Fig. 1
Take a look at the graph to the right (Fig.1). This is how I once viewed the financial market place. The Financial Planner was the solution to all things money related, and he/she covered all people. The past eight years have taught me differently. A Financial Planner is not for everybody, but is a specialist. You wouldn't see a brain surgeon if you sprained your ankle. Likewise a Financial Planner is trained to work with folks who have money and want to invest it.
The next graph (Fig. 2) will explain how I see the financial market place today. Notice the left-side next to the y-axis. There are only three things you can do with money:
Financial Planners invest money, and really only want to work with people who have money to invest. This means they work in a world of potential. The market could go up for a gain, or the market could go down for a loss. This is called potential or risk. Now down at the bottom of the left, y-axis is spend with save being in the middle.
There are many professionals who peddle products that address savings, but very few folks have a system that starts you off with mastering the concept of spending. I know what you're thinking: "I'm an expert at spending" or "My wife has a doctorate in that subject." There is a difference between spending money wisely and wasting money unknowingly and unnecessarily.
The Balanced Living System™ starts you off learning how to give every dollar a rule, otherwise your dollars will rule you. It's possible they are ruling you right now. This won't change until you get tired of that game and want to change.
The financial services industry has conditioned us to think that investing is the solution to all things financial. Compare the left side of the graph to a 2-story house. It's exciting and cool to be on the 2nd floor balcony checking out the view (investing). But if the house is built on a sandy foundation (spend), it will likely fall and it can be painful when you fall from the balcony.
Who do you know (Fig. 3) that can help you organize your money into a cash flow stream that is predictable and places you in control? How many times have you muttered under your breath that you'd like to get your finances in control?
And how many times have you read or been told to save more money? There is a huge difference between putting money into your retirement account and your savings account. Most retirement accounts are potential, which means they are risky. Notice what's happening here, you are enjoying the view from the balcony before you've built a strong foundation.
The Balanced Living System™ (Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) systematically walks you through the building of your financial house.
This is how the industry got here: next
