MONEY MINUTE by Silva's Financial $olutions
Making the Most of Your Money
August 2005
What is the Power of Three?
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I just recently received an e-newsletter with this topic and found the concept fascinating. What this article explained was that “the brain finds it relatively easy to grasp threes. Push that marginally up to four and the brain gets confused about where to look and what to do. Studies have shown that people are particularly able to recall and integrate information presented to them in concise chunks of three” (Think Three by Lisa Leguenec from No Dream Too Big LLC).
What Does This Have to do with Money?
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Good question and my answer is EVERYTHING. I have found over the years of counseling clients that it is the little steps, the baby steps if you will, that have the biggest impact on their money.
Many times, clients desire or expect huge leaps in their money picture only to be disappointed when they cannot accomplish these great leaps. This is usually because we are trying to embrace too much at one time, get overwhelmed, and then quit in frustration.
It is important to know that the brain can conceive and imagine of far more grand things than what the day-to-day body and mind can accomplish. It is NOT a matter of accepting limitations, but a method of prioritizing the skills and tools needed to bring them about.
So, How Can We Apply the Power of Three to Our Money?
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My suggestion would be to
break down whatever it is you want to accomplish into three small steps. For example, let’s say you want to pay your bills yet you do not have the usual ½ hour or hour it takes to do so. Break it down into three. Pay only three bills right now or sit down for three minutes and pay whatever you are able in that time frame.
What about pulling together a household budget (oh my, did I say that nasty word?). What three things can I do now to get closer to that goal of a finished budget? How about gathering just three things you need to complete that budget? That could be your checkbook register, your online banking register, and your bank statement. Or what three family members could help me complete it?
Think in Threes!
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So, next time you are feeling overwhelmed by money matters, think in terms of three. Three goals. Three items. Three things. Three minutes. Three people to help. Three pieces of information. Three phone calls.
It is okay to approach any money matter with a little humor, to help you communicate with others. As long as the intent is not to make light of the issues, or trivialize the problems, The Power of Three works here as well. Consider using any of the following catch phrases with your loved one when looking for a simple way to deal with money issues. Do Not Spend, No Spending Now, Paycheck is Tomorrow, We are Overdrawn, Pay it Now, No Not Now, and my all time favorite, Plan for Today!
Do You Need A Little Humor in Your Budgeting?
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As a Financial Counselor and Certified Credit Report Reviewer, it is my job to help individuals, couples, and small business owners get real with their money. It can be done with humor, seeing the delight in your own behavior as you get real with your money. If you need help, then give us a call. You do not have to do this alone. It is a phone call away.
Keep in mind your first session is 1/2 off. No future obligation. Find out how to get real with your money.
Telephone sessions are available for those of you who would prefer to stay in the comfort of your own home or office or live too far to come in person. Please know that these types of sessions are just as effective as those in person.
Telephone sessions available
Email: joan@silvassolutions.com
Phone: 925-682-2005
Web: http://www.silvassolutions.com
I hope you enjoyed this information from Joan.
Please let me know how you liked today’s information and feel free to share it with others. Also feel free to contact Joan and sign up for her newsletter.
Remember you are always welcome to contact me with your budget questions and concerns. Be sure to check out my 30 minute coaching offer in the Spe*cial Offer section.
Thank you so much for being part of my online “family”.
Now go out there and make the best of the final days of summer!
Have a very abundant and fulfilling 2005.
For more information, feel free to contact me at
judycents@moneytracker.com
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