3 Ways to Become Financially Fit

Meiko S. Patton is a writer for the federal government and the founder of Never Ever Give Up Academy.

Half the year is now over, so that got me to thinking about finances and three ways you can up your financial literacy and know-how.

GET FINANCIALLY FIT

In his book, The Total Money Makeover, author Dave Ramsey offers a proven plan for financial fitness. This book was given to me by my employer and it has been one of the best books I’ve ever read on how to get out and stay out of debt.

The one tip I regularly use is called The Debt Snowball. Basically you write down all your current debt from the smallest payoff or balance first. You identify the enemy and then attack it. The Debt Snowball helps modify your behavior and that’s exactly what you need when you are in debt. Ramsey says, “Paying the little debts off first gives you quick feedback, and you are more likely to stay with the plan.”

Ramsey believes that personal finance is 80 percent behavior and 20 percent head knowledge. If you want a better relationship with your money, you have to change. You have to change how you relate with money. It’s not the numbers, it’s you. That’s why if you take the time to read his book and implement his suggestions, you’ll win the money game. His book shows you the process; it’s more than just a how to book.

Ramsey has a famous quote, he says, “If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.” It’s his way of reminding people that if they make the small sacrifices now that most people are not willing to make, then later you can live in a way that other people can never dream of.

GUARANTEE YOUR OWN WAGE

If you apply for a job and you get that job, that company can only guarantee you today’s wages. But, if you create your own job, you can guarantee whatever wage you want for yourself.

Which of the two do you prefer?

In her book, The Economy of You, Kimberly Palmer tells dozens of stories of ordinary people like you and me who have decided to strike out on their own and determine their own financial future.

If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.

MEIKO PATTON

We see it every day in this new, You Economy. People are taking their finances into their own hands. They are taking back their financial power and depending on themselves to build a stable economic sphere for their families.

Palmer herself doesn’t just talk the talk, she too, is now a part of the You Economy. She developed a series of financial planners while working full-time as a journalist. And now she is the author of several books.

If you’re looking for some inspiration to keep doing what you’re doing, pick up Palmer’s book and learn to recession-proof your finances.

WHERE IT ALL BEGINS

What if you were taught from infancy how to start your own business or how to never get into debt?

Think how helpful that would’ve been. Just like learning a language, you would have formed good habits around this topic and by now, as an adult, you would be a master at it. Well, it’s not too late.

In her book, The Money Tree, author LaDonna Smith explains basic financial concepts in easy to understand language for children. The beautiful illustrations aim to make learning about money fun. The book weaves in topics such as saving, running your own business and the difference between wants and needs.

Smith is a certified financial educator who believes that educating children about fiscal responsibility at an early age is a must. “This must become our priority,” Smith says. Begin the money conversation now with the children in your life, one day, they will thank you.

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