physical assistance or necessary referrals.Once you have cleared a space, you may be shocked to see all the new and good energy that is waiting to enter your life. 

Kate’s book, “Anyone Can Make a Million Investing in Real Estate” has many more practical tips on ways to save money and increase earnings.  $10 will buy either an ebook or a paperback copy (while supplies last).  Click here.

This is part of a series I’m writing called Motivated Mondays.  In order to be able to provide service to others including animals, we need to feel good about our bodies and keep them healthy.

One of the best ways to maintain an exercise routine is to join a group.  There are so many exercise classes to choose from–water aerobics, high and low impact aerobics, step classes, spinning classes, walking groups, weight lifting classes, yoga and many more.

I find it helpful to participate in classes where people grunt and laugh together.  The time seems to fly by and it’s a great way to make friends who support your healthy lifestyle.

This is part of a series I’m writing called Motivated Mondays.  In order to be able to provide service to others including animals, we need to feel good about our bodies and keep them healthy.

Ok, I admit it….sometimes I let myself go.  I’ve always had a tendency to be heavy but somewhere over the last decade I’ve accumulated about 40 extra pounds.  I get so caught up in work and doing what I want that I forget to care for my body.  Also, I hate doctors.  Not personally, it’s just I don’t want a stranger touching my body.  And, being overweight, I didn’t want some stranger…my doctor coming in and telling me I needed to lose weight.  But, I want to take better care of myself as I age. 

So, last month I had the works, meaning a complete physical that included tests for thyroid, diabetes, and cholesterol.  My doctor came in and talked to me before I ever undressed.  She was kind and helpful.  Then she left the room and re-entered it for the exam.  She left again and came back in when I was dressed so we could discuss a minor skin irritation.  Not once did she mention my weight but instead encouraged me to keep up what I have been doing.  Thanks to a mostly vegetarian diet and a highly rambunctious dog, I’m in great health.  So now that I know my heart is healthy and my blood pressure is normal, I joined a gym. 

If it’s been awhile since you have had a physical, make an appointment today. If you have a condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, it is critical that you catch and treat it early.  Also, as you improve your fitness, you may be able to reduce medicines (under doctor supervision).   One of the best ways to monitor your level of fitness is to know where you are at right now. 

Saving animals and establishing humane laws takes money.  Therefore, I’m dedicating every Friday to Fiscal Fitness.Housing is one of the largest investments for most people. 

Per multi-financial reports, your housing costs should be 30% or less of your income.  This applies whether you rent or own your house.  A person who makes $40,000 should spend no more than approximately $12,000 or $1000 a month on housing.  And, it should include your taxes and insurance.  Sometimes, it’s impossible to find safe, clean housing that meets our budgets because we are living in places that are expensive. 

A few options to consider:

1.       Can you move into a smaller, less expensive place?

2.       Is there another part of town that is close to your work and still enjoyable but a little less expensive?

3.       Can you share housing?

4.       Is there anywhere else in the US you would like to live where either your housing cost will be less (and your income would be the same) or where your housing cost is similar but you will earn more money?

5.       Instead of buying your “dream house” can you buy a livable fixer upper or a duplex where your tenants rent will greatly reduce your mortgage payments.

Kate’s book, “Anyone Can Make a Million Investing in Real Estate” has many more practical tips on ways to save money and increase earnings.  $10 will buy either an ebook or a paperback copy (while supplies last).  Click Here. 

This is part of a series I’m writing called Motivated Mondays.  In order to be able to provide service to others including animals, we need to feel good about our bodies and keep them healthy.

Many people say when X then Z.  Such as when I’m through with school, divorced, married, at a new job, then I’ll join a gym, join weight watchers, change my diet, etc.  But the best time to start anything is right now.  Take an honest look at your eating and exercise habits.  Can you really go to the gym 5 times a week?  Can you really prepare all natural meals throughout the week? 

It is always good to set a high standard for yourself, but if you set the bar too high, you may feel constant defeat.  If you are just starting an exercise plan, why not plan to walk 20 minutes three times a week.  Instead of a major change in your diet, why not just eliminate sugar or late night snacks.

Once you experience success with small changes you can raise the bar to a new and higher level.

Saving animals and establishing humane laws takes money.  Therefore, I’m dedicating every Friday to Fiscal Fitness.

Many articles coach people how to save money making the assumption that everyone has a good income.  There are many bright, creative, hardworking individuals who make close to minimum wage.  This is not caused by a recession but rather a lack of planning and the ability to implement a good plan.  Your economic needs will vary depending on housing cost in your area but if you make less than $40,000 a year you may want to ask yourself some hard questions. 

1.       Look for ways to make passive income.  Passive income is any money earned through little effort.  I call it sleeping money.  If you invest in the stock market and your portfolio increases, that’s passive income.  If you automate a website to sell products that’s passive income.  If you invest in real estate and spend little to no time managing it, that’s passive income.  Passive income is the only way to substantial wealth.  The good news though, is you can start generating passive income with very little cash.  Consider investing as little as $50/month in a no load mutual fund.

2.       Can I make money following my passion?  If not, what’s the next best thing that will provide substantial income for me?  If you can make a living following your passion, hire a marketing coach so you can increase your earnings.

3.       If you are employed, and you like your job, ask your supervisor what you could do to increase your earnings. 

4.       If you like your full time job but just run short now and then, consider taking on some freelance work or a part-time job.

5.       If you like your work and you can start your own business give it some serious thought.  For example, one massage therapist I knew began her own business.  She was great at marketing and within the first year had enough work to hire a second therapist.  Another massage therapist I knew left to start her own business.  She was a great therapist but hated marketing.  The last time I saw her she was busy work several part time jobs.  She would have been better off staying where she was and increasing her client base.  Kate’s book, “Anyone Can Make a Million Investing in Real Estate” has many more practical tips on ways to save money and increase earnings.  $10 will buy either an ebook or a paperback copy (while supplies last).  Click here.