The MoneyMinding Journey

2007-12-19T15:30:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to our new MoneyMinding Masters and MoneyMinding Advisors. Look for the listing of our new advisors online shortly. And in the meantime, please help me congratulate the following people for their commitment and enthusiasm to the empowering MoneyMinding lifestyle financial education system.

MoneyMinding Masters that graduated from the 3-day comprehensive and intense Introduction to Financial Planning and MoneyMinding Training!!

Elaine Weidner, Victoria, BC

MoneyMinding Advisors, both financial industry professionals and non-industry advisors that participated in the Mastery training and a fourth day of MoneyMinding Marketing!!

Krista Kamakawaji*, Victoria, BC

Kerry Brown, Victoria, BC

Bev Houldsworth*, Victoria, BC

Kevin Hu*, Surrey, BC

Eric Watchorn*, Victoria, BC

Richard Larkin, Victoria, BC

Francois Michaud*, Calgary, AB

Wayne Nash, Nelson, BC

Dave Popove, Victoria, BC

Jane Dewing, Victoria, BC

Debbie Reynolds, Langley, BC

Moira Gardener, Victoria, BC

*MoneyMinding Financial Industry Professionals

Here is what this diverse group of participants had to say...

"Thank you Tracy for the most inspiring four days I think I have ever experienced and what also totally made it that way was the size of the group and who we all were. I have dreamed of being in the same room with the mix of experience and personalities that we all represented this week but never thought I would ever have the opportunity."

"One of the big AHA's for me was the need to think way way bigger than I do. I totally underestimate what I can do and what is possible for me."

Jane Dewing, RPN, HND
Creating Opportunities for Positive Change and Growth

"Fantastic. The best 3 days I have ever spent in a workshop, adult learning continuing education process/environment. I am very excited, pleased and proud to be a MoneyMinding Advisor. It was worth every $ on investment."

"I'm really looking forward to implementing this program to make a difference in my life and the lives of others around me."

"Incredible program. Looking forward to completing 12 steps and getting involved in membership with MoneyMinding."

"This program would be so valuable to so many people. This group was great with very knowledgeable and successful people. Tracy is a wonderful facilitator - she knows her stuff!"

AND, here is what they did...

Somehow a business plan to start with $100 and turn it into $15,700 per month ongoing income and a template for others to follow began. The intent is to make this happen in 30 DAYS.
This plan is now in full force - so stay tuned - this program will become the template for you to implement yourself!!

AND, please join me in congratulating Francois, from Calgary,
who proposed to his girlfriend during his time here in Victoria -
CONGRATULATIONS FRANCOIS!!!

Our 18-Day Free Sample - available only for a short time

2007-12-19T15:26:00.000-08:00

Do you know anyone who hasn't experienced the power of MoneyMinding yet? The Simple Steps to Lifelong Financial Security is our 18-day MoneyMinding Makeover SAMPLE. You can experience some of the messages and questionnaires that are part of the Complete 12 Step MoneyMinding Makeover eCourse.

We are committed to providing tips, tools and training in personal finance that are positive, simple fresh new approaches to conventional money strategies. Please share share this with your friends and encourage them to also sign up at http://www.moneyminding.com/ for instant access to the exclusive FREE Simple Steps to Lifelong Financial Security Program. This program will only be available FREE for a short while longer, then will cost $147.

Who Else Needs an Immediate Money Makeover

2007-07-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

This is an audio recorded after a recent discussion with an amazing young man who was stressing about his debt.

No matter where you are today there are 3 simple things that you absolutely can do to make an immediate positive difference in your life. The goal is never to get out of debt, the goal is to get money working for you so you can live your life the way you want to live it. Continuing to sacrifice your true desires won't work, and neither will continuing to cut back your lifestyle then getting deflated because you couldn't maintain the strict money diet. It's simple, but be warned - these 3 things aren't easy.

Click here or paste this link in your browser to listen:
http://www.byoaudio.com/play/WtJhX8hs

The Daily 'Grind' ??

2007-06-20T23:11:00.000-07:00

Most days end like this... I’m quietly sipping my one glass of wine in my little stem-less glass that used to belong to my grandparents while I ‘putter’ at my desk.

The day started as usual at 7ish with a couple cups of coffee, and my husband cooking breakfast and getting lunch ready for our daughter – yes, I’m very spoiled that way – he is a chef and does ALL the cooking in the house.

I read and sip my coffee before checking the overnight orders on the computer and any immediate email communication from back east.

Often my husband, Joe, takes our daughter to school while I start the working day. Other days the 3 of us and the dog will walk the 15 minutes to school. The schedule is a bit different now because school ends tomorrow - so today I stayed home and walked the dog myself.

I have complete flexibility of my time and can chose which hours I work but for several months now, I have been starting the day off with work (after the 15 minutes or so of reading), then working all day – hanging out with the family for a couple hours in the evening going to the gym (often with my daughter), or a family walk or run, then starting the ‘night shift’. And eventually relaxing at my desk, joining my husband in the living room and curling up to bed with a good book, at about 12:30ish until it’s time to start over again at 7:00 am.

Why would I share this with you and why should you care? Maybe you don’t care, but I’m sharing it with you because I am actively building a business, actively following the MoneyMinding teaching and still having time to learn, exercise, and hang out with my family and friends (weekends usually are friends).

Maybe it’s not a schedule you want to keep – and I don’t want you to think you need to, I just thought someone might like to know that all the business things that have been accomplished over the past year (see below in the entry called ‘the Dreaming Room’) have not come ‘at all costs.’

And on that note, I’m going to do my computer back up and go join my husband in the living room, then dive into my current book: The Four Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss.

And I’ll leave you to ponder your ‘daily grind’ and whether the time you’re spending is focused on your real life and financial priorities – and if not what needs to change, how will it change and when???????

