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Confidence Wealth & Insurance Solutions January 25, 2016 No Comments

[Motivation Monday] Living Large: How To Find Abundance In Your Life

Living large can mean anything from taking an overseas vacation, having brunch in a fancy new restaurant and everything in between; but one thing is certain, we all dream with living larger in one way or another. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. It’s human nature.

Many of the things we wish for are indeed possible when we become aware of the abundance mindset.

The abundance mindset is the belief that there’s enough for everyone. There are new chances and opportunities everywhere. When you receive money or a gift, it doesn’t mean that someone else won’t get it; you’re not taking it away from anyone. The same applies when you give. For example, if you practice a small act of kindness, it doesn’t take anything away from you…it actually makes you feel good about yourself while you contribute to the goodness in the world.

That’s what living in abundance is: to know there’s plenty in this world.

Its counterpart is the scarcity mindset, which is based on the belief that resources are always finite. So, according to this restrictive mentality, if we have one thing, it means we don’t have something else. This mentality leads to greed, hoarding and other unhealthy attachments.

There’s a lot of advice out there about how to attract abundance to your life, and a lot of it is valuable and encouraging to read. However, this article isn’t about that. It’s about how to find the abundance you already have, how to consciously enjoy abundance, and how you should let things flow.

We worry about money and finances all the time. Debt, savings, budgeting…and even guilt about not making enough money—or making too much! It can make us feel stressed and on the edge every time the subject comes up.

That happens when we have limiting beliefs around money and wealth.

Tuning into the abundance mindset will have a positive impact in not only your finances but in your relationships and personal well-being as well. Wealth is not only about money. It’s about prosperity in all its forms. Once you truly realize that, you’ll start to find abundance everywhere!
Here are some useful ways to find abundance in your life:

Identify your own limiting beliefs.

Limiting beliefs about wealth such as “money is the root of all evil”, “wealthy people are selfish” or “I’ve always been bad with money!” will block your ability to find abundance. Identify if you’ve got negative beliefs about money and richness; and remember what the abundance mindset is all about.

Also, having such beliefs make you prone to misjudging hardworking, decent people. Do your best not to judge others and challenge your own beliefs instead. Don’t allow your own preconceived notions to determine your thoughts.

Always remember that money is neither good nor bad. It’s just one of the ways in which we express value in our society.

Appreciate what you already have.

In order to truly live an abundant lifestyle, you have to appreciate everything. It’s so easy to forget just in how many different ways we’re blessed. Make sure to remind yourself that. Although you can always strive for more, you’re already living large. From that first morning cup of coffee until you slowly fall asleep on your bed… you have a lot of things to be thankful for.

Make a list. Take a quick five-minute meditation to think about the things you’re thankful for. Do whatever it takes to remind yourself that there’s abundance all around you. For example, give something back by donating to a charity.

Let it flow.

We’ve always said that how you talk to yourself matters. And this is no exception. If you’re in a bad mood and angry at (expected) monthly bills or mumbling to yourself about what a tedious task it is to go to the bank, you’re creating a bad relationship with money.

Money, like most things, is meant to flow. Make your peace with this and you’ll see how you’ll start to make wiser decisions about money. For example, if you’re struggling, instead of letting fear take over or burying your head in the sand, write several options to either increase your income or organize it in a better way.

Another quick tip is to remind yourself of a more abundant time in your life. That’ll help you see that things aren’t static; they’re always flowing. Acknowledge that you have to part with money (and many other things) but something else will come along.

Be independent but know when to ask for help.

Learn how to handle your finances: read books about money; get a savings accounts; keep track of how much you spend so you can budget accordingly. In other words, take the necessary steps to become financially secure. Depending on your particular skills and how deeply rooted your limiting beliefs are (if you have any), you might need help to achieve this. Don’t be afraid. We can help you in this area. A helping hand can be just what you need to be on top of your game and live in abundance.

