Archive for money
Who Wants to be Rich, Anyway?
If you speak with the average Joe or Josephine on the street, you’ll pretty soon uncover quite a few beliefs about ‘rich people’.
According to most of us, wealthy people are:
- lucky
- greedy
- stingy
- elitist
- wrecking the planet with their hyper-consumption
- unethical
- unkind
- unloving
- non-deserving
And that’s not the half of it.
Do these beliefs sound familiar? Popular culture loves to vilify rich people through TV, books, movies, online media… there was even a fun series of ads that aired here in Australia a few years ago, mocking the stereotype of rich ladies.
So, if you say you want more money, but you believe these things to be true about rich people, then why on Earth would you want to be rich?
An interesting discussion point here is: what does being rich mean to you? Does it just mean having enough money for your immediate and future needs and wants, and money to share? How do YOU define ‘rich’?
If we turn to dictionaries, ‘rich’ is defined as having a great deal of money or assets. This implies that to be rich is to have substantially more money or assets than is normal.
I believe there’s consciousness shift happening around the world, with more and more of us realising that money can be used for good, and that rich people can actually be GOOD people.
So even if your current radar is tuned to seeing the negative traits of some rich people, you can choose to turn your focus to rich people who are doing good in the world.
What about Oprah? What about Richard Branson? What about Anne McKevitt? What about Bill Gates?
Even if you don’t always agree with the way Oprah, Richard, Anne and Bill spend their money, their intentions are great and they’ve positively affected the lives of millions of people.
And you can choose to be one of those people who does do good with money. Hey, why not?
As a rich person, you can choose to be:
- caring
- generous
- compassionate
- kind to the planet
- ethical
- warm
- kind
- loving
Isn’t it exciting to think that we can be part of a new paradigm, a community of rich people who inspire and uplift, who are decent human beings, and who know how to use the energy of money to best effect for people and the planet?
(Although, there have always been rich people who’ve given back and helped others… it’s just that we don’t always choose to notice them.)
YOU get to decide what sort of rich person you’re going to be. You don’t have to conform to any stereotypes – you can choose to live authentically and use money as a tool.
Remember, there are just as many greedy, stingy and unkind poor or middle-class people in the world – we just buy into the myth of poverty being somehow more righteous and upstanding.
You can help the world a whole lot more when you have access to money, and your own quality of life can be enhanced by having money – and that’s OK. You’re allowed to enjoy your life.
But listen, I, too, have concerns about hyper-consumption and its effects (I’ve even created a decluttering program to help you shed items that you don’t really need!). I know we need to care for the Earth, but I also see so many brilliant people coming up with inventions and processes that help neutralise our carbon footprint and, in fact, give back to the planet.
So I think we can enjoy material items and travel, as long as we’re giving back to the planet and aren’t looking for happiness through hyper-consumption.
In the end, our meaning in life comes from connection and love, and our relationships with people will always win out over material possessions and external experiences.
So, do you know what kind of rich person are you going to be?
Leave a comment and let me know!
Marie’s Money Tips
Well, hello there! It’s been a bumper week, and I’ve been meaning to post this video to you ALL week!
It’s actually a great video by a long-distance business mentor of mine called Marie Forleo. Although Marie is a business coach, in this video she shares super money wisdom that applies to all women.
Marie creates Q&A Tuesday videos answering questions that are sent to her – if you’d like to subscribe to Marie’s list to find out when each week’s video is ready to watch, just head here: www.marieforleo.com
If you haven’t come across Marie before, I think you’re going to like her. She has spunk and ‘tude, and definitely knows how to have fun. (Now there’s a high-vibration gal for ya!)
Enjoy the clip, and then APPLY Marie’s wisdom!
Mwuh!
Doing Good, Feeling Great!
I received an amazing book for Christmas: Screw Business as Usual by Richard Branson.
Now, I’m not usually one for cussing, so the title turned me off a little.
I’m also not a huge fan of the use of women in marketing the Virgin airlines brand.
But I still like Richard Branson. He’s big on social responsibility, and on helping others to help themselves, and this book has revealed to me the full extent of his philanthropical work and his passion for helping others. Now I like him even more!
He believes that it’s up to entrepreneurs to ‘do good’. If we’re to get this planet back in shape, and to finally get on top of the dire poverty and hunger that’s rife around the world, businesses need to take action. Governments just aren’t up to the job.
‘Business as usual’ refers to the fact that, for many years, the only focus of many companies has been on the size of their bottom line. However, as we move into a new age, business is not all about profit, but it’s also not about making a token gesture and giving handouts. It truly is about empowerment. And when a business does good, Richard has discovered that the bottom line flourishes, too. Win-win.
So, if you’re a business owner, is this something you think about? Is the work that you do (the product or service that you provide) bettering the world as well as bringing you personal income?
Or if you’re an employee, do you feel that you work for an ethical company that’s attempting to make the world a better place? Does it treat its staff well? Does it look beyond profit?
