Many years ago, I worked in radio and television news. A lot has changed in the broadcast news business in recent years.This past week, especially later in the week, the biggest story in the U.S. appeared to be the record $640 million up for grabs in the Mega Millions Lottery. Some people waited in line for up to 4 hours in order to buy tickets.
Even though the odds of winning the big prize were something like 170 million to 1, many people wanted to buy a chance because they thought about the dramatic changes they could make in their lives with instant wealth.
What if we could set up a process that, in time, could literally make it possible for all of us to win our own personal lottery?
Contrary to what I used to think, it’s not how much we make that makes the difference. It’s how much we keep.
Otherwise, how would you explain the story about a little old librarian in Vermont, who never earned a lot of money in any given year, who retires after 40 years with several hundred thousand dollars in her bank account?
Maybe she decided to keep some of the money she made every year.
So, what if each of us was willing to make a few changes that might make it possible to win our own personal lottery? What would it take to do that? Here are some options:
1. Live a little below our means and pay off all debts.
2. Stop charging and pay in cash. What’s wrong with saving for something instead of charging?
3. Save some money every day, even if we start with a dollar a day.
4. Prepare a sack lunch to take to work instead of buying lunch every day.
5. If possible, ride a bike to work. That’s great exercise and you’ll save the gas.
6. Make a list, for 30 days, of where every one of your dollars is going and look for ways to trim back unnecessary expenditures.
Implementing such ideas, I believe, will raise the odds on each of us ultimately winning our own personal lottery.
You are special. You are unique. You are destined for greatness! Have a powerful day!
A Personal-Lottery Affirmation
I keep more of what I make because I make good decisions with money.
Boaz Rauchwerger is a speaker, author, consultant and trainer. He is also a contributor to the Lifetime Network program,’ The Balancing Act’.www.boazpower.com
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