Making Space for Positive Change

Tuesday, July 19th, 2011

Have you ever declared an intention to make a big change in your life, only to have difficulty seeing it through? How often have you made a resolution—perhaps to eat healthier, exercise more, spend more time with your family or in creative pursuits—only to find that, a few months later, you’re right back where you started?

Often changes don’t “stick” because we haven’t created space in our consciousness for them. We keep ourselves so busy, our minds so trapped in habitual behaviors, that there’s no room for a new way of being. (more…)

Thinking of Buying a Small Business?

Friday, May 20th, 2011

For many people, owning a business is a dream fulfilled. But making that dream a reality takes some research as well as common sense.

As a buyer and owner of several small businesses, I am often asked what it takes to become a business owner.  Here are some factors that a prospective owner should consider before making that jump.

1. Does your spouse work? A business owner, especially starting out, should not be surprised by wildly inconsistent levels of income from week to week, or month to month. Having a spouse working a “regular job” bringing in consistent income can be a huge factor in lowering your stress during lean times. (more…)

Investing With Your Values in Mind

Friday, May 20th, 2011

As a WEALTH magazine newsletter reader, you are naturally interested in making money.

But have you asked yourself exactly why you are pursuing wealth?

Or just how you are making money? Or what purposes do you have in mind for that money once you get it?

I raise these questions because money, at its core, is not sufficient in and of itself for happiness. To be sure, money helps. There are so many things you can do if you have money—and so many things you can’t do without it. (more…)

Investing in Stages: How Your Strategy Should Change

Saturday, March 19th, 2011

During the halcyon years preceding the Great Recession, many investors were lulled into believing that if they only contributed regularly to a retirement account, they reasonably could expect a materially comfortable life in their golden years.

Much has changed. IRA and 401(k) savings were sliced in half during the stock-market free fall of 2008 and early 2009. Despite a rebound, the market’s recovery has come in fits with frequent setbacks.

Equity investments, like the age-indexed mutual funds that became widely popular early in the last decade, have lost their luster. (more…)

Creating Your Own Investment Strategy

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

So you are an investor or have decided you will become one. How do you develop a solid investment strategy?

First, determine your goals. Then, establish how much time and money you have to invest. Finally, choose a mix of investment products that fit your situation.

Your Goals

Of course, every investor wants to earn money. But you must force yourself to be specific. How much money do you want to earn? How soon will you need those funds and for what purposes? (more…)

The No. 1 Secret to Wealthy Living

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

Greetings from the Oregon coast where I’m living my dream.

I’m living well. The great thing is, “living well” by my definition doesn’t cost much money at all. That’s because my definition of living well isn’t about, well, “stuff.” Let me explain:

Yesterday, I windsurfed perfect head-high waves alongside 2004 World Champion Scott McKercher. The day before, I went surfing with champion paddle surfer Ekolu Kalama and his wife. No crowd, just us. For comparison, if you’re a golfer, it’s like hanging out with Tiger Woods for the day, just the two of you.

I feel fortunate to be here with these guys… and it reminds me of what’s important in life: (more…)

Getting Ready for Retirement—What You Need to Do

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

Your initial reaction may be: Retirement? I’m YEARS away from retirement. I don’t have to think about that now.

Think again.

If you’re more than a decade away from retirement, now is the best time to begin preparing. Younger workers, of course, can use the power of compound interest to ensure a smooth financial picture in retirement. (more…)

Financial Freedom, Part One: Going for the Goal

Friday, January 8th, 2010

Everyone, no matter how large or small their income, makes enough money to invest in their future wealth. Too many people are convinced this isn’t true, because they tend to spend money whenever and wherever they see something they desire, without any thought of their real, long-term goals. (more…)

Get Past Discouragement: Set New Goals

Friday, January 8th, 2010

Setting goals is vital to getting to the “big picture” of your personal finances or any other area of life. If you’re discouraged about the economy and, in particular, your finances, it’s time to re-evaluate. What can you do for the rest of the year to set new goals and achieve them?

“The two hardest parts of achieving a goal [are] planning and follow-through,” says Greg Helmstetter, CEO of myGoals.com, a company that provides goal-management services for corporations and large organizations and offers a web-based goal-setting application for everyone. (more…)