Generational Financial Responsibility

As with most skills, talents, and overall 'education' gained throughout a lifetime of experiences, remember - practice makes perfect, and consistency is key. We suggest that when imparting knowledge of finances; from children saving change in a piggy bank, to teenagers saving a percentage of an allowance or gifts in cash, working with them in a mentor role, as they start their very own bank accounts is critical to generational success. 

Practice Makes Perfect 

Every day, month, quarter and year, there are activities and habits needed to be accomplished consistently. This helps ground children in the basics of financial literacy, which are appropriate to their family wealth factors and long-term responsibilities such as philanthropy. 

Children who will inherit significant wealth and the responsibilities that go along with it, require world-class preparation. Balancing income and outgoings and understanding compound interest is one thing, but managing assets, establishing a growth-mindset, and teaching a child to have vision, is another. Parents may have built up a very successful business, but your children may someday need to sit on the board and also approve the management of investments that support an extended family.

One way to engage children is to play off of their passions; otherwise, financial education will feel like classroom instruction. There are "family wealth advisors" who work with families to identify the things their children already have an interest in, and are willing to spend time pursuing such as a favorite sport or activity. From this identification, these counselors develop a learning program around the child's interest or passions as a theme. 

The end goal is to help each family member of the next generation to have an individual 'economic vision statement,' and to have developed the skills required to realise their unique vision and support in turning the vision into a reality.

While many families want their children to understand the basic concepts and terms, their children need to go beyond the introductory level of money management to incorporate family values, such as those related to charitable giving or volunteering, as well as their particular interests in participating. Their 'economic vision statements' themselves will evolve as these children mature and become more focused in their individual interest and goals. 

Consistency is Key 

Every family takes for granted that if a child is going to be a proficient at tennis, golf or the piano, they need regular lessons, a great teacher, and practice. It's that same thing for financial education. And so, those kids who get practice, great instruction, and lessons do better." By incorporating the "passions" and interests of your children - regardless of age. 

Those parents who hope a financial education specialist can take their kids and tutor them may have good intentions, but they're not taking necessary actions to address the challenge. Parents and children must be involved. To do it otherwise is just a waste of time and money, not every family has the appetite to take on this work. It's costly. It takes a fair investment of time. And it certainly requires all family members to begin to look at their actions in a different way. In general, there's certainly interest in financial education, but I think a lot of it is just trivial unless there's an ongoing commitment to the process. The commitment needs to be at least as powerful as the commitment to building the next pro golfer.

Planning for Financial literacy 

Learning starts early - just as models of non-productive behavior do. While parents may have good intentions for raising money-mature children, they often fail to succeed because they don't move from 'soft' intentions to a realised program of financial education tailored to the age and interests of the next generation. 

The kids who do well have parents who've gone from good intentions to being intentional. Every parent has the good intention for their children to grow up financially intelligent, but few of them really act on it. Parents who have a growth mindset, are committed to their intentions can help ensure the orderly transition of financial planning from parent to child.

Hot Tips: 

• The prime age is between 6 and 14 for learning and building good, solid money skills 
• Preparation for building and managing wealth is an on-going activity, if you want to create and sustain long term generational financial responsibility
• Consistency, planning and practice truly does make the real difference

How Do I Get Into Commercial Real Estate Investing?

First of all, commercial investing is not as hard as people think. There seems to be a stigma surrounding commercial investing. People think it's the big glass 100 million dollar buildings downtown. Sure, it is, but it's not always that. There are many different kinds of commercial investing that you can get into. You can start small and work your way up. It's not as hard as people think. It's not as hard to get funded, to find deals, and sometimes not as much work, once you have the deals. 

Everyone that owns commercial properties are not like Donald Trump. They don't all have their own TV shows, aren't in the news, aren't in the casinos, own sports teams, and don't have the perfect woman on their arm. It's just real people that own most of the commercial properties out there. People like you and me. It's the guy next store. The guy that owns a few Dunkin Donuts stores. There are all types of commercial properties. 

