1) Expect the unexpected - No matter how certain or predictable something is, consider the alternative. Certain things that were considered reliable in the economy are not as reliable right now, so have a back-up plan in mind.
2) Leave some wiggle room - The American way is often to live life on the edge, take risks and focus on the here and now. America is unique because of our founders' willingness to take risks, but we should consider the risks we are taking on a day-to-day basis and determine if they are really necessary.
3) Accept reality - It is easy to deny dramatic changes in our lives and refuse to adjust to a new reality. When it comes to financial matters, accepting the new reality and making adjustments to it is better than sticking to an outdated way of thinking. This allows for more flexibility is working through challenges and a more reliable plan for the future.
4) Keep a positive attitude - The news headlines and other negative influences can make it easy to get down and give up the fight. We are all better off when we focus on what is in our control and take positive steps to improve our situation. Life might not always turn out how we imagined, but a positive frame of mind is often the key to conquering practical challenges.
I enjoy the challenge of assessing a financial situation, collecting the relevant information and developing a workable plan to move forward. Let me know your questions and challenges and I am happy to see where I might be of assistance.