Blessings everyone,

Tracy

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Copyright© 2007 Tracy Piercy, CFP, Founder and President www.moneyminding.com
Written permission is required for reproduction. Thank you.
Get your complimentary program: Simple Steps for Lifelong Personal Financial Success at www.moneyminding.com

Running out of Money

2007-06-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

It’s amazing to me that the number one fear people have is running out money. If you read the blog entry below where I share with Michael Gerber the MoneyMinding events of the past year you might think that the money part was easy or all taken care of and that’s why I was able to do all those things – HA – it couldn’t be further from the truth.

When you build a business it takes money and raising funds is a lot of work and is very time consuming. It’s also incredibly stressful to realize you’ve made commitments and have ‘run out of money’ – a-g-a-i-n-!! What do you do? Do you pack it in and call it quits? That’s not much of a commitment, but sometimes it sure seems like it would be easier to turn on the TV, open a bottle of wine and go to sleep for a while.

Here’s how I do it with MoneyMinding:
1. Take stalk of what you do have – financial and other things like products, friends, contracts, help, support, a roof over your head, and anything else that is good in your life;
2. Write down exactly what you do need and want;
3. Turn that need into both an immediate cash amount and an ongoing income amount to support it and carry you through;
4. Start asking HOW? I mean, ask people you know if they have ideas, connections, or money or time that can help you raises the money, access the money, and earn the required income.
5. Keep yourself in good spirits – get some fresh air, go somewhere or do something that connects you to your ideal vision for your life.

And finally, it’s a fact of life – money flows in and out – you will never run out unless you chose to. So on that note, I’m off to raise, access and earn some money to make up the difference I need to keep going after making a decision to turn down what was supposed to be the final cash needed to complete the budget needed to support the launch of our major marketing initiatives. __________________________________________________________________________________ Copyright© 2000 - 2007 Tracy Piercy, CFP, Founder and President www.moneyminding.com Written permission is required for reproduction. Thank you. Get your complimentary program: Simple Steps for Lifelong Personal Financial Success at www.moneyminding.com

The Dreaming Room

2007-06-14T22:42:00.000-07:00

Michael Gerber is the author and creator of the eMyth, the 'business bible' to many people. He is also the Chief Dreamer of the Dreaming Room. I had an opportunity to work with Michael last year and today he made me realize how much more I can be sharing about the process of realizing dreams. Below is the emails that were exchanged about the journey I"ve been on with MoneyMinding over the past year.

And, I will apologize now, for not sharing more of the details and day to day activities that are part of this process. I do believe that we all have alot to learn from each other and that the day to day stuff is what we all live and therefore need to understand from each other.

Hello Vancouver Dreamers,

I have been watching the emails and looking at my calendar thinking how much I'd like to attend this Friday. The entrepreneurial road is certainly paved with long stretches of loneliness amidst all the chaos of day to day activities and I would love to share in the energy of such an amazing group of people.

However, I have to pass on this meeting as it is the week we are launching our TV show in the US but please count me in for future meetings.

As I was pondering my decision to attend or not, it gave me an opportunity to reflect on the past year since the May 2006 Vancouver Dreaming Room - something I haven't done much of lately - it always seems more natural to look at the mountain of things to do rather than to reflect on the accomplishments.

Yet, this reflection and subsequent realization was actually somewhat of an epiphany for me and I'd like to share with you what has transpired in my business over the past year - and please - hear this as a testimony to the impact of the Dreaming Room, and nothing more – other than my encouragement to anyone else who might have doubts about this whole Dreaming Room experience . I credit the 2.5 days with you all in the Dreaming Room as one of the most significant events of my life, and if this past year is any indication of long term impact, I'm sure it will continue to amaze me.

In addition to all the wonderful insights I gained by listening to you all, Michael said a couple things to me that have made a significant difference: colour up and don't be afraid to be feminine, and simplify with weekend seminars while I build the franchise model for my business. Well, I did what he suggested and…

My office is now decorated in a shabby chic sort of floral design and I enjoy nice bright coloured clothes, and the simplification process for my business has seen the following things actually take shape this past year:

- 2 new books written and published

- 1 audio cd produced

- 1 new online program developed

- A 2-day certification training program ($2000 per financial advisor) rolled out including the marketing to fill the seats and a new sales person hired to roll this out in the US

- Numerous radio and tv appearances

- Regular keynote speeches where my back of the room sales routinely produce several thousand dollars revenue

- A new website built for membership

- A completely new business franchise model created

- Everything converted to US $ pricing

- 3 almost full time people have been hired

- A client marketing process developed and implemented

- A bi-weekly ezine published

- A 30-minute television infomercial has been written and produced and a full web sales support structure built to support it

- And, over $200,000 raised through investors to make all this happen

It sort of takes my breath away. Who woulda thunk??? Certainly not me. Yes I dreamed it. Yes I believed it. And, yes I started doing it, but in the middle of it all it's hard to see that the dream is real until you step back and reflect - and now it's just getting more and more exciting each day.

Thank for organizing these ongoing meetings. Thank you for letting me share my Dreaming Room journey with you and I look forward to the next meeting and to hearing all of your amazing stories.

