Go Big Money

November is the month for many fabulous celebrations. There's voting, National Diabetes month, All Saints Day, Deviled Egg Day, Veteran's Day, No-Shave Movember, Thanksgiving and the #1 American holiday: Black Friday.  I however, have decided to make November a month to examine my relationship with MONEY.  Thrilling!

Why do you ask? Well, I'd like more. That seems obvious. Plus, I've noticed myself saying some of the same things my parents used to say. "Once things pick up...", "When ______ gets paid off...", or "I thought I'd have more by now."  Once and for all, I want to change my mind about money.  Embrace it.  Receive it. Make it, baby!!

Last Friday I started my journey with a trip to the library.  I checked out an array of supplies to take me from "Loser with no cash" to "Girl who has it all together".  Just like that.  Boom!

After a little research, it seems that it may take a little longer to change my financial situation.  I expected this, I guess.  So, I started with "The Difference" by Jean Chaztzky.  I chose this one for a number of reasons; Jane is a girl and the cover is aesthetically pleasing.  I gritted my teeth, inserted the CD, and readied myself to to fast-forward through the "How to Invest" part. (Let's face it, most people know HOW to save, but we either choose to spend unwisely or don't have the cash to do it. For the love of God, save the lesson!)

To my surprise, Jean didn't try to tell me anything I didn't already know!  Her book (on CD if you like) uncovers the reasons people are wealthy, financially comfortable, living paycheck to paycheck, or growing in debt.  Completely fascinating!

Jean and her staff studied about 20 different characteristics of people who are financially successful.  Wealthy and financially comfortable people tend to have between 10-12 of these traits.  Of course, I was desperate to be in that range!  Could I have the potential for this kind of awesomeness?! Well, I'm only about 1/2 way through so you and I will have to wait to find out.

So what are the characteristics of the wealthy? Here's a few to get you started:

• They tend to exercise 2-3 days a week. (Check!)
• They have ALWAYS known what they wanted to do. (Damn it!)
• They have always had a goal of having a million (or more) dollars (Does a dream count?)
• They were read to a lot as a kid. (YESSSSS!!!)
• They are creative but not  overly creative. (Son-of-a....)
• They socialize with friends at least once a week.  (Boom!)

Of course there's more, but you'll have to wait.  The good news?  You can change a lot of these things. There's hope when you fill yourself with knowledge!

That is all for tonight.  Stay awesome my friends!

Back with a New Set of Goals

It's wonderful to be back! My little journey to 40 was amazing.  I left you the night before my Birthday; ready to celebrate on a short vacation with my sweetheart, Ryan. Bliss

We started our journey by exploring the places where I grew up, took in some hiking, and stayed over at a delightful old hotel in Crofton, Nebraska. From there, we moved through Valentine, Nebraska, Wounded Knee, and Custer State Park.  The weekend was filled with hiking Bear Butte and Little Devils Tower. All of this in running shoes!

I absolutely love traveling with Ryan.  He and I adore spending time in the wilderness and wearing ourselves out walking with nature.  Most of our outdoor times were spent together and completely quite.  What a gift to have met someone that isn't uneasy with silence.  Of course, immediately after these adventures, we raced to the lodge to make new friends and enjoy drinks by the fire. Just one way Libras "balance the scale".

The Historic Argo Hotel

Little Devils Tower

 

Bear Butte

The Sunday after our return, I ran the Des Moines Marathon.  It may have been the most physically challenging thing I have ever done.  About 1/2 way through I thought my knees were going to crumble.  I was simply unable to run as fast as I wanted.  Ugh!!  So much pain.  But guess what...I finished anyway! Slow and steady.  A little running, a little walking and I did it!  The best part:  I had several friends along the way that cheered me on and even rode their bike to the finish with me. Blessed! 

 

That's my update for the month of October. Feel free to ask me anything.  I plan on continuing my blog with new goals in mind.  Tomorrow will be my first post on my 30 day November goal.  It's all about money and changing my relationship with it.  Here we go!!!!!