Recently in Money Coaching Category

Did you know that practicing gratitude can actually improve your brain function and overall physical and emotional well-being? Well, it's true. 

Brain scans and research conducted by renown psychiatrist, Dr. Daniel Amen showed a significant improvement in brain function following the practice of gratitude. For years now, spiritual leaders and psychologists have claimed that a positive attitude can help heal our lives, but now we know that the simple act of gratitude can actually improve our physical and emotional well-being. And it's free! 

Some of the distinct benefits of a daily dose of gratitude include:

• Increased joy in the simple things in life.
• Ability to recover quickly from life's setbacks and disappointments.
• Improved relationships - people prefer to be around people who are grateful.
• Greater physical stamina and energy.
• Increased happiness and acceptance.
• Stronger, healthier immune system.
  

Join our gratitude circle today on Beliefnet.

Here's a Blessing for today:

Morning Prayer

Infinite God, of life, goodness, and generous
love, I dedicate my heart, my life, to you.
Help me to cherish all human life,
and do the good you want me to do.
Make me a loving example of your generous love,
and a blessing to everyone I see.
May your goodness be fully in us, and in all that we
think, and say and do.

Peace and Blessings!

I find that most people look for jobs pretty much the same way. They search want-ads and the online job sites such as Careerbuilder, Monster, and Craigslist and send out loads of resumes and pray for a response. While this isn't a bad strategy, it's also what everyone else is doing and therefore, harder to be noticed.

The competition for jobs posted on these sites can be quite high simply because they receive large numbers of inquiries and resumes. So, if this is part of your job hunting strategy, keep doing it and consider expanding your horizons.

Since we're in a recession and the unemployment pool is so high, this is a time to exercise some creativity in your job search. Here are some ideas that I recommend that might make a difference.

1.    Most newspapers have a "fictitious business name" section listed in their classified section. These listing represent new businesses that have recently opened or are about to open. New businesses often need to hire new employees. Review these daily to you if there are new businesses opening that might be a good fit. Send them a note and a resume and follow it up with a phone call a few days later. Even if they're not ready to hire, you'll be first on their mind when they are ready.

2.    Use online social and business networking sites to connect with your personal and business network. Some great sites to create accounts on are MySpace, Facebook, Plaxo, Twitter, Linked-in, Talkbiznow and Bebo. Create user accounts on these sites and let people know in each community what types of jobs you're interested in finding. In no time at all, you can have lots of people keeping a look out for job opportunities that might be a fit. You never know who can connect you to someone that has the perfect job for you.

3.    If there's a business that you absolutely love in your community, call them up and ask if they're hiring. If they are not hiring, ask them if they ever hire temps. If they say yes, tell them that you would love to work for them as a temp and offer to send them your resume. If they don't hire temps, tell then that you love their company so much that you would even volunteer to work for them for a couple of days -- for free -- so they could test you out on a trial basis. What do you have to lose? You have the time and they might be intrigued enough to take you up on your offer.

4.    In light of the recession, many churches are offering help for the unemployed. Talk to your church about this possibility, or check out the church directory in your community newspaper. Read this great article on Beliefnet -  "Church Programs Aid the Newly Unemployed" by Yonat Shimron.

5.    When contacting a potential employer, be proactive and assertive but never pushy or aggressive. Remember, people will find it hard to resist you when you are friendly, flexible, creative and willing to go the extra mile.

6.    Don't forget to keep your daily prayer and meditation practice going! It'll help reduce your stress and keep you grounded. Good luck and stay positive!  

  Peace & Blessings!

Many people are burdened by debt today and are not sure what to do to move beyond their present financial circumstances. If you've decided to it's time to take control of your finances and reclaim your life, you don't have to do it all alone. There are many great resources out there that can assist you.

Here's a few resources that you can reach out to for help and support:

1. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling - A nonprofit organization that provides low cost credit counseling and financial education. They also have some wonderful free tools on their website. You can reach them at 800-388-2227.

2. American Consumer Credit Counselors is a non-profit organization that provides Credit Counseling, Debt Consolidation and Debt Management Services. They can often work out payment plans, renegotiate rates, balances and help you create a manageable payment plan. Their fees are determined on the basis of your ability to pay. Contact them at 800-769-3571.

