Posts Tagged ‘money’

We all want to make more money.  I know this from the countless women I’ve coached over the years who have told me so.  The advice I give them on how to change their pricing strategies and how to creatively market their services seems simple enough at first glance.

So I’m often shocked and surprised when even after they follow my advice they still don’t seem to have enough money. So why is it even though a woman entrepreneur can make more money it doesn’t necessarily mean she will keep more money?

I know, it sounds unbelievable at first.  I mean if you’re working harder and harder at becoming successful, why does it seem to just slip through your fingers and out of your bank account?

Our relationship with money is a complex thing.  The reality is nearly ALL women have a secret, haunting issue with money that causes them to freak out and give away their power with money.  And when you lose your power, the cash is sure to follow.

Most possess a fear that somehow, having more money will change them or change their life in some way they can’t control.

So, while on the outside they do everything they can to be successful, on the inside, their mindset and beliefs are sabotaging their efforts.

If you, too, have created that endless struggle with never seeming to have enough money, even when you’re making more, then I know you’ll find these 3 tips really helpful in getting to the bottom of what’s really going on:

Money Will Change You

A lot of women are afraid they’ll turn into someone their not.  But truth be told, money doesn’t change you in that way.  It will magnify your values and your character but not change you into someone completely different.  If you were generous before. you’ll be more so with more cash.

On the flip side, if there are traits and values about yourself that you don’t particularly like then now’s the time to do something about them before you have more money.  Take the time to express your positive characteristics now and stand firm in what you stand for and eventually you’ll see that money will only enhance your quality of your life, not turn you into a mean and heartless bitch.

Who Are You Afraid of Offending?

I can tell you from experience that it’s not uncommon to have someone in your life who you think will be upset, jealous, threatened or disturbed in some way if you make more money.  Typically it’s a family member, but it could just as easily be a close friend too.

Does this feel vaguely familiar?  Ok, well it’s just fear you’re feeling, so go ahead and acknowledge the fear. If you really dig deep here this person more than likely wants the best for you.  They want you to be secure, safe, happy, etc.  So, focus on the positive intentions they have for you instead of focusing on what you’re afraid of.

What’s the Money For?

So, what’s your big money why?  If you don’t know, figure it out.

Making more is great and it allows you to indulge in life’s luxuries.  But once you’ve indulged a few times, eventually you’ll want to connect to your big why which has to do with your heart and spirit.  Maybe you want to finally own a home at the ocean or pay for your grandchild’s college education.

Knowing exactly and specifically what larger amounts of money are slotted for will help you value keeping more of it instead of splurging it on something that won’t change your life in any meaningful way.

Money Equals Self-Growth

Do you want to grow as a person?  Well, money is the perfect catalyst for your self-growth and development.  Not only will you delight in how advanced you become but your new income will give you the opportunity to make a profound and positive difference in the lives of everyone around you.

I’ve got a great new website totally devoted to money!  It’s all about how to save it, invest it, make more of it, and improve your relationship with it!

Head over to www.breakthroughyourmoneybs.com to learn all the ways that you can do all of the above and so much more!

I will be posting video tips and money saving strategies on a regular basis and I know you won’t want to miss them!

If you like what you’re reading comment, ok?

Everyday we hear about gas prices soaring, food and clothing going up 6-10% and I know many of us wonder how we will continue to stretch our dollars.  Well, I am happy to announce a special event!

How to Shop for Free

Coupon Class for DARE To Be Phenomenal Members

with

Kathy Spencer

Author of the book

How to Shop for Free:  Shopping Secrets for Smart Women Who Love to Get Something for Nothing

Learn How to find the best savings and combine them with store promotions, coupons, rewards programs, and store credit to get almost everything on your shopping list for free!

Tickets are $25.00 and include light refreshments!

Book sales  will also be available before and after the event. The cost of the books are $14.99 and a book signing will take place after the class.

**All Sales Final

When:

Tuesday, April 5^th at Connie Doto Realty Group

119 Pleasant St, Methuen, MA

Visit the site below to register!  Only 20 seats are available so don’t wait too long to register for this event!

http://www.meetup.com/Dare-To-Be-Phenomenal-North-of-Boston-Chapter-Meetup/events/16767468/

Well, 2011 has already hit a snag! My mother fell the day of the storm and broke her arm so I am back to juggling work between the hospital and home.