Abundant Blessings,

Tracy -- You know, as I hear of your extraordinary achievements and your breakthrough from the pained and painful place you were in when I sat across from you in the Hot Seat only a little while ago where nothing you just listed below could have ever been believed by you, and then, oila', here it all is, and I remember seeing it, there as I looked into you and into your stunning ability which was being misused as well as unused solely for the lack of your ability to dream fully, intentionally, radically...all of this comes to me right this moment in the form of a question...Why didn't Tracy share this with us all as it was happening, as the doubts were arising, as the breakthroughs were appearing, as the astonishment and full blown joy was filling your heart...why didn't you share your extraordinary odyssey with all of us, as it was happening, as you were feeling so lonely, as you were feeling out of breath, as you produced and produced despite all of your fear and doubts and negative feelings...so that we all could have been lifted up and lifted you up and lifted each other up, who then, each and every one of us, could have shared ourselves and our achievements and our failures with every one of us...and grown, grown, grown in the process...if only we could all see that the Power of The Dreaming Room is only truly realized after we have left it, as we go back into our world, which has now been completely transformed because our idea of it has been transformed, that the energy of life, the forceful, beyond size, beyond anything you and I know, is simply there waiting to be used by each of us...but not for ourselves, but for every other human being on the face of this earth, and that is the product of your Dreaming Room experience, Tracy. You have now begun to enlist the Energy released by your Imagination and your unbounded desire to create something that will outlive you in this world and that everyone you touch will live a better life for it. That we all need to know this, not after you do it, but as you do it, and that is the logic for the Group. The Group is not for you, Tracy, it is for everyone else in the Group, until you need it that is. If you were to understand that the "lonliness" you speak of is a self imposed idea. It isn't real, needn't to be real, never will need to be real. If you open your heart and your private space to others who will do the same for you. So, allow me to use your letter, and this response, so that every single person who is sitting in question of whether or not the Dreaming Room will be worth their while needs to know that not only is it worth their while but that it is fair to say without it they will never truly understand how limited their life will be. That The Dreaming Room is a Force that opens the door to the infinite range of options that exist for each and every one of us. I am honored to have had such an impact on you and your life, and through that, having an impact on the many thousands of people you will touch in the coming years. But, in return, I need your help. I need you to become a spokesperson for The Dreaming Room. I need you with your immense ability to create to participate in a Group in Vancouver, to make the time for it, to give back, not to me, but to the millions of people I will touch over the next ten years as we all Awaken the Entrepreneur Within the World with great, great, compelling works like the one you are creating, which has the power to transform the economic lives of your customers and clients, and by so doing, transform the reality of the world. Thanks, Tracy. I feel such joy for you, and such joy that you listened to what I shared with you and let go and let God, and my goodness, what a Joy!

Love, Michael

Michael E. Gerber
Chief Dreamer
In The Dreaming Room LLC
P.O. Box 131195
Carlsbad, California, 92013
michael@inthedreamingroom.com
www.inthedreamingroom.com

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Thanks, Tracy. But, not just for them, for you. Just as you are experiencing the thrilling ride you are on right now, so it is inevitable you will lose your way. We all do. It's then, at that moment, when the Group comes alive in the most remarkable ways. Ask people who are doing it. You will see what a gift it is. And remember, there is no cost for the Group. No cost for my help and leadership. Just the cost of sending people to The Dreaming Room so they too can begin the odyssey of their own, to touch more people and more people and more people. Look at the list of names above. It is my Dream that there will be millions of people like those above, like you, over the next few years...all of them on an economic, entrepreneurial, spiritual odyssey unlike anything they have ever known. Your gift to them is to be as big as you can be, just as that is the gift each and every one of the names above will give, to each other, and to people as yet unknown. I love you all. But, dig in. Take a big bite. This is not about one meeting a week. This is about transforming the world! But to do that you have to rise above time management and all the things you have to do. You have one thing to do...to live out your destiny, a destiny you choose to create. Imagine yourself being a powerful resource, a powerful exemplar of entrepreneurial creativity, innovation and inspiration. Simply by letting go and doing the work. That's what this is all about in case you didn't know. I call it The Secret of The Golden Triangle. I will share it with you more and more over time as you rise to your blessed occasion to become a force for entrepreneurial invention in your life and the life of the venture you are inventing.

Love, Tracy, and to you all, and please, please thank Patrick for his incrediblye gracious willingness to take on this Dream and to make it the reality he is making it. He is a Champion. A huge-hearted Warrior. He deserves your respect and your appreciation and your commitment. This would not be happening to the degree it is there in your neck of the woods without him and his selfless commitment to help everyone he knows grow bigger than life.

Love, Michael

Michael E. Gerber
Chief Dreamer
In The Dreaming Room LLC
P.O. Box 131195
Carlsbad, California, 92013
michael@inthedreamingroom.com
www.inthedreamingroom.com

-----Original Message-----

Thank you Michael,

And yes, it’s never a solo job and supporting and encouraging others to break through their own barriers to their dreams is a purpose all dreamers must have. That positive impact on another’s life and the support of people to cheer me on is what has kept me going this past year. And, I will absolutely help share the Dreaming Room vision and participate in a Vancouver group so that others can feel encouraged to experience their potential to live the magnificent lives of their dreams and be supported along their path.

You have inspired so many people in so many ways – I am so grateful to be one of those people!!

God bless,

Tracy Piercy, CFP

Author, International Speaker, Money Expert

250-592-0457 or toll free 877-764-6444

tracy@moneyminding.com

-----Original Message-----

Ok Vancouver – “let’s roll”

Thank you Patrick for pulling us together……… Michael’s right – sometimes we need someone to kick us in the pants a little – to shake things up – and Patrick has recognized the need we all have to be supported, encouraged and inspired, so….. we’ve got some sharing to do……… See you all soon.

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Double Cool to all of you! Michael

Copyright© 2000 - 2007 Tracy Piercy, CFP, Founder and President www.moneyminding.com Written permission is required for reproduction. Thank you.
Get your complimentary program: Simple Steps for Lifelong Personal Financial Success at www.moneyminding.com

Fitness and Finance

2007-05-21T23:02:00.000-07:00

I just had to share how much my experience with getting into shape parallels financial success:

I do not gain weight easily so am comfortable in my clothes. I do, however, lead a pretty sedentary life. My motivation to get fit is only motivated by my intellectual understanding that I really 'should' be more active so that I'm healthier.

What I realized is how much that parallels the experiences I hear from many people about money. They know they 'should' do something but as long as they still have cash available to them they think they're doing ok so the motivation is only based on this intellectual 'should'.

I finally had to dig deep inside to find the motivation to get me to the gym. If you're procrastinating about making changes to your financial situation, you need to find your motivation, then just start. It will be harder at first, but after a while because you are going to start small, you will build the habit and the necessary changes will become part of who you are so you'll wonder what ever took you so long to make that first step.

