Archive - February, 2011

Lost It All

February 28, 2011 in Self-Discipline with 1 Comment

I recently listened to a keynote speech delivered by Dr. Kevin Elko.

He made a passing statement that really caught my attention. In fact, three days after hearing it, I am still thinking about it and have even dreamed about it!

Here is the statement:

“If you lost everything you had today and got it back tomorrow, tomorrow would be the greatest day of your life!”

THAT is so true! We can get so focused on what we do not have that we totally forget what we do have!

It has really challenged me to continually align my focus on being thankful for what I do have. I hope it does the same for you!

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GENEROSITY – CONTAGIOUS

February 24, 2011 in Giving with 1 Comment

I was the recipient of an extremely generous gift today. I’m blown away. This person did not know me. This person did not have any reason to bless me. Yet, they blessed me tremendously.

They did, however, care enough to ask how I was doing. From there, an act of spontaneous generosity happened. And I had the joy of being the recipient.

Have you ever been there? Blessed because someone cared enough ask and then did something about it.

I’m sure you’re wondering what the blessing was. Click HERE to see what it was and then read the rest …

It was a cup of herbal mint tea with two doses of honey.

You see, I spoke for 10 hours straight on Wednesday at First Christian Church in Owasso, OK (an INCREDIBLE church!) and my voice was impacted greatly. To the point that I woke up Thursday morning with hardly any voice. I whispered my order of Pike’s Place Coffee (no room for cream or sugar), and yes, please make it a Grande. The young lady taking my order asked how I was doing, and I said (whispered), “I wish my voice would return!”

Immediately, she said that I needed to try this special tea with honey in it. It was an herbal mint tea with two doses of honey. And the tea REALLY HELPED MY VOICE!!! Her spontaneous act of generosity BLESSED ME GREATLY and humbled me at the same time.

When was the last time you blessed someone? After all, that’s why you want to win with your money, right? To bless others and fund your dreams and the hopes of others? There is nothing greater than giving.

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Financial Infidelity

February 24, 2011 in Relationship with 0 Comments

As a financial teacher, I am seeing an issue that is extremely alarming: Financial Infidelity

According to Investopedia, financial fidelity is defined as “when couples with combined finances lie to each other about money. For example, one partner may hide significant debts in a separate account while the other partner is unaware. Another common example is when one partner makes large discretionary expenditures without discussing the matter with their partner.”

It happens more than you think …

It all starts out so innocently. “I will use this credit card just this once to pay the bills, but I won’t tell my spouse because she is so stressed anyway.” Fast forward two years, and there is a hidden credit card with a $20,000 balance. Or a $480,000 balance. I’ve seen both. And the spouse did not know about either.

I’ve heard people explain how their financial infidelity occurred. Common reasons are:

I pay the bills, and I just could not say no to my spouse – even though we did not have enough money.
I wanted to protect my spouse – they were under so much stress from their work anyway.
My spouse won’t ever allow any fun or any of my hobbies into the budget, so this was the only way I could make that happen.
I earned the money so I deserved to spend it how I wanted to.
My spouse is HORRIBLE with money, so I had to keep the savings account secret or else it would have been spent!

If you are making huge financial decisions without telling your spouse, it needs to be addressed. It will not get better on its own. The credit card will not be paid off before it’s discovered.

One thing I know is this: spouses who have experienced financial infidelity describe feelings very similar to marital infidelity. Hurt. Confusion. Anger. Frustration. Sadness. Betrayal.

Make it right.

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It Will Cost YOU Money

February 23, 2011 in Budgeting with 0 Comments

During the Financial Learning Experience, I always challenge people to write down their plans, hopes, and dreams.

I am passionate about helping people accomplish their dreams. It is why our passion statement is to help people accomplish far more than they ever thought possible with their finances.

It is so important, in fact, that we provide time during the FLE to begin writing these dreams down on paper.

Here is what I know to be true: EVERY SINGLE DREAM WILL COST MONEY!

Every single one. It will either directly or indirectly cost money.

Here are some common dreams (and they all cost money)

Eliminate stress
Become debt-free
Start a business
Be a stay-at-home mother
Provide for children’s weddings
Pay for kid’s college
Retire some day
Adopt a child
Travel (everywhere – including Antarctica)
Give more money away
Build a home
Help those who are in need
Spend more time with the family

I challenge YOU to spend some time TODAY to write down your plans, hopes, and dreams.

