Scott and Bethany Palmer Interview: Ask The Money Couple
Scott and Bethany Palmer are best known as “The Money Couple” and authors of “Cents and Sensibility” and “First Comes Love, Then Comes Money”. They are certified financial advisers based in Colorado Springs Colorado and together run Envoy Financial.
Scott and Bethany’s corporate mission statement “Strengthening personal financial relationships” should resonate with anyone who is in a relationship or thinking about going in to and/or getting out of one.
Have you ever noticed that for a commodity that we literally could not do without, serious discussions about money between couples can elicit a range of responses some of which border on the irrational?
Scott and Bethany Palmer Interview. You can download the mp3 recording and pdf transcript of this interview by going to http://yourmoneyandyourmindset.com/online-store/
I asked Scott and Bethany about the dynamics involved in managing joint finances for two people who are about to make a serious commitment to each other. As Scott and Bethany explained “It starts with each person understanding themselves and their personal views on money. These inherent money profiles that we all have determine whether we are savers or spenders, risk takers and everything else in between”.
They go on to say, “Financial infidelity can occur if there isn’t the understanding and clear communication between two people ”.
Got that folks? Talk to your significant other about money, and do it in manner that is non judgmental or accusatory. Personally I think that not taking an interest (no pun intended) in your day to day budget, investments and retirement plan is much like sticking your head in the sand. Wishing someone else will deal with it just does not cut it; you really do not want your assets exposed.
What gladdened my heart was to hear Scott and Bethany supporting parents who want to give their kids a firm financial grounding as early as possible. Therefore, teaching your children to save, invest and respect money will give your kids a tremendous head start. Kids, you will thank your parents for this one day.
As for the sensitive subject of estate planning, Bethany as the mother of two young boys shares her personal story of overcoming breast cancer. Their advice, “Take the emotion out of the decision making process is the first step”, indeed is the most important we all could use.
Find Scott and Bethany Palmer at:
Jason Cunningham Interview: Where’s My Money?
Jason Cunningham is a thirty something boyishly good looking Certified Practicing Accountant with a sense of humor, and is the author of the financial self help book Where’s My Money.
Beneath the affable exterior is a person who at 13 witnessed first hand his parents’ efforts at recovering their financial standing after an unscrupulous business partner absconded with the cash. Jason states that the adversity he and his family faced shaped character and forged his entrepreneurial spirit.
As a founding partner in his highly successful accounting firm The Practice, he saw the all too familiar financial train wrecks of business and personal clients. An inability to consciously monitor their cash flow and expenditure for the financial year meant that Jason would invariably be faced with his clients’ plaintive and supplicatory pleas of “Where’s my money?”
In response he wrote Where’s My Money, aimed squarely at the financially illiterate who walk amongst us. Judging by the parlous state of most peoples’ bank accounts, it should cover approximately 90 % of the population.
In this interview, Jason describes how our personalities can greatly influence our desire to save, hoard or divest ourselves of our cash, in no particular order.
Jason Cunningham Interview (unlinked)
In addition to the safe and sure methods of long term wealth creation that includes investments in property, the share market or sound businesses he addresses the Gen Y expectation of instant gratification by throwing down the challenge that they provide more value if they want more money from their employers.
His concern that children are not taught the basic financial skills at school has him putting his money where his mouth is. Asked about his legacy, Jason replied, “In time to come I’ll sell the business, not have to worry about the money and become a primary school teacher”. Happy Days, Mr Cunningham
You can contact Jason at http://www.thepractice.com.au
Level 1, 200 Lygon St, Carlton Vic 3053 AUSTRALIA
Ph: +613 8888 4000; Fax: +613 8888 4099
Katana Abbott Interview: It’s Never Too Late To Become A Millionaire
If I said to you that a child can grow up in poverty with an abusive stepfather and then at 18 marry a violent man, walk away from that marriage virtually penniless, hit rock bottom physically, mentally and emotionally before coming back as a self made millionaire at 47 years of age, you could be forgiven for thinking this was a Cinderella story of feel good fiction.
Let me introduce you to Katana Abbott, the lady whose life I just described. 
I have no doubt that countless women can identify with Katana’s early financial circumstances. However, this is not the point of the exercise because I invite you to listen to my interview with a woman who took action on a number of fronts to change her life.
Katana Abbott Interview You can download the mp3 recording and pdf transcript of this interview by going to http://yourmoneyandyourmindset.com/online-store/
The most obvious was to qualify as a certified financial planner and grow a multi million dollar business. Equally important but not as apparent is Katana’s commitment to becoming a life long student of personal development.
Katana is living proof that when you change your thought and beliefs from can’t to can, positive actions that support your new beliefs pave the way for financial and personal success.
Her concern for the financial futures of Americans entering their golden years prompted her to coin the clever analogy of the “three legged stool” of Social Security, Savings and Pensions as the highly unstable but fundamentally the default option of many peoples’ retirement plan. Know as the Midlife Millionaire Coach, Katana is focused on helping women entrepreneurs, ages 43-65, create financial freedom whilst following their passion.
Her generosity knows no bounds so if you go to http://www.smartwomenscafe.com you will get a free membership to the community and can participate in a free monthly coaching call beginning in April.
And there’s more!
If you go to http://www.Katanaabbott.com you will get her free midlife millionaire success system and for everyone listening to this interview receive Katana’s signature financial organizer planner to get your finances in order.
Ladies and gentleman, you are witnessing the actions of a woman who not only knows that her life has a higher purpose; she lives it.
