Friday Finances: The Energy of Money

“Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into.” ~ Wayne Dyer

Today’s post is courtesy of Soul Purpose Expert and 3-time Best Selling Author, Jennifer Longmore! Here is her “101″ on how to tune into wealth with 4 basics about the energy of money:

Let’s go back to basics here – what do we mean when we talk about the energy of money?

To start, the actual word ‘currency’ comes from the Latin word currens, which means “condition of flowing.” So think about a rushing river – the way the water flows, clean and clear. If this river became blocked, the water would stagnate and be unable to go neither here nor there.

This same way of thinking can be applied to money. You do not want your money to stagnate.

Of course I’m not suggesting you should spend everything you have and be completely irresponsible! While many of us have struggled with financial issues, we should think of money as a gift – a tool to be utilized to help us live our best lives possible. If we misuse this tool we can end up in trouble, which these days with credit cards and loans it’s much to easy to do by spending money we don’t have.

To help better understand the energy of money (especially your own!) consider the following points.

1. Money is energy.

Most often, money is exchanged because of a need. You may desire an aesthetically pleasing yard, yet not have the time or the ability to create it yourself. Thus, you hire a landscaping company to do so for you. In exchange for the output of energy the workers provide, you give them money.

2. Energy needs to flow.

This might sound like an open-invitation for reckless spending. It is not. In order for your life to be in the best financial health possible, the flow of your money needs to be balanced. You cannot have more going out than you have coming in. You will quickly find yourself out of balance.

3. Energy is infinite.

There is enough money to go around. This might be difficult to believe at first, especially if you are struggling. Too many people believe there is not enough, and this collective belief is preventing money’s energetic flow to be equally accessible to everyone.

4. The Ripple Effect.

While it is easy to fall into the trap of spending too freely, it is also possible for the reverse to happen. Saving money and planning for your future are certainly integral steps to having a healthy financial life, but remember, money needs to flow both directions. Responsibly spending your money will have a ripple effect that will be beneficial not just for you, but for others as well.

If you take these points to heart and believe them on a soul level, it’s the first step to opening yourself up to unlimited abundance and wealth. Watch for the miracles that are about to begin!

So, what do you think?  I have talked to many who are struggling to pay off debt or to make ends meet.  Living paycheck to paycheck, We budget to the penny and with it, we may be strangling the energy flow.  I am ready to look at money in a different way, what about you?

 

About the Author:

Jennifer Longmore, Forensic Investigator turned North America’s Soul Purpose Expert, is the internationally acclaimed host of “Soul Purpose Central,” 3-time best selling author, and founder of the Soul Journeys {Registered Trademark} School For Akashic Studies and creator of the popular Spiritual Leadership and Legacy Program.

For over 15 years she has been helping people remember who they really are through over 30,000 soul purpose sessions, including the whos-who of actors, professional athletes, CEO’s of leading companies, and other influential luminaries.

Simple Money Saving Tips for Families

Leaving my part time job and a guaranteed paycheck was scary.  Yes, I have a growing Thirty One business BUT FEAR was starting to knock on the door.  Reducing credit card debt and school loan debt has been a big focus for me BUT I have to be honest, I may not have worked at it as hard as I could.  Yup!  Me being accountable.  The new year kicked off new attempts to truly bring this debt down while at the same time giving up my part time job.  Seems impossible right?

So, I went looking for ways to save some money on our monthly expenses.  While it’s rare eliminating a single expense will give you control over your finances, you can usually save a lot of money by combining savings from several different directions.

1. Organize your grocery shopping

Be more organized when you go grocery shopping, you actually can save money. Of course have a list of what you need to buy, and coupons (I’m still working on this one).  Shop early in the week to avoid the stress of over crowded stores.

2. Eliminate one service each year that you can do without

I have to admit the first thing we cut was the cable bill.  Yup, we went from what seemed like 1000 channels to maybe about 300 although the cable company said there were only 143.  By doing this, we saved about $65 per month.  Next step is canceling the land line telephone service for an additional $30 per month. I am also doing this with my businesses to make sure I’m not spending money on tools or subscription services I’m no longer using.