That’s the beauty of being an entrepreneur; the ability to take care of whatever needs to happen in your business and still attend to your family. One of the ways that I accomplish this is by delegating tasks to my team.

Lisa, my VA, is the primary person that takes care of issues for me like sending out this newsletter. But my web designer is hard at work right now creating a new website too. Hiring and delegating to a high performance team is one of the topics I will be covering in my BRAND NEW 2011 Money, Marketing and Mindset Mastermind.

Are you sitting there reading this thinking, “Boy, do I wish I knew how to hire the right people to support me in my business?”

Then I URGE You to Consider Joining My 2011 New Money and Mindset Mastermind Program…”How To Bust Through Your Money Roadblocks and Solve Your Biggest Pricing Challenges… Easily… So That You Can Transform Your Business and Daringly Charge What You Want and Get It! This PROVEN Program is Designed to Help You Make 2011 A Financial Success!

What you need to know is that the MMMP is offered ONE TIME ONLY in 2011. These spots are strictly limited (I’m only working with 8 women and 2 spots are already taken!) and are not for the faint of heart! This program is only for serious business women who are ready to get rid of all their old money beliefs they’ve been holding onto and are finally ready to tackle all the money and mindset issues that have been plaguing them for so long and stopping them from making the money they desire. Once we’re sold out of this program, that will be it for 2011 so now is the perfect time to consider if this program is what you’ve been looking for, agreed?

Get ALL the details here and lock in the Early Bird Savings before February 28th!

Questions about MMMP? Email me today and I’ll talk with you privately to see if this program is a fit for you.

Last year my mastermind participants learned the secrets of charging what their worth, the pricing strategies that ensure bigger sales, how to hire the best team to take their business to new heights, the secrets to great newsletters and so much more!  These systems and strategies are what smart business women everywhere use to grow six figure, multi-six figures and even million dollar businesses.

Are you sitting there reading this thinking, “Boy, do I wish I knew those proven systems to to help my business grow?”

Then I URGE You To Consider Joining My 2011 New Money and Mindset Mastermind Program…”How To Bust Through Your Money Roadblocks And Solve Your Biggest Pricing Challenges… Easily….So That You Can Transform Your Business and Daringly Charge What You Want and Get It!   This PROVEN Program is Designed To Help You Make 2011 A Financial Success!

Are you creative, driven and passionate about your business but are afraid to charge more, can’t close a sale or are unsure of how to package and price your services so that they are filled with what your clients want?  Well then you are going to LOVE the Money and Mindset Mastermind Program!

What you need to know is that the MMMP is offered ONE TIME ONLY in 2011. These spots are strictly limited and are not for the faint of heart!  This program is only for serious business women who are ready to get rid of all their old money beliefs they’ve been holding onto and are finally ready to tackle all the money and mindset issues that have been plaguing them for so long and stopping them from making the money they desire.  Once we’re sold out of this program that will be it for 2011 so now is the perfect time to consider if this program is what you’ve been looking for, agreed?

Contact Me for details and to receive an application. The special Early Bird incentive ENDS February 13th so hurry!

Questions about MMMP? Email me today and I’ll talk with you privately to see if this program is a fit for you.

I’m gearing up for my next mastermind program and would love for you to be part of it. If 2010 wasn’t as glowing in your business as you had hoped – this I know for sure – working with a coach can really catapult your business.

Last year, my mastermind participants learned the secrets of charging what their worth, the pricing strategies that ensure bigger sales, how to hire the best team to take their business to new heights, the secrets to great newsletters and so much more! These systems and strategies are what smart business women everywhere use to grow six-figure, multi-six figure and even million-dollar businesses.

Are you sitting there reading this thinking, “Boy, do I wish I knew those proven systems to help my business grow?”

Then I URGE You to Consider Joining My New 2011 Money and Mindset Mastermind Program…”How To Bust Through Your Money Roadblocks and Solve Your Biggest Pricing Challenges… Easily… So That You Can Transform Your Business and Daringly Charge What You Want and Get It! This PROVEN Program is Designed to Help You Make 2011 A Financial Success!

Are you creative, driven and passionate about your business but are afraid to charge more, can’t close a sale or are unsure of how to package and price your services so that they are filled with what your clients want? Well then you are going to LOVE the Money and Mindset Mastermind Program!

