Vincent R Orlando

If you would like a comprehensive report on “How to Build a Strong Financial Foundation,” go to my webpage: http://VincentROrlando.com and input your name and email address.  You will receive an email containing a downloadable link.  I network my blog entries via a free software package: NetworkedBlogs (http://networkedblogs.com/ ) with my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/vrorlando (add me as a “Friend”) and share them on my FanPage: www.facebook.com/DivineDoOver (“Like” me). 

I often Google: “Define: (a word)” and search for a result that meets my needs.  Typically, I find what I need from the Merriam-Webster dictionary.  This time was no exception.  Click:  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finance if you would like to see the result for the word “finance.”

Financial health is an achievable goal.  It is not the key to happiness.  The key is abundance in all the Five Dimensions of Life – All my blog entries over the past 5-days.  Having monetary “wealth” alone does not insure that you will “Be Blessed” with all the joys that life has to offer.  There are many wealthy people who have poor relationships.  In spite of their money, some are overweight and undernourished.  Their thoughts are chaotic and/or fixed on obtaining more money.  Spirits are emotionally broken.  So please, don’t kid yourself in believing that if you only had more money you would be happy.

By no fault of their own, people pass on many falsehoods in the topic of finance.  I was taught to go to school and get a good education (good grades).  Go to college and find out what you want to be when you grow up.  Get a job! – That pays well and has a good benefits package.  Fall in love, get married, buy a house, have kids (give me grandchildren), etc, etc, etc…  All for the sense of feeling secure.  Low risk endeavors (except the “fall in love” and “have kids” part) with limited reward (same exceptions).  These might be all the things that you need to do to be satisfied.  Then again, your pleasure might lean towards being: self-employed; single (until you had enough of the smorgasbord); homeless so you can travel the world, etc, etc, etc…  This is not a “one size fits all” lifestyle.  Financial freedom allows you to choose.  And, the choices are infinite.

Obviously, financial health is important.  Shakespeare wrote: “neither a borrower nor a lender be…”  Does that make financial institutions or private money lenders evil?  Money is not the root of all evil (click: http://VincentROrlando.com/?p=428 for a refresher).  Industries give incentives to contributing to a company’s 401k plan.  They want you to invest the maximum amount yet they only match a portion.  Who really benefits?  (Answer: it all depends on your individual circumstances).  Financial Planners/Analyst wants you to invest in things like mutual funds or variable annuities.  Can you get a higher rate of return in other ventures?  In other words, your finances are the one area that needs considerable scrutiny.  I highly suggest reading: “Killing the Sacred Cow” by Garrett Gunderson (search for it by using the Amazon link on my website) or participating in a “Crown Ministries” or similar type course.  (Contact me if you would like me to teach – I am a certified Crown Ministries instructor.)

Whenever talking about the subject of “finances” (especially yours) remember that age old adage:  Trust But Verify!  What is in it for the person you are talking to?  When investing in stocks, by all means – read the prospectus AND ask questions of the agent.  There is an age old rule that is very simple (one word) – DIVERSIFY.  Don’t put all your eggs in one basket (again – DIVERSIFY).  “Want to be a Millionaire?”  Use your Lifeline(s).

Be Blessed!

“Each mess is a lock on the gate which keeps abundance out!”

There are all types of “messes” that we can clean up in our lives, and make room for abundance.  On the “Physical” plane, we can deal with both business (for example: poor record keeping; scattered inventory; or the lack of systems) and personal (i.e.: disorganized garage; dirty dishes in the sink; or lawn needs mowing) messes.  On a “Mental” plane, we have relationship issues or we are dealing with emotions that are bringing us down.  And don’t forget about the “Spiritual” plane: We don’t take time to exercise, meditate, or pray.

All these messes just seem to weight us down.  The best time to start cleaning these messes is now.  The physical messes are easy to clean.  For me, I still have boxes that I have not unpacked since my move a year ago.  I have a goal to unpack one box a week (including finding places for the things that I unpack) or find a place to store the boxes.  If it seems like a major task, break it up into managable jobs.  I give myself a time limit and once I have reached that time, I stop whether the job is done or not.  This has been especially helpful when I am doing something for my business.  I devote one hour per weekday to answering emails.