3. When you are seeking the assistance of a credit counselor or debt management company, make sure they are certified with the NACCC (National Association of Consumer Credit Counselors and/or the AFCPE Association for Financial Counseling, Planning and Education.)

4.Know Your Rights - Debt collectors are not allowed to threaten, abuse or harass you. If you are being hounded by debt collectors, you can send a out a "cease and desist" letter asking them to cease contact with you. This does not, however, relieve you of the debt. But it should give you some peace.

In addition to getting the help and support you need and deserve, it is equally important to work on financial forgiveness and healing any feelings you may have about yourself or circumstances. As you work toward financial resolution in whatever way makes sense for you, you will begin to feel better about yourself and more hopeful about the future.

The path to financial forgiveness begins with one step toward resolution and another toward self-forgiveness. It is difficult to move forward and create a new financial reality if you are carrying the burden of the past along with you. So forgive, make a plan, get help and support and everyday just do your best. Then let go and let God. In time...all will be resolved.

Peace and Blessings!

Money problems, mounting bills or job loss can be very stressful on any relationship. When we are stressed, we are not always our best selves and it can be easy for couples to fall into the trap of anger and blame. Which is sort of like throwing gasoline on a fire...it simply causes the problems to get bigger and potentially out of control.

If you're relationship or marriage is being challenged by the recession, here's a few  tips that I recommend to help you through this challenging times:

1. Forgive yourself (and your spouse) for your financial circumstances. What's done is done, forgive and release it. You cannot rebuild your lives and the future if you are living in the past.

2. If you're heavily in debt and need help, contact the American Consumer Credit Counseling, a non-profit organization that can help you get back on track.http://www.consumercredit.com/

3. Contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and locate a certified credit counselor to in your area to help you. Remember, It's important to work with people who are properly trained and certified.

4. Remember that your core money issues get triggered when you are under stress, but they most likely did not originate in your marriage. They usually represent unhealed wounds from childhood that you each brought into the relationship. Have compassion for yourself and seek help to heal the wounds from the past.

5. It is so easy to focus on what's wrong that we often forget to remember what's good in our  relationship. Make a list of what is working in your relationship and what you truly love about your partner. Share this openly with one another. We all greatly need to be acknowledged.

6. Most financial differences are due to a failure to effectively communicate our needs, fears and grievances, which tend to accumulate over time. Learn to talk openly and calmly and without blame. If there is an issue that is irresolvable, seek professional guidance.

Here's a prayer for all those couples in need of help at this time:

Dear God,
Please help me and my beloved to move past
our personal and financial challenges.
Show us the way to forgiveness,
help us to release the past
and awaken to the gift of today which brings
new hope and opportunity to begin again.
Help us to recover from our financial struggles,
to become free from debt and learn
from our past experiences.
Please strengthen our faith in you and our relationship,
heal our wounds and return us to the heart of our love.
We surrender this you and know that it is done.
And so it is.
Amen.

Sometimes we experience what appears to be a great loss or setback only to discover that the loss was in fact a blessing in disguise. That as one door closed, another door opened. Although, I know that when we're in the middle of it, it's often hard to see.

It's easy to be so focused on the losses and setbacks that we forget to look for the opportunities and blessings that may be waiting for us. Because the truth is, everything we lose creates an opening for something new to come into our lives. We must always remain open and receptive to receiving the good that is available to us...even in the middle of the seeming storm that surrounds us.

Looking back, I have experienced many losses that I now have immense gratitude for. In hindsight, whatever pain or loss I may have suffered was small compared to the blessings and opportunities that followed.

So, while it may be difficult, sometimes the only thing we can do is to surrender to what is happening, bless the experience and pray to stay open to receiving our higher good. God never takes something away from us without also offering us something in it's place. Today, I ask you to consider being grateful for this time in your life as an opportunity to receive some new blessing or opportunity, whether that is.

Whether it is the opportunity to explore some new horizon, the chance to dust off your dreams, build a new life, or the opportunity to grow into more of who you are or always wanted to be. Sometimes, when life hands us lemons, we are simply being guided to the lemonade stand.

Read Beliefnet's Rabbi Brad Hirshfield's 8 Ways to Stay Grateful in Hard Times.

