You have helped me realize truly what money is and how to use that knowledge to my advantage. In February I requested your services after reviewing the website numerous times, actually reading and watching the videos, starting my financial education. I know you remember I became more motivated to do so after being informed that I was being laid off by my employer. Apprehensive about the personal information of finances made me hesitant to share my income and debt. Revealing your finances is like disrobing in front of a stranger and making a 180 degree turn, however I did this and have only had positive outcomes ever since.
You sat with me reviewing the categories of my income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Seeing everything in black and white was quite disheartening. Some acquisitions I believed to be assets were identified as liabilities. Expenditures per month, both needed and frivolous, were exposed. This left me disappointed in myself. I could see how shallow I had been. I could see how ignorant I had been spending so much money unnecessarily on clothes, eating out and entertainment. This was enough to pay a mortgage! It made me ask myself, why? What was I trying to achieve? Who was I trying to impress? Do I care if strangers think I’m successful after they see a Fendi bag on my shoulder or do I know I am successful because of the private lifestyle I obtain by spending on a need basis? I often have challenged myself to not be “L.A.” and having no need to live beyond my means for show. Yet that is who I had become. The Fendi purse (authentic) never really contributed to my happiness because I always questioned why I would spend so much.
I recall you just sitting back and looking at me as I reviewed the categories, waiting for my reaction. Then I was reassured by you it was okay because I had time to make a change. By your recommendation, an action plan was developed and I was on my way... That first month I saved an extra $700 and you were as proud of me as I was of myself, and surprised.
At the same time I began reading the suggested literature and everything began to come together, my financial education was developing. It was like when a child first starts to learn to read, first it is just sight words, recognizable. Over time there is a development of comprehension. This is how you have been a teacher in my financial education. This education has enabled me to see the possibility of me being “financially free.” Free from debt, free from concern about losing my job, free from feeling any financial obligations.
Prior to meeting
you and the development of my financial education I purchased designer
anything and everything, wanting to “look good.” Now I make smarter purchases and I “feel good.” I have managed, with your guidance, to start saving almost a third of my monthly income, paying myself first. A future without debt is now a real objective. Soon I'll have no mortgage equaling a lot more freedom. I’ve
come to realize how worthless money itself really is, simply being a
means of trade, from the numerous conversations we have had and the
experience of the nation this past year. I now know, this
paper means of trade has continued to lose value, therefore I need to
recognize the means of trade of the world that will be needed
regardless of the state of the economy. I've also learned how to use credit to my advantage and not to my demise. I now see myself deft free very soon along with extra income from your investment suggestions, something I've had in mind but could never put together myself.
Like you say, the only way to win is to play the game, thank you for teaching me the player instructional manual!
K. M., Long Beach, CA.
Update: K.M. has actually began to keep double of what they believed was initially possible ( so about $1500 a month ) using the tools and advise I shared with them. K.M. is now looking to purchase income producing real estate and looking into other investments. This was all on their own, about four months after last follow-up. I'm really proud of you, thank you for contacting me and sharing that K.M.