It’s worth mentioning that although not everything is about money, it can certainly give you peace of mind, security and stability. However, you won’t be able to enjoy this from a conceptual perspective unless you know how to be grateful for what you already have.
So, forget about limiting beliefs and live large by embracing the abundance mindset: Be truthful. Be grateful. Be generous. Be your true self.

Are you ready to start?

Confidence Wealth & Insurance Solutions January 18, 2016 No Comments

[Motivation Monday] How you can make this year YOUR year!

Usually we start a new year with a mind full of resolutions and a heart full of hope. As time passes, we realize that the year is not so new anymore and maybe even worse, things aren’t looking so new either. It ends up being the same as the year before and that “to-do” list is still waiting to be crossed out.

It happens to all of us. We tend to stick to old routines and old feelings—sometimes out of habit and other times out of fear.

Here’s some good news though: it doesn’t have to be like that.

You don’t have to feel bad if you didn’t start your resolutions on January 1st, or if you skipped your Monday workout. There isn’t any rule on when you need to take charge of your own life and feel accomplished.

You can do all those things that your mind and soul are asking for right now. Right here and now is what matters, so make this year, your year… right now.

Don’t wait for life’s opportunities to present themselves on a silver platter; create your own luck instead.

There’s this short but meaningful letter going around online:

It may seem simple but take a second look. Read it to yourself and be mindful of its words. It’s a love letter that acknowledges the power you have to turn your whole year around. If you’re skeptical of the impact simple words and affirmations can have on your whole outlook towards life, look a little deeper.

In fact, let’s break down the meaning of that deceivingly simple letter and uncover its empowering message.

Be kind to yourself

How you talk to yourself matters. Your inner-voice matters. Cultivate it and let it kindly guide you. Between thinking “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. I’m going to own it” and thinking “What’s the point? I’ve failed once before” there’s a world of difference. In fact, self-affirmations have been proven to calm people’s nerves and, as a result, it allows them to perform better throughout the day.

You may not always be able to control your thoughts and emotions; however, that doesn’t mean that you can’t do your best to try. Start your day with some self-love and remind yourself that you’re capable of facing life’s challenges, because deep down, you know you are.

Treat yourself kindly, like you would treat and speak to a dear friend, and you’ll quickly notice a positive difference in your attitude.

As author Steve Maraboli wisely put it: “The most powerful relationship you will ever have is the relationship with yourself.”

Get clear on what you want

“This is going to be your year” can mean something different for everybody. What exactly would make this your year?

Take a moment and get really honest with yourself. What would you like to accomplish this year? And, more importantly, how do you want to feel? Give these questions some thoughtful minutes and the answers will come to you. Don’t force this process though. If you’re not feeling quite on the right mind space, sleep on it.

The important thing here is to get clear on what you want.

More good news: you already know what you want and desire. Give yourself permission to find out what exactly will make this year your year and own it.

You know what they say… “It’s better to be at the bottom of the ladder you want to climb than at the top of the one you don’t.”

Take action.

Action is the key word in all of this. It’s important to know what you want to achieve and how you want to feel, but ultimately, all the self-affirmations, wish lists and meditation practices won’t amount to anything if you don’t take action.

A lot of people wait until they feel ready to start doing whatever they set their minds on. And really, who could blame them? It’s a common misconception to think that until you’re fully inspired and prepared, you can’t start tackling your goals and dreams. The hard truth is that, most of the time, it’s the other way around. By taking action, you become experienced and inspired.

Do you want to achieve financial freedom? Budget now and start getting rid of debt instead of waiting for a sudden income increase. Do you want to be fit and healthy? Work out now and start eating healthy right this moment instead of waiting for Monday to “start the week right.”

Whatever it is you want, take that first step. In the words of author and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”

So dust yourself off and get started.

Speaking of starting things up, it’s time for a little challenge: write your own letter. Whether you’re reading this during a mini-break from a hectic day or during a lazy web-surfing afternoon, open up a file or go get a pen and write yourself a kind letter that inspires you to take action.

