THE COST OF NOT KNOWING THE COST

When I tell people what I do they automatically assume and say they can’t afford my services, and then they ask, “well how much is it anyway’”?
These conversations, were an inspiration reminder that I wanted to write some things I’ve learned about money and assuming.
 I, like so many of us have fallen into this trap of assuming we can’t afford something and is due to Not Truly knowing the monetary value or the benefit to our daily lives. We don’t know our monthly amounts and our habits.
We’ve all heard these statement, and have probably uttered a time or two; “must be nice to be able to afford that……” or “how can they afford to…...” or “I’ll never be able to retire”, “someday, I’ll be able too…...”   For some of us we assume we can’t afford, or it’s out of our reach, however, we rarely check the prices or the services involved. 

   Some years ago, someone I knew was getting ready to retire, and they were worried if they would be able to manage without the paycheque.  I asked, “did you talk to the bank, financial planner, do you really know how much you need monthly, are you going to travel?”   They had no idea if they would be able to retire and still pay their bills and continue to live their life comfortably, even though they had worked and contributed to a pension.  As it turned out, they did have plenty to live the life they were accustomed too and would be fine in retirement. This is one of many conversations I've had of similar nature.
      This made me think that even with a pension and at retirement age they didn’t have a clue about their money.  Now I’m questioning my beliefs surrounding money, what is my relationship with money, how do I feel, how much do I really know and how comfortable am I in the knowledge I currently have regarding my money.
Is money a struggle? Is there ever enough? How much is enough? Do I make just enough to get by? How much can a financial planner help?  Do I know where I spend my money? Do I purchase items and then feel guilty?  How does money make me feel?  Joyful, anxious?  What do I want money to do? What’s the best way for me to manage? How can money work for me instead of me working for money?
If I’m not comfortable in my knowledge, then I need to learn more.
I happened to start with Robert Kiyosaki Rich Dad Poor Dad, and that propelled my thoughts and understanding to seek more information.  I then read, Dave Chilton The Wealthy Barber, Tony Robbins Unshakeable and Kevin O’Leary Men, Women & Money, plus free webinars.  The information I learned removed fear and how easy it can be to manage when we are informed once you have the knowledge. These books and webinars helped me recognize my relationship with money, how I treat money and how I’m the only one looking after my money.   In turn, I now have a better relationship with money.

So, I ask, what is your relationship with your money?  Do you assume you can’t afford or do you truly know?  Have you missed opportunities that enrich and empower you?  What is the cost of not knowing and assuming costing you?

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