In your personal purchases, do you support forward-thinking companies by purchasing their products or services? Be it soap powders, make-up, organic or locally produced food, or services offered by people such as stay-at-home mums who want to make extra income for their families from home?
It’s not easy for every business to ensure their whole production line is environmentally sustainable, but they can make big strides towards that goal, and part of their mission can also be to help people help themselves (wherever possible).
Richard believes that people are basically good, and that, given the chance, they really want to do good. And we all know that doing good also feels good. In my opinion, we’re all connected, so when we help others, we really do help ourselves!
Since reading Screw Business as Usual, I’ve reflected on my own path, and have realised that as my awareness has grown over the years, I’m now more conscious about ‘doing good’. I love personal development, and I love helping other people realise that they have control over their destiny. How wonderful that I can make such an impact on people’s lives, now that I’m a life coach!
In earlier years, I worked as an editor for Lonely Planet travel guides, a company dedicated to helping raise awareness of different cultures, giving to worthy grassroots organisations, and maintaining editorial independence. I LOVED the culture of that company. Since then I’ve written three recipe books for children, encouraging kids to choose organic produce and to practice skills that empower and equip them for life.
I know there’s so much more I can do, and I’m so glad that my radar is now tuned in to a very conscious way of living. I know that I’m in a privileged position of being born in a first-world country that has access to so many resources, and I know that I have a responsibility to ‘do good’. Not just because it’s the ‘right thing to do’, because I really do want to help.
As you set about planning a phenomenal 2012, I invite you to think about the type of world you want to live in. Consider making ‘doing good’ a tangible, meaningful goal that flows through any other goals you create… and be prepared to reap rich rewards!
PS Head here to discover more about Richard’s work, and the amazing work of other entrepreneurs from around the world. I may not agree with some of Richard’s marketing philosophies, but I do respect that he uses his name, influence and money to effect hugely positive change in the world.
PPS I love the work of microfinancing organisation Opportunity International. It gives loans to people in developing countries who want to create or grow their own businesses!
What Millionaire Women Do
If you’re after an interesting stocking filler for a friend (or yourself), I’d highly recommend this book.
Millionaire Women Next Door: The Many Journeys of Successful American Businesswomen
The results may (or may not) surprise you.
Millionaire women are very, very giving, and are very frugal – although I prefer changing the author’s terminology here to ‘thrifty’, a term that has a lighter energy. Percentage wise, millionaire women are even more giving than millionaire men.
If you’ve ever felt that it’s wrong to desire money, then this book will show you that money can do wonderful things for people, and that it needn’t change the ‘core you’. Most millionaire women value connection with others, and don’t feel a need to show their peacock feathers or live extravagant lives.
I would add that it’s OK to desire the freedom that money can bring – it broadens the amazing experiences you can have in this life (travel; time freedom; good quality and thoughtfully purchased possessions that uplift you and beautify your life), as well as being a form of energy that you can harness for good (health care for you and your family; helping others in your community and around the world who are in not-so-great situations).
Check out this absorbing read, and let me know what you think of it.
PS Most millionaire women featured in the book’s studies were self-made business owners, but, interestingly, a few were employees who just made good investment decisions and lived well within their means.
Value Your Time!
I thought I’d post this video today – actually, have you ever read The 4-Hour Workweek, Expanded and Updated: Expanded and Updated, With Over 100 New Pages of Cutting-Edge Content.
If we’re here to live a truly magnificent life, then all the money in the world means nothing if you never have time to enjoy it (or to see it being enjoyed and appreciated by those with whom you share your money). The true richness of life comes in actually LIVING your life.
In this video, Tim is being interviewed about a few things, but I like how he talks about time being our most previous non-renewable resource. Check it out, and let me know what you think.
The Secrets to Money & Success
Sandy Forster is a pretty amazing person.
Just over 10 years ago, she was a single mum on welfare, and she was $100,000 in debt. Today, she’s a multimillionaire who’s positively changing the lives of many people around the world. All from her beautiful home on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia!
Sandy has written the wildly successful book called How to be Wildly Wealthy Fast (for more about this, see Recommended Products) and has inspired thousands of people. In fact, I was so inspired by her that I undertook my coach’s training with her, through her Inspired Spirit Coaching Academy!
Now (if you live in Australia, or want to make the journey to our fabulous country), you can see her in person at one of four live events around the nation. In these one-day events, she’s going to reveal, personally, how to attract money and success, including how to make your first million dollars. So if that interests you, you should definitely come!
Don’t worry if you’re cash-strapped. The events are very, very reasonably priced (like, AU$97 for a basic ticket), so if you live near the hosting cities, you have no excuses for not coming! I’ll be at one of the events, and have upgraded to the VIP ticket so that I get front-of-house seats, and lunch with Sandy! The events will be held in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney and on the Sunshine Coast.