Follow the steps we mentioned or add in a couple of your own steps. It doesn’t have to be long and it doesn’t have to be difficult. It just has to be honest and kind.

Ready?

Write it. Read it. Mean it. Finish your challenge by taking a really deep breath.
Surely, you’ll notice a difference in your mood because words truly matter. Let your words inspire action.

As a final note, remember to stay motivated. You better believe that your words and actions matter (because they do), but, even if that’s already the case, you may find yourself struggling from time to time. Life just likes to throw us some curve balls once in a while.

So, whenever you feel cluttered and confused about how to achieve what you want, find motivation within yourself by rediscovering what you truly desire with our three steps: Be kind to yourself. Get clear on what you want. Take action.

Or… write an empowering love letter that reminds you this is going to be your year.

Confidence Wealth & Insurance Solutions January 5, 2016 No Comments

7 Easy Morning Routines To Help Stay In Shape

When most of us think about staying in shape, we picture a lot of hard work and exercise. We may picture an hour or more at the gym or a long sweaty jog. Guess what, it doesn’t have to be this way. These ideas will help you to stay in shape both mentally and physically. After all, part of our physical exercise is staying mentally fit as well.

You’ll find that when you’re physically fit, the rest of your fitness falls readily into place. From your mental outlook on life to your finances, if you are staying in shape, you’re going to feel great all the way around. These 7 tips will help you to streamline your morning with ease.

1. Get Your Sleep Number

No, we’re not talking about your mattress; we’re talking about getting the right number of hours of sleep. In order to start your morning off right you’re going to have to determine how many of hours of sleep your body requires. To do this you’ll need to take a few measures.

Start by planning out 8 hours of sleep. Go to bed at a reasonable time, let’s say 11:00 pm for example. This would mean that you get up at 7:00 am. Try this for a few days and see if you wake up feeling refreshed. Some of us may need up to 9 hours of sleep and others may be able to sneak by on only 5 hours of sleep. You may have to play with this for a week or so to determine what works best for you.

Once you get it all figured out start aiming for that amount of sleep on a nightly basis. You can’t stay in shape if you’re not getting the rest you need. Your body heals and recovers at night so be sure that you’re taking good care of your body by giving it plenty of rest.

Another trick to help you get to sleep is to cut out all electronics at least a half an hour before bedtime. This will help your body to wind down and start to relax. If getting up to use the bathroom at night is an issue you may also need to cut back on liquids after about 4:00 or 5:00 pm.

2. Stretch It Out

When your alarm goes off, slowly move to a sitting position at the side of your bed. This is your first mini workout. You’re going to take a few minutes and slowly start stretching. Begin with your toes and curl them up and slowly release them. Now move to your ankles. Twist your torso slowly to one side and then the other. Now stretch those arms up over your head and work your way up your body until you reach your neck. Do a few neck rolls and slowly stand.

Some people prefer to reverse the order of this and start with their head and arms and work their way down. Either way is fine just be sure to do it. By stretching you’re giving your muscles a few minutes to wake up and you’re getting the blood flow going again.

If you do this right you’ve just spent about 5 to 7 minutes getting your body stretched and the blood circulating. You’re now on your way to a great morning routine and staying in better shape.

3. Eat A Healthy Breakfast

It’s long been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This is so very true. If you’re like many of us, you don’t bother to eat you just throw on your clothes and race right out the door. This isn’t healthy and you’re going to find yourself crashing within a very short time if you get into this habit. You’ll also be much more likely to overeat.

Start your day with a healthy breakfast that has some carbohydrates and protein in it. You don’t have to eat a lot, but do try to eat a little bit to fuel your body up for the day. If you simply cannot eat try a breakfast smoothie or shake. There are many to choose from on the market today or you could even create your own with your favorite fruits and veggies.

4. Your Work Out

Now that you’re all fueled up it’s time to consider your workout. You’ll want to create a workout routine that you can enjoy. For many of us this means something that will rotate. If you’re like many of us you get bored with the same old thing day after day so step it up and change things around. Here are some great workout ideas to get you started. Mix and match them or choose one per day for best results.