3. Never buy “off the shelf”

Now, I don’t mean all of the time BUT when you are buying something fairly costly, do your homework first.   Surf the web for the lowest price, or upcoming sales.  Is it something you can buy second hand. Thrift stores and Facebook yard sales are great places for this.  You don’t want to do this for small purchases but maybe set a threshold of say, $50 and above.

4. Participate in – and use – your rewards programs

Admit it!  You have tons of reward cards, right?  How many of them do you actually use?  Sign up for them where ever possible, and keep tabs of your points. I love Ebates because the notification pops up about a rebate when I am shopping online at a store which offers it.  I have rewards plan with Verizon Wireless which gives me discounts on a variety of things from restaurants to gift certificates.

5. Sell what you no longer need

Instead of throwing away items you no longer use, try selling them first to make some additional money. Then put the money towards a bill.  We are not allowed to have yard sales at our condo complex so I have tried this on Facebook and Ebay.  This is something which requires a little bit of your time or to be organized.  Both of which I am working on right now.  When items don’t sell, donate them to a local non-profit and be sure to get a receipt for tax purposes.

6. Buy clothing in thrift or discount stores

I have been a fan of thrift stores for years, since before Belinda was born.  Thrift stores don’t have a huge selection, but you can often come across the perfect item from time to time, sometimes barely used. This is great especially for buying kid’s clothing. They outgrow clothes so fast, thrift stores allow you to buy good quality clothes for low prices.  If thrift stores aren’t your thing, then take a look at discount stores like T.J. Maxx or Marshall’s.

Thirty One’s Soft Utility Tote is perfect for these kinds of trips.  It can be a large purse and then expands to carry all of your treasures home.

7. Never buy new what you can get second hand

You sell what ever you no longer use, others are doing the same all the time. Be sure to look into garage sales and estate sales in your area – you’ll be surprised at the stuff people are looking to unload.  Best of all, all prices are fully negotiable! Take advantage where ever and when ever you can.

8. Buy when everyone else is selling

Retail sales usually fall off in January, so nearly everything goes on sale. Wouldn’t it be better to do the bulk of your buying in January rather than November and December.  This also has a seasonal application, too.  Buy your winter clothing in late winter or early spring, when winter items go on clearance.

What ways has your family found to save money?

 

Change Your Beliefs Manifest Your Money

 This blog post was written by Lynette Barbieri

Ladies, think back to all the negative perceptions we were taught about money growing up. “Money is the root of all evil.” “Money doesn’t buy happiness.” “Money is not spiritual.” It’s this kind of thinking and this kind of mindset that is the cause of most people’s financial demise. Yes, money does NOT buy happiness, but neither does poverty.

I feel like I can be as bold and as blunt as I want with you because I have your best interest at heart. Additionally, I’m talking from my own personal experience. I was always surrounded by friends and family members that were the biggest proponents of thinking negatively about money.

I have been in the financial industry now for almost two decades. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to help clients that come from all different financial and economic backgrounds. What I’ve found over the years is that even though I help them understand the importance of having a financial road map they tend to fall short on the execution.

The inability to follow through with their plan all stems from their belief system regarding money-that’s where I come in. After digging deeper through asking the right kinds of questions, I was able to identify the mental and financial blocks my clients were experiencing. All it took was a little redirecting of their belief system, and then they were finally ready to take those first steps towards financial stability. It wasn’t long after that they were started seeing success from their efforts.

The transformation does not happen over night. Like anything else you have to invest some time in personal development.

If you are interested in learning effective strategies to relieve financial stress so you can experience more peace and joy in your life you are welcome to attend my workshop below.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Change the World or Money

The 3 components of a successful direct sales business.  We have heard it all before, right?  It is drilled into our heads from the first day.  For many, the book and sell is easy.  But when it comes to recruiting, they freeze.  Why?  Fear of having to lead others?  Fear of competition?  Fear of having their sales drop because their best hostess/customer is now a team member?  Or maybe it is the fear of not knowing what to say?  How do I share the business without being a “pushy salesperson”?  How do I find the right person?

I came across this great analogy:

Finding new recruits can be like attending a birthday party for 7-year-olds. Some children run and jump. Some scream and laugh. And some sit and watch. When you meet a new person who is interested in your business, it’s natural to assume that the same things that motivate you will motivate them. But you don’t know for sure, do you?