Let's talk about the basics. First off, what is commercial investing? When it houses a business, it's a commercial investment. Business parks, where it's one level, and there are many different buildings, those are commercial rented condos or business offices. It consists of office buildings in office parks. There are also industrial parks which look like office parks, but they are mostly blue collar businesses like manufacturers, warehouses, and storage places. This also includes strip malls where there are Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, UPS stores, etc. It's one building, one-story tall that's broken off into many different stores. Then we have our indoor malls where there are hundreds of stores inside, which include an anchor store, which is the main store, like a Decathlon or Target to get your attention. There are also office condos which house doctors, offices too. Also, we have warehouses, and even apartment houses. These are considered recession-proof properties. Assisted living facilities are commercial properties as well. Let's not forget about land. People are buying land and putting a cell tower or antennae on the land and making money. 

When you are out driving around, please pay attention to what you are seeing. Start noticing these commercial properties. Start thinking about commercial investing! Commercial investing adds a zero. You can do one deal a year in commercial investing and become a multi-millionaire. Some people have done one deal and it has changed their life, enabling them to retire. Don't let it intimidate you. It just has one more zero on the end! 

One of the things about commercial investing is that once you own the property, it's easier to maintain it because most of the time, you will let the pros handle it. You will have a management team to handle the payments, as well as attorneys and accountants handling the day to day work. There will be less day to day work once you own that commercial property, versus a residential property. Let's face it. If you own one piece of property with tenants in there, you know how much work that is. If you have a few properties, it's even more work dealing with tenants not paying, collections, disappearing tenants, and cleaning it out and finding new tenants. It's a lot of work! Virtually, you can pretty much have the pros do it for you. You can hire a management team, attorney, and accountant. Properties generally throw off enough monthly cash flow so that you can have it all taken care of for you. 

Anything you do with residential properties, you can do with commercial properties! You can buy and hold a house and rent it out, as well as a commercial property. You can wholesale it, get a contract on it, find someone to pay more, flip it, and step out of the deal. You never owned it. You get your finders' fee or spread, but instead of making $3,000 or $8,000, you can start making $50,000 to $200,000 just by flipping commercial deals. Just add another zero or two! Don't let it intimidate you! 

You can also lease commercial properties with the option to buy and make the big bucks! 

All of the same techniques you can use with houses, you can use with commercial properties. Note that one of the main differences is how you get the value. You can have two apartment buildings across the street from each other or in the same complex, and both apartment buildings can be identical. But, if one is 30% occupied and one is 70% occupied, and the first one is worth $700,000 and the next one worth 3 or 4 million, the only difference is how much it's occupied. How do you make big money fast in commercial investing? You find the one that is 30% occupied, find 5 or 6 tenants and bring it up to 70% occupied, and then you sell, get out of it, and make the spread. You can double or quadruple the cost or equity of commercial property by controlling it, filling it, and then getting out of it. It's a beautiful thing! 

Don't let commercial investing intimidate you. Add a couple of zero's to the profit! Consider opening your mind about commercial investing. Start thinking big! 

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Nick_Cifonie/237825

How Any Woman Can Become Rich

Did you know that there is no shortage of money? The problem is that you may not believe that you are worthy of having a lot of money. Anything you believe you can have, you will receive it. If someone is going to get rich, then why not YOU?

Many women are on the list of the rich and famous today. There is no secret on how to get money. You either inherit money or acquire it through some type of business (unfortunately, a lottery win is extremely unlikely). People's reasons for acquiring a lot of money are different from others. Some will apply money to their daily needs and wants to live a better life. Others may save their fortune and leave it to their children. Some use money to devote to a charitable cause to make the world a better place to live. 

If you want to create wealth, you must do something different. First, pay off all those credit cards and get out of debt. Second, you should make saving and investing your money a high priority in your life. To keep most of your money, you must make wise investments. You may start this process by seeking the advice from financial experts. 

When you use money to fulfill your purpose by starting a business to help others fulfill theirs, then you are doing good. When you are doing good with money, you can expect to draw more money to you. Once you start drawing money to you, then the sky is the limit. This means that you can get lots of money or as much as you want or need to fulfill your purpose. It is like standing under a water fall, "If you stand under a water fall, you are bound to get wet." The same is true with money, if you follow the principles of making and investing money, over a period of time, you are bound to get rich.