And then …

Put the amount of money required to achieve each item – and GET STARTED!

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TOMORROW: First Christian Church – Owasso, OK

February 22, 2011 in FCE, FLE with 0 Comments

I’m excited to be teaching at First Christian Church in Owasso, Oklahoma tomorrow!

We will be training financial coaches through our Financial Counseling Experience to equip each of them to help people win with their money!

After all of that fun, I will be teaching the Financial Learning Experience. If you are in the area, I would love to see you there! You can REGISTER HERE.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to invest in the lives of others!!!

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February 2011 US National Debt Update

February 21, 2011 in Finance with 3 Comments

One of the most compelling reasons for why we do what we do here at IWBNIN is the SOARING US National Debt. This month the US National Debt has increased by an incredible $158,118,247,219 since our last update on January 4, 2011.

National Debt as of 2/18/2011

$14,161,538,992,149

By the time this post was completed, the national debt increased by an additional $1 million.

If WE do not live our lives within our means – WE will never be able to hold our leaders accountable to do the same. I’m looking for some people who will commit to live within their means, save for a rainy day, refuse unending government handouts, and become wholly self-sufficient. Who’s in?

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SERIES: Why I Do What I Do – Part 4 – Need

February 18, 2011 in Why I Do What I Do with 0 Comments

Welcome to the latest series on JosephSangl.com – Why I Do What I Do

In this series, I am going to share with you WHY I have chosen to invest my life, time, and effort into this crusade to help people accomplish far more than they ever thought possible with their personal finances.

Part Four Need

Let me ask you two questions:

How many classes on money management did you have while in school?
Did your parents actively teach how to manage money?

For the vast majority of people, the answers are “ZERO” and “NO”. Sure, we may have heard someone say, “Spend less than you make”, but most of us were not taught the PRACTICAL 1-2-3, a-b-c methods necessary to win with money. There is a tremendous need for practical financial teaching. I submit as my evidence:

US National Debt is over $14.1 trillion
2011 Bankruptcies: 1,641,250
Inordinate STRESS about money
DIVORCE over money (repeatedly the top reason given for divorce)

Even more importantly, there are not enough teachers out there helping people learn how to manage their money in a way that helps them achieve their plans, hopes, and dreams. I decided to do something about it. It’s why I do what I do! Our team can’t sit idly by the wayside HOPING that people are being taught.

It is why I believe that this crusade to help people win with their money has completely exploded! People desperately want and need help. It is why I have developed resources to help YOU teach others too! The DVD-based I Was Broke. Now I’m Not. Group Study is the perfect tool to teach people in your church, workplace, or community group! In fact, we have a special bundle package called “Start Your Group NOW!” that includes materials for ten families and a leadership kit.

We LOVE helping others teach others. If you are interested in starting a group, check out the group study links to learn more – and then call us [864] 332-4151 or email us joe@iwbnin.com and we’ll help you get started!

Read the entire series (available after 2/20/2011)

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SERIES: Why I Do What I Do – Part 3 – Belief

February 17, 2011 in Why I Do What I Do with 0 Comments

Welcome to the latest series on JosephSangl.com – Why I Do What I Do

Part Three Belief

I BELIEVE that people can win with their money! Not just some people – ALL people! I believe that when the fundamental rule of INCOME – OUTGO = EXACTLY ZERO (It’s EZ!) is applied to one’s financial situation, it can help people truly understand their true financial situation and enables them to take their next steps.

I reject the fact that some people will always be poor. I reject the belief that generational poverty must continue on and on and on.

The tools work. Preparing a plan and following it will change a person’s life! When there is GIVING, SAVING, and SPENDING in a plan, financial freedom is on its way. When a person begins winning with their money, it leads to tremendous financial confidence which equips individuals to take calculated risks that can lead to even more success.

I believe in people so much that I included the following phrase at the end of every chapter of I Was Broke. Now I’m Not. - Pssst – I believe in you!

