“Structure is success!”

Having seen my parents struggle from one paycheck to the next while I was growing up, I know firsthand how difficult it can be. Struggle wasn’t in the recipe for the life I envisioned for myself, but I never learned the basics of money or the discipline of saving until later on.

Never was I taught the importance of budgeting or how to handle financial difficulties. As time progressed, I became increasingly aware that I had to take action and face my financial habits head-on.

Around 2008, my unhealthy habits accumulated to around $100,000 in debt and deep financial distress. With help, I was able to settle my debt in less than one year and received coaching that helped me increase my savings rate from zero to 20% to 40% and develop much better spending habits.

My goal is that by sharing my experience with you, you will be better prepared to avoid making the same mistakes I did. If you’ve already found yourself inan tough spot, let this episode be confirmation that you CAN dig out of debt and create a more financially secure life. I learned that structure and accountability are crucial!

In this episode, we’ll walk together through what might be affecting your financial decisions, and you’ll see that it’s ultimately up to you to make prosperous choices with your money and have a positive outlook. Organizing your financial obligations, accounts, and 401(k) information, and deciding on an investment strategy that will work for you long-term are all must-do’s when it comes to getting on your financial feet.

Creating a survival budget is crucial for your long-term security because it allows you to assess your current expenditures and identify areas where you may reduce costs and increase your savings. For me, accountability plays an enormous role. I benefited greatly from having a coach as they kept me from falling into the trenches trying to navigate it all on my own, which is why I highly recommend you seek a coach in any area of your life where you feel like your struggling. You don’t have to do it alone.

In this episode, you’ll also hear:

  • Focus on what you can control and let go of what you can't
  • It's the repetition and the consistency that will help you reach your goals
  • With costs on the rise, it’s more important than ever to implement structured savings for our future

Must-listen moments:

[6:52] Stats on how COVID has forced Americans to save while living paycheck to paycheck

[11:55] How to use real estate as a productive asset when you retire

[14:50] Working backwards from your spending habits will help you determine how much of your paycheck you should be setting aside for savings

To contact us visit www.loanwithjen.com

Equal Housing Opportunity Lender NMLS# 514497

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFrSijIoUv59fxf0hXMro7g

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