To the new and experienced entrepreneurs, getting help with your small business is very crucial to your success. Getting the right help will cause you to avoid costly mistakes, and it can also help you to save a lot of time, money and energy. You will need to get the right help to form the legal structure of the business, financial, management, procurement/certification, marketing, pricing products, preparing a business plan, and more. 

There are many successful business coaches and mentors that you can learn from, you just need to be clear on the areas you require support with. Look for recommendations within your local communities, FB groups, online sites such as Upwork and network with those around you. 

Always remember when you are starting out- to focus on the areas you are good at, get support in the areas you are not so great. You do not need to hire full time employees, look at pay on demand type services for booking keeping, accountancy, virtual assistants etc. I would also suggest you look for collaborations with others where you can exchange services which is a won-win for many people.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dr._Mary_E._Waters/99920

How to Demonstrate Smart Financial Habits to Your Kids

Your kids will follow your example in many things that they do so it is important that you practice what you preach. How to demonstrate smart financial habits to your kids starts with this important understanding. Use the trust that is instinctively there between you and your kids and teach them the right way. 

Kids need to learn that money doesn't just fall from a tree, it is hard-earned and must be used wisely. Start by giving them an allowance based on their age and understanding. Make it a regular ritual and request for books to be read in exchange. Note the point I wrote about reading books and not chores. 

Chores are a part of life and NOT a paid task. If you pay your kids for chores, you are teaching your kids to be employees where they exchange time for money. If you pay your kids to read books, you enable them to expand their thinking and create an Entrepreneur mindset.

When it comes to payment for reading books, choose a day each fortnight or each month and hand over their 'pay packet' pocket money in an envelope addressed with your child's name. Show respect for the money. Ask them how their last allowance was spent so that you can get a handle on their spending habits. Get them to keep a little notebook as their 'spending account ledger'. 

Congratulate them if they are saving their money. Encourage this habit and you might even reward their habit of saving by giving them a small bonus to add to their account. Ask if they are saving for something special. If they are close to their goal and it is near a birthday you could make up the difference as part of their birthday gift. You'll know it's something special to them so it will be appreciated.

If your child does want something extra special expect, given them a book of your choice which will help them grow, a jigsaw puzzle, quiz.  Let them learn that money must be an exchange for an education and is not just available for any desire. They will learn to appreciate the things that they buy with their own money. 

Don't pamper to every whim of your child. Limit the gifts you give them and let them enjoy the gift given before allowing them to begin playing with another. Having too many at once will make them jump from one thing to another. Explain why they are not getting everything that they ask for. If they really want something that you have said no to explain why and that they must save for it themselves.

The key here is to limit the amount your child has to spend on Consumerism. Look at not only putting the money into a savings account but also teach them how to invest their savings in Index funds and stocks. I bought shares in Disney and presented this as a share certificate in a frame with their favorite character so they know they are a part owner of The Disney company as opposed to a toy they do not need.

It may not always seem like it but kids will listen to their parents so don't give in to their demands to keep up with their peers. Be firm...kids appreciate and respond to positive parenting. They need to know their boundaries. Explain why you do things but don't spoil everything by demonstrating the opposite to your kids. Instill smart financial habits in your kids and demonstrate smart habits yourself...don't blow it!

Are You Afraid To Invest In Yourself?

I am sure that you have heard this phrase: "Your business can only grow to the extent that you grow." If you are playing small, hiding out, procrastinating, doing it all yourself, undercharging, under-earning or over-delivering, then you are getting in your own way. Without a doubt, each of these actions or habits will stall your business growth, repel ideal clients and sabotage your success.

As an Angel Investor, I have worked with many business owners for years, and the number one mistake I see such entrepreneurs make these days is failing to invest in themselves at a high level. This failure keeps them-and their businesses-stuck, for the quickest way I know to help alleviate self-sabotaging behaviors and quickly get back on track is by investing in and working with a mentor. We can help you identify the behaviors that are holding you back and show you how to move forward. We can work with you to create a customised plan that is appropriate for you and your business. 

Here are 3 advantages to investing in yourself at a high level: 

1. You will Make a Higher Commitment to Yourself: When you pay, you pay attention and therefore if you invest in a high-level mentor, you'll be more committed to doing what is required. Because you're paying for their services, you'll be more likely to follow through with their recommendations. 