Go for a walk with a friend or friends.
Take the dog for a walk.
Run your errands but park farther away and walk the distance.
Walk to the grocery store or for the errands.
Do some aerobics with either a class, a friend or by using a video to keep you going.
Plan out a routine that has repetitive steps such as sit ups, pushups, jumping jacks etc. Do this for about 30 minutes per day.
Go for a bike ride.
Go swimming or do water aerobics.
Do some Yoga.

Remember, your exercise routine doesn’t have to be boring. It can easily be vamped up or down to accommodate you with your daily needs. Remember that if a routine gets boring it’s time to change it up. Your routine should be something fun and enjoyable that you look forward to.

5. Meditate

Schedule some time in to simply meditate and breathe in your day. We’ve found that when we do this we are rejuvenating and reenergizing ourselves. While it may seem counterproductive it actually is healthier and can help to lower blood pressure and ease stress.

Don’t focus on anything but your most serene picture in your mind and let your body relax. It is amazing how putting some meditation into your routine can become of your daily routine and help you to stay in shape physically, mentally and financially. When you take time to focus on nothing but relaxing you allow your body to reduce stress and you can realign your body with your world.

Staying in shape requires many steps and learning how to relax is just one of the many steps that we use to stay in shape.

6. Do The Most Challenging Things First

As you begin the rest of your day decide which tasks are most challenging and get those done while you still have the energy to do them. This is also a great way to stay in shape as it will help you to mentally get them out of the way. You won’t be stressing about them or worrying about any of the small details.

By channeling your energy first thing you can often get more done and save the less intensive tasks for last. If you do something challenging at the end of the day you’ll stress about it all day long. This is very counterproductive to staying in shape.

7. Pre Plan

The last step for easy morning routines to stay in shape is to pre plan tomorrow. Take a few minutes each evening to pre plan your next day. You may wish to set out your clothes for the next day. You might want to write out a list of things to do and organize the list into what is priority and what is simply something that you can do whenever you desire.

When you pre plan you can focus more on your day and enjoying it rather than worrying about what you might need to do next or may have forgotten. As all of these steps become habit in your life you’ll likely find that you actually have more time on your hands.

When you take the time to focus on more challenging tasks earlier in the day when you have the energy you’ll find that they take less time. When you make out your list the night before you’ll find that you have more time in your day. After all of this becomes routine you’ll realize how much time you’ve been wasting on things that you didn’t need to.

Staying in shape is easier when you use these tips and focus more on what life is all about. You’ll find that your body, mind and finances are all in better shape when you adopt a routine like this. It took most of us about six to eight weeks to fully adapt to this new routine but once we did we found that we had more energy than ever before.

Confidence Wealth & Insurance Solutions July 1, 2015 No Comments

Travel Tips and Tricks For Women Over 50

The idea of traveling has changed for today’s woman over 50.

While older generations considered it to be something reserved only for the very affluent, today’s woman considers it to be a necessity to their well-being.

Although there may have been certain locations that were considered to be “retirement destinations”, today’s women don’t put boundaries on where they can go or what they can do.

Women in their 50s today have completely changed the look of travel.

Today new destinations are pencilled in, from all-inclusive resorts to going it alone while backpacking through Europe.

Traveling for Baby Boomers is becoming such a priority that travel numbers for this group have been on the rise for the past several years. Yes, even amid a downturn in the economy.

If it’s time for you to get up and go out on your own, with a group of gal pals, or with your significant other, keep reading.

You’ll find out where to go and how to get the best deal when going there.

Where to go?

So time is cleared on your schedule and you’re all set to get up and go somewhere. Anywhere that gets you away from it all and puts you in a place you can truly relax.

But where is that exactly? How do you even begin to get ideas of places that would make for an unforgettable getaway?