Today's blessing is taken from the wisdom of Ralph Waldo Emerson:

Write it on your heart
that every day is the best day in the year.
He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day
who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.

Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in.
Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day;
begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit
to be cumbered with your old nonsense.

This new day is too dear,
with its hopes and invitations,
to waste a moment on the yesterdays.

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Peace & Blessings!

Beloved, Inmost Heart of every heart, do not Let our human hearts be broken by our merely mortal suffering here - but make our mortal human hearts break - free to an unconditional love of You, that we may,...

I have received many comments lately from readers who are having challenges moving forward financially due to mistakes they've made in the past, which have impacted their credit or even their ability to get housing or a job. One of...

One of my favorite questions to ask people is: "How much is enough?" What is enough to make you feel completely safe, content and free to fully live your life without limitation?Invariably when I ask this question people will throw...

I am a firm believer that the "art of living rich" is more a state of mind and way of being, than it is a state of economy. As a Money Coach and former financial advisor for over 20 years,...

Do you sometimes have an unhappy or conflicted relationship with money? If so, it may be impacting your financial reality. Sure, we all know that money is not the key to our happiness but having some does help right? So,...

Before the recession began a little over a year ago, credit card companies were offering some of the most attractive rates and balance transfers ever seen. Many people were using credit cards to not just supplement their lifestyles, but many...

Managing our financial fears and debt related stress has become a way of life now for millions of Americans. It's important to learn healthy ways of coping with your money issues so as not to affect your health and well-being,...

I was both saddened and dismayed by the recent deaths and injuries that occurred during self-help "guru" James Arthur Ray's "Spiritual Warrior" retreat in Sedona, Arizona last week. There are so many things about this retreat that are disturbing that...

One of the simplest ways to conquer your money fears is through cultivating a  "Daily Gratitude" practice. In fact, there is a great deal of scientific evidence that suggests that a daily dose of gratitude can help  reduce stress and...

Since the unemployment rate continues to rise, it is increasingly clear that those of you who are searching for work may not only need to think outside the box, but possibly, work outside the box, too. Let me explain what...

As of September, the national unemployment rate rose to 9.7% with over 14 million people unemployed. The hardest hit of this group are our youth, ages 16 to 24, of which over 46% are without employment. This is truly heart-breaking....

If I were to ask you how much money you think you would need in order for you to be "wealthy," what number would you pick? Whatever number you selected, I can promise you that there is someone out there...

Welcome to Good News Friday! We've all had a long year of bad news on just about every front and I think it's time to start focusing and sharing what's happening all around us that is GOOD, POSITIVE AND LIFE-AFFIRMING!...

Here's a beautiful piece of wisdom to reflect on today: Always we hope someone else has the answer. Some other place will be better, some other time it will all turn out. This is it. no one else has the...

I receive many cries for help from people who are in despair over their financial circumstances, but this one today really moved me. The person did not leave there name, so I'm hoping she will read this as I would...

I've been getting some emails lately from readers in need of financial help and often it's for financial or investment advice, which I do not provide. So, it occurred to me that maybe I should explain what Money Coaching is...

One thing that I have learned in my life is that when times are tough, we greatly need to reach out for help and support. It's so important not to isolate yourself from your friends and family, or most importantly,...

I was deeply moved by President Obama's speech to students today. I know if I had heard this speech when I was in high school, it would have had an enormous impact on my life. Because not unlike many of...

When I was in my twenties, I often worked as a "temp" as a way of exploring different kinds of jobs and companies. It was fun because I would have new experiences and if I didn't like a company, I...

Today was a sad day for all Americans who now stand as witness to the end of a family legacy of almost mythic proportion: The Kennedy Brotherhood. With Ted Kennedy's passing today we will most certainly experience a great loss...

I have always felt a strong pull and affinity toward the wisdom of Native Americans. In my reading recently, I ran across the Native American Code of Ethics and thought that it felt timely and worthy of sharing with you....

Many of our readers are parents who are experiencing a great deal of stress during this economic crisis. As a mother myself, I know just how hard it can be to carry the weight of managing family finances, taking care...

There have been a numerous reports recently about the economic woes of Las Vegas in the aftermath of the real estate collapse and the current recession. With unemployment figures of over 12 percent, the highest mortgage default rate in the...