Copyright© 2007 Tracy Piercy, CFP, Founder and President www.moneyminding.com
Written permission is required for reproduction. Thank you. Get your complimentary program: Simple Steps for Lifelong Personal Financial Success at www.moneyminding.com

The 7 Biggest Money Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes

2007-05-21T22:58:00.000-07:00

Introducing …our first audio CD:

The 7 Biggest Money Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes ~ And How to Turn Them into Amazing Possibilities for Lifelong Financial Security.

What if the secrets to financial success and security were as simple as looking at the traditional financial wisdom from a different perspective? In this 53 minute audio CD, Certified Financial Planner, Founder and CEO of the powerful MoneyMinding® System of financial education reveals how simple it is to get better results from your money – beginning today.

CD’s are $24 each.

You can pre-order by emailing info@moneyminding.com

Or order online from our Store / Membership area shortly fromthe newly remodelled www.moneyminding.com.

Copyright© 2007 Tracy Piercy, CFP, Founder and President www.moneyminding.com
Written permission is required for reproduction. Thank you. Get your complimentary program: Simple Steps for Lifelong Personal Financial Success at www.moneyminding.com

Are you running out of money or is it overflowing??

2007-04-02T23:54:00.000-07:00

If the number one fear people have around money is the fear of running out in retirement, according to a study published recently in the New York Times, that brings up some interesting questions: the first being why?

It’s also interesting that another recent study by the Bank of Montreal found that people would rather work longer than downsize their lifestyle.

Seems to be the same fear, eh? And, rightly so: cutting back is not easy. And yet, it’s the predominant teaching on how to get out of debt, or how to save more for retirement. You’ve heard it, I’m sure, “cut back your expenses; be careful, you better not take any risks because you can’t afford to lose your money.” The implication is that loss is painful, undesirable, and yet, cutting back is the supposed solution to the syndrome of not having enough.

If this isn’t making any sense – good! Because it’s mostly double talk and contradictory thinking that is one of the three primary reasons people struggle with money. For some reason, I’m not yet sure of why, the there is this sentiment that has people looking to pay down debt or reduce expenses to save more money or earn higher returns on that money as the answers to all financial problems.

Certainly, if you have more money in that elusive pot of gold savings that is supposed to provide for your every need in retirement, then you will likely never run out.

Only one problem: if you are working to accumulate savings and the flip side of that says you are also working to minimize expenses, debt being a big expense, then you are only looking at wealth from a vertical perspective.

Yet, what does it take to leave work? What does it take to reduce unwanted debt? Does it take allocating your already stretched lifestyle just a little further and cutting back even more – or does it take additional income to provide for the income shortage that resulted in the debt in the first place and is required once you leave work to continue your desired lifestyle.

Of course its income you need. If you have accumulated debt of some sort that you don’t want, then it’s likely because you have a desired lifestyle that is above your current income level. If you are leaving work, then you need an income that will provide for your day to day expenses. You do not need a big pot of gold saved somewhere that you might run out of or lose somehow. What you need is to be looking at how are you going to create the income you need to pay your bills, your debt and live your life? And how will you receive your income when you leave work?

One way, of course, is to accumulate a big pot of gold (savings) for leaving work and to make your current working income go further by reducing your expenses. But there are many many other ways to create income besides work and savings – we have 38 different ways to create income in Step 6 of the MoneyMinding Makeover Program.

If you are worried about running out of money then the solution is to change your focus. Stop looking at your finances as though your current income is a waterfall that is going to run dry in the spring. Start looking at your finances from an income perspective where the money will continue to arrive for all your needs and desires for as long as you need it to continue coming in – perhaps like Old Faithful, the geyser in Yellowstone National Park.

When you see things from a different perspective, you start to ask different questions. When you ask different questions, you will seek the answers by learning different things. When you learn different things, you develop the confidence, skills and the necessary steps to get your desired results.

You do not have to ever be afraid of running out of money. Nor do you have to cut you’re desired needs today as well as provide for your lifestyle needs when you leave work. You will survive because if you have read this entire article, then you are already looking for answers, which means you will find what you need to get what you need. Congratulations!!

The Lies and Half Truths About Financial Success

2007-03-19T15:30:00.000-07:00

If you are not already a MoneyMinding FAT Bulletin Subscriber, this is why you need to be and why you need top stay tuned if you already are. Shortly you will be invited to an exclusive preview of these concepts and how they have been accepted as gospel in financial teaching, yet will actually guarantee you are stay stuck, stressed and struggling to make money decisions.

The following list was also sneak previewed in the last FAT bulletin andyou will hear alot more. These are the missing links that are explained in the MoneyMinding Makeover eCourse and Membership program.

Goals - Budget - Debt - How To - Retirement - Saving Money - Rate of Return - Giving Money - Estate Planning

EVERYTHING You’ve Been Taught About Money Management Is Only Half The Truth

2007-03-05T12:31:00.002-08:00

This title has powerful words, but think of the personal financial statistics in North America and it doesn’t take much imagination to see that what we’ve been doing just ain’t workin’. This also means that if you have anything to do with the money management industry, you are passing on information that is contributing to the economic numbers that aren’t working in western culture. But keep reading. This information is for both advisors and clients.

The “half truths” that have become accepted as the answers to financial stress are actually creating the problems. And, regardless of your current economic situation, millionaire or in debt up to your eyeballs, the number one stress in most people’s lives is financial because of this half information.

Some examples of this are as follows:

Goals. The foundation of the financial industry is to help people reach their goals. Well, who decided the goals, and who does the communicating of the goals, in a meeting of a financial professional and their client? The advisor, of course, is the one who asks a series of questions about common goals while they complete a profile that becomes the basis for their recommendations to the client.

Budget. A word that conjures up feelings of restriction and sacrifice, yet the definition of budget is planned expenditures and a program for financing them. What if instead of trying to fit a lifestyle into an income, an income was structured around a lifestyle? Start with the desired expenses and then figure out how to finance them.