What you need to know is that the MMMP is offered ONE TIME ONLY in 2011. These spots are strictly limited (I’m only working with 8 women) and are not for the faint of heart! This program is only for serious business women who are ready to get rid of all their old money beliefs they’ve been holding onto and are finally ready to tackle all the money and mindset issues that have been plaguing them for so long and stopping them from making the money they desire. Once we’re sold out of this program, that will be it for 2011 so now is the perfect time to consider if this program is what you’ve been looking for, agreed?

Contact me for details and to receive an application. The special Early Bird incentive ENDS February 13th so hurry!

Questions about MMMP? Email me today and I’ll talk with you privately to see if this program is a fit for you.

If you prefer to listen to this article, click here . . .

Your money story isn’t a fairytale, at least not for most of us. It’s that story made up from the past beliefs, words and actions that you observed in others as a child. It’s the things – albeit right or wrong – that you learned from your parents or caregivers when you were quite young.

How many of us heard the following statements from our parents growing up: “Money doesn’t grow on trees”, “Do you think I’m made of money?”, “We can’t afford it”, or, “Do you think there is a money tree growing in the backyard?” There are countless phrases that our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles said to us as kids. We know them all and those statements are part of what has created our money mindset. Sad, I know, but true.

Unfortunately, most of us have negative feelings about money. We have gathered all of the information that our family, peers, television and the media have told us about money and it has come together into what is now our negative money mindset. Some of our feelings may be conscious and others subconscious. It doesn’t matter if they are conscious or subconscious, they are there and they need to be tackled head on if you are going to make the money you desire!

Here are my quick tips to changing your money story:

1. Stop Ignoring Money and Start Paying Attention To It

Money needs to flow and it needs to be paid attention to. If you don’t pay attention to money it will find a way to get your attention. This will show up in ways you don’t want it to because you are not giving it the respect it deserves. So stop putting your head in the sand and take a good look at your current money situation and develop a strategy to deal with it head on. Here are three ways you can start paying attention to money:

Develop a Budget and Stick To It
We all understand the importance of developing a budget but many don’t follow through by sticking to the plan. Let me ask you: How do you expect to pay down your debt if you don’t have a plan? Your budget is part of that plan and a crucial part of your overall success strategy. So take pencil to paper and develop your budget NOW!

Pay Your Bills On Time, Every Time
Paying your bills on time is an important step in your money recovery plan. When you fail to pay your bills on time you are creating the energy of lack and scarcity and that leaves you feeling powerless over money. Many of my bills are paid automatically, some manually, but I pay them at the same time each month. Find a system that works for you and your money flow and stop ignoring your bills.

Track Your Money Daily
You don’t need a fancy system, just paper and pen. Put down the date and any money that was received each day. You may start out with some zeros on some days but eventually you will see money coming in everyday! This simple system really works…try it and see for yourself.

2. Find The Money Leaks In Your Business

Every business has money leaks. It may be that you are paying for a membership that you don’t use. Maybe you are paying someone by the hour and they take far too long to complete a task costing you hundreds of dollars in lost cash. There are countless ways that money leaks right out of our hands and back account. Find your money leaks and plug them so that you can have more money in your business and life.

3. Stop Using Negative Money Language

Spending money is always a choice about what you are prioritizing and what you value. But when you say things like, “I can’t afford it” or “I don’t have the money” it tells the universe that you are not open to receive the money that it is trying to give you. These statements are constricting, limiting and are based in scarcity and lack.

Instead say things like: “I am worth it” or “I choose to invest in myself and my business.” Not only is the language really important but what’s behind the language; the mindset is really important too. Start focusing on what you say and stop using language that sends the wrong message to the universe.

When you start to pay attention to money, it will begin to flow into your business and into your life. So pick one of these tips today and change your money story.

We all make resolutions and most people make them in two distinct areas.  The first in health and the second financially.  Did you make financial resolutions this year?  If you did keep reading to find out the best strategy so you can stick to and reach your financial goals in 2011.

1.  Less IS More

I read a blog post last week and under financial goals this is what was written:

1. Significantly increase our giving to needs in our community and around the world. This is an ongoing goal, so we’re keeping it uncrossed off from the list.

2. Pay cash for a replacement washer and dryer for our very used set.

3. Pay cash for a replacement for van

4. Pay cash for a couch for our basement family room.

5. Pay cash for bunk beds for the girls.

6. Fully fund our IRAs.

7. Bump up our retirement savings to 10% of our income.

8. Fund our children’s educational savings.

9. Double our Emergency Fund Savings (Instead of having around six month’s worth of expenses set aside, we’re planning to set aside a year’s worth of expenses.)

