And you know what that means! Time to start investing!!

Whoa, wait a tic there Scott. What the hell do you mean start investing?!? The economy is in the tank, the housing market is a smoking wasteland, the dollar is worthless and gas and oil prices are through the roof! I can’t afford my regular monthly bills, never mind start investing. Well, you’re right. The recent economy woes and high oil prices have caused a lot of people to cinch their money belts tighter and tighter. Maybe jumping straight into investing is a bit premature.

The fact is that you need money to make money. So we need to think about accumulating some money first. I’m willing to bet… hell I’m willing to guarantee that everyone reading this can manage to find $25-$50 every month to put toward savings. Impossible, you think. Well I’m also willing to bet that everyone reading this, doesn’t really know where every penny of their money goes each month. It’s amazing how people treat their money. Personal finances are often listed as one of the top five reasons for stress and causes for divorce. People fret and worry and agonize about money, and yet when they actually get cash in their hands, they go temporarily insane. The “smart” thing to do is pay down debt with the cash. The “not quite as smart, but still smart” thing to do with the extra cash is buy that plasma TV you’ve been wanting. Yet people consistently ignore the smart things to do, and think, “Now with this extra cash, I can put the plasma TV on credit, AND get a new couch!” Now you’ve got more stuff you don’t truly need, AND you’re deeper in debt! Two strikes with one pitch. Now is the time to take control of your money. The first step is finding out exactly where every red penny of your money is currently going.

And that my friends, is where most of us say, “Screw this counting pennies crap. I’m going to apply for another credit card.” Well, counting pennies and writing down and categorizing every single purchase is so last decade. You’re in the information age now, baby!!

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