Introduction to financial success

Introduction

There is a common misunderstanding that average and ordinary folks can’t become millionaires.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

The fact is, you have the power to accumulate wealth beyond your dreams. Many people who never earned a six-figure income become financially independent. How do they do it? Doesn’t it take a high-leveljob with a big salary? Or a large inheritance? Or winning the lottery?

The answer is no. No matter what your income level, you can achieve financial security – if you take the time to learn a few simple principles about how money works.

YOU CAN get out of debt.

YOU CAN build savings.

YOU CAN get on the path to financial independence!

By applying the simple principles, you can achieve financial security and ultimately reach your goals. But nobody else can make it happen.
It’s up to you. You have the power to change your life forever. Readyto get started?

Did you know one of the biggest financial mistakes most people make is dependence? Dependence on others allows “outside” factors in people’s lives to control them. The secret to financial security is learning to control the things you CAN control.

I. Pay yourself first

Paying yourself first means putting yourself and your family before any other demands on your money. Paying yourself first is a form of self-respect. Deposit a set amount EACH AND EVERY MONTH into an investment program, no matter what other financial obligations you have. It’s amazing how fast your money can grow if you invest even a small
amount regularly, at a good rate of return.

II. Adjust your priorities

It’s been said that:
If you make $10 and spend $9 = happiness

If you make $10 and spend $11 = misery

As you begin your journey to financial independence, remember this key point: It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep.

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III. Change your thinking

The way you think about money is everything. Your mindset is a powerful thing – especially when it comes to money.
That explains why so many of the people who win the lottery … end up losing it all. It helps you understand how so many millionaires are self made. What is the difference between the two groups? It’s how they think.

If you think you don’t deserve to be financially secure, you’ll never be financially secure. However, if you “upgrade” your selfimage and believe you deserve the freedom and peace of mind that financial security provides, you’ll have a better chance at doing what needs to be done to obtain wealth beyond your dreams.

IV. Adjust your lifestyle

Along with setting priorities comes one tough rule of life: you can’t have everything. You have to make conscious decisions about every purchase.

An important concept to understand is want vs. need.

• A need is something you have to have, something you can’t do without. You “need” food. You “need” shelter.
• A want is something you would like to have. You “want” ice cream. You “want” a bigger house.

If you want to achieve financial independence, you may have to make sacrifices for a period of time and go without some of your “wants.” It’s not that tough, but it is very, very important to your financial health.

V. Earn additional income

If your family income is very modest, things may be so tight that it’s tough to invest more than $50 a month. If you want to make significant progress, consider taking a parttime job to get the extra income needed to start your investment program.

VI. Re-align your assets

This is another way to take control and free up income for savings. There are two major areas in which families are not getting their money’s worth that are great areas to target for adjustment:

1. Low-interest savings accounts or accumulations with banks.
   You can take money from a 1% savings plan and invest it in an area that has the potential for higher returns.

2. High-cost life insurance. You can replace your outdated, expensive cash value insurance policies with term insurance and potentially save thousands of dollars in premium over time! Both of these areas are covered in more detail later
   in this booklet.

VII.Avoid the credit trap

Credit cards are good for convenience but that’s it. Be careful to avoid the pitfalls of “plastic money.” Pay your balance infull each month and you’ll not only avoid interest charges but you’ll prevent your balance from escalating out of control. To keep your monthly charges under control, pay with cash.

You’ll probably find you spend less when you have to hand your money over. See how many options you have? You DO
have a choice about your financial future.

VIII. Set goals and have a plan

You can’t reach your destination if you don’t know what it is. Setting goals gives you two things:

1. An incentive to make the necessary sacrifices

2. Benchmarks along the way to gauge your progress

After you’ve set your goals, you need a road map to get you there. You need a financial game plan. Together with your goals, a game plan is the cement that holds together your financial foundation.