2. Your Energy Is More Focused: Because you're spending time (and money) to work on your business strategies with someone else, you'll become much more focused on achieving your desired results. You'll allocate time, clear out your diary, making sure to listen to, and follow, your mentor's expert guidance. This often results in attracting more ideal clients who are extremely committed and invested in their business success. 

3. You'll Be More Decisive: Since you'll be motivated to get a solid return on your investment, you'll finally get out of analysis paralysis and take action. 

A quick exercise: Keeping in mind your end goals of making more money and attracting your ideal clients into your business, take out a note pad and pen and list all of the areas in your business where you are not taking action AND/OR the areas in which you are just confused about what the next steps should be. Once you've completed this list, circle the top 3 things that need to be done to build your business now.

Business Start Up Ideas For Women

Why Are Women Starting Businesses who are fabulous fifties and above? 

A lot of older workers are finding the job market very difficult these days. Instead of staying out of work or accepting lower pay, many are deciding that they may as well start their own business. Women over 50, in particular, are particularly attracted to the idea of being their own boss. 

• These women say they want more flexibility, and having a business allows them to set their own schedule
• The women want more control over their financial lives
• The have an idea/vision, and being self employed gives them more job satisfaction

Let me mention that being self employed is not for everybody. Even though you may have more control over your work hours, you will still have to have determination and discipline to actually make your business prosper. Depending on whether you have an Entrepreneurial spirit or otherwise, certain individuals are much better off working for somebody else. 

I will say that you do not have to start out with rocket scientist skills or a lot of money to invest. In addition, you can start many businesses part time while you still attend to other duties or a "day job". 

What Type Of Business Should Women Start? 

The type of business you will start depends upon a few things. Your energy level, the way you like to work, and your own skills and interests are very important considerations. I tried to filter down these business ideas to things that would not require a lot of capital investment to start, and that could be started on a part time basis. 

Self-service laundry or Vending Machine Business

Most of the experienced owners say that purchasing a good, established route is the simplest way to get started. You will have to do your due diligence to make sure the route is really productive. But this relieves you of the chore of having to find locations to install equipment.

You will have to be responsible for collecting money, keeping the machines stocked, and making sure the machines are in good repair. You either have to do these things yourself, or you have to hire somebody to perform some of the functions. 

This is a good solution for people who like to be active, and who do not want to get stuck in an office all of the time. You will probably need to start out by doing a lot of the actual work yourself. However, if you expand your business, you may hire employees to do some of the work for you. 

Boutique Bakeries are in! 

Small, boutique bakeries, like cupcake or artisan bakeries, are very popular today. If you love to bake, this can be a good way to turn your specialty into a business. 

Depending on where you live, you may require a commercial kitchen. However, you may solve this problem by leasing space from a church or other organisation that does not use their own kitchen during certain hours. 

You can concentrate on perfecting your treats, marketing, and expanding your business. If your business grows, you may consider getting your own commercial kitchen space later. 

Book Keeping/Payroll/Accounting Services

Businesses need to keep track of their finances in good times and bad. You can find a lot of online classes, or you can draw upon your past experiences. This is one business you can perform out of your own home, or in client offices. 

Antique or thrift shop owner

If you’re crafty or artistic there’s a good chance you’ve considered how you could turn that skill into some extra cash, or maybe even a whole business.

Online shops like Etsy allow you to easily turn your crafting hobby into a stream of extra income.

Online e-commerce platforms are created specifically for helping you list your business and products online. Some of the most popular ones include Shopify and Squarespace. If you’re looking for something more simple you could also try selling on Facebook using Facebook’s business pages as your online shop.

What to consider before starting your own business

Even if you feel like you’re ready to start your own business, there are many factors to consider when choosing the type of small business you want to start. You might not be sure where to start, so here are some of the top considerations you should make before deciding on a business.

Will this be your main source of income, or in addition to the income you already make?

What will the business startup costs be? How much do you have to invest in the business as of now, will you need further financing and if so, where will it come from?

How much time do you want to spend on your business? This relates to the first one, is this your main job or a side gig?

Do you want to use skills you already have and monetise them? Or do you want to learn new skills entirely for this new business?