There is the theory “Share your why and talk about the benefits to you” and others will want some.  Or, “share about the income and what it has done for you”.  In both of these, it is all about you.  You have no clue what is going to appeal to the other person.

You jump right into your story, your heart’s in the right place BUT many back away.  WHY?  Because they feel like you want them to support YOUR goals and they will get little in return.  The good news is that there’s a way to share the business opportunity and be 100% authentic.

There are two types of people in the world:

Those who are motivated by money and titles, and…
Those who are motivated by making a difference in the world.
Almost everyone has both types of motivational styles, but usually one is dominant.

When “money and titles” motivates, hearing about promotions, bonuses, trips, and other incentives excites them.

But if they want to “change the world,” they will love stories about how your products improved customer’s lives, the financial freedom experienced by your team members, and how customers and team members have achieved their desires and goals. They love the friendships that are developed and seeing people becoming all they can be.

So, how do you find out which type of person they are?  Get your ASK on!!!  Share AFTER you have asked some questions so you know how to appeal to them.

Ask questions that will reveal what inspires them and how your business can best serve them:

What has been your favorite job and why?
Did they tell you about the job that made a difference in people’s lives? Or did they talk about the fantastic money they made?

What would you do with an extra $500 a month?
If they are clear about what they’d do with $500, they’re likely to be a “money and titles” person. If they’re vague and seem uncomfortable, they are likely to have a “change the world” motivational style.

What is your favorite part about your current job?
This way you can share your business based on how your business can offer them the thing they most enjoy in their current job.

If you could change one thing about your current employment, what would it be?
This let’s you know what their motivation style is and what aspects of your business you should share with them first.

Now it’s time to share the opportunity. If their motivation matches yours, share your own story. If it doesn’t, file some stories in your memory to share about other successful people in your company who are inspired by the same things your recruit is.

Recruiting or finding new team members is all about building relationships.  It is about asking questions to find out their interests, motivational style, and employment situation.  When you spend more time talking about them than about yourself, you will understand what inspires them, and you’ll double your team building efforts.

Have  a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Money

 

“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income” Ecclesiastes 5:10

How many times have you said “When I have enough money, I will retire, living comfortably and doing just about anything I want.”?

How many times have you focused on your own ability to make money and just when you thought you had everything (or at least reaching your dream); the wind was knocked out of your sail and you lost everything?

How many times have you changed jobs for more money only to loose it or end up leaving it?

These are the times that our focus is on money and not trusting in God.

That has been me in so many ways.  I can look back on events in my life and realize that it was God at work – teaching me a lesson.  Okay, so I didn’t think that at the moment.  I cried.  I became angry.  I sat in my pity pot for days, weeks and in some cases years, thinking “poor me”.  The truth was that God was just waiting for me to turn to him and ask for help.

As I work through my Leadership Bible, I realize how many times I stopped trusting in God and thought I could do it on my own.  I was never good at money management.  For years, I allowed credit cards to rule my life.  I robbed Peter to pay Paul.  Debt was/is an addiction for me.  Crazy, right?  But it is Satan’s way of trying to keep control in my life.  Then SMACK – a wake up call from God.  Why? Because God loves us too much to allow us to continue down that destructive path.

When I talk to new potential recruits on their “WHY”, the focus is often on money – more money to pay bills, for a vacation, and the list goes on.  Isn’t that why so many of us start their own business or change jobs – for more money?

The truth is that when we live a life according to God’s plan for us – we will have everything that we need.  Notice I said “need” and not “want”.  I am learning that I have enough money for what I need but maybe not everything that I want.

Have often have you asked for “God’s will in your life” when secretly you didn’t want it in all areas.  But the truth is, many times I  wanted to pick and choose which ones?  Truth be told – money and finances were on the top of the list.  I was afraid that if I let God’s will be done, I would not get what I wanted!  OUCH!

God’s plan for us is that we become good stewards of the resources we are given.  Making money should not become the idol in our lives.  Check your motives today and see if your financial life can stand Jesus’ scrutiny.

Are you operating as a steward of the financial resources He has entrusted to you?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!