Read the entire series (available after 2/20/2011)

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SERIES: Why I Do What I Do – Part 2 – Passion For People

February 16, 2011 in Why I Do What I Do with 1 Comment

Welcome to the latest series on JosephSangl.com – Why I Do What I Do

Part Two Passion For People

I love people. Let’s face it – we are all crazy and ridiculous in our own ways. Even more, we have all made financial mistakes. Maybe you’ve financed a new car for more than it was worth (like I did 105-percent financing for my smokin’ hot Chevy Cavalier). Perhaps you spent $60,000 on college for a degree in basket-weaving. A get-rich-quick scheme may have helped you become poor-real-quick. No matter who you are or what age you are, you’ve made financial mistakes. And we all have feelings about those mistakes. For some reason, I love to help people address those issues! Few things are as satisfying to me as helping someone become more productive and profitable with their life. I have clearly recognized that when the finances get in order, so many problems are reduced to oblivion or erased entirely.

This is why I still provide 1-on-1 financial coaching. It is why our team trains financial coaches throughout this nation. I love serving people! I love helping people! When the tears start flowing, when people have their IHHE Moments, and when it is horrible, that’s when there is the opportunity for huge change. And I love it!!!

Read the entire series (available after 2/20/2011)

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SERIES: Why I Do What I Do – Part 1 – Calling

February 15, 2011 in Why I Do What I Do with 1 Comment

Welcome to the latest series on JosephSangl.com – Why I Do What I Do

Part One Calling

I’ve heard it said that when you are called to do something, it starts with a burden that you can not shake. When I became financially free, I realized the overall freedom that it brought to my life. The stress reduction and increased unity in my marriage was incredible! As I shared my story with other people at work, church, and in the community, the response from people was astonishing. It became apparent to me that my lack of financial knowledge was not abnormal – it was in fact normal. I discovered that normal in America is flat-broke and living check-to-check. Normal in America is stowing away your dreams “because they are too expensive ,and we will never be able to do that.”

Yes, I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. Yes, I have a Masters degree in Business Administration from Clemson University. Yes, I had a personal dream of becoming a Fortune 500 CEO. Yes, I was on my way to accomplishing that goal. Yes, pursuing this calling would require a HUGE paycut. Yes, this calling would require moving 11 hours away.

But I could not shake the fact that people needed help.

And they needed help NOW, not when I retired.

As a Christ-follower, I begged God to secure this calling by granting me perfect peace. The peace that would enable me to clearly explain to people WHY I was leaving my career behind and pursuing this calling. He provided it to me in August 2006. On September 24, 2006, I began pursuing this calling full-time, and I’ve never looked back.

To put it simply, I am able to do what I am called to do. I can say with 100-percent confidence that there really is no greater satisfaction than doing what one is called to do.

Read the entire series (available after 2/20/2011)

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

February 14, 2011 in Finance with 1 Comment

MyValentines

It’s Valentine’s Day, and I want to say “I LOVE YOU!” to my beautiful Valentines – Melea, Keaton, and Jenn.

This crusade simply would not be possible without your love, support, and sacrifice! I love you very much!

Where The CRUSADE Is Headed Next!

February 10, 2011 in Conferences, FCE, FLE, Speaking with 1 Comment

I am FIRED UP to announce the next two months of where the crusade is headed next! Can you believe it?!?!?! We are SO HONORED to be able to serve across this nation helping people accomplish far more than they ever thought possible with their finances. We want to help you and your church/business too – you can contact us HERE to get the conversation started.

February 13, 2011 Speaking Rolling Hills Baptist Church Fairfield, OH

February 13, 2011 FLE Rolling Hills Baptist Church Fairfield, OH

February 20, 2011 Speaking Freedom Fellowship Greer, SC

February 20, 2011 FLE Freedom Fellowship Greer, SC REGISTER

February 23, 2011 FCE First Christian Church Owasso, OK

February 23, 2011 FLE First Christian Church Owasso, OK

February 27, 2011 Speaking Element Church Cheyenne, WY

February 28, 2011 FLE Element Church Cheyenne, WY REGISTER

March 5, 2011 FCE LifePoint Church Edwardsville, IL

March 6, 2011 Speaking LifePoint Church Edwardsville, IL

March 6, 2011 FLE LifePoint Church Edwardsville, IL REGISTER

March 10, 2011 Speaking UNLEASH Conference Anderson, SC

March 12, 2011 FCE Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Rancho Cucamonga, CA

March 13, 2011 Speaking Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Rancho Cucamonga, CA

March 13, 2011 FLE Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Rancho Cucamonga, CA