Debt. Good debt. Bad debt. Get out of debt. When you judge the debt and focus on eliminating it, you are missing the point. What was the benefit that was received by using the credit in the first place? If the reward was some lifestyle experiences or accumulation of consumer products, does this tell you that the lifestyle you really want to be living is currently higher than your current income provides? Rather than looking at how to get out of debt and feeling bad because you have debt in the first place, make a goal to create the income required to meet the desired lifestyle which will ultimately result in effective and efficient use of credit and spending that is appropriate for your life priorities.

Retirement. What does age have to do with retirement anyway? The concept of retirement that has been accepted in our society is one of something you do after you leave work. Great, but what it takes to be able to leave work is resources to provide income to pay for your desired lifestyle. If you have income sources that cover your expenses and don’t require you to go to work to earn it, then you would be financially independent. And, there are many ways to generate income that doesn’t require you to work for it or save a big pot of money to draw on later in life. The concept of saving money so you can stop working is a relatively new concept that just isn’t working. The word “retirement” needs to be replaced with “financial independence” and has to stop being associated with age and accumulating savings.

Saving money. What are you saving money for? The reason is not to have more money, or to have money in case of an emergency, or to accumulate a pot of gold for the future. You don’t want to accumulate money at all – you want the rewards the money will provide. If that’s for some future use, then you need the income the savings will provide you. When you focus on accumulating money, the idea of spending it will lead to fear of loss.

Rate of return. If your focus is on saving money, it makes sense that the most important criteria in making financial decisions would be the rate you are paying on debt or receiving on savings. Conventional wisdom would have you believe that the fee you pay on your financial products would be important. But, when you look beyond the accumulation of money to the intended purpose, the rate becomes secondary in importance. Getting a good rate is only half the truth.

The whole truth is more than common goals, a restricted budget, getting out of debt, planning for retirement, saving money and getting a good return on that money. To get the whole truth on these and other areas of personal finance, you need to see MoneyMinding, the simple step by step system that covers all areas of personal finance and empowers possibilities for results beyond what you have been taught elsewhere. MoneyMinding is the whole truth that will guarantee your success.

EVERYTHING You’ve Been Taught About Money Management Is Only Half The Truth - by Tracy Piercy, CFP

2007-03-05T12:31:00.000-08:00

Consistency with Your Thoughts

2007-01-21T13:45:00.001-08:00

Oh what a simple thing to consider, yet so difficult to maintain. You have maybe heard the concept that where you end up will be culmination of all your actions. Well, before we act, we have to have thought of how we would act, so that means that where we end up will also be a culmination of all our thoughts.

Ok - so what does this have to do with money? Well, have you actually considered what it is you think about all day long? It's a rather interesting exercise, and one that is really quite simple to do, and... even easier to implement than the actions that follow from our thoughts.

I titled this entry 'consistency' because I have found that I am consistently saying things like "I'm busy" or "there never seems to be enough time." Hmmm. I wonder what I'm thinking?

What are you thinking? Is it positive, empowering, supportive, encouraging, calm and expanding possibilities in your life? Or not?

Have fun with it because as I've quoted in Enlightened Wealth, "watch your thoughts, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your destiny."

Copyright© 2007 Tracy Piercy, CFP, Founder and President www.moneyminding.com Get your complimentary handbook: 12 Simple Steps for Finding Money at www.moneyminding.com

Yet another cut back, save more money, wait a long time to be independent article

2006-11-28T12:47:00.000-08:00

I am currently facilitating a discussion forum for Certified Financial Planners and thought I'd share my comments in response to yet another article that simply looks at the vertical, narrow focus of saving money for some time in the future as you wait to become wealthy. The topic of the forum is called 'How we can help clients fulfill their dreams through education and empowerment'. If you are a MoneyMinding Member or have participated in MoneyMinding programs, you will know that I am a huge believer in building a propoer foundation of financial planning concepts, yet beyond that, there is no limit to what you can achieve except by what your mind can create. If you truly want something in your life, then make it happen - just make sure you do it with the proper structure so you're not at risk of falling flat on your face along the way. And, always... start where you are and enjoy the process!!!
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I just finished reading yet another article that re-iterates a study saying how boomers aren't prepared for retirement. And yet again the problem is always stated as a lack of savings, and the solutions are always to work longer or cut back on lifestyle - either now or in retirement. And, yet again the whole retirement concept is discussed as something that happens much later in life after you have been able to save enough money to be able to leave work.

Is that all we as an industry can come up with to help people become financially independent - which is what needs to happen if you want to leave the workforce, right?

This discussion topic is on education of clients, and it seems that one way we can educate is on creating options, opening up possiblities, and empowering positve movement towards reaching goals. Cutting back and saving more money alone is not the only answer. We, as CFP's, are trained on different types of business structures, different tax treatments, different insurance strategies and legal issues, which are all important factors to share with clients. Perhaps they aren't part of an initial plan, but this knowledge builds confidence and when understood in the context of personal, written lifestyle goals, we can go a long way in improving the financial results of our clients.

Cutting back and saving more money is simply not enough. The study today, quoted in advisor.ca, is still another example of that narrow, vertical thinking that we can help change. We are a very educated and experienced profession. It seems that we need to be louder and bolder in sharing this knowledge in order to help this bleek picture. Not by overwhelming people with the depth of technical details, but by simply encouraging clients to look at a much bigger picture and more creative options to reaching their goals.

Comments???

Copyright© 2000 - 2006 Tracy Piercy, CFP, Founder and President www.moneyminding.com Get your complimentary handbook: 12 Simple Steps for Finding Money at www.moneyminding.com

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Why You Want to Be Rich!!!

2006-11-23T22:29:00.000-08:00

Why We Want You to be Rich
Two Men – One Message
Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki
ISBN 1-933914-02-5

A Review by Tracy Piercy, CFP
President, MoneyMinding.com

The message is the first word in the title: WHY? Why you need to read the book; why you need to become wealthy; why it’s important to everyone!