Are You Ready To Be Self Employed? 

Spend some time researching different business ideas. Try to find ideas that will not require a huge initial investment or a very long work week. As your business grows, you may decide to expand. People who start with a small and manageable business idea tend to do well. 

Money Makeovers for Women

Many women believe we are unable to stand solidly on our own two feet when it comes to our financial lives. We might already be successful Entrepreneurs or Career women in our own right, maybe even Millionaires in the Expat Community, yet many tell me that if their partner died or left, they don't know what they would do regarding their finances. They don't believe they can understand the financial world, especially the investing part of that world. 

A lady last week told me she has turned her money over to someone else to invest and it has lost half its value and she just figures that's the way it is. This was a male broker who she thought was an expert.

One of my old colleagues makes plenty of money but she never pays her bills on time, never believes there will be enough and lives by the hard work model. She gives her children whatever they want but she doesn't take care of herself by paying bills on time, she doesn't know where her money is going and is unable to manage her spending.

Another woman in business knows she must do something about her retirement account so she finally meets with an advisor her partner recommends. She turns her money over to him, walks away and hopes for the best.

Another woman that attended one of my events had always managed her own finances and investing and did an amazing job. However, she got re-married later in life to a man who wanted to take care of everything- including both of their financial positions. As a couple they did not discuss finances and she handed everything over to him to take care of. He promptly lost everything they had. There is a health situation and are now facing retirement with limited financial resources. This was a woman who had been successful yet still turned everything over to someone else.

These are all very bright and successful women. I wanted to find out why this was happening. This is why I created Femvestorsglobal, to provide women with knowledge and confidence so you can maintain your financial fabulousness and not outsource this to anyone else. I knew it didn't have to be this way and I became determined to help create a change in this area of women's lives. 

My real passion and commitment is to change the statistics that 1 in 5 working women today are retiring with zero.1 in 3 women are also victims of Domestic Violence and stay in relationships as they have no other means to financially survive. I want you to live the life you were meant to live. Money is a vehicle that can either disempower us or empower us in so many ways. 

I want to support you in becoming completely free and independent and living from your innate power and aliveness. This is why I continue to write these free blogs. Now, what can you do right now to begin to change the relationship you have to money?

Join our Community Femvestorsglobal.com and become financially fabulous.

To begin, you need to begin......Today is a great day to start!

Advice by Women For Women On How to Save - Retirement Planning

Here are some tips about retirement investing for women: 

First, we must understand that Investing is emotional. It is tied to our mindset and sometimes we don't plan far enough ahead for very personal reasons that can often be self-defeating. If you can relate, seek out advice from other women who have made the retirement decision to plan ahead.

Tie your savings and retirement goals to your personal goals. Examine what you believe your health may (or may not) be and whether or not the swimming or golfing or running a marathon goals are realistic and achievable in your retirement.

The 40-60 age group is deciding if they want to change careers, change their life goals, or stay in what they are doing right now. They are at that midway place in their lives where they are planning for their long-term goals. 

Women need 20% more than men to retire because we are living approx. five years longer than men 

Women tend to invest more conservatively than men because we fear losing our money.

• Instead of fearing losing our money, we REALLY NEED TO focus on whether we will run out of money
• If you are too conservative with your investing then your savings won't keep up with inflation
•  Your living costs for retirement will depend on your lifestyle, check out the 4% rule as a starting point
• A diversified portfolio is the best and sticking with that is important! 
• Can you afford to count on living on your retirement pot?
• Be actively involved in setting aside money. We recommend at least 10% of your monthly income to be allocated to your investing journey.

In terms of contributing to your retirement pot:

• Make use of your employer matching program if available to you (Country and Employer specific)
• Check the tax rules for self employment for your home country
• Many countries offer tax relief if you personally contribute, look out for SIPP, ISA, IRA's or applicable for your specific geographic location
• Countries such as Australia have a government agreement with employers. You employer is required to allocate a certain percentage of your income to a unique fund which you can access at aged 55

If you have a windfall of money you may or may not be subject to tax on it, so be smart with your goals and what your plans are for that money so that it lasts for you. Seek advice to ascertain your most appropriate option

• Be smart about what you get because most people go through a windfall in two years 
• Control your destiny with your good choices

Don't try to time the markets and wait it out. Buy index funds today and allocate funds monthly to take advantage of compounding and $ cost averaging

We tend to work from three cash strategies: 

1. Long-term: If you have long-term goals, have your money working long-term. 

2 & 3. Short-Term and Cash Flow: Plan your strategy and work your goals and plans around your lifestyle and what you need and want to happen. Plan for that money. 