Because Sandy practises what she preaches (tithing), she is donating a portion of the profits to charities such as Opportunity International, which provides micro-financing for people in underprivileged countries who want to start a business. Isn’t that wonderful?
Just being in a room with positive, like-minded people is motivation enough for me – it’s wonderful to immerse yourself in that kind of energy as often as you can.
The Amazing Power of Visualisation
Wow, what a week I’m having – life is fabulous! The highlight so far has been the sensational teleseminar interview that I hosted on Tuesday night, called The Amazing Power of Visualisation. It was a free teleseminar, and anyone who is signed up to receive my ezine was able to listen in.
I spoke with Jenny Duncan (of www.mindanimations.com), who is MY coach! We discussed what visualisation is, why visualising what you want is so very powerful, and how you can visualise effectively. We shared great stories from our own experience, and revealed potent tools for creating ‘good stuff’ in your life!
Every month, I’ll be hosting one of these free calls, with a different subject each month. If you’d like to be a part of the action, to have the chance to listen in to content-rich, inspiring calls that are guaranteed to enhance your life, simply pop your name and email address in the boxes on the top right of this page. When you do so, you’ll receive my monthly free ezine (called Your Abundant Life), which will let you know details for each free call. You’ll also receive the beautiful, sumptuous, utterly gorgeous 7 Ways to Recharge Your Vibration & Attract the Riches of Life e-booklet (all 22 pages of it!). Really, what are you waiting for?
Come join us on the calls. Can’t wait to meet you!
Is Your Wallet Attracting Money – or Pushing It Away?
Have you taken notice of your wallet lately? (And when I say wallet, some of us in Australia and the UK also call it ‘purse’!)
How’s it looking? Are you proud to use it? Are you able to find your notes and coins easily?
Or is your wallet a wee bit – or a lot – messy, with a gazillion dog-eared receipts sticking out, money shoved in any which way, coins bulging, credit cards piled in on top of each other, dye wearing off the leather, and broken clasps or zips?
Money is a spiritual essence, and, as with people, it reacts well to tender, loving care. So, the state of your wallet sends money a powerful message. Is your wallet saying ‘don’t bother coming here – there’s nowhere to sit down, and I wouldn’t look after you even if you did come!’? Do you want money to feel really welcome in your life, and to want to hang out with you? If so, then start by creating a sense of calm, orderly respect in your wallet.
Great – but where do I start?
Start is by pulling everything out of your wallet, and throwing out the ‘unnecessary’. That’ll start making you feel better right away!
Then flatten out all of your currency’s notes and place them in your wallet in order of denomination, and have them all face the same way. Try to keep your notes in this order whenever you make a purchase.
Next, take stock of your credit cards, and consider only putting back the ones that you really do use. Store cards might be something you want to ditch, mostly because they could be encouraging you to spend up big! Place the cards neatly in your wallet, each within their own little sleeve.
With coins, I’d recommend only keeping a couple of larger-denomination coins in your wallet, to avoid ‘bulge’. To achieve this, empty surplus coins into a special money tin at the end of each day, and when the tin is full, take it to the bank and deposit the funds into your savings or investment account. You’ll be surprised at how much money you’ve accumulated, and not even missed! You could also consider having a separate coin purse, so that your main wallet doesn’t potentially become ‘disfigured’ by bulging coins.
Which wallet?
Now, this is a personal thing, but I’d recommend having a longer-style wallet, where your notes can really be looked after. With a small, foldable wallet, you need to fold notes in half – this squishes the notes somewhat, and creases them. My feeling is that this isn’t giving your money any breathing room, nor is it allowing a lot of room for more to enter. It’s easy for women to find longer-style wallets, but men may have to start a longer-wallet trend!
When your wallet becomes slightly worn, replace it with a good-quality wallet that will last, and that looks beautiful. I recently bought a gorgeous, designer brand, beautiful quality wallet at half price (woohoo!), but you can find attractive, good quality, not-so-ritzy-brand wallets at very reasonable prices. The universe doesn’t really care about labels – it just cares that you want good quality and that you’ll look after it.
Voila!
That feels better, doesn’t it? Already, your energy has changed. You feel a sense of calm when you open your wallet – it looks great, there’s plenty of room, and everything is in order. Oh, and what’s that? There seem to be more notes in there than before!
If this article has inspired you, and you’re ready to have a whole new relationship with money, you might like to download the free Rich Radiant Real Money-Flow Tracker system. To find it, just click on the link, or on the Freebies tab on this web page. (The money-flow tracker’s instruction booklet will tell you what you can do with all the receipts you pull out of your wallet.)
Joanne's coaching was exactly what I needed to help me focus my precious time and money on finding work and making money! What I like most about Joanne’s coaching is that it's gentle, supportive and empathetic, rather than pushy and 'ra-ra-ra'”
...if there’s something that you’ve been putting off doing, because it’s so big and overwhelming, then by coaching with Joanne you'll definitely find a way to do it, to finally reach your goal.”
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