Value Adding Your Income

Many of us lament the state of our finances without doing anything about it. We complain about how our job just doesn't pay enough, and wonder why we aren't wealthier.

Well, we all know money isn't everything; it certainly isn't the most important thing in life, but we have to accept that we live in a materialistic world. And we require money to provide for our loved ones. So why don't you have as much money today as you desire?

First of all, you didn't think about or plan for today before it arrived. Had you been more aware, then, that you would always require money, and acted on that awareness in the past, you would be wealthier today than you are right now.

Because then, you would have purposely saved money (perhaps even by making small sacrifices over the years) or invested money (even small amounts) and would therefore have more money today.

Make a list of your expenses for one month and you'll quickly discover how many unnecessary things you buy and how much you could therefore set-aside for tomorrow. If you want to free yourself from financial worries, then start putting a portion of your money into a special account. Now that's a simple formula that unfortunately many people just can't seem to put into practice.

If the job you have now isn't bringing in enough money and isn't giving you the satisfaction you need to enjoy it, consider changing jobs. You might have heard this quote, "Do what you love and the money will follow."

You might also think of finding an extra job. Perhaps your primary job gives you great satisfaction, but doesn't yet provide a sufficient income. Taking a second job may offer a better solution than changing jobs. Consider the consequences though; working two jobs will translate lesser time for everything else and added pressure. Ask yourself if the increase in income is worth the additional taxes you'll pay, the extra time that you will have to spend, and so on.

Perhaps, you could be more efficient in your present job. Come out with ways that you can save time and money. Find your bottlenecks and fix them. Utilise the Paret Principle which states that 80 percent of your income comes from 20 percent of the work done. Concentrate more on effective tasks and less on auxiliary ones that don't bring in money.

As time progresses, you will be noticed - if not by your superiors at work and business associates or partners, then by others. There are always plenty of job openings for a worker who is conscientious and an expert in his or her field.