And when it comes to retirement planning by watching the news.....

TV media hype is slanted, biased and mostly (just plain) ignorant. 

When you plan for your retirement take these tips into consideration. That way the twenty years you hadn't planned for, won't have you looking for a job at your local grocery store. 

You cannot also overlook the opportunity to start your own business. It is an true way to gain tax advantages, increase your savings and plan for your retirement. 

Dervived from Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Mischelle_Watkins/343114

Ladies - Our Money Matters

Sooner or later nearly all women, because of divorce or other lifestyle changes, come nose-to-nose with the financial area of our lives, this is a given. It's true - you do not want to learn how to handle money matters in a crisis; it's better to learn while you can be patient and reflective and embrace your financial well being.

But so many of us confront our cash concerns only at the worst moments in our lives-when we divorce, when our partners die, when we lose our jobs, or when we face a health crisis. When is a good time to start caring for our financial future? 

Today! It doesn't take a course in economics to see that the longer we wait, the worse off we may be. The facts aren't always easy to face, but they are potent persuaders. They show the need to create a sound base for our future financial life now, whether you're married, single, widowed, divorced, or partnered. All women, working and non-working, need to provide for the years when our earning power has diminished or ended altogether. We wil need cash-just as Sophie Tucker said: "From birth to age 18, a girl needs good parents. From 18 to 35, she needs good looks. From 35 to 55, she needs a good personality. And from 55 on, a girl needs cash."

We all know this to be true, or we should, because we live in a time of extended longevity. According to the Centres of Disease Control (CDC), a fifty-five-year-old woman today has about 26.2 years left to live. Thus, she can anticipate living to the age of eighty-one. A man's life expectancy is a few years shorter-seventy-five. And the truth is that with good health, we can live well into our nineties. 

Most women can expect to be on our own at some point in our lives. Many, of course, remain single. Others, by either choice or circumstance, become single. At least half of all first marriages end in divorce or separation, and so do more than half of all second marriages. Many women base their lifestyles on a two-income household, and women who work at home as mothers and homemakers choose to depend on their husbands or partners for financial support. Our longevity means that most of us will be living for a long time. So divorce and other life circumstances are likely to leave many of us women in charge of our financial lives, regardless of income, and whether we are ready or not. 

Many men are providers for their wives and children and carefully plan for the time when their spouses-whether working or nonworking-will be on their own. Others, however, are less responsible, through either ignorance, carelessness, or unwillingness to face the harsh realities of life. In too many cases, this means that these men are leaving their wives and children to slide into poverty after they die. 

If you've digested all this, then your stomach may be burning by now. Every single one of these contingencies is a serious challenge to us.

And these realities shed a very different light on the belief that many of us have- that saving and investing money is inconvenient and risky business. If you take these considerations very seriously, then you'll realise that spending your money as you earn it, without putting it to work, is the real risk you face, and it's a far greater risk than the chance that you'll lose money by having an agreement with yourself to regularly invest your money in a way that nurtures and benefits you. The real risk most women face is failing to invest actively. 

And part of this life process is being patient and trusting the reality that your money needs time to grow. This is a reality that it's not going to sprout overnight like a flower. It's going to grow based on consistent investment action, and not based on hot tips, inside information, advice from a psychic hot line, or by chance. Believe it or not, your money can grow for you and substantially ease financial worry.

I am encouraging you to realise your superpower as a woman and accept what might seem a revolutionary concept: You can, you will, and you must have control over your financial life. Taking financial control is part of our natural evolution and the last step in our liberation as women. The freedom we enjoy today came in stages: from education to the vote, to control of our health to increased employment opportunities, to more power in our relationships. 

