Just think if that eagle had any idea of what it really was and what it could have done to that dumb fox. It could have spread its wings and taken to the air and been gone in a flash: The eagle could have swooped down and picked up that fox and deposited him in the next state, but alas its mistaken idea of what it was cost him dearly. In other words, if you go around thinking that you are a chicken, you are going to behave differently and attract different experiences than if you know that you are an eagle.
So what's it going to be for you? Are you going to be a financial "chicken" and be devoured by all of the financial "foxes" out there? I am here to help you soar above it all and become an eagle. These articles are designed to help you make that transition and put you in control of your financial future. Where and when do you start? Right now is the best time.
Let's begin with controlling your monthly cash flow with the task of paying the right bill at the right time. When a bill comes in what do you do with it besides panic? You probably throw it on the "pile" and hope that it will just go away. That just doesn't work. The first thing you will need is some file folders. Label the first one "due now." I suggest that you highlight this one in red. The next file should be labeled "30 days." Label the next folder "60 days," the next one "90 days," and the last one "120 days." Now you have the entire system: five file folders. So far you have invested less than a dollar in this project. I know that some of the financial "foxes" will set up programs for you too, but will they do it for a dollar? Let's see how this program works.
Now when bills arrive, first check to see when they're due. If it's not due for 60 days, put it in the file folder marked "60 days." If a bill is not due for 30 days and they won't charge you any interest for another 60 days, put it in the "90 days" file and "play the float" too. File all your bills when they come in according to when they are due so you won't pay the "wrong bill" at the "wrong time." Take full advantage of any and all grace periods, as long as you don't pay the bill "late." When you use grace periods it does not affect your credit ratings.
At the end of the month pay only the bills in the folder labeled "due now." Next, move all bills forward to the next file, thus the "90 days" bills become the bills in the "60 days" file, etc. Make sure as bills come in that they are filed in the proper file. If a bill comes in with no interest charge, guess where you file that one? Your right, in the "120 days."
Never "browse" through your files unless you are a glutton for punishment. That's too depressing. You should only look at the "due now" file when you are ready to pay bills. No peeking allowed.
You will touch each bill twice -- once when it arrives, and again when it's time to pay it. That's it. No more looking at the same bills over and over again and thinking that the problem is bigger than it really is. "Eagles" do it this way! "Chickens" let the bills consume them just like the fox that ate the chickens. Yes, you could set up a program on a computer to do this, but you don't need it. Why complicate the issue?
I want you to do me a favor. I have never asked for one so you owe me this one. Try this idea for three months. That's all I ask of you. If you like the idea, drop me a line and tell me how it worked for you. If you have any suggestions on how to improve it, let me know. I will publish the results of this very scientific poll after I have tabulated the results. By the way, if you don't like this idea and it didn't work for you, remember what you paid for this advice and the amount you have invested in equipment. Also remember you get what you pay for.
Sound too simple? Try it -- you might like it. It beats playing "Bill Solitaire."
Your comments and inquiries may be directed to:
Stanley Greenfield, RHU
12873 Huntley Manor Drive
Jacksonville, Florida
Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Thank you.
Editor's Note:
Further advice on finances is available through Mr. Greenfield's newsletter, Greenfield Chiropractic Financial News, #J-314-C, on the referred Reading and Viewing List, pages xx.
Click here for previous articles by Stanley Greenfield, RHU.