The Magician is the ideal Money Type and represents the person who is comfortable and at peace with both their inner landscape and the material world. At our best, when we are willing to heal the wounds of the past...

"Imagination is more important than knowledge." ~Albert Einstein A large part of my work to help people move beyond their blocks and perceived limitations to building the life they are committed to creating. The key words to focus on here...

Today's blog is for Kathy Moreno who is struggling to take care of her 14 year old nephew.I know it can be hard to ask the children in our lives to make sacrifices and to help out when times are...

(Today's blog is dedicated to Terri and Zoey....who are well on their way to becoming powerful Money Magician's.)Sometimes life throws us a curve ball and the world as we've known it gets turned upside down and inside out. Times when...

In times like this recession, it can be difficult to see and hear the good that is happening all around us. One great new movement that's taking place and worthy of paying attention to is called the "People's Stimulus Package." ...

Lessons for lifePeople are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good anyway. If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed...

In times like this recession, it can be difficult to see and hear the good that is happening all around us. One great new movement that's taking place and worthy of paying attention to is called the "People's Stimulus Package." ...

It's not uncommon when you are unemployed to experience a drop in self-esteem, which can cause you to become disconnected from your gifts. This can be problematic because if you are not connected to your abilities, then how can you...

When we are challenged, personally and financially, it can be difficult to stay centered, calm and positively proactive. Yet, if we can't make these necessary adjustments, our lives can begin to spiral into a downward cycle of negativity and defeat....

Never Give up No matter what is going on Never Give up Develop the heart Too much energy in your country is spent developing the mind instead of the heart Be compassionate Not just to your friends but to everyone...

"Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver." ~ Ayn Rand I found this quote by writer and philosopher, Ayn Rand, to be very thought provoking. As...

Everyday, whether we realize it or not, our thoughts and actions are actively creating the world around us. Having an awareness of this is increasingly important if we wish to create greater abundance and prosperity in our lives and the...

It's tragic enough that Steve McNair died a violent death at such a young age, but even sadder yet that he died without a will or proper estate planning, which will greatly impact his wife and children. It's amazing...

I've been noticing lately how many people seem to have an angry or unhappy relationship with money. This is understandable given the recession, but it's unfortunate because money can be a really good friend and resource that can assist us...

One of our readers wrote in today talking about her fears around money. Here is what Diane  had to say: "I've always been bad at finances - guess it's due to lack of confidence I have a fear of math,...

Today's Money Coaching Monday is in response to Margaret's call for help with her marriage. Here's Margaret's prayer request: "I am praying that God will step in and make situation turn into a positive one and that my marriage can...

When money is seen as a solution for every problem, money itself becomes the problem.  ~ Richard Needham As a Money Coach, people generally come to see me because they think they have issues with money, which on the surface...

When times are tough and not much seems to be going our way, it is easy to lose hope and to forget just how powerful our thoughts and beliefs are in creating the world around us. So the one thing...

I've been noticing lately how many people seem to have an angry or unhappy relationship with money. This is understandable given the recession, but it's unfortunate because money can be a really good friend and resource that can assist us...

Today's Money Coaching Monday is in response to the comments made by Melonee and Suzanne who wrote in and shared their struggle in Overcoming and Making Peace with Debt. Here's what Melonee said: "Thank you Deborah. Your words really helped...

When the morning news announced that Bernie Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison today, I found myself wanting to do the "happy dance." But I didn't...simply because that first wave of elation quickly subsided into sadness.  No, I'm...

Money issues can be the source of a great deal of stress and conflict in marriages. These conflicts can also be a wonderful opportunity to grow together and deepen the intimacy in our relationships. Without question, I have found in...

In helping people identify and understand their money patterns and behaviors, I work with Money Types, or "archetypes." Money Types are not just another "label" meant to define you, but are a powerful way of helping people to gain awareness...

Today's Money Coaching Blog is for Marilyn who wrote in response my blog, Hold Onto Your Dreams. Here's Marilyn's comment:"I work at this job that is very stressful and my dream is opening up a bakery in my town when...