The entire book is about expanding your view of financial possibilities rather than buying in to the mantra of go to school, get a good job, save your money and retire in 35 or more years to live off your savings. Referring to this conventional wisdom, Robert says, “In today’s environment, I believe it to be the riskiest of all financial advice. To the financially unsophisticated, it sounds like safe and intelligent advice.”

This is not a book about "how to get rich" and that’s the point. "How to’s" are simple; the reason why is difficult. But, these two incredibly successful business men and investors cover more than enough reasons for you to take notice including the economic reasons why savings is the worst way and the worst option for achieving wealth and independence.

If you don’t save, what do you do? They will give you some candid discussion about why you need to start asking what, and how, and developing your financial education through reading so you can be in control of you financial future. It’s not a matter of if you want to do something different – it’s a matter of when you’ll do it – and hopefully before it is too late.

Donald says, “The things you don’t know about just might possibly affect you some day in some way. When they do, who will you have to blame if you are surprised?”

Both men write about the catastrophic economic situation we are facing because of the current debt load in the United States and refusal of main stream teaching to address the issue through financial education that empowers creative thought for expanding financial resources.

They want us to be smarter when it comes to use of debt because “our current economic situation needs debtors, not savers, to expand. It needs smart borrowers…people who can borrow money and get richer, not people who borrow money and get poorer… If we have more savers, our economy will shrink.”

If there is a "how to" component in the book, it’s about using your mind beginning with learning about money strategies and what money can do for you. Use your mind to figure out why you want to be rich yourself, then use it ask "how." And, do it now. There is no time to waste. The deficit in the United States is for social security and medicare alone is $72 trillion. “That’s more money than the value of all the stocks and bonds in the world.”

That means that the only way to that obligation is to “print more money, which would wipe out the savings of everyone…and people on fixed incomes would also be wiped out.”

Think this sounds dramatic, or it doesn’t apply to you, or you’ll somehow deal with it later? Think again – you must become more educated on what else you can do to create wealth and financial independence besides just saving more money. Reading this book would be a great start.

Copyright© 2000 - 2006 Tracy Piercy, CFP, Founder and President www.moneyminding.com Get your complimentary handbook: 12 Simple Steps for Finding Money at www.moneyminding.com

Calling all Members...

2006-11-19T21:24:00.000-08:00

Just in case you missed the announcements that went out...

Beginning Monday, November 20th, we will be starting MoneyMinding Mondays!!

The MoneyMinding Mentorship Q&A program for MoneyMinding members and original eCourse participants has changed its session time. The weekly 4 pm Thursday session has been changed to Mondays at noon. The program session is now referred to as MoneyMinding Mondays!

There are some valuable changes to the MoneyMinding Weekly Mentorship Q & A program available exclusively to Members. Every Monday at 12:00 noon, you can call in live for your exclusive, unique training and support Mentorship Q & A call and you can:
-ask any sort of money question you have;
-listen to other peoples’ money questions;
-share success stories or trials;
-hear other peoples’ success stories or trials;
-listen to guest presentations on timely, real money issues, product overviews and strategies;
-connect with other like-minded, positive people; and
-get access to valuable resources and ideas that can help you along your own financial journey!

This is a community that is impacting lives in an amazing way. I am committed to supporting you in any way possible. If you have ideas, thoughts, questions, concerns or just want to know more, please let me know.

If you have not received the special call-in information and code, please email (info@moneyminding.com) or call (250)592-0457.

I'll talk to you then!

The Answers are in the Questions

2006-11-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

Don’t know where to start? Here you go. All you need to get moving towards reaching your goal – whatever it might be.

1. What do you want? Write it down.
2. When do you want it? Write it down.
3. Why do you want it? Write it down.
4. What are the consequences of not getting it? Write them down.
5. How? Who? Where can you go get it? Write these down and keep asking until you get your answers!!

It’s that simple!! The hard part is to write it down, then to keep asking and asking and asking and asking and asking and asking and asking and asking and asking………….

“Success is not judged by what we start, but what we finish.” Unknown author

Copyright© 2006 Tracy Piercy, CFP, Founder and President http://www.moneyminding.com/ Get your complimentary handbook: 12 Simple Steps for Finding Money at http://www.moneyminding.com/

Whoa Nellie - my response to an industry article - FYI

2006-10-19T22:59:00.000-07:00

The part of the article that started this discussion:

(October 2006) Your client wants to retire next year and you have the unfortunate task of having to tell her that it's not going to happen, at least not this year, and certainly not next year either if she keeps dipping into that calfskin Prada.

According to the Advisor's Edge 2006 Dollars and Sense Survey, 78% of advisors say their clients aren't saving enough for retirement - a fact with alarming implications, especially for boomers who have become used to a particular lifestyle of pleasure pursuits and everyday responsibilities. What can advisors do to prevent these folks from galloping off into the wild, wild pursuit of debt and misery down the road?

...it all boils down to clients revamping their retirement goals. And in doing so they really have three options: spend less, save more and make more returns on the money they have, or simply work longer. "You can do any one of those things to make your plan work. You just need to decide which one is the least painful for you."

My Response:
Your article ‘Whoa Nellie’ was very well presented and personal and certainly supported with some creative thoughts. Unfortunately, my experience over 15 years with hundreds of clients shows that this narrow, vertical only, focus of financial planning has got to be expanded. There are so many options we can provide to our clients that will not force them to sacrifice, to give up their lifestyle or to take extra risks to get that every elusive and growing pool of savings so that one day, just maybe they’ll be able to give up their day job and enter this new fantasy life of retirement. I’m sorry if this comment is so blunt.

I am a certified financial planner and lifestyle financial planning expert. My business is now entirely dedicated to helping advisors help clients gain more control over their life by empowering them with financial possibilities. The ‘Whoa Nellie’ article is the exact reason why people are still struggling. Yes, taking some funds and putting them into savings or applying them to debt will work, but we have to stop looking at there being only 3 options as the final sentence of the article so nicely sums up. This is what makes me crazy. I have been teaching in the industry for years and have become an expert on the psychology of success as it relates to financial planning principles and strategies. This very narrow view of options will virtually guarantee that people fail, and as an industry we have an obligation to offer clients far better solutions and options than that.