10.  Save at least 40% towards our Commercial Real Estate Investing Goal

I was overwhelmed and exhausted just reading this list.  I bet you are too!

Here’s what I suggest:   Have two goals and work diligently on meeting them.  Once you have you can add another goal to the mix.  This way you’re not so overwhelmed that you ditch  your goals. all together.

2.  Get Real

We all have goals and that’s great.  But without a plan the goal is doomed to failure.

Let’s say for a moment you want to get out of debt this year.  Great!  Congratulations, it’s a great goal to have.

Your first action is to determine just how much debt you actually have.  Get out a piece of paper and write down all your credit cards, how much interest they have and the outstanding balance.  Add it up.

Ok, gulp that’s how much debt you have.  How do you plan on paying if off?

You must come up with a strategy if you plan on being successful.  I teach my clients a simple but very effective way to pay down debt.  It worked for me and I know it will work for you too.

Whether you use my plan or develop one of your own.  Start planning to ensure you meet your financial goals in 2011.

3.  Get Accountable

It is much easier to be accountable to someone else when trying to reach your goals.  So, find a friend, coach or family member who can hold your feet to the fire as you try to reach financial security in 2011.  This way ever time you reach for your wallet to buy something you don’t need, they can remind you what your working towards!

Remember, financial freedom and security IS attainable.  You can do it!

Our first responsibility when tackling our money demons lies in the importance of being willing to look at your money beliefs and habits. Wasn’t being willing to look at this issue as liberating as I told you it would be?

Being willing to face your Money BS is an important first step.  But in order to have the kind of Money Breakthroughs that will keep you moving in the right direction it’s imperative that you tell yourself the truth about what you are examining.

Make Sure You Tell Yourself the Truth

Thinking back, I realize that I didn’t always tell the clear and simple truth about my money habits.    Oh, I had been honest about the situation but that is very different than telling the truth about something.

When you are honest you share your thoughts, feelings, emotions, judgments and even how it made your feel in your body. For example, “when I saw all that I had purchased at the store today I was thinking, you fool, you did it again.  I was literally sick to my stomach.”  That’s an honest statement.

The truth would sound something like this, “I purchased four blouses at a total cost of $200, two pairs of pants for $120, and two pairs of shoes for $175.  It was $400 more than I said I would pay.”

No emotions, no judgments, just the plain and simple truth.

Now I want to be clear. I am not saying you shouldn’t be honest in your assessment of the situation.  Honesty is a very necessary step; it clears the way for the truth to be revealed.

What I am saying is just revealing the honesty of your predicament isn’t’ enough.  But here’s the thing – it’s easier said than done.

Our first reaction is to reveal the honesty; to spew out all the emotions, the feelings and thoughts, the rationalizations and justifications.  They come pouring out when we are honest; it’s human nature.  The situation is emotionally charged and that’s why we behave this way.

But peel back the honesty and what’s left is the truth of our behavior. The truth is our responsibility in the mess we have created.  And that my female friend is much harder to disclose.

Remember my story about creating a huge amount of credit card debt and my possible bankruptcy?  I had many honest moments discussing what had occurred in that financial disaster. But when I got truthful I realized no one else made me buy those clothes and shoes and home goods and gosh knows what else.  It was me, it was all me.  That was the truth.

So I want you to get truthful about your past Christmas spending.  A word of caution – do it with a big dose of compassion.

Being willing to look at the situation and being truthful are two very important steps in helping you move towards an even bigger breakthrough. In that breakthrough you will be able to take the kind of action that will help you create new money habits.

What will those actions be?  What are you afraid of if you don’t spend like crazy?  We’ll explore this next time.

During this season of gratitude I’d like you to reflect on the concept of giving your money away or “tithing”.

Did you know that giving your money away actually expands money?  Robert Allen said it best when he wrote, “Giving literally magnifies, multiplies, and exponentializes money.  Conversely, the tighter you squeeze your money, the more compact it becomes.”

People who have been fortunate enough in life to have large sums of wealth understand this concept perfectly.  They understand that by giving their money away they stand to gain far more money in return, so they give generously.

So which are you?  Do you squeeze your money or give it away?