By Rosamunde Bott
If you happen to do searches on Google along the lines of “need cash fast” or “need to make money now”, you will probably find lots of websites telling you how you can make money quickly on the internet. Sadly, this is the way many vulnerable people get taken in by scams; they are so desperate they do not stop to do the proper research or wonder whether it is really too good to be true.
Of course it is very possible to make money on the internet. Affiliate marketing is a valid form of home business and can be extremely lucrative, but do not be fooled into thinking it is easy and fast. Being successful with an online business takes a lot of time and effort and it is not the solution to immediate financial problems.
If you are in financial difficulty and having difficulty paying bills and debts, you do need to do something fast. Firstly, you need to get very clear about your situation. Get some paper and list all your monthly outgoings and income, and exactly how much money you owe. This is not a pleasant thing to do, but it really is essential, and being honest with yourself about how much you owe is actually very empowering. When you know exactly what your situation is, you are in a much better position to do something about it and make plans for your future.
You may find that your situation is not as desperate as you thought. However, if you are worried about paying your rent or mortgage, work out, realistically, how long it would it be before you lose your home. Is this in fact really likely? Work out exactly how much time you have before this happens and then give yourself a plan of action for this time period.
Next, make friends with any financial institutions you have accounts with. These days, particularly now that most people are feeling the pinch, most banks are prepared to be friendly and helpful as long as you are completely honest with them about your situation. Whatever you do, do not avoid people you owe money to. This is the way to get into more trouble.
The same goes for utility companies or anyone else you pay on a regular basis. Some things you might find you can reduce, or cancel altogether. But if you are up front about your difficulties, most companies will appreciate the fact that you are talking to them rather than just allowing things to get out of hand. Some companies have policies for arranging lower payments if you are experiencing difficulties. Don’t be afraid of this; you are doing something positive for yourself by sorting these things.
In the UK there is are public services such as the Citizen’s Advice Bureau where you can get free advice about all kinds of things. If you have an equivalent service in your country, then use it. You can find out whether you are eligible for any benefits and you can also get free legal advice if you are being chased for money.
Only after you have sorted out your immediate situation are you in a position to start planning for the future.
Focus on what you want, not what you don’t want. For example, if you often say “I really want to get out of debt,” you are actually focussing on the debt itself, and it will be difficult to get out of it. Instead, focus on having lots of money in your bank account. Create a goal for what you want money for. Think of something motivating like buying a new home or providing your kids with an education. The more motivating this goal is the more you will want toget out of bed every morning to take action.
Try to let go of feelings of desperation and neediness. These are the very things that will drive what you want away. These feelings come from fear, and fear focuses on what you do not want. Instead, look at all the things you already have and feel grateful. Accept that where you are right now is exactly where you are meant to be.
Next, it is most important that you start to take action. All your goals and focussing will mean nothing unless you actually start doing something that will take you towards your goals.
You may not make money quickly. But if you follow these steps, you can begin to get yourself into a better situation from which you can create a more powerful future for yourself.
“I need cash fast” is not a powerful statement. It is needy and fearful. Allowing yourself to be honest about your finances, dealing with the immediate situation and then creating powerful, motivating goals that will drive you forward is powerful.
Starting an online home business is an investment in your long term financial future, not your immediate one. Join one by all means (it could be well worth the wait), but do not expect it to help you with an immediate financial emergency.
Ros runs her own online business and is also a successful writer and life coach.
Find opportunities at her website at Financial Freedom Online
Ros’s coaching site is at Career and Home Business Coaching
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