I have some very specific strategies on how we can help people to see possibilities for realizing financial success beyond these 3 options. If you would like to talk to me about them, I can be reached at 250-592-0457, or by email at tracy@moneyminding.com

I received one comment immediately saying they would have someone contact me and I have not heard as of today, nor have I followed up yet, but intend to pursue this.

You do not have to cut back your lifestyle or your goals - rather you need to look at options for having them both - and settle for nothing less!!!

Copyright© 2006 Tracy Piercy, CFP, Founder and President www.moneyminding.com Get your complimentary handbook: 12 Simple Steps for Finding Money at www.moneyminding.com

The Marathon

2006-10-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

It was dark, cold and very rainy at 6:30 this morning, yet a few hundred of the 9000 participants started their 42 km trek for the Royal Victoria Marathon. About an hour into the race, I parked my car and started walking towards the oncoming runners. My very good friend was power walking the full marathon and I was there for support, to take or bring extra clothes and other necessary things that might come up over the next 5.5 hours.

A few months ago she had asked me to do it with her, but as life sometimes happens, I had other priorities and very quickly fell off any sort of training schedule. My friend, however, had a goal and wasn’t going to wait for me or anyone else to see it through.

When I first saw her, she was in good spirits despite spending 6 hours the day before preparing a selection of music on a new MP3 player only to find it would only play the radio today. I ran beside her (because she walks as fast as I run) for about 20 – 30 minutes then turned back towards my car. I took one soaking wet jacket of hers with me and headed home to change into new dry clothes before meeting her again. She continued – sometimes in a group, but often on her own along the course that wove alongside the ocean.

At our next rendezvous, I ran beside her for quite some time in heavy rains, only to find her GPS device that was helping her track her time, her pace and distance stop working just before we parted ways again. I took another jacket, and left her alone to carry on past an area where her family and others were to be cheering on the sidelines.

An hour or so later, at our next meeting, the main pack of runners was heading out, and my friend was on her way back to the finish. There were only a couple of the early starters heading in the home direction – and the few marathoners who run the race to win and almost defy physics at their stamina.

She had had cramps in her foot and her knee and quad on the one side were giving her a lot of pain. Her pace was slower, but her focus not deterred. I kept her company until I was close to my car again and sprinted back to get her some anti-inflammatories for her pain.

I raced back and found the front of the pack of runners well on their way towards the finish line now, but also at a point in the race where each step, each corner, each hill, each movement would be felt – in running language – this would be where people were likely to ‘hit the wall’.

In my own little race I had developed a small blister on my one foot, but had changed my socks and treated it with a bandage. When I saw my friend, she was bleeding. Apparently the dampness wasn’t helping the constant movement and rubbing of body against clothes. She took the anti-inflammatories and reasoned she would likely feel their comfort within a short while because her body was metabolizing so quickly.

We parted ways again and I drove to where I could get close the finish line (well I tried). I ran towards the finishing runners for what seemed a long way before seeing her again. When she finally rounded the corner, I choked back tears, I was so excited. Her stride was noticeably weaker, her pace considerably slower, yet she was very focused. She didn’t say much – she didn’t have to. I told her there were 3 more turns and she would see the crowds by the finish line. I didn’t want to run beside her this time – this was her race, she had just 1 km to go and was doing it as fast as she could. I knew she hurt, and I knew she would make it. I also knew that the excitement of the finish line was just ahead for her final steps.

I moved aside and watched her cross the finish line. At that point everything calmed (or so it seemed). The noise of the crowd stopped, my friend walked in slow motion to receive her medal and her recognition. She had completed in almost 15 minutes less time than expected.

I didn’t run the marathon today, but I sure got to share in what it means to finish the race; the hours of practice alone; the disappointments and frustrations of things not going as planned; the pain; the importance of positive encouragement; the focus – one step at a time, again and again and again – even when it hurts, even when you’re alone and others don’t join in, even when people pass you.

The marathon doesn’t have to be a road race and it doesn’t have to be anything physical. It’s something we decide to do, then stay focused through the other life events that come up, through the disappointments, the frustrations, the pain, the bad weather, and all the other challenges that work to steal our focus.

“Success is not judged by what you start, but by what you finish,” is a quote that sits on my desk as a constant reminder of the journey. Thank you my friend for finishing your race and for inspiring me and many others with your perseverance and amazing role model. You win the race, because you finished what you started!!

Copyright© 2000 - 2006 Tracy Piercy, CFP, Founder and President www.moneyminding.com Get your complimentary handbook: 12 Simple Steps for Finding Money at www.moneyminding.com

Constant and Never Ending Improvement

2006-10-03T23:02:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, but many don't, I invest many thousand of dollars in personal development. My library alone, is worth insuring separately. In addition to reading I attend seminars and study and mentor wtih successful people who are phenomenaly good at what at what they. I love people who have a vision and are encouraging and supportive of my big vision. One of those people, whom I've had the opportunity to work personally with over the last few months is Michael Gerber of the emyth. This is my story of that experience that I wrote to him and thought I'd share with you. If you would like to talk to me about this further, please send me an email at tracy@moneyminding.com. It's all part of why I'm more and more passionate about making a difference in your life through MoneyMinding. Thank you.

Dear Michael,

This is my dreaming room story so far. It really is a daunting task to sit a write about all that has happened since the dreaming room only a few short months ago. I had put this task on my ever growing list of things to do, when I finally read your blog, and while writing for my own blog was on the agenda for this evening, I realized that the process is what is so valuable and is one of those values I include in my teaching – it’s the process of getting from where you are to where you want to go – awakening so to speak.

I have had a big vision for years abut making a difference in the type of financial education available to people, and as you know from my story, I’ve also had my opportunity to go backwards so that I could truly apply the concepts of my business to my own life. Then when the dream needed to be turned into a business, I was tripping over myself with the incredible number of opportunities to pursue.