Most of us have gone to work, and some of us have made a lot of money in these changing times; others have remained at home, working in alignment with a partner to raise families and run households. In either case, today's generation of women has greater freedom and opportunity than previous ones. But have we made this new freedom work for us? The truth is, regardless of age, occupation, marital status, or future promise, we must all go to the next level and actively develop our financial well-being - we must have 'financial legs'. 

It's not that we consider our financial lives unimportant. Nor do we purposely shirk responsibility. But centuries of cultural biases, misconceptions, and fears conspire us to hold us back. We are not supposed to be interested or involved in money matters some think; in reality, many of us are unprepared to tackle the issue and we put it out of our minds. Certainly, like so many passages in life, taking charge of our financial life is a path to new challenges. (Plenty of men are intimidated about money matters, too-even if they're too macho to admit it.) But investing is also one of the most enjoyable things you'll ever do because it leads to your financial security. 

Watching your money work for you is a singular treat, one that can give you pleasure as it raises the quality of your life. How can you envision financial opportunity? Begin by understanding and dumping the influences that keep you from this very important stage in the cycle of life. 

At stake is a secure future for yourself and your family. The bottom line-for you and me and everyone-is that you will probably have to manage a large sum of money-perhaps millions-by the time you stop working if you hope to live as well as, if not better than, you did during your working years. So if you don't begin the process of investing now, you can't be certain of a healthy-and happy-financial future. 

Anyone can successfully manage her money life. It doesn't matter whether you're young or old; married, partnered, or single; divorced or widowed; employed or unemployed; rich or poor. What is important is that you see yourself as a woman with cash and investments. 

Now is the time to nurture yourself to develop strong, sensible money strategies, whether you're just starting out or have already made some headway with investments. Handling your money, you will realise, it is a fascinating journey towards emotional and personal wholeness. 

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Joan_Perry/216137 © 2021 EzineArticles

Growing Your Business - Why Separating Business and Personal Finances is Good

 This article is not all about finances. Well, it's partially about finances. More importantly, it's about how to grow your business. Growing your business doesn't just happen by magic. There's no business growth fairy that takes away a balance sheet and leaves a bigger business under your pillow. It takes a consistent, carefully managed investment to create your own success.

 And that investment starts with something that you might not have considered: Separating your business and personal finances. Surprised? 

Here are the reasons. First, you'll want to separate your business and personal finances for tax purposes. If you keep them combined, you might not be eligible for certain deductions, but if you separate them, you may be entitled to deduct expenses for your home office and mileage allowance. Likewise, you may be responsible for paying certain taxes on your business that do not apply to your personal income. Separating your finances is the only way to ensure that you properly follow all tax laws and receive all advantages to which you are entitled by law. That can grow your business by clarifying your paperwork and possibly making more money available (because of more deductions) which you can reinvest in your business. 

Another important reason for separating your finances is to get a loan or a grant so you can invest in your business. Separating your finances helps to establish a paper trail and helps you to create financial reports that demonstrate the business' performance. If your finances are separated it will be much easier to determine which income and expenses belong to the business itself. 

Third, separating your finances can help you decide how best to grow and develop the business as well. You will be able to see the areas in which the business excels as well as those areas in which it needs some extra help. You can generate targeted, accurate reports and financial statements that show at a glance how the business performs in various areas. 

 How Can I Separate My Business and Personal Finances? 

The easiest way to separate your business and personal finances is to open a business bank account. If you use credit to make business-related purchases, apply for a card in the name of the business. Have all payments made to the business account, and use only those funds and the business credit card to make purchases. 

How Do I Get Paid? 

You have multiple options for paying yourself. Some business owners find it best to write themselves a set paycheck every week. If you are confident that the business will retain enough funds to pay your salary each time, this will streamline the process and make it easier to accurately pay your personal income taxes.

 However, if your business is new or unstable, you may find it better to pass funds through the business account to your personal account. You might decide to retain just enough money in the business account to pay for expenses, and transfer everything that is left into your personal account. This is an ideal solution for those who have many personal expenses but few business expenses and earn wildly different sums on each contract. 

Setting Up and Maintaining Bookkeeping and Accounting 

Many business owners find themselves confused and overwhelmed by the paperwork that is involved in maintaining separate accounts. 

