Probably the worst part of personal finance is having to handle issues surrounding misrepresentation.  Misrepresentation, as I see it, is being presented information in an unsatisfactory or false manner.  Because some people are so slick and cunning, deceit can come in many different variations. 

There is no specific color, shape, size, or height of dishonest people, but I would like to give you some common actions to look for:

• Rushing you to sign paperwork.  Ever heard this? “Sign here, here, here and here..” 
• Hiding the terms.  Only focusing on payment and not the actual terms of the contract.
• Devaluing disclosures.  Not fully explaining your rights as a consumer if something goes wrong.
• Speaking in terminology you don’t understand.
• Dodging your important questions.

Not paying attention to these critical signs could definitely lead to you becoming their latest victim.  So, how can we have great shopping experiences and protect ourselves at the same time?

Be aware.  You know that old saying, “If it’s too good to be true, then it probably is.”  Do your research and be prepared.  Alan Greenspan says it like this…“An informed borrower is simply less vulnerable to fraud and abuse.”

Ask questions.  Asking questions is a sign of strength, not weakness.  Many times we are embarrassed or afraid to ask for fear of how it will make us look.  But the truth is that we look far worse when we don’t. 

Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.  – Og Mandino

Pay attention to your intuition.  You know that gut feeling that tells you something is not right.

To me, it’s kind of like having an “angel” in one ear and the “devil” in the other.  We want to make the right decision and listen to the right voice, but it’s difficult.  Especially when emotions are involved.

Start by creating your line in the sand moment.  If a salesperson at any time crosses that line…end the conversation.  I don’t care if it’s at the end of a long and outdrawn process.  Your feelings as the buyer must be heard.  It’s your time and your money.  Refuse to let anyone abuse it. 

This is so important.  Feeling empowered is helping people be courageous enough to walk away.  Think about it, walking away initially makes for a lot less pain later.  I’m not saying that you should be hard core, but just know that you should respect and be respected.

The key here is to have a watchful eye.  Don’t be too trusting.  Everyone does not have your best interest at heart.  Many times befriending you and making the sale is the only goal the salesperson has set out to achieve.  Once you’ve been conquered…it’s on to the next victim.

Remember, the goal is for you to come out at the end of the process knowing that you have made a great decision.  Don’t be afraid to say…“This is where I draw the line!”

So, how about you…have you dealt with salespeople that misrepresented products, terms, etc?  How did you deal with them?

This is where I draw the line Image by Eva Blue

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I appreciate you for taking the time to read this article today!  If you can relate, feel free to share your experience.  I’d love to hear from you!

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A few years ago, I decided to set new goals.

It all started when I was introduced to the late Jim Rohn.  He was speaking at an engagement in New Orleans back in 2002.  I’d just become aware of his motivational style of speaking just a few months prior and knew it was a great opportunity to hear him LIVE!!!

My husband, my mom and I excitedly shuffled down to New Orleans for this event.  I was a Mortgage Loan Consultant at a local company here in Baton Rouge and getting motivated was considered a great reason to get a free pass.  Many of us took advantage of the opportunity to skip work and hear Jim Rohn share an inspiring message.

He shared so much and of course I took notes, but what I remember most though was this key point…“Have more than one source of income.” Not sure why this stuck out most.  Maybe it was because I was just starting to establish my career.  I started thinking, but finding ways to diversify my income at that time was difficult.  I worked full time, and was a wife and mother.  My little ones were only about 1 and 2 years old, so my hands were full.

Though my life was challenging, I often reflected on those words and wondered how I could find a way to make income diversification happen in my life.  My thoughts leaned more towards  turning my career experience into an additional source of income.

My answer came as I drew from my own life’s encounters.  I looked at the financial lives of many of my clients…then I took a look at my own financial life.  I didn’t like what I saw.

We were all kind of floating around in the same boat.  I didn’t have the credit issues that many of them faced, but we were all working basically just to pay the bills.  Juggling money, career, and family life.

After my husband and I found our own way to become more financially sufficient, it lead me to, what I believe, a moment where I knew what I had to do.  Help others to do the same.

Using the experience I gained from the mortgage industry and my own personal experience, I set a goal to become a Financial Counselor.  Today, I am thankful to say that I have finished my course.  As of April  14, 2010, I am official.  Patrenia D. Spears – Accredited Financial Counselor and Coach.  I cannot express how excited I am about this opportunity.

So, how does this affect you?   Well over the next few weeks, I will be hopefully putting together a starting process that will help me to those that really want to take control of their lives.  I will at that time probably offer a limited consulting service.  I haven’t really decided how this will be done, so please bear with me.

Just know this, I-WANT-TO-HELP you reach your goals!!!  My passion is serving and making a difference.  I want to help struggling families get on track, couples start their lives winning, young people start their lives prosperous, and everyone to increase their knowledge to build a strong financial house. The possibilities are endless.  I’m definitely open to any ideas while I’m working through this process.  So feel free to contact me here and let me know how I can help you.  I look forward to what’s in store!

If this message is not for you…that’s ok.  I’d still like to hear your recommendations.  I’ve enjoyed having you join me here over the last few months.

Sincerely,

Patrenia Donald-Spears, AFC

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Thank you so much for reading! Please feel free to share this article with your family and friends.  I wish you lots of financial success.  I send you much love!

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My life in 10 years photo by lululemon athlethica

“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!

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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!