The easiest thing for me to say, is that the Dreaming Room gave me confidence first, clarity second, and simplicity third.

So much has happened in the past couple months, I can hardly even think it, let alone document it, but the key is that I know I have a great business model, a fabulous product and can make that vision a reality. I also know the structure of the business when it’s done and even what needs to be done first, second, third, etc.

It’s all happening and unfolding just like you said. It’s not done, it’s still a lot of work, it’s just much clearer and simpler and without a doubt it’s happening as a result of what was awakened at the Dreaming Room. Thank you, Michael for sharing your vision and your passion and for following through with your vision – again. What an amazing gift you make available to everyone who experiences the Dreaming Room.

Love Tracy

I'm MAD!!!!!!

2006-09-07T00:19:00.000-07:00

I don’t get it!! Why, why, why do I continually read and hear information from seemingly helpful people from almost every background and profession offering only money advice from 2 places: 1. ‘this is what you have – here’s how you live with it’, or 2. ‘this is the latest and best way to riches’.

I won’t get into the problems with both of those old, boring plans, but I will share with you why I’m so mad:

Because young, talented people with their whole life in front of them are trying desperately to understand what they need to do to make money work for them in their lives and they are confused, frustrated and getting beat up to the point, they give up before they ever even try!!

It’s really not that hard to figure out how you want to live your life, then figure out how much it will cost to live that life and start exploring ways to make it happen. At least it shouldn’t be that hard. Except that as soon as you start to mention that you’d like to live your life any other way than what’s currently in front of you, 99% of the people you meet will look at you like you’ve got 4 heads, then tell you to be realistic.

Come on – what’s realistic? You decide, then find a way to make it happen, rather than finding ways to settle for something else.

I see nothing out there that adequately provides the link between the positive thinking success industry and the how to make money industry using financial planning as a foundation.

I’m sick and tired of hearing about people settling for something less than what they really want (especially younger people) just because they don’t see the immediate way there. You have to start with the basics, learn the skills and keep asking ‘HOW?’ People and books that only show you how to cut back and scrimp and sacrifice are totally missing the point. The whole basis of our society and of my profession, financial planning, is to help you realize your dreams. How about investing some time and money into finding ways to get the dream, rather than live without it??

Today someone was talking to me about how to cut back and reduce their expenses so they could live where they are, save some money and maybe look at buying a home in 3 years. They knew how much money they really wanted for their lifestyle, yet the only thoughts they had were about how to cut back and to learn to wait for what they wanted – instead of asking how else they could find the money, how else could they buy the home, how could they make their dream come true? The worst part was that this person was buying into the notion that somehow they couldn’t or shouldn’t even think about their goals, because… they had very little savings and a teeny bit of debt. They were starting to feel like they’d never make it on their own.

This is the exact same scenario that happened a few months ago when a young person wanted to talk about how they could live on $1500 per month because that is all they thought they could earn in an entry level job in their field. This same person had just been turned down for a $70,000 a year job – a far cry from $1500 per month. When we talked further she went away and got clear on what she wanted and did some exercises to identify opportunities and resources. You know what? Within a few months she had her own business and a contract worth way more than the $70,000 a year job. WOW!!

What are you doing? Settling for what you think is all you can do, or making things happen – realistically, practically, and solidly?

Enough – it’s your life – don’t waste it – don’t risk it – put it together in a way that works for you – find the money you want to do what you want, when you want it – all within the context of solid financial planning – you don’t need to risk it and you don’t need to struggle. Just start and don’t give up on your dreams – hey… Colonel Sanders was 67 when he started Kentucky Fried Chicken – it’s never too late unless you chose to stop believing in your very own worthwhile dreams and goals.

Tracy

Copyright© 2000 - 2006 Tracy Piercy, CFP, Founder and President www.moneyminding.com Get your complimentary handbook: 12 Miracle Money Multipliers for Stimulating Sensational Success at www.moneyminding.com

The MoneyMinding Makeover at a Glance FREE for a limited time

2006-08-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it, this program is FREE for a limited time. All you do is call in from a land telephone at the pre-arranged time. Classes are scheduled for the 1st, 3rd and 4th Monday of each month from 4-5pm PST (Please note that there are no sessions on holidays).

If you receive the MoneyMinding FAT Bulletin, the dial-in phone number and replay line are published there.

If not, then make sure you register to receive the FAT Bulletin and the FREE Simple Steps report, then call 712-580-6300 and when prompted enter the code 185047#

If this time isn't convenient for you, the replay is available for approximately 1 week following the class. You simply call 641-985-5000 and enter the code 185047# to listen to the recording!!

Enjoy!! Tracy

Paying Bills and Other Money Matters

2006-08-22T22:11:00.000-07:00

I meet more people who will procrastinate and avoid handling personal money matters, particularly items such as paying bills, balancing bank accounts, reviewing investment statements, organizing tax papers - any of that paperwork sort of stuff.

There is also the group of people who will avoid at all costs having to actually look at their current financial situation in black and white. The thought of having to really look at the numbers and total them up and know first hand what the actual situation is, is right up there with one of their worst fears in the world.

But, here's the thing....... I also can think of nothing more powerful than to do those very tasks. It is completely freeing, empowering and delivers an amazing sense of control and calm - even if the real picture turns out to be worse than what was anticipated.

The reason: now you know. When you can put it on paper - stare at the numbers and really really get a good look at where you stand, really get all that 'boring' money stuff handled - you can breath easier, you get it out of your mind, you get it into a place that you can make plans, move forward, address the situation, or just relax knowing you won't try to use your credit card and have it rejected because you went over your limit.

Whatever the reason for procrastinating, the best thing you can do if you feel any sort of money stress is to get out your pen and paper, your calculator, and pull out your bills, pull up your account balances, sit with your bookkeeper or accountant or investment advisor - and get the real picture - black and white - - - then start to ask some good empowering questions and get some answers, implement some positive strategies, and move forward in reaching your money goals.

Copyright© 2006 Tracy Piercy. Written Permission is required for reproduction. Thank you.