Staying Calm in Rough Financial Waters

One of my clients asked me today, how do I stay calm these days when there is such gloom and doom, and the news everywhere is so negative and seemingly scary. Good question.

First: always acknowledge reality; yes, prices are going up, greed put many of us at risk, and yes, things need to change. 

Second: acknowledge your part in it if any...did you take out a mortgage you could  not afford ?

Do you live beyond your means ? Are you a frugal spender who saves money with joy ? And, do you then sock away that savings for a rainy day ? This mess became uncontrollable because borrowers were in denial about the risk, and lenders were greedy, and the government looked the other way...just say it as it is...

Third: Stop reading newspapers, watching the news, cut out all the negative stuff.

Fourth: Always be fine tuning your skills, and learn additional ones

Fifth: Be very frugal..don't assume anymore debts, live on cash.

And lastly, take your fears and hold them in the cup of your palms, and look directly at them and be soft with them. Acknowledge them, listen to them list everything and say to your hands:

"I understand, I am here for you, we will figure this out.." Remember, you cannot solve a problem if you are in the fear mode. Creativity only comes when you can open the door calmly.