‘A Man Is Not A Financial Plan’ by Joan Baker
Investing For Wealth and Independence.
Joan Baker has written this book with women in mind but her message is clear whether you are young or old, single or in a relationship, whether you have savings or not you can take control of your finances. Women are capable of so much, keeping a family functioning while holding down a job is no small task. Taking care of yourself is often on the bottom of the ‘to do’ list, however taking care of yourself financially is essential for your own and your families long term security.
Women need to create their own wealth, enough to survive independently, so that whether they have a man in their life or not they will be ok financially. A plan is needed, even if you have a high income that alone is not enough to grow wealth.
Joan demystifies the jargon covering areas such as budgeting, principles of investing, superannuation, diversification, and managed funds. She explains the emotion that drives the share market. Which, by the way, women are often more successful at conquering than men are. She explains the importance of making your money when you buy and how to borrow smart for investments.
She covers how to plan your investment strategy and how to decide what is the best investment for you. She also passes on some encouraging thoughts on taking action, for without action no amount of investment knowledge will help.
Joan has had twenty years experience as a financial coach and says the main thing she has learnt is that anyone can become financially free, but you have to know what it is you want and you have to want it enough.
By: Teresa Vidal
Posts Tagged ‘Financial Investing’
Become Self Sufficient with a Financial Plan
November 18th, 2009
“You can’t overestimate the need to plan and prepare. In most of the mistakes I’ve made, there has been this common theme of inadequate planning beforehand. You really can’t over-prepare in business!” -Chris Corrigan
The goal of most people is to become self sufficient and self supporting. While working hard, everyday, can build the initial capital for financial investments, it can not produce the profit and wealth that you desperately desire. It is only through a solid and well research financial plan that you take your hard earned money and make it work for you. No one can fully plan the future however you can put a structure and a plan in place which can help guide you in your desired direction.
Begin with your current income. Take a look at the last ten years of your gross income and figure out what the average growth rate has been. This will give you a good estimate of what your income will be from now until you retire. You can total up your total income and then subtract your total expenses. This is not going to give you an exact number but a general of idea of where you are financially and where you need to go.
Once you have your income determined. Then you need to make a list of your expenses. This will help you determine what money is going to be left over for investing. If you are a young investor, you will probably have very little disposable income. However, put aside any extra money into a high interest money market account. Overtime you will have enough money to begin investing. If you have a decent amount of money, you are placing into savings each month, then you have money to invest. If you are interested in creating a financial plan and begin investing, you may want to contact a financial advisor who can help you build a plan and financial portfolio that is customized for your goals.
Becoming self sufficient is the key to financial freedom. Investing is a way to create financial stability so you no longer have to depend on job security, promotions, raises, or the lottery. Think about the future. If you have not planned for your future, then no one has. In your retirement years you want to be sufficient enough to support yourself, enjoy the last years of your life, and not be burden to your loved ones. If you want to live your life without the nagging stress of financial problems then consider starting your financial plan today.
By: Mika Hamilton