Years ago I learned this simple phrase while in Boy Scouts and little did I know how it would be such an integral part of my life. Be Prepared....its so simple, yet in reality it is quite a profound statement.
We find the need for preparation is everywhere. In fact, I read recently a powerful statement from NCAA Championship Basketball Coach John Wooden... "When opportunity comes, it's too late to prepare!"
I'd like to take a little literary license if I may and change this ever so slightly. What if we said it this way.... "When financial surprises come, it's too late to prepare!" This is so very true now isn't it?! Let's make it more practical....When the radiator goes out on the car....its too late to prepare. When the AC goes on the blink at the house, it's too late to prepare!" "When I get laid off from my job, it's too late to prepare!"
I think we all can see how true this statement is for us. We need a plan, not just a plan to pay off debt, or save for the future but rather a plan for the hard times when things don't go right and the unexpected happens.
One of my clients contacted me recently to let me know her car had broken down in another community. She had to have it towed in at a cost of $150 and that was just to get it to the mechanics shop. As of this writiing we still don't know what the cost of the repair will be but we've been working with her now for 6 months and she has an EMERGENCY FUND! When she contacted me, we rejoiced that she was PREPARED for the unexpected events of her life. This would not be a catastrophic event for her...
How about you? Are you prepared? If your car died and needed repair do you have the funds ready and prepared to handle it? If you lost your job (and we hope no one will) could you make it a month or two or three before you found another? I know from experience and from statistics that almost 80% of people live from paycheck to paycheck. It's almost impossible to BE PREPARED if you are living from week to week. Something needs to change...and for the better! Since the majority of people are stuck in the rut of a paycheck - to - paycheck lifestyle, most can't pull themselves out. Is this YOU? Do you need a hand up! A helping hand of wisdom, knowledge and experience
There are things you can build into your life that will help you when those unwanted, unexpected events occur. But you need a coach...someone who can and will help you make a plan, hold you accountable and encourage you along the way. Once you take the steps necessary, you can have the same HOPE that our other clients have...all because they have chosen to BE PREPARED! Believe me, you'll be glad you did!
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