I know…this is going to be very shocking – so prepare yourself.  But today, I’m going to share a secret and hopefully change a few minds about achieving financial success.  Are you ready?  Ok, here it is…

Winning at money is 80% behavior and 20% head knowledge.”  -Dave Ramsey

Yep, that’s right.  Knowing what to do is one thing (head knowledge), but actually doing it is another (behavior).  I think we all have a common sense knowledge of what we need to do.  Stop spending so much.  Downsize.  Get rid of some things.  Save. 

It’s the behavior that gets us in trouble.  We are either stuck in non-action OR procrastination.  Neither of which involves movement.  We must take the time to do the right things.

No, you don’t have to know how inflation is measured, how to track the gross domestic product or how to trade the stock market.  All of that stuff is irrelevant.  Achieving financial success is your personal journey involving your income, your expenses and your plan.

Failing to plan is planning to fail.  -Alan Lakein

Achieving financial success boils down to just a few key concepts.

1. Creating goals and plans.  Have you ever noticed that when you get in your car to drive that you always arrive at your appointed destination?  The reason is that you know exactly where you are going.  Even if you are venturing into unknown territory, you can find a map to help you arrive to your destination safely.  This same concept applies to your finances.
2. Eliminating Excuses.  The excuses can include but are not limited to procrastination and a lack of discipline.  So much time is lost waiting for that perfect moment to ________.  Only to realize that there is no perfect time.  Just start.  Somewhere.  Create the fire of desire within yourself.
3. Minimize or Avoid Borrowing Money.  If you’ve made a decision to get control of your finances, continually borrowing money will keep you in the cycle of always owing “someone”.  Exercise a temperament of patience.  For smaller purchases, consider saving the cash to purchase products instead of using credit.
4. Eliminate Debt As Quickly As Possible.  Have you ever considered how much money is paid in interest each month to creditors?  A LOT!  These creditors are making a killing on the back of your hard earned money.  Like, it took you 40+ hours last week to earn this money. 
5. Be Willing to Save More than You Spend.  I know this sounds fairly easy, but millions of people spend more than they make monthly.  I think it comes from a false security that every two weeks a paycheck is going to be received.  But, what if?

***

These concepts seems so simple, but still many of us battle with our finances.  The thought is that more money will be made later to cover any current financial mishaps.  What normally happens is that “later” never comes and the struggle is a constant and ongoing practice.  Until we take full responsibility for our financial situation as it is…now.  But that takes a change of behavior.  Which is the hard part.

To Your Success,

Patrenia

Now Over To You. What do you want to scale up in your financial future?  What are some changes you can make or have made?

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.  I can’t wait to hear them.  If you’re reading this article by Email or RSS, click here to come on over and join the conversation.

***

Thank you so much for being a subscriber!  Please feel free to pass this article on to your friends.  This website is becoming a success because of you and your support.  I send you much love!

• Have you heard about my special report!  Download your free copy of 10 Easy Tips to Save Money Now!
• Follow me on Twitter!
• Join PFN on Facebook!

“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” – Tony Robbins

Greetings everyone.  As we embark upon the end of 2009, I’ve decided to take a moment to sit back and reflect upon 2009 as well as create my goals and visions for 2010.

After much hard work and sweat equity, this site officially launched last month.  It has been well received by many and I am receiving wonderful reviews from visitors about the information posted here.

This has truly been a learning experience – challenging, frustrating and enjoyable all at the same time.  How can this be?  There are many ups and downs, but the joy comes when the finished product is way better than one could imagine.  I’m still excited about this opportunity, but I’ve realized that I still have to wear many hats.

You see, naively, I embarked upon this task and assumed that it would be an easy one.  But the reality is that it isn’t.  I have so many ideas floating around in my head, but when I sit down to implement, it feels as though the flow isn’t there.

So over the next week and a half, I’m really going to buckle down and create a business of value for you, the reader, as well as for myself.  I have to create a plan in order to convey the ideas I need and want to implement.  I want this site to be more than just talking about taking action to achieve financial goals.  I want there to be action with my husband and I, continuing on our journey, as well as helping others to create financially healthy lifestyles.  This is definitely a work in progress and I continue to learn so much as I go along.

Thank you all so much for your support.  I’m looking forward to 2010.  I know that it is going to be great!  I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Are you taking time to plan for 2010?  If so, can you share some of your ideas?  If not, can you share why you are not creating goals?

*The holiday post schedule will be once a week on Wednesdays.  We’ll be back in full swing on January 4, 2010.  Feel free to browse through the archives.  I love getting your comments!

***

If you have a question you would like to ask, please feel free to do so by clicking on the “Ask A Question” link to the right.  Don’t forget to subscribe via RSS or E-mail to receive updates from this site!  If you have already subscribed, I want to say thank you.  This website is becoming a success because of you and your support.  I send you much love!