On mental messes, I try very hard to communicate.  Speak to first understand (by asking questions) then to be understood (and showing how smart I am).  I apologize (at the first opportunity) as soon as I realize that I did something wrong.  I aknowledge people for their efforts.  Be open and honest.  It may make you a little vulnerable but it also shows character.

Finally, spiritual messes.  I do what I call a “power hour.”  Every day, I exercise for 20 minutes.  It clears my mind because I am not thinking of anything except lifting that weight or taking the next stride.  I meditate for at least 20 minutes as soon as I wake up.  Meditating has really helped my creative juices flow.  Finally, I pray for at least 20 minutes every day.  My morning prayer:

“Dear Jesus, Wonderful God: Bless me.  Bless me indeed, with the miracles that I’ve been praying  for – the ones you know I deserve.  Give me strength, courage, patience, and enlightenment to act more and more like you every day – To perform in ways that you would be proud of, and I know I am capable.  Continue to expand my territory so that I can assist others by being a good steward of your resources, and by sharing the gifts that you so gratiously have given to me.  Walk with me, hand-in-hand, because without you by my side, I can do nothing on my own.  And, in faith – keep me free from harm, fear, pain, and tempatation.  I ask for these things in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, my lord and my salvation.”  (Adapted from “The Tap” by Frank McKinney)

Be Blessed!

“Each mess is a lock on the gate which keeps abundance out!”

In the “physical” plane, money is necessary to alleviate pain.  In today’s economy, most have enough money just to survive.  We have enough to buy food, clothes, shelter, and hopefully provide some necessities.  In this scarce source, I view money the same way I view sex – trying to achieve an orgasm: That’s It!

We know that we are approaching abundance (prosperity) when we start using money as a tool.  Money helps us achieve a greater goal – seeing to the happiness of family and other loved-ones.  We tend to give to charities, and are concerned about our neighbors (community).  Using the same sex analogy, I view this “mental” plane as having a conversation after the act, or cuddling (spooning), enjoying the person you are with.

We reach ABUNDANCE when money is used for building and sustaining your legacy.  You can afford the finer things in life, and you want to share them with others.  Again, using the sex analogy: You have found your soul-mate.

Realize that there are a lot of people who have money and are still not happy.  Therefore, your mission (if you choose to accept it) is to find the abundance inside of you.  Instead of building a network, try building a “community of influence.”  If you don’t have money to give to charity, donate your time.  Most importantly, don’t forget about your needs.  Treat yourself they way you hope that others treat you – with respect, dignity, and love.  I pray for the abundance of peace, love, health, and happiness!

Be Blessed!

“Each mess is a lock on the gate which keeps abundance out!”

When thinking about abundance, it is natural to first think of money: so let’s start there.  In general, money defines a financial status: Rich, Poverty, or something in-between.  There is a saying that goes: “I am struggling because I have more month and the end of my money.”  Living paycheck to paycheck, robbing Peter to pay Paul.  Unfortunately, there are too many people living in this plane.  The biggest question we ask ourselves is: “How do I make more money?” 

If you would like a Devine Do-Over for your finances, opt-in to my website and receive my free publication: “The Devine Do-Over, For Your Finances (Building a Strong Foundation).”  Then visit my blog tomorrow when I share more views on abundance.

Be Blessed!

“Each mess is a lock on the gate that keeps abundance out” – Raymond Aaron

Each mess is like a lock, and the longer it takes you to clean the mess, the more the lock decays and the harder it is to open.  These messes can take various forms, such as: 1) Physical (body or material things); 2) Mental (mind or emotional); 3) Social (relationships); 4) Financial (resources); and/or 5) Spiritual.  All five (5) need to be in harmony in order for the chaos to end.

We experience “poverty” when the lock is not cared for.  We are physically tired, emotionally drained, hide from others, and we just want to be left alone.  Whereas, when the lock is clean – the door (or window) is open to new advantures.  We are energetic, friendly toward others, raring to go, and we are living an abundant lifestyle.  Prosperity rules!

So, the challange is to schedule time to clean up the messes in your life.  For instance, if you need to lose weight, start an exercise program.  Just ten (10) minutes a day, three days a week: Increase the time and intensity as you feel fit.  Take 20 minutes a day to meditate and pray.  As time goes by, you will be amazed at how much you accomplished.

Be Blessed!