Most Americans today are unhappy with their finances. Some are frustrated, others are fearful, and many are uncertain. If you’re overwhelmed by market volatility, crises like wildfires, rising prices, and the uncertainty of the market’s bottom, you’re in the right place. Add to that the uncertainty surrounding AI’s future and the possibility that the federal government may not pay its employees regularly. With 40 years in the financial management and service industry, I can confidently say the economy is complex and challenging.
My book, Take the Helm, aims to guide this sudden domestic and global storm.
Here are my suggestions:
- Don’t panic and sell everything.
- Develop a solid financial strategy and stick to it.
- Keep liquid at least three months of income.
- Review your debt situation, as it’s the biggest threat to your financial stability.
- Remember, your friend at the cafeteria/your co-worker at the water cooler/your neighbor over the fence isn’t your financial advisor, and blindly putting everything into your 401(k)-equity account isn’t a solution.
The skills you had five years ago may no longer be in demand. Identify the skills you need to
stay relevant and competitive. If you’re not sure what those skills are, why not? And if you’re
not the right person for those roles, who is? Today, our world is in short supply of skilled
individuals, both in terms of people and technical expertise. Do you see yourself as part of the
problem or the solution? Personal finance is crucial, especially during challenging times. It starts
with your thoughts and beliefs, as you become what you think about most of the time. Read
books, listen to audio, and learn about personal money management. I recommend “Take the
Helm” to navigate your way to financial freedom.
Here are quick tips:
- Write things down.
- Complete a download on your nighttime thoughts.
- Read or listen to non-fiction financial books.
- Evaluate your spending habits.
- Review your tax withholding.
- Begin budgeting.
- Avoid letting statements stack up.
- Face the music and address any bad news.
Three things will change your future:
Your thoughts, the people you meet, and the books you read. With your plan, you won’t fall
victim to others’ plans.
By Roland R. Ghazal, CLU, ChFC. Chartered Financial Consultant
Roland R. Ghazal, CLU, ChFC, began his career in the financial services industry in 1984 and was the recipient of many national and industry awards over the years. He has been an accomplished financial professional and managing partner for a Fortune 100 company for several decades. Roland holds multiple financial, securities, and insurance licenses. He has been a major contributor to the success of many leaders and financial advisers in the financial services industry.
He’s a self-made man, father, grandfather, and a strong advocate of financial literacy and education. Roland is multicultural and multilingual with extensive international travel experiences in many countries. He’s a philanthropist on multiple fronts and a member of several professional and civic organizations.
Roland’s many years of successful management experience are enhanced by his leadership in both community and professional organizations. He has a strong belief in both personal and professional development. He has earned his CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) and his ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) designation from the American College; specializing in retirement and complex estate planning.
His key skill sets are strategic planning, recruiting, and both building and growing business structures. As he emphasizes in Take The Helm, Roland truly believes that you, too, can design your life!