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The Financial Guides Newsletter
Issue #18
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Something to Think About


"Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can't."

Jerry Rice

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The place where Tammy tells us what she REALLY thinks!

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Greetings!

Our number one goal at The Financial Guides is to help you be as successful as you can possibly be in all areas of your life: financially, business wise, and personally.  In order to assist you on your path to greatness we will be giving you extra tools to make the journey easier.

Fun is Financially Responsible


 

A self-disciplined person can will themselves to do things that they know are good for them.  Anyone can do something that is fun.  If it is good for them, then that's a bonus.  When people start talking about or even just thinking about putting together a budget the first thought that pops into most people's minds is that of a need for self-discipline, and that doesn't sound like a lot of fun.

 

Believe it or not there is a simple, yet extremely effective way to make budgeting fun.  Here it is:  Make room in your budget for fun.  I know it sounds wacky, but trust me it works.  If your whole financial plan is about sacrifice, saving for the future, paying down debts, and other completely boring and awful things the chances are you won't stick with it.  You need to fit in some play money.

 

Fun money makes it simple to stick with your plan.  No need to feel guilty and throw out the budget because you had a Starbucks or went out with the guys.  Just plan for it.  Decide what things make life worth living for your household.  Then factor it into the budget.

 

Plan for regular fun boosts in your budget to keep you on track.  Do you like to go out for dinner?  If you do, make it an event, something you look forward to as a reward for working hard and sticking with your plan, rather than as something you spend money on unconsciously.  Do you like to have specialty coffees or other niceties?  Make a plan to do it once every week or every other week and fully enjoy it, or figure out how long it would take you to get a good machine at home. 

 

Plan for big rewards as well.  Do you like to travel?  If you do, find a way to fit a vacation every year or so into your budget.  Do you prefer toys like bikes, sporting equipment, or electronics?  You can make it so you can have the "sparklies" without the guilt and grief by making them a part of your financial plan. 

 

The things that get rewarded get done.  Figure out what your reward system is and implement it into your budget.  You'll find that you'll reach your financial goals faster and with a lot less effort.



Silly is GOOD for Business


Business is supposed to be a serious subject.  As entrepreneurs we are supposed to be hard working, determined, and always professional.  The world expects almost everything from us except fun.  I have to disagree.  The most successful businesses are the ones where fun is an everyday part of life.

 

Yes, we do need to be professional, but I don't understand where the idea that professional means stuffy ever came from.  People want to do business with people they like.  Last time I checked most people prefer people with a personality.  People that can laugh, and that can make others feel comfortable to be around.  In other words real people.  Take the time to connect with your clients on a personal level.  Find out what they like to do for fun.  What gets them excited about life?  You will strengthen and deepen the relationship, and you never know what new ideas you'll come across for things you might want to try.

 

How can you lighten up your workspace for you and your clients?  Can you play music and dance a little bit to get your blood flowing?  Can you bring some colour into your space in the form of beautiful artwork?  Can you have some good jokes and funny cartoons to make people laugh?  Personally I love toys, cartoons, and beautiful artwork.  I like my space to be fun, inviting to work in, and generally interesting. 

 

What do you do to recharge your batteries?  In order to be at your best you need to keep your energy and creativity tanks full.  Working constantly wears you out.  How can you expect to be at your best when you are physically and mentally exhausted?  Take a vacation.  Take mini vacations.  Spend time with your family.  Schedule fun into your business and personal life.  Try something new and maybe even outlandish.  You never know what wonderful experiences can come of it.

 

The best ideas usually hit us when we are not working.  When we give ourselves the opportunity to relax, laugh, and enjoy life our brain has a chance to play as well.  You'd be surprised at the incredible thoughts on how to improve our business, fix problems, add new products or services, or marketing ideas will pop into our minds when we give it a chance to play.

 

So go out and do something "silly".  I promise you won't die and it might just be the thing  you need to move you forward.

 

"Have fun in your command.  Don't always run at breakneck pace.  Take leave when you've earned it, spend time with your families."

-Colin Powell
 

Glen Yaretz
Glen Yaretz: Pro Image



CLIENT PROFILE:
Glen Yaretz: Pro Image International Laser Clinics

 

Most of us want to make some improvements in our lifestyles.  Some of us want to lose weight, some want to quit smoking, some want to reduce their stress levels, still others need to deal with pain issues. 

The bad news is that making the changes necessary can be much harder than we would like when we try to tackle them on our own.  The GOOD news is that there is help out there.  The even better news is that no drugs are needed. 


If you are looking for a great way to increase your odds of success in making a healthy lifestyle change give Glen a call  at (403) 607-4525 or gyaretz@proimageclinics.com

www.proimageclinics.com

Upcoming Events
 
Financial Journeys Class
   When: Saturday, February 12 from 8:30am - 5:30pm
   Where: The Kahanoff Centre
               200, 1202 Centre Street SE Calgary AB

Small Business Class
 
  When: Friday, February 18, from 5pm - 9pm
             Saturday, February 19, from 9am - 5pm
             Sunday, February 20, from 9am - 5pm

   Where:
The Kahanoff Centre
               200, 1202 Centre Street SE Calgary AB
 
 
Business Mastermind Group (BY INVITATION ONLY)
   When:
Wednesday, February 9 & Wednesday, February 23
              from 7:00pm - 9:00pm
              Email Tammy For Information

Cashflow Night
   When:
Wednesday, February 16, from 7pm - 10pm

 
 



No Boredom, No Jargon, No Sales, No Suits, No BS!


We at The Financial Guides are here to help you in whatever area you need.  If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for making this newsletter the best it can be, please let us know.
 
Sincerely,
 

Tammy Johnston
The Financial Guides