ASK THE COACH
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Start Securing Your Financial Future Now
By Dr. Ray Angelini
The Saratogian
April 18, 2002
Dear Dr. Ray,
My husband and I have been struggling for years to be more financially secure, but despite our best efforts, we still have been unable to achieve the financial independence we are seeking. What would you recommend?
— C.K. in Saratoga
Dear C.K.,
You are not alone in your struggles. Many of my clients struggle with money issues, and I have seen a direct correlation between my clients' ability to handle money and their ability to make more.
I firmly believe that when we are not mature and responsible in how we handle money, we unconsciously send a message to ourselves that we are not good candidates to handle more.
The first step toward financial independence is to learn to handle the basics well. This means regularly balancing your checkbook, paying bills on time and eliminating debt.
By dealing with these basics, we take the first step to inviting more abundance into your life. Once you've got the basics down, the next thing to consider is how well your money is working for you.
Robert Kiyosaki, in his wonderful book Rich Dad, Poor Dad, believes that the main reason people struggle financially is that they often have spent many years in school, but have learned nothing about money. Kiyosaki claims that this results in people working for money, rather than having money work for them.
To gain financial security, it is critically important that you get educated about money and investing. Reading one of the many great books available, like Rich Dad, Poor Dad, is a good way to start. This will begin to lay the foundation on which you can build your financial independence.
Secondly, it is critical that you raise your financial standards and start saving now. Lack of financial resources is the most common excuse offered by most people for being unable to make the kind of financial choices they want to make in their lives. By starting to save now, you begin to have your money start working for you.
Finally, and most importantly, partner with a competent and capable financial adviser. Partnering with the right financial adviser will help you explore and identify the possibilities for your financial future.
Once you become more financially savvy, it will become easier for you to become inspired to raise your financial situation to another level. So start today to secure your financial future. You'll be very glad you did!