Start with these top five ideas, provided by Carol and David Porter, creators of the online travel magazine, The Roaming Boomers.

Alaskan cruises – These trips have been popular for at least the past ten years and they’ll continue to be for many more. No matter how many visitors these parts see, their pristine beauty is still as untouched and breathtaking for each new traveler that visits. Alaskan cruises are also the perfect trip whether you’re going solo or you’ve already got a group you’re bringing along. Groups will find plenty to do, while traveling alone will give you the opportunity to meet new people.

Road trips along the Big Sur – Want to take charge of when you head out, how far you go, and how many stops you make along the way? Big Sur is an almost desolate stretch of the Santa Lucia Mountains along the central coast of California. Ride along them and you can be dazzled with the one-of-a-kind views while being thrilled by the winding mountain roads.

Arizona – Enough said, Arizona is a great spot for travelers over 50 and you really can’t pick a bad place in Arizona to go. Phoenix, Tucson, Sedona, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Flagstaff are just a few of the choices you’ll have. They’ll all provide for plenty of fun in the sun in one of the most beautiful spots in America.

Santa Barbara – When you want to trade in hiking boots for heels and travel mugs for wine glasses, Santa Barbara, California is the place to go. You can still find beaches and mountains here for the outdoorsy-type, but this destination is mostly known for its world-renowned food and wine.

Hawaii – Like Arizona, you can’t go wrong no matter where you go in Hawaii. However, those in their 50s often want less of the hurried tourist crowd and more of the peaceful, serene beaches and natural wonders. For this reason, of all the Hawaiian Islands, The Big Island is the top spot for Boomers.

No one can be expected to choose their vacation spot after hearing of just a few choices. To review all of your best options, and maybe even open up the door to new places, there are a number of online travel companies that cater specifically to those over the age of 50.

It can make for a great opportunity to grab your friends and head out on a girls’ getaway.

Or take the time for yourself and enjoy a few days of being solo.

If opting to go it alone, there are some important safety factors to take into consideration.

Travel insurance is one of the most important items you need when traveling. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most often overlooked. Whether you’re on your own or with others, travel insurance is important for people of any age. It’s so important that if you’re over the age of 50, you’re likely eligible for a discount on travel insurance.

In addition to travel insurance, make sure you register yourself as a traveler with the Department of Foreign Affairs, especially if you’re traveling abroad. This might be the only point of contact you have with your country while away.

Leaving your information with the Department of Foreign Affairs will give them a way to contact you while you’re away. This can be invaluable if you need to be informed of any emergencies. They’ll also provide you with safety information on sexual assault in certain countries, and keeping yourself safe from theft.

For women in particular, it’s of utmost importance that when traveling to a different country, you familiarize yourself with local customs and traditions. Some countries have strict rules for a woman’s dress and behavior and it’s important you know what they are.

All-inclusive vacations

When choosing your ultimate getaway location, you’re not only going to consider where you’d like to go, but also where it will be most affordable for you to go.

But just what are the best budget choices out there for travel? Will cruises get you the best bang for your buck, and are all-inclusive vacations really everything they promise to be?

All-inclusive vacations can be great deals, but you need to make sure you know what you’re getting before you sign any contract or deal.

All-inclusive resorts can provide you with all the sports, recreation, and entertainment you could ask for. Plus they’ll give you up to three full meals a day, sometimes even with free cocktails included.

Read the fine print. Find out exactly what will be “included” in the trip because different locales have different definitions. If you’re unsure of exactly what’s included, you could end up paying a lot more than you thought.

Availability can also be a tricky thing to maneuver with all-inclusive deals. Dates are filled quickly so if your heart is set on a particular time, you’ll need to book as early as possible. However, prices tend to get cheaper the closer you get to the date so if you can be flexible, you can save yourself some cash by booking at the last minute.

However, all-inclusive resorts aren’t for everyone.

If you like to hop from town to town, try different restaurants, and be free to go where you want when you want, you might want to look at a different vacation option.

