Hi everyone and welcome to my website, There is a Better Way. Why did I create this website? Because like the title says I know and believe there is a better way. Back in the 80s, (oh boy, I’m really dating myself, but important because the 80s were a wild time financially) money was not a problem. Money was plentiful and people were making it hand over fist. I remember a headline from the late 80s that said “The ’80s As the Money Decade: Free Enterprise Gets Free Rein” with the sub-headline “NEW YORK (AP) _ If the 1970s was the Me Decade, the 1980s was the Money Decade.” Author: Peter Coy.
The one thing many of us learned from that era was if you’ve got money problems, forget about it. Your problems will take care of themselves. The 80s spilled over to the 90s and things seemed to be cruising along just fine until the economy started pulling back. I was in the home improvement industry in Long Island, NY, and got laid off along with 50% of union carpenters, electricians, etc. I wasn’t able to get back into my field and our finances started tanking.
And suddenly I realized my wife and I had been living paycheck to paycheck (whaaat? that never happens) and now with two young kids, this strategy that had done so well for us since the early 80s was really turning out to be a mirage. I hadn’t planned for any of this, what was I thinking?
Over the years and with many bumps and bruises (and a couple of deep wounds), I along with the help of God learned an incredible amount about getting financially healthy. From debt elimination and emergency funds to short and long term investing for future stability. I learned quite a bit the hard way and I want to give back.
Who is this website for?
For those of you who can relate to my story, who were never taught a better way to get and stay financially free, or at least solvent. My parents were very good with money and budgeting. They didn’t make a ton of money but they knew how to manage their finances. However, they never involved my brother and me in the money managing, that was adult stuff. I guess they didn’t want to burden us. I can understand that philosophy but I disagree with it. Money management and financial plannings are skills you have to learn and the younger you learn them the better and they are not imparted to your kids through osmosis. I know this from experience.
If I can help just one person or one couple learn personal finance the easy way (I learned the hard way, you learn the easy way) this will be all worthwhile.
The times have changed but the basics remain the same
The basics have remained the same. Getting out of debt or debt elimination is just as important now as it was 40 years ago when I was just starting to raise a family. Investing your hard-earned money in interest-bearing financial vehicles, although some vehicles have improved, is just as important if not more than it was back in the day.
Harnessing the power of compounding interest and the “Rule of 72” are still very important concepts to wrap your head around. While you’re working hard for your money why not let your money work hard for you too? It’s never too late to make positive changes in your life but the urgency has never been greater. Take the first steps now!
Let’s break down the complicated concepts into bite-size pieces
“Wall Street is the only place that people ride to in a Rolls Royce to get advice from those who take the subway.” Warren Buffet
If you have ever felt intimidated by financial jargon, concepts, or the perceived frenzied pace of the financial world I want this site to be for you. I want to use this website to break down the walls and the things that hold you back from becoming financially healthy and successful.
Like Warren Buffet skillfully observes in the quote above, it doesn’t matter what your status is in life. We all have the opportunity to improve ourselves. There’s no reason why an overnight warehouse worker, for example, can’t learn about personal finance and investments, lift themselves up and teach a millionaire a thing or two.
If you ever need a hand or have any questions, feel free to leave them below and I will be more than happy to help you out.
All the best,
Kevin
Founder of I’ve Got a Better Way.com