UlTImATE SUccESS GUIdE
This is probably the BEST exercise for learning about your
spending habits. It will probably shock you and also help you
to decide what you really NEED, and what you just WANT.
Maybe some compromise is needed to reach your financial
goals?
- Trim the FAT: I know it sounds like we are always dieting, but
this can actually be fun. If you really enjoy that daily latte or a
girl’s night out, then you should have it. Just like a food diet,
total deprivation will surely leave you depressed and result in a
binge-spending spree you’ll feel guilty about.
This is about moderation and self-control. You write your own
rules. Just be sure to follow them as best as possible and be
willing to adjust them if necessary.
- Know your purpose: What drives you? Take some alone time
to really think about this. What do you want to accomplish?
What is extremely important to you? Is there something that
really excites you every time you think about it? Start a chari-
table foundation, write a book, change careers, learn Italian,
travel to Tahiti, start a business, secure a family legacy? What-
ever it is, how would you feel when you achieve it? Proud...
successful...confident...complete?
- Be your own GPS: Know where you are going by knowing
where you are. Once you know your “number” ...your needs,
you can work towards your goals ...your “wants.” Having and
establishing goals are great, but unless you know where you
are, how can you hope to get there?
- Work with an advisor who “gets” you: Having the right
chemistry is extremely important to your success. A good ad-
visor will listen and nod. A great advisor will ask you lots of
questions and help you to “know your numbers,” encourage
you to find your “purpose,” and collaborate with you to set
short, medium, and long term goals that are achievable and re-
alistic. She will also facilitate open and honest communication.
No sugar coating here. It does not serve you or your advisor
very well.
- Realize that you are unique: Even though we often look to
friends and family for their support or approval, everyone’s