Cruises

Cruises are very much like all-inclusive resorts in the way that you’ll book your trip, pay for it, and have nearly everything you need provided for you.

Like all-inclusive resorts, you’ll need to book as early as possible to ensure there’s a spot available for you. But, being flexible and snapping up last minute deals can also be a great way to go on a cruise that fits easily within your budget.

One of the best ways to get a deal when taking a cruise is to speak to a travel agent that specializes in cruises. They’ll be able to direct you to the best prices currently available, and tell you about early booking discounts and credits you can receive onboard.

When booking a cruise, don’t forget about “Wave Season,” which runs January through March.

Traveling at this time of year doesn’t mean that you’ll experience high, rolling waves on your cruise. It’s simply the time of year that the travel industry sees its best sales, and when you’ll likely be able to snap up the best deals.

Traveling when you’re in your 50s can be one of the greatest things you’ll ever do. Whether you choose to take the road less traveled by, or visit some of the top spots for Boomers, take these safety and travel tips with you. They’ll help you get the vacation you want at the price you want.

Confidence Wealth & Insurance Solutions May 15, 2015 No Comments

Does more wealth lead to more happiness?

Researchers have tackled this question for decades, and although the results have differed, one fact is certain: The relationship between money and happiness–or “well-being,” as many researchers put it–is complicated.

Think before you spend

In the book Happy Money: The Science of Smarter Spending, Professors Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton summarize their own and others’ research. What they found is that it’s not necessarily how much you make that matters to overall happiness (although that certainly contributes), but what you do with your money. They boiled down the findings to five “key principles of happy money.”

1. Buy Experiences. Investing in memories can result in a more sustained level of happiness than buying a bigger house, a more luxurious car, or other material goods. Buying the latest technological gadget might elicit the kind of joy of a child experiences opening a new toy on the holidays, but just like that new toy, the gadget loses its novelty with time–a principle psychologists refer to as “hedonic adaptation.” On the other hand, experiences–even those that are fleeting or may initially provoke trepidation, such as hang gliding–create memories that help foster prolonged contentment.

2. Make It a Treat. While you’re investing in those experiences, be sure to spread them out so they don’t become expectations or habits. In this way, the novelty of each new experience will be fully realized. As the book says, “Abundance is the enemy of appreciation.” This is also true with something as simple as a cappuccino. If you make it a daily ritual, it becomes a habit. If you instead substitute your daily coffee once a week with a froth-covered treat, then it becomes a reward to savor.

3. Buy Time. According to Dunn and Norton, individuals should ask themselves the question, “How will this purchase change the way I use my time?” For example, will it allow you to spend more time with your friends or family, or create more “to-dos” to clog your list? Will it free you up to participate in more activities you enjoy? Investing in products or services that allow you to spend time on the things you love will lead to greater overall well-being. And, say the authors, don’t fall into the trap of putting a dollar value on your time, as this leads to increased stress levels. “Simply feeling like your time is valuable can make it seem scarce.”

4. Pay Now, Consume Later. Paying for a treat or experience up front, such as event tickets you buy months in advance, allows you to benefit from the extended pleasure of eager anticipation. With all due respect to Tom Petty, the waiting, it seems, may be the best part. Conversely, credit cards can be a dangerous, albeit convenient, financial tool, facilitating a “consume now, pay later” dynamic. One study cited in Happy Money found that all 30 people surveyed underestimated their monthly credit-card bills by a sizable average of nearly 30%.

5. Invest in Others. Regardless of your circumstances–wealthy or not, young or old–research finds that spending money on others leads to greater happiness than spending on oneself.

The danger zones

While some experts differ on whether higher incomes result in greater levels of happiness, they tend to agree on the following: Increasing debt levels are detrimental to happiness, and keeping up with the Joneses can lead to a general sense of dissatisfaction. Instead, actively managing debt while finding ways to appreciate what you already have on a day-to-day basis may help you make well-thought-out saving and spending choices that support your overall level of well-being.

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