Ask the Money Lady,

To My Money Lady Readers,

This time I wanted to ask you a question – something that I have discussed with readers many times through email.

Have you ever noticed how we encourage, support, and tell others to “go for it” yet we let fear hold us back and never take the advice we so freely give out?  Why is it that we often don’t apply the same encouragement to our own situations; or is it, we just have trouble “practicing what we preach?”

By the time you reach your mid-fifties you have probably suffered greatly with either personal, financial or career challenges.  Have you ever noticed how you can see the problems, or more importantly the solutions for others due to our own life experiences; but often cannot recognize it for ourselves?  Perhaps it is our own personal or perceived insecurities about how to address difficult decisions that many Canadians today are selling themselves short, especially when it comes to saving for retirement.

Yes, I know that life is expensive and there are a lot of demands on your wallet.  However, to become debt-free and wealthy the solution is very simple: set a goal, make a plan, work your plan, reassess your outcome and have the courage to make the necessary changes to achieve your goal.  Consistent determination is the only way people have improved their lives and become financially successful.

I meet people all the time that I am overwhelmingly amazed at how they have overcome hardships, started a business (maybe failed more than once) and then triumphed to success.  I have helped clients who have lost everything after a divorce or career failure and have seen their unwavering desire to get back on top and be successful again.  I have clients that are in their 70’s who have saved too much money to spend in retirement, who never made a large income during their working careers but simply saved consistently and lived below their means.  In contrast, I also have tried to help many people that look like they have it all on the outside with the fancy cars, expensive homes and clothing, yet underneath it all, they are racked in overwhelming debt and are facing a negative net worth situation.  Money is emotional.  To save for retirement you can either make excuses why not to, or you can find a way to make life changes and sacrifices to ensure your independence and security as you age.  Remember that true success is not measured by material things that you have purchased, but instead should be defined by what you have overcome in your life.  It is about how many times you got back up after you’ve been knocked down and never stopped trying to succeed to accomplish the things that other people said you could never do.  Take back your inner power and control.  Refuse to settle for less and make sure you retire debt-free and wealthy!

Good Luck and Best Wishes,
Money Lady

Written by Christine Ibbotson, Author of “How to Retire Debt Free and Wealthy”  Follow on Facebook & Instagram

Written by Christine Ibbotson, Author of “How to Retire Debt Free and Wealthy”  Follow on Facebook & Instagram

If you have a money question, please email:   askmoneylady@gmail.com