Prince Charming Isn’t Coming or How to reclaim your financial destiny: Barbara Stanny Tells
Barbara Stanny is a pioneer in the field of financial education for women and has authored a number of books including the best seller “Prince Charming Isn’t Coming-How women get smart about money” and “Secrets of Six Figure Women”.
When I spoke with Barbara Stanny about her road to becoming financially literate, her story had an all too familiar ring. Many women will be able to identify with her journey; some of it isn’t pretty, some of it will cause you to squirm. You may even feel the fear stab you in your heart because it hits uncomfortably close to home.
Listen to her pull no punches interview here: Barbara Stanny Interview1 (unlinked)
She like so many women did not feel confident enough to take control of her finances until fate intervened. What started as a simple act of withdrawing cash from an automatic teller machine turned into horror when these two words “insufficient funds” appeared on the ATM advice slip.
Barbara’s spouse (who mismanaged her inheritance) left her to find her own way out of the financial maze that included paying back taxes of $ 1million. Believing in the adage that “what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger,” she set out to learn the language of money. In doing so Barbara discovered how to overcome not only the external but internal blockages to becoming financially independent.
As Barbara states, “In your deepest pain lies your highest purpose”. We are eternally grateful that her purpose to empower women through her books, seminars and retreats has saved many a woman from financial ruin.
What appeared initially a financial disaster of monumental proportions has been a gift of self discovery. Barbara is passionate about sharing her hard won knowledge in her latest program “Sacred Success” for women who are on the verge of or have reached affluence. Specifically it speaks to women who want to make a difference in the world through philanthropy.
This is indeed a fine legacy for any woman.
Find Barbara at http://www.barbarastanny.com
Female Friendly Investment Strategies: Debbie Williams Property Diva
The age old debate as to whether the stock market or investing in property returns the better yield is better answered by asking the personal question: What is your individual appetite for risk?
Women are generally perceived to be more conservative in their investment strategies and there is an element of truth in this observation.
The emergence of a generation of single women in full time employment, and their new found financial freedom and independence means that investment decisions are now wholly and solely within their sphere of control.
Unlike their male counterparts they have only just become aware that they are now in the position to invest and with that plan for a very comfortable self funded retirement.
Faced with an often confusing number of choices, the only way to know if the property or the share market suits you is to be actively involved.
Do not let fear of making a mistake stop you from taking action, because that is the only way you will learn, grasshopper.
So, let me introduce you to Debbie Williams.
If her story does not inspire you to do something for yourself, then we are all doomed!
Click here Interview with Debbie Williams (unlinked)
Debbie Williams’ amazing trajectory to becoming a millionaire property investor began not as a person with a truckload of cash but as a 15 year old homeless youth.
From being a self-confessed dissatisfied person, Debbie found that her knack for property investing dramatically improved her self-esteem and lifestyle. The momentum from her first renovation that netted $30, 000 has seen her recently create a cool $1 million in equity in 12 months.
The experience of being disenfranchised and dispossessed became the impetus for Debbie to carve out a better future for herself. Today she helps local homeless people with their accommodation needs.
Her advice includes, “Be comfortable with being uncomfortable”. She talks about feeling the fear but taking action. “Attending property investment courses are only half of the equation, implementing the steps learned has made all the difference in my life”.
She is living proof that even in this current economic climate of gloom and doom, there are profits to be made. “It is all in how you look at it”, she states. “Your attitude is very important, and surround yourself with a good team of people”. “Finally, celebrate your wins, no matter how small they seem at the time”.
Find Debbie at
http://www.savvypropertypeople.com.au
Retirement: What happens after the farewell speech and gold watch gift
I was speaking to this lady in her mid 50s the other day about her retirement plans.
“Retirement, what retirement?” she snorted.
No, sir-she was launching herself into a new home based business after spending a better part of 30 years as a cog in the wheel of a giant multi national corporation.
The first thing that struck me was that her attitude of “let’s get going on something new” as opposed to some people who view retirement as buying a one way ticket to the morgue.
What a refreshing way to see the rest of her life as one filled with new possibilities and potential.
But, with a bit more conversation, I picked up on the language she was using. Most people would not notice this however, she spoke of success in her new business in terms of “if I get x number of clients” rather than “when I have x number of clients”.
Subtle but this is the difference between growing a successful business and crossing your fingers and hoping for the best.
I asked if she’d ever read the book “Prince Charming Isn’t Coming” by Barbara Stanny. There is this funny/ironic line where it states that a man is no financial plan.
That raised a wry smile from this recent retiree.
Barbara in this book asks you to examine your beliefs about money and here was a classic case of a woman who had modeled her money beliefs on her upbringing.
No prizes for guessing that her father had controlled the finances and by default controlled the family. Women were left out of the decision making process and that had adversely impacted her general view of life and relationships.
The good news is that it is not too late to review and revise your view of handling money, but this time from an emotional perspective.
Your emotions will either help or hinder (read self sabotage) your efforts at building a thriving and successful business.
I have included a short list of 5 books that are educational (without being dry and hard going) and inspirational.
Remember, you can do a lot more good for your family, friends, church and community when you are wealthy. It is not a sin nor is it a crime to be prosperous.
1. Prince Charming Isn’t Coming, Barbara Stanny (Penguin Books)
2. Secrets of Six Figure Women, Barbara Stanny (Harper Collins)
3. Millionaire Women Next Door Thomas J. Stanley (Andrews McMeel Publishing)
4. Rich Woman (Because I Hate Being Told What To Do) Kim Kiyosaki (Rich Press)
5. Aspire (Discovering Your Purpose Through the Power of Words) Kevin Hall (William Morrow Press)
Yours in health, wealth and happiness