How To Get Out Of A Financial Mess

There are two methods I can recommend about getting out of a financial mess.

1. Defensive Strategies

Cut down what you are already spending on. You can’t start a business being in a financial mess. Cash Flow is more important than revenue. And you need to have positive cash flow if you are going to succeed.

Here are some things you can cut down on:

• Smoking – if you can’t quit, just cut down on a few sticks
• Alcohol – booze can drain your finances faster than a running tap
• Night outs – spend some nights at home thinking about making more money
• Gambling – if you plan to gamble, it is better to gamble in a business or put your money in an investment
• Vacation and Country Clubs – you won’t die without a few memberships
• Food – eat healthily and you can even think clearer
• Laziness – The biggest thing that will hold you back!

Most important of all, don’t buy anything that constitutes a liability. A liability is anything that takes money out of your pocket no matter what they are worth in the future. Think in terms of cash flow. What can I invest in today that will give me money tomorrow?

2. Offensive Strategies

One of the best, low-cost ways to invest in your business skills is to join a Network Marketing company. There are many other options such as starting a traditional business but if you want to guarantee yourself something concrete where business skills are concerned, my take is on Network Marketing.

Regardless of what you have heard about this industry or how much money people have lost there, the biggest reason why I would recommend everyone to invest in a network marketing company is because of what you can learn there, and not because of how much money you can make (although it would be fantastic if you can make a living out of it).

You see, network marketing companies are the one place where people will share their trade secrets FREELY. It is logical because in order for your upline to succeed, they will want you to succeed as well! Therefore, they will not hold back in teaching you the skills of a business person.

Furthermore, the relatively low cost of investing in a network marketing company will amaze you for what you can learn for the price you are paying (a few bottles of vitamins and a business kit for the experience of a lifetime!) They will patiently train you to develop the attitudes and business skills you need to succeed in this industry.

Basically, you can’t succeed in network marketing with an employee’s mindset. A network marketing company will train you in sales, communication, teamwork, leadership, positive thinking, self-improvement, time and financial investment as well as provide you the support of your upline as a personal coach and mentor. I dare say that even if you didn’t make a cent, but diligently went through their program, the skills you develop will last a lifetime.  Another way of looking at it is as a very practical hands-on degree in business that has the potential to make you lots of money along the way.

You can also develop skills by attaching yourself to an insurance agency or as a unit trust consultant. The job may be challenging, but those companies will also teach you the same skills above and maybe even gain a few tips on financial planning as well.

How about an Internet business? If you have the aptitude for computers, Internet businesses offer a low cost, high-profit margin business that can earn a lot of money and tap into a worldwide market.

Other places you can learn about business skills can be found at financial planning courses, real estate investment courses, time management courses and lots more.

All these I have suggested are the safest way you can start a new business. You are only spending a few hundred to a thousand dollars in start-up and education. A traditional business might be too risky for someone without any business experience. You invest anything from tens of thousands of dollars upwards and you might struggle trying just to break even. But once you have developed the business skills from the methods suggested above, you will have a higher chance of succeeding.

The most important thing of all besides a good learning attitude are the people you mix around with.

It has been said before; you are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with!

Imagine if you start talking to your five beer drinking, poker buddies that you want to go out on your own and make a fortune, what would they tell you? Would they laugh their socks off before tearing your ego into a million pieces or would they tell you to go for it?  As difficult as it may be to accept, the answer to this question tells you whether you need a new set of friends or not.

At the heart of man lies jealousy. Some people don’t want to see the people around them succeed because if you succeed, it makes them look bad. They know in their hearts that they are going no where yet they embrace that lifestyle and pull you down with them so the can carry on with their disillusions with life. They will steal your dream, and rob you of your financial freedom if you are not careful!

The key point to remember is: Only mix with Positive thinking people!

Positive thinking is not wishful thinking. A wishful thinker is a dreamer who doesn’t take action. Positive thinking is backed by action and you will feel the energy of people who believe in you and support your dreams.

If you hang out with ducks, you will quack… but if you hang out with eagles, you will soar!

So start looking for people who will follow your vision or are willing to grow together with you.

Lastly, you must BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!

The task of stepping out of your comfort zone may seem terrifying and many will not support your dream. They may even go on the offensive especially if they don’t share your dream. That person may even be your parents or your spouse.

You may find yourself faced with the question, is my financial freedom worth the price I am paying now? Can I live another day with the same routine, the same job, the same paycheck or the same drudgery? If the answer is no, then take action NOW. Not tomorrow, you will wake up and forget about your dream.

Write down your desire on a piece of paper and read it to yourself everyday. Share it with someone positive and take that first step.  You will find your will to pursue your desires tested and until you can stick to your path towards financial freedom without swaying, then you know you have truly developed the mindset to succeed.

• Go to Financial IQ Part 1