March 16, 2011 FCE Mountainview Christian Church Gresham, OR

March 16, 2011 FLE Mountainview Christian Church Gresham, OR

March 19, 2011 FCE Summit Church – Maywood, NJ IWBNIN Team Member

March 20, 2011 Speaking Summit Church – Maywood, NJ IWBNIN Team Member

March 20, 2011 FLE Summit Church – Maywood, NJ IWBNIN Team Member

March 19, 2011 FCE Cornerstone Community Church Orangeburg, SC

March 20, 2011 Speaking Cornerstone Community Church Orangeburg, SC

March 23, 2011 FLE Cornerstone Community Church Orangeburg, SC

March 26, 2011 FCE True North Church Mullica Hills, NJ

March 27, 2011 Speaking True North Church Mullica Hills, NJ

March 27, 2011 FLE True North Church Mullica Hills, NJ

March 30, 2011 FCE Little Flock Shepherdsville, KY

March 30, 2011 FLE Little Flock Shepherdsville, KY

April 2, 2011 FCE Crosspoint Church Pearland, TX

April 3, 2011 Speaking Crosspoint Church Pearland, TX

April 3, 2011 FLE Crosspoint Church Pearland, TX

April 9, 2011 FCE Family Life Assembly of God Katy, TX

April 10, 2011 Speaking Family Life Assembly of God Katy, TX

April 10, 2011 FLE Family Life Assembly of God Katy, TX

Deception of Appearances: Mercedes In Front Of A Trailer

February 10, 2011 in Saving, Self-Discipline with 2 Comments

merc_14

Many people that I meet who are TOTALLY B-R-O-K-E have all the appearances of being wealthy.

They …

Have a great job
Have a great education
Started out life on a middle-class launch pad
Wear awesome clothes
Drive a super nice car – like a Mercedes

BUT …

They go home and park that car in front of a trailer – or in front of a 100%-financed house. They use a credit card to buy their food and gas. Their credit is trashed. And they wonder why they can’t ever seem to get ahead.

It’s called “STUFF-ITIS”. It is being afflicted with the DESIRE TO LOOK GOOD, and it is accompanied with the lack of ability to prepare and follow a real plan that allows them to prosper.

It is called – “All hat and no cattle.”

If this is you, TODAY is the day to set yourself free. Here are some practical steps you can take:

YELL really loud
Announce that you are SICK of living this way!
Resolve to STOP signing up for any more debt.
Prepare a spending plan BEFORE your next paycheck arrives and PLAN every dime before you actually receive it (FREE budgeting tools HERE).
FOLLOW the plan!
Repeat steps 4 and 5 EVERY SINGLE MONTH!!!

I like Mercedes. I like nice things. But NOT when they rob me of greater things. Who’s with me?

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“Boo Hoo Moments” versus “IHHE Moments”

February 8, 2011 in IHHE Rant with 1 Comment

Many of you are familiar with my use of “IHHE Moments” – I Have Had Enough Moments.

These are moments when you really have had enough, and things change.

However, I see a lot of people who are confused. They believe that they have had an “IHHE Moment”, but really they have just had a “Boo Hoo Moment”.

Here are some examples of “Boo Hoo Moments”:

Cry over debt situation but continue to use the credit cards
Frustrated by poor credit but do not address old/bad debt
Sad that the bills are not being paid on time but they are not planning their spending
Sob about the broken down car but no money is in the savings account

These are “Boo Hoo Moments” – they are sad about the issues, but are not willing or do not know how to make the changes necessary.

I’ve heard it said this way: “When the pain of same exceeds the pain of change – that’s when we change.”

Are you having “Boo Hoo Moments” in your life or “IHHE Moments”?

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Are You Willing To INVEST In It?

February 3, 2011 in Dreams with 3 Comments

All people have dreams. Most people have big dreams. Yet, I see an incredible similarity among the vast majority of people – they are unwilling to invest in their dream.

Have you seen this happen in your life?

They want to start a business, but they want someone else to give them the start-up money.
They want to go to college, but only if someone will give them a scholarship.
They will take that job they are passionate about, but only if they can do so without any risk, no pay-cut, and guarantees.
The want to retire, but are unwilling to save and invest money in their retirement accounts.

I firmly believe that if you TRULY believe in your dream, you will be WILLING to invest YOUR money into it.

Readers: What is your dream? Are you investing in it? Please share with me!

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