Check out Invoice Ninja, the leading free open-source online invoicing app for freelancers and businesses.

Also consider hiring outside help. A Virtual Assistant company can set up and maintain your bookkeeping and accounting. Your VA can even handle payroll, writing your paycheck each week. You can maintain as much or as little control over the process as you desire. You can hire the VA for a set number of hours per week or per month, or simply retain his or her services on a per-project basis.

My post last week recommended "Successful Female Entrepreneurs" as a source, alternatively, you can also find VA's from websites such as Fiverr and Upwork.

Ultimately, separating your business and personal finances can seem like a complicated task in the short term but in the long term it is an effective way to grow your business. 

 Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Heather_Villa/388875

Invest in Yourself to Get Others to Invest in Your Business

 I'm sure you've heard it before, "You have to believe in you, because if you don't who else will?" It's a very true statement. Not only must you believe in your dreams and aspirations, you have to be willing to see them through, and that means work. Because, as another well known saying goes,

 "Nothing worthwhile comes easy." 

It may look to you that others who have achieved desired levels of success have been extremely fortunate or lucky. But even the lucky ducks know how to capitalise on their good fortune. Good luck will only carry you for so long, then it takes work to continue to see you through. Yep, back to the notion of putting in work - again. Even if you have worked hard and reaped it's initial rewards, you'll need to continue those efforts to continue to see the benefits. Don't view these efforts as mere work tasks, consider it an investment, in yourself! To take your idea or business to the next level (whatever that may mean for you) it takes investment. Before you start running out to get others to invest in your business, take stock of what you have invested yourself. Did you take time to research and investigate your target market/customer avatar, identify your competitors, and determine your marketing strategy and revenue model? Have you documented this in a business plan, if not for outside investors, first and foremost for yourself? Sadly, too many entrepreneurs get emotional about their business idea and rush to find capital to bring their idea to market. Although its great to be passionate about your business, remember it is a business and that's how the majority of potential investors (and customers) will view it. They'll want to know how they can benefit from investing their time and/or hard eared money in you and your great idea. 

I've seen many entrepreneurs introduce their product as the next great thing because "there is no competition". I have never seen that statement to be true, at least not from an investor's standpoint. Although there may not currently be direct or exact product or service competition, there is almost always at least competition from a substitute product or service. For example, although there may not be another smoke-less cigarette, consumers have alternative products they can use to satisfy their nicotine or tobacco cravings. You would need to consider those products in your competitive review for a complete business analysis. Savvy investors know this and may immediately dismiss you and your idea when they are presented with the "Look, no competition!" claim. They simply view it as you didn't take the time to complete your due diligence - you didn't properly invest in yourself. 

Another area that business owners fall short is regarding personal injection in their business. Entrepreneurs looking for funding are unpleasantly surprised when they are asked "How much have you personally invested in this project?" Yes, you should be prepared to show how you are willing to invest 10-30% of any amount you are requesting from a lender or another funder. I can't tell you how many times business owners frown upon making 1 or 2 payments upfront or walk away from funding because they don't wish to list their homes as collateral. 

Contrary to popular belief, this just doesn't apply to new business owners. I had a friend who had been operating his business for over 10 years and now needed funding to purchase updated equipment to keep the business running. Unfortunately for him, his credit was not strong and he wouldn't qualify for traditional funding. He did however own property, his personal home and some existing equipment that would qualify him for the funds he requested. He declined to list his home as collateral and was not able to secure financing. When I inquired why he choose not to list the home, he stated because he didn't want to chance losing his home if he defaulted on the loan. 

Hmmmm. He was honest. But I ask you to look at this from an investor's point of view, this is what they see - business owner without strong belief that he can make this business work; business owner willing to risk my money, but not his own. Too risky. I couldn't continue to work with that business owner - how could you convince a lender to invest in this business when the owner wasn't willing to invest himself? 

Take the time and effort necessary to invest in yourself, whether its thoroughly investigating your market or how to set yourself apart from the competition. Come to the investor's table prepared to show that you believe in yourself by putting your money where you are asking other's to put theirs. Then the passion and excitement about your idea just may be contagious enough to get you the support you need.

Image:Courtesy of Forbes

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Marian_White/213256