I am certain you and I can agree that if anyone is to achieve financial independence it is common sense that you must spend less than you make. No matter if you consider yourself rich or in the poor house or somewhere in between, if you continually spend more than you make you are destined for financial failure. Wouldnt you agree?
Although spending less than you make may be as equally important to any one of the listed reasons below, it is not the number one reason people fail financially. Have you ever heard the old saying what you dont know wont hurt you? Well, that couldnt be furthest from the truth. What you dont know CAN hurt you. It WILL hurt you if you continually do the same things but expect different results. Albert Einstein labeled that insanity.
Below are top 10 causes most people fail in their finances and building wealth. Hopefully it will give you insight to not conform to status-quo and bring forth desire to do things differently to change failing results or even increase good results you may be having.
Cause # 10: Procrastination
A lot of people postpone an investing and savings plan until it is too late. Young people have a fantastic opportunity and advantage because they have time on their side. The reasons people give for not starting an investment and savings plan are wide-ranging and many are genuine. They also vary according to age. In their twenties they are just getting rolling in life with a first job and would like to enjoy themselves by spending on cars, electronic gadgets, social life, etc. In their thirties they have a young family and a mortgage to hold up and no money. At this point most are living paycheck to paycheck. Many have credit issues from misuse of credit and lack of knowledge of the correct way to use credit. In their forties they say things are rough with kids to put through university and unforeseen medical expenses, and in their late fifties it is already too late without any time left to accumulate capital through the magic of compound interest on investments. The truth of the matter is, a convenient time never comes and its already later than you imagine. Be it in your twenties or sixties, the time is now.
Cause # 9: Lack of Discipline
Most people find it hard to save because they save – buy – save – buy, while yet others simply buy – buy – buy. It is easier to say “yes” than “no.” Those who lack discipline to say “no” will discover financial success an inconceivable achievement. The “must have it now” mindset being perpetuated by media compels one to buy now what he can’t afford by charging it in the hope that he can pay for it later on. Most people are easily led by advertising and the ease of swiping a credit card. That conditioned mindset will damage you until you learn and understand the power of leverage and how to use credit as a leveraging tool to cancel interest costs instead of increasing interest costs. Lack of Discipline also arises from trying to keep up with The Jones syndrome. When in actuality, the Jones are broke too trying to keep one leg over you.
Cause # 8: Inadequate Protection Against Unexpected Events
It may be the loss of a house due to natural catastrophe or the death or disability of the bread winner. Adequate protection (insurance) against these events is critical to financial success. Not being properly covered has financially swept away many potentially successful people.
Cause # 7: Lack of Desire as a consequence of a Poor Attitude to developing Wealth
Bad mental attitude has caused more personal troubles than anything else. What we think and expect to come about usually does. Successful people are optimists while unsuccessful people have a pessimistic mental attitude. If you continually think about getting out of debt you may probably stay there. Focus on building wealth. The vibration of the word wealth is greater than the word debt. Block out negative thinking and conditioned thoughts and mingle with other successful, positive people.
Cause # 6: Poor Debt Management Through Excessive Borrowing
Lack of patience can result in borrowing for things that lose value, so that with interest payments you pay back, you pay a great deal more for the item than it cost at first. (Especially houses, new automobiles, furniture etc.)
Cause # 5: The Need to Adjust But Fail to Act
Daring to do things different or switch up the routine is why a lot of people fail to achieve the success they seek. Don’t be afraid to engage measured risks. Think about it, the multitude who make megabucks are the ones who do the opposite of what everybody else does. Sell when everyone else buys and vice versa.
Cause # 4: Lack of Foresight
Winners have an ability to look beyond the immediate and into the future. Although some may see your visions as dreams do not forget that you have to have a vision to make a dream come true. Unless you are fortunate enough to be willed a legacy, the only income you will ever make work for you is that what you lay aside from current income and investments. People with foresight can multiply their money by investing, saving and leveraging their income by canceling interest cost on debt. Work for your money then have your money work for you.
Cause # 3: Inefficient usage of Time and inadequate Work Habits
Time truly is like money. You have a choice to either spend it or invest it in manufacturing a more proficient YOU by self-development. Once you waste time or money, its gone. Consider not to waste yourself. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not here or certain. What matters is now. Plan your day; what do you genuinely desire to achieve today? Do that and it will pave the way for tomorrow.
Cause # 2: Failure to construct Plans
Did you know that just 5% of the population sets goals and only 2% have any form of goals that are written down? Their activities have a purposefulness; they are results oriented; they are motivated; they are positive; they are confidentthey are life’s achievers. Where would you like to be in five years? Without a plan it is easy to float without aim, and bounce around from day to day. If you have set goals you will acknowledge what you want to attain. People fail to attain because they never plan to succeed. It is not that they plan to fail, they fail to plan. So set your financial goals, objectives and targets.
Cause # 1: Lack of Knowledge
May I say more specifically, a lack of a desire to gain knowledge. Make the attempt to read about financial affairs and wealth building strategies and you will learn. Many financial perspectives will help you decide the best course of action for your financial matters. When you get to the point of where you think you know it all or you are not open minded to expand your financial horizons to increase your current condition, you are destined for failure and financial stagnation. Many people don’t know where to go for unbiased life and financial advice so they do nothing. To do nothing is the worst move to make. You should always seek advancement through knowledge.
The effect of these causes is financial failure. You could never grow by doing the same things or worst, do nothing. So I submit to you, to yield great rewards, never be afraid to step outside your conditioned way of doing things your comfort zone. With an open mind, always seek knowledge of a better way.