7 Habits to Financial Independence

Get out and stay out of debt

7 Habits to Financial Independence

Are you always running short of your funds? Do you still have to borrow money sometimes to at least live comfortably? Do you get to pay your bills on time?

If you answered mostly yes, then you are in danger of being financially unstable. You cannot afford the things you want and sometimes, even the things you need. Don’t go sulking out there! You better move your body. If such is the case, better tell yourself that you cannot afford to be that way always. You have to be financially independent.

What is financial independence? Financial independence is the capability to determine and support yourself through your own endeavors. There are 7 ways or habits for you to follow to gain financial independence. With the right attitude and the proper goal in mind, you might just find yourself beaming with pride because of your achievement.

1. Keep a focused vision
Start with a vision. What is your vision for your life? Where are you definitely heading? You want financial independence. You want to be able to stand on your own and have a more stable and secured life, for yourself and for your family.

Keep that vision in mind. Hold on to it as you start to realize that vision. The choices and decisions you will make in the future will have to head to the direction of your goal. Return to that vision when things get doubtful or tough.

2. Invest your money wisely

Generate income. Your income will be the financial foundation of your vision. This will basically come from your job’s income, but don’t settle with that.

Aim to increase your income. Invest your time, money and effort into a beneficial enterprise. Start a business that you feel passionately about and make sure it will work. Think carefully of every detail in your enterprise and work on it. Do not settle with good enough results. Aim for excellence, quality and integrity to succeed.

3. Save up

Start a fund for your future. Allot a percentage of your present income to savings. Do this at the start of each month, before you go ahead. This will avoid the enticement to buy, buy, buy. It will also teach you how to properly budget your money for necessary expenses.

Money in the bank could also earn interest. Although it is not considerable compared to a good investment, it is still a good way to keep money for your future. Just make sure you maintain the money in your savings account. Avoid touching it unless it is really necessary.

Give value also to your coins. Every single cent matters. All of those scattered coins you have there could comprise a few dollars. Even if it is considerably small amount, it will still find some use for that.

4. Spend wisely

Don’t spend all your earnings. As they say, don’t earn to spend. Buy only things that you really need. Tighten those belts for now as you bank for a more secured future. Choose to live simply.

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Forget the need to show off on other people that you can afford. If you want achieve financial independence, you must hold on to your money as much as possible.

Avoid incurring debts as much as possible. Take control of your finances as much as possible. Credit cards for example could hold you locked in a desperate state. You could be getting what you want now through that credit card, but imagine yourself giving the bulk of your income for interest payments! Make ends meet in the meantime for later on in life, you will surely afford to be leisurely.

5. Keep contingency plans

You must plan ahead for events in the future. Have contingencies. Make certain that your financial assets are secured. At this phase, it is a good option to get an insurance policy. Insure your life, health and property, even your loved ones.

Protect your interests whenever you enter into any engagement. Make sure that your endeavor is legal, that you are financially capable, and that it is feasible within your means. This way, you will have optimal performance and desirable results. You could prevent harmful losses in the long run.

6. Take care of yourself

Health is wealth. The only way for you to achieve your dreams and be able to stand on your own is when you are physically and psychologically able to do so. Have regular check ups with your physician. Have a healthy diet. Exercise Regularly. Health will be your asset to achieve financial independence. Only a good physical standing would allow you to enjoy the fruits of your toils today.

7. Be Unstoppable

You must keep yourself focused to achieve the goal of being financially independent. Do not let yourself be distracted by whimsical desires. Do not spray. Do not procrastinate. Every cent and every minute counts as what you do today will have a lot to say on what you will have in the future. Take advantage of every opportunity that will come your way. Keep yourself confident.

Tell yourself, you will not be a loser in this game. You have to make it!

source: http://www.indiamoneycontrol.com/index.php/7-habits-to-financial-independence/

Lester Melo

Weddings and Dreams GOA

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Religion Today

This weekend past and the topic of conversation on the Sunday table was Church.

Image by bill barber (very sporadic) via Flickr

My Mother and Brother were chatting about how Saturday Mass in Church was fairly empty and that a lady announced that the people in the back move to the front seats.
Now, my family have been going to this Mass on a regular basis and you know the feeling of how we all have our special seats - whether when we were in a class room, or at our favorite Restaurant - Church being no exception, both my brother and mother who were sat separately moved a row or two in front but not too far from their area of "Zen" as my brother put it. To the astonishment of most in the back rows, the fans were all put off in the rear end of the church leaving all those back seaters hot and flie infested for the rest of the Mass.
I completely understand the intention of the announcer to bring people closer, but we are not living in an autocratic society or religion. During a time where the biggest loser of followers around the world is the Catholic Religion we should be welcoming our flock not letting them heat up because they do not want to move to the front rows. Church goers today are so few - An empty church that needs the front rows filled , now wasn't that a clue enough for that announcer?

On a different note - I was at mass on Sunday in Don Bosco's, Panjim and although am not trying

Image by Oldtasty via Flickr

to make this Blog sound like i am preaching but I was taken a back by the Sermon. It got me thinking and I felt that this was something I would like to share.
The gist of it was that Prophets over time and even our lord Jesus Christ were never really accepted in their own home town by their own people. They had large followings and were honored in other places, but rarely in their own home town.
It felt so true, as we are often taken for granted by people that we have known our whole lives and yet get revered by those who don't or hardly know us.

I guess, the difference is that people close to us judge us for what we were and our admirers judge us for what we have become. Think about that ..

Let me know what you think about this - your feedback is most appreciated, so please leave a comment.

Lester Melo

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