The United States is the richest society in the world, and yet so many of us go through life feeling poor. Don’t agree? Well, check out these statistics:

• The Wall Street Journal says that 70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck.
• A Parenting Magazine poll indicates that 49% could not cover even one month’s expenses if they missed just one paycheck.
• Ameriprise.com reported that 60% of working Americans experience moderate to high levels of financial stress.
• 80% of divorces say that finances were either the #1 or #2 reason that their marriage failed

These problems aren’t new. Jesus Christ talked about money in the Bible. Sixteen of the 38 parables were concerned with how to handle money and possessions.

So why do we continue to struggle with money? The answer to most of our financial questions seems so obvious; make more, save more and spend less. But if it were that easy, why do we struggle? Because, how we handle are finances is determined by only 20% knowledge and 80% behaviors.

So that being said, more than likely it’s your behavior that’s the real problem. And when it comes to our behaviors we do not like to change. Most people are more comfortable with old problems than with new solutions, and because of this, many of us fall into the same trap. What we are doing isn’t working, and yet we continue to do the same thing – again and again.

Do any of these statements hit home with you?

• We are living paycheck to paycheck and just can’t ever seem to break the cycle.
• We always seem to have more month left at the end of our money.
• Every month we go deeper and deeper into debt. We feel like we are drowning.
• We cringe every time the phone rings.
• We make more money now than we ever did and it seems like we are worse off.
• I’ve given up on ever being able to retire.
• We would have been alright if it hadn’t been for…
• We are barely making it as it is and now our income is being cut.
• We know what to do; we just have to do it.
• We should be able to do this on our own.
• We’re doing okay, but we should be doing better.
• My spouse just doesn’t get it.
• But our situation is different,
• We just never adjusted our lifestyle to our new income.
• We took out a Home Equity Loan to pay off credit cards.
• We took out a 401k loan…
• My company offers a medical savings plan, but I’m not participating.
• My company offers a 401k plan but I’m not participating.
• We never talk about money, unless it is to fight.
• We’ve never had a savings account
• We put money into our savings every payday, but then we take it right back out.

If any of these situations sound familiar, or if you or your spouse has made any of these comments, then your game plan isn’t working. You need a new game plan. It is time to find help.

There is a lot of information out there and much of it is free. Try the library, try the internet. Just make sure the information you are getting is credible. And remember, it is not about knowledge it is about behavior. You need to put your knowledge into action and you need to start now. If you have not started on your new game plan within one week of reading this article, you will not do it on your own.

“A procrastinator puts off until tomorrow the things he has already put off until today.” John Maxwell

This is too important, so get the help you and your family needs. The Finance Coach offers a free initial 45 minute consultation to assess your situation. Financial Victory is there for you, but you have to be willing to fight for it. The Finance Coach can help you Plan, Execute & Win! Contact us now: 317-858-7270 or coach@TheFinanceCoach.net

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