Financial Wizards Prepare! 4 Lil' Tiny Duckies!... by:Tom Levine

A) If you are going to transform yourself into a financial wizard

, with money, security, and assets, then you need to begin this transformation by clearing out the cobwebs, and making way for a new tomorrow.

B) We are all perfectly capable of becoming "Financial Wizards." None of us are without the ability to amass vast quantities of prosperity and wealth, in an easy, painless fashion. Benjamin Franklin believed that we are all equal, entitled to equal opportunity. If we just take a few simple steps, each day, we can achieve greatness.

C) But the first step is to take responsibility, and many "Financial Wizards" have debt issues, credit issues, budget issues, and spending issues. We're all human. So, the first step is to address these issues one at a time, and take ownership of them, and change them.

D) But, hey listen! They ain't no big thing, you hear me!? These are SMALL issues to deal with, not large ones. These are little tiny duckies. You need to realize that, in order to tackle them and move on.

Let's take a look at these lil' tiny duckiesGee aren't they cute? No big deal:

1. THE DEBT DUCKIE!

2. THE BUDGET DUCKIE!

3. THE SPENDING DUCKIE!

4. THE lil' FICO DUCKIE!

1. THE DEBT DUCKIE!

If you have out of control debt, then you need to deal with it, and please, don't do it alone. You need to seek out counsel from professional services who can examine your current debt situation, and provide you with a short term, mid-range, and long-term plan to get you debt-free forever.

Debt can be such a burden in your life, that sometimes, it's hard to take that first step, to concede that you have a problem, and accept that you can't solve it alone. It weighs so heavy on you, that it blinds you to the big picture.

So, I'm suggesting that it's time you simply make the decision to see the forest from the trees. You'll need help. Go get it. There are lots of debt-assistance programs out there. Most of them are non-profit, or you may need legal assistance through an attorney. But, don't put this off any longer, plain and simple. You just CAN NOT become a "Financial Wizard," if you are encumbered with debt. This is goal one. Go get some solid advice from those you trust, and line that duckie up!

2. THE BUDGET DUCKIE!

If you've never created a budget, that's okay! You can still be in the club, you can still become a "Financial Wizard," and you can still amass an amazing array of wealth. But, you must get started sometime.

And you know what? Today is a great day to start!

A budget is more than just writing down how much you spend on groceries. A budget requires a review of your spending, and a recognition that money is power, and it is also an expression of your values, and a measurement of time.

For example: Sit down, and write out how much you spent in the past, like last month. Then, write down how much you are currently spending in the present, like last week. Finally, write down how much you want to spend in the future, like next month.

So, let's talk about what you wrote down for the future. Did you pull that money together, that powerful tool for changing your tomorrows? How much did you put down for savings? How much did you budget for your 401k, and for your mortgage payment, or for your ROTH-IRA, or your savings towards a down payment on your first home?

Aha! There's the cute, lil duckie!

The important thing to recognize here is that budgeting is an acquired skill, and you don't have to go at it alone. Seek out advice from professionals that can help get you started in budgeting your money, so that you are honing your skills and becoming a person of action, and not a person of reaction. All of the important elements of your finances need to be taken care of and represented in your budget, as you examine your yesterdays, your todays, and your tommorows.

Two lil' duckies down, 2 lil' duckies to go!

3. THE SPENDING DUCKIE!

Believe it or not, the spending duckie is a different duckie then the budget duckie.

See, spending is an action that you take, whereas budgeting is more a planning process. Now, how do you spend? Do you use your ATM card, or your VISA, or CASH? Do you spend what you have, do you spend what you need, or do you spend to gratify what are actually your wants and desires, right now, no matter what, irrespective of your budget, and without control or measure?

You see I believe that spending is a behavior pattern, and a habit, and it can be changed, and you can change! It is also a reflection of your values, and of your goals. So, you will need to deal with this, in order to get to that "Financial Wizard" that you know is deep inside you.

Line this 'lil duckie up. Again, recognize it's something you need to grasp, and then go seek help. Don't rely just on yourself, because if you have poor spending habits, chances are, they need to be corrected by someone who has good spending habits. That said, spending is a skill, just like anything else. It's a tiny little thing. A cute lil' duckie. You can do it.

And now, on to the last cute, tiny, lil' duckie:

4. THE lil' FICO DUCKIE!

Sometimes, your credit may be in need of attention. Well no big deal, but neglect this no longer.

You CAN do something about it, and you CAN work towards cleaning your credit up, increasing your FICO score, and getting your credit to reflect the new you, the "Financial Wizard" you.

Many of the items on your credit report can be challenged, explained, or dealt with in a professional manner. The first step is always to get a copy of your credit report. Find out exactly where you stand. The second step is to assess it, either on your own, using a service, or using a professional. The third step is to form a plan to address the credit report, and the fourth step is to take action.

But with that said, it would be wise to deal with the first 3 issues of debt, budgeting, and spending, prior to dealing with the credit report. I say that because your FICO score is really just a reflection of the other 3 issues. So, deal with them first.

But once you've got your debt, budget, and spending under control, please realize that your credit is a manageable, tangible, and workable problem, with workable solutions. Seek out professional advice, so that you don't have to go at it alone, and before long, you'll have a squeaky clean credit report. Of course by that time, you'll be well on your way.

CONCLUSION:

So that's the 4 lil' duckies. They ain't no BIG THING, just like I said. But ignore them no longer. Neglect them no longer. Avoid them no longer.

But don't be afraid of them. They're just 4 cute tiny 'lil duckies, and they're just looking for a little attention. The are also, of course, the very foundation and health of your financial house. Build a home on toothpicks, and eventually, you will wind up with a pile of lumber.

Not a great place to live, if you're a cute 'lil duckie.

We've enjoyed providing this information to you, and we wish you the best of luck in your pursuits. Remember to always seek out good advice from those you trust, and never turn your back on your own common sense.

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Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in the articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. The author will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.

About the author

Tom Levine provides a solid, common sense approach to solving problems and answering questions relating to consumer loan products. His website seeks to provide free online resources for the consumer, including rate-watch, tips and articles, financial communication, news, and links to products and services. Visit Tom at: http://www.Loans-Resource.Net/, or see this article in full format: http://www.loans-resource.net/article-duckies.htm. Copyright 2004, Loans-Resource.Net.

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