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There was a time when I thought you either had time or you had money and when you had neither then things had to change. Despite sometimes still wishing I had more money or more security around it I have come through some tight financial times and I can see I’ve done a fair job of managing what I have and making something of it.
I’d forgotten that being the one responsible for managing the family income and managing a road construction business with all its uncertainties taught me quite a few things – eg
- How to make one week’s pay stretch when the boss didn’t pay you for a week (then a couple of weeks and once, only once, for a few weeks) because he didn’t think you needed it,
- Setting aside funds for those bigger bills,
- Calling in invoices due when the unwritten rules were that their payment terms were 90 days, regardless of whether mine were 7 days,
- Making sure all the boxes are ticked and playing the game to receive the payment for services rendered,
- And paying down the mortgage
- All despite the antics of a dishonest business partner.
Each time, things only began to change when I took charge of the basics ie
- Put in a plan (aka budget) that covered all the bases,
- Negotiated new terms,
- Set up automatic and regular payments,
- Allowed for an assortment of contingencies,
- Created systems that made me a third party, not the desperate victim needing the money,
- And made it happen – no excuses, and “I’m sorry if you don’t like that I’ve said “no” to the newest gadget/rule you think I need to play by but that doesn’t work for me.”
Making sure the money is in before it’s needed is much more fun than avoiding the phone and paying late fees, interest & other random charges. It may mean making some changes you don’t want to make for a time and it may mean missing out for a bit. These are short term means to a long term end and they are a small price to pay to gain back control of your finances.
Is your money situation stressing you out? Contact me or book a session to find out how partnering with a life coach can help you reclaim your finances.