Have You Made a Breakthrough in Your Life After Divorce?

A Dose of  Savvy…

Is Your Negative Self-Talk Holding You Back in Your Life After Divorce?

Are You Taking Advantage of the Recession?

A Dose of Professional Savvy…

Did you know that, according to The Center for Women’s Business Research, women are opening businesses at twice the rate of men? From the beginning of time, women have shown their entrepreneurial spirit by starting businesses either in or out of the home.

Believe it or not, a recession is a perfect time to start your own business! Most successful businesses have been started during a recession, and many even during the Great Depression. Trader Joe’s, Apple, and Revlon were all started during recessions and many businesses continue to thrive despite the recessions. Just look at Pay Pal!

During tough economic times people seem to become more creative and resourceful., which is something we, as divorced women, have learned well. Hungry to succeed on our own, we are open to all our options. So, why not you? Why not take advantage of the recession to follow your passion and start your own business?

First, though, you must determine if you have the personality to be an entrepreneur. Are you a risk taker? Are you willing to invest in yourself and your business? Are you ready and able to work long hours for little or no pay initially? Many of us are, and do just that, in order to follow our dreams.  Sometimes doing what you love just doesn’t seem like work; but the reality is, you still have to pay the rent or mortgage and feed your family. Make sure you are ready with a good business and financial plan, and are committed to doing whatever it takes to make your business successful.

Many communities have a small business center that caters to women looking to start their own business. They will assist you in launching your business, taking it from business concept to business plan with workshops, seminars, and coaching. Many of these resources are free or low-cost so be sure to take advantage of this support. Many local business women volunteer in these organizations to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs. Call your local Chamber of Commerce or do a search on your local area for “Women’s Business Center”.  You might be shocked at who you will find to assist you!

If you have always dreamed of starting your own business, make sure you have a plan, get your finances in order, and move forward. Do not allow a recession to stop you because it may just be the very best time to get your business started successfully. Join the many other divorced women who are finding economic independence through entrepreneurship!

For additional support in starting or growing your business, I encourage you to take advantage of the information shared by the 12 Top Experts  who participated in my Savvy Divorced Chicks Online Biz Bootcamp. Click here for all the details! 

How’s Your Financial Independence in Your Life After Divorce?

A Dose of Financial Savvy…

Many women find that their standard of living dramatically decreases after going through a divorce.  Though there are many factors that go into that (including family size, custody arrangements, alimony & child support, career, child care, & household expenses), your relationship with money may also be preventing you from having financial independence after your divorce. Regardless of their divorce settlement, many women fail to make their lives better. 

Money affects all the areas of our lives. We actually have a personal relationship with money and it starts at an early age. We receive messages about money from our parents, which often continue to influence us in our adult lives. Our unconscious beliefs and patterns about money can often cause stress, anxiety, and fear. How we view ourselves with money plays directly into how we choose to use our money. However, when we become aware of our money habits and behaviors (how we think, feel and react to money), we can make happier and healthier choices.

Regardless of your financial situation, you can change your relationship with money so that you can get the most out of what money you have now.

1. Rather than focusing on everything you don’t have, focus on the gifts you do have and be grateful!

Change your money mindset! Choose to be fully empowered personally and financially. What we focus on, we tend to attract. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people. Be grateful for what you do have in your life (both the people and the material things) and occasionally treat yourself to a gift.

2. Create a detailed budget

Write down everything. If you intend to buy a triple mocha latte ever day, or twice a day, put that in the budget. Nothing is too small, not even a pack of gum. You’re going to plan to buy it so it goes into the budget. Make sure you follow your budget. Make your plan and stick to it!

3. Earn More Money

If you need more money, earn more, do not borrow more. The single thing that gets most people in trouble is so simple, but many of us do it anyway. We spend more than we earn. We live above our means. Instead of finding a way to make more money, we find a way to get more credit, thus making matters worse. Be creative in looking for ways you can supplement your current income.

4. Save Money and Invest Money

In your budget you must have a set amount that goes to savings each month. You’ve heard it before, you know it is true…pay yourself first! Aside from general saving, you should invest some money long term each month too. Make sure you seek the advice and experience of a financial advisor. I know it is a recession right now, but there are still some excellent investments. Remember that the greatest generation on earth suffered a depression, and today they are better off than the rest of us.

By taking control over these factors, you can change your relationship with money to a point where you feel a freedom that you may never have felt before. By accepting that you cannot afford to buy that new pair of expensive shoes today, but you can afford to buy them in a few months after you save the money, you will create a situation where you have power over the money rather than the money having power over you. Don’t limit yourself from living the fulfilling and prosperous life you desire.

If you are really ready to take action with your finances and are really serious about eliminating your debt, check out Bruce Ammon’s Debtonator Course at http://bit.ly/9yWtrs.

It’s Not Over…It’s Just Beginning!