Everyone feels vulnerable when it comes to money. It's a core survival issue that can easily become triggered causing us to feel fearful, anxious, sad or angry. It's also an area of our lives that at times can feel out-of-control,...

(Note: Today's blog is dedicated to my goddaughter, Alexandra McGrath, who graduated.from UCSB yesterday. I love you, Alex!) Congratulations to the Class of 2009 college graduates! This is an extraordinary time that is rich with newly acquired wisdom and knowledge...

Sometimes, when we are experiencing financial difficulties we can begin to feel that our own gifts, which have little to do with money, have also become devalued. At times like this it is not uncommon to see people abandon their...

The excerpt below is taken from Marianne Williamson's book, A Return to Love. It is one of the my favorite passages and I read it often as it serves as a constant reminder of what a blessing it is to...

As a money coach, I often ask my clients to reflect on what they believe would make them happy. Although their answers vary, they frequently say "I'd be happy if I were rich." Recently, it's become clear to me that...

Today's Money Coaching blog is for Connie who wrote in with the following money issues;"My name is Connie and I have a prayer need for myself and family. I recently lost my home of 15 years to foreclosure and if...

Earlier this week I wrote about Money & Spirituality and it ignited quite a conversation between my husband and I. My husband is a classic Creator-Artist, which in money coaching terms means he has a love-hate relationship with money and...

One of our Beliefnet readers wrote in last week expressing her concern about the amount of money that today's spiritual leaders and Guru's seem to make today. Here's what she said: "I am a bit disillusioned by the apparent amount...

Today's Money Coaching blog is in response to Danny who wrote in with the following situation:"It's been just a couple of weeks since I was laid off but the pressure from my wife to do better is sometimes disheartening. I...

Years ago, I had a client who was in her 70's who was widowed and had grown up during the depression. I just loved her...she lived very simply and frugally, yet was one of the happiest, most contented people I...

When we are challenged, personally and financially, it can be difficult to stay centered, calm and positively proactive. Yet, if we can't make these necessary adjustments, our lives can begin to spiral into a downward cycle of negativity and defeat....

Wow...the news just came in that President Barack Obama has nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor for appointment to the Supreme Court. Perhaps the tides are beginning to turn again and there is hope once more for greater equality and justice in...

This week I am responding to our reader Chris Leiss, who is asking for support around his marriage which has been greatly impacted by financial stress. This is his request: "I have been married for 24 years and am still...

Using personal relationships as a model, think about what kind of money relationship you are seeking. If you were to place a personals ad in the newspaper seeking a partner, you would want to have a pretty clear idea of...

I have often seen people retreat into fear or anger at the mere suggestion that perhaps they had issues with money they might want to examine. Everyone feels vulnerable when it comes to money. That we are fearful or get...

A few days ago I wrote a blog about End-of-Life-Planning. It occurred to me that there's more I'd like to share with you on that subject based upon my personal experience. My father died very suddenly at the age of...

Given all the financial challenges that people are experiencing today, every Monday beginning this week I will be dedicating my blog to responding to our readers who have written in and requested help. If you would like to receive some...

I'd like to share this beautiful affirmative prayer by the late Dr. Raymond Charles Barker.  My Money is God's Money The Divine Spirit prospers me in every possible way. I praise the wealth of God. I now claim it...

As financial pressures continue to mount many marriages are being strained and tested to their limit. Often, couples just don't know where to turn for help and guidance. Since our relationships are so valuable and important, it's critical that we...

When I was a little girl, it went without saying that my father and my sisters would somehow find a way to buy my mother a bottle of Chanel No.5 for Mother's Day. It was a tradition. Some years it...

One of the great injustices in this world is that few of us are ever taught what we need to know about money and the world of personal finance in order to be successful. Our parents weren't taught so they...

When I'm working with clients who are unemployed or considering a career transition, I always have them do an exercise I call the "Life Inventory Process." While resumes are important and good to have updated regularly, it is equally important...

Let's face it, not all our money problems can be blamed on a bad economy, Some of us are grappling with old habits and patterns that existed long before the crisis we are now experiencing worldwide. True, the financial crisis...

Our relationship to money impacts every aspect of our lives including our work, our families, friends and marriages. All too often, our decisions and actions around money are fear-based because when it comes to money, most of us feel out...