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MONEY matters

Mark Zaifman's thoughts on money, global economic trends and politics
The Seven Habits of Frugal Millionaires
Mark Zaifman   |    Thu, Oct 31, 2013 @ 10:27 AM

Like most financial advisors that have been in practice for over ten years, I have my fair share of clients that are millionaires. So with that said, what makes our millionaire clients different than your “average run of the mill” millionaire client? The answer; the majority are frugal and proud of it.

If you’ve read the best-seller, The Millionaire Next Door, you know many of the people portrayed in the book are, relatively speaking, pretty frugal. Keeping that thought in mind, and based on years of observation, below are the seven most common frugal habits of Spiritus millionaires.

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3 Essential Tips for Optimizing Your Relationship with Money
Mark Zaifman   |    Tue, May 14, 2013 @ 09:53 AM
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In Financial Planning & Life Planning, Allow Yourself to Dream Big
Mark Zaifman   |    Tue, Jun 12, 2012 @ 04:20 PM

When was the last time you dreamed about the life you imagine yourself living, the career or business you see yourself owning, the soul mate you see yourself marrying and loving, the abundance you see yourself manifesting?

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How Much Money Does it Take to Make You Feel Rich?
Mark Zaifman   |    Thu, Jan 05, 2012 @ 12:32 PM

How much money does it really take before we consider ourselves to be rich?  Based on net worth and income, this infographic by Mint.com, which is based on a recent Gallup poll reveals just what we Americans believe the 'rich index' is.

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Hello Comprehensive Financial Planning, Goodbye Tyrant and Rebel
Mark Zaifman   |    Fri, Jun 24, 2011 @ 11:16 AM
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Inspired Financial Planning, The Ultimate Way to Plan Your Future
Mark Zaifman   |    Thu, Apr 14, 2011 @ 09:39 AM

For most people, a conversation about stocks, bonds, index funds, 529 plans, IRA’s, 401K’s, financial planning, etc, is the equivalent of a sleeping pill. For many it’s also a necessary task but not high up there in terms of joy and fulfillment.

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5 Essential Elements for Attracting Abundance Into Your Life
Mark Zaifman   |    Tue, Sep 14, 2010 @ 03:13 PM
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Personal and Financial Success with Think And Grow Rich
Mark Zaifman   |    Wed, May 12, 2010 @ 06:41 AM

As part of my on-going series on presenting excerpts from this seminal book on money, Think and Grow Rich. Here is yet another small slice from Chapter 2 - Desire: The Starting Point of all Achievement.

Throughout the book, you’ll read about people that exemplified many of the characteristics Napoleon Hill talks about so passionately.  The book was revised and updated recently to include stories about people such as Bill Gates. One of the stories on Mary Kay Ash, the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, how she got started, is fascinating. Below are some tips she offers from an article she wrote titled: Personal Excellence.

Imagine Yourself Successful

Always picture yourself successful. Visualize the person you desire to become. Set aside time each day to be alone and undisturbed. Get comfortable and relax. Close your eyes and concentrate on your desires and goals. See yourself in this new environment, capable and self-confident.

Reflect On Your Past Successes

Every success, be it large or small, is proof that you are capable of achieving more successes. Celebrate each success. You can recall it when you begin to lose faith in yourself.

Set Definite Goals

Have a clear direction of where you want to go. Be aware when you begin to deviate from these goals and take immediate corrective action.

Respond Positively to Life

Develop a positive self-image. Your image, your reactions to life and your decisions are completely within your control.

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Simple Abundance
Mark Zaifman   |    Wed, Jan 13, 2010 @ 02:39 PM

I came across this passage in the book: Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, written by Sarah Ban Breathnach. It really makes you think…

No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit  - Helen Keller

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Peace of Mind With Money
Mark Zaifman   |    Thu, Aug 27, 2009 @ 12:18 PM

Imagine having peace of mind. How does that make you feel? What image or thought enters your mind? I think for many people, it’s a feeling of abundance, of having enough of what you need and then some. Perhaps most importantly, in this state of consciousness, money worries are non-existent and you feel financially secure. So how do you get here?

First, you need to ask yourself how much is enough? If you have a significant other, this is a money and lifestyle conversation that offers you both an incredible opportunity to set common goals and work as a team.

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