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The Rich Switch - Ebook Version

Had so many requests for an online version of the Rich Switch, I just put one up. :) This version is only $1. Also note you can get the audio book free.

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Women Suffer From Higher Money Stress Rates Than Men

NOTE:  This is a part of a new series of articles about money and stress, which has been a big concern for readers here.  For more help on the subject of bringing more money into your life, using the Law of Attraction and EFT, read 10-Day Money Makeover.

When you think of money stress, you may think that men traditionally take on the most.  But new research shows that women actually suffer from higher money stress rates than their male counterparts.  The truth is that women, especially women who fall into the baby boomer generation, are more worried about money than men.

This could be for many reasons.  For example, women are more likely to need to draw from investments to pay for child-related expenses.   Women also tend to make less money dollar for dollar than men.  All of this leads to more concerns over money problems.  And beyond just personal money concerns, worries about the failing economy tend to affect women more than men as well.

So what’s a girl to do when the economy is tanking?  It’s good to be informed about what’s going on in the world, but it’s important not to become obsessed with the grim news.  Go ahead and read the paper every day, but then put it down and move on with your day.

The global or national economy is vast and complex.  It can be overwhelming to see world events occurring and have no control over them.  Instead of focusing on what you can’t impact, focus on the financial areas that are within your control.  

Make sure that your household is doing the best to keep expenses down and put money into savings for emergencies and long-range plans.  Teach your family about money-management so that they’ll be prepared to enter the world independently.  

Learn about ways to improve your personal finances in the current economic climate.  Believe it or not, there are job markets that are doing quite well and investments that make a lot of sense in this economy.  

Take care of yourself as well.  It’s easy to let go of your exercise routine or healthy diet when you’re stressed.  Instead, focus on staying healthy and reducing your stress through physical activity and healthy eating.  This will improve all areas of your health and even help you to let go of your money worries.

The economy is in a downward cycle right now.  The good news is that it will improve at some point.  You need to hold on and wait for the economic recovery that is certain to happen in the future.  Instead of focusing only on negative things, try to find the silver lining in the current market.

Beware of Spending Money as a Stress Reliever

NOTE:  This is a part of a new series of articles about money and stress, which has been a big concern for readers here.  For more help on the subject of bringing more money into your life, using the Law of Attraction and EFT, read 10-Day Money Makeover.

Sometimes stress – even money related stress – makes it tempting to spend more money.  Retail therapy is very common among consumers today because it offers a quick high when you run that charge card or pay for something new.  However, spending money to relieve stress can quickly turn into a problem.

The cycle of addiction is referred to frequently as a downward spiral.  That’s because you get a high the first time you do something and you never get that same high again.  Instead, you find yourself doing more and more of the drug and never feeling as good as you did the time before.  While people are usually talking about drugs or alcohol, these principles apply to other addictions such as gambling and even shopping.

If you find that you’ve got a shopping addiction, you may also find yourself in debt that you can’t manage.  When debt gets out of control and you match that with a failing economy, you have a recipe for financial disaster.

If you’re spending money to relieve stress, it’s time to take a look at your habits and get control of them now.  The first step is to identify what issues are making you stressed in the first place.  If you can eliminate the things that are stressing you, that’s the best way to conquer your problem.

But some stressors simply can’t be eliminated completely.  In that case you may need to find alternatives for dealing with them.  For example, instead of shopping you can spend your time with your family doing more constructive activities such as game nights, free nights at the museum, and even going to the local park.  You can also throw yourself into service related activities that provide you with feelings of worth without emptying your wallet.

If your spending is getting you into trouble and you feel like it’s out of control, you may want to try speaking with a counselor to help you conquer your addiction.  In addition, 12 step programs are available such as SA or Shopaholics Anonymous.  

This is a group where you can get support and work on your spending issues. There is also a group called Debtors Anonymous you can attend because people with a shopping problem also tend to have a problem with debt.

Above all, don’t be embarrassed about your problem.  Many people have problems with shopping to relieve stress and you’re not alone.  When you get control over this problem, you’ll feel like your life is your own again.

Stress Therapy in an Unstable Global Economy

NOTE:  This is a part of a new series of articles about money and stress, which has been a big concern for readers here.  For more help on the subject of bringing more money into your life, using the Law of Attraction and EFT, read 10-Day Money Makeover.

When you turn on the television, you can’t help but hear about the problems with the economy.  Almost every day the job outlook gets worse and you find out about companies laying off employees.  In addition, some companies are completely going under because of insurmountable debt.

These feelings of instability can lead the average person feeling very out of control and very helpless.  You may not know where you’re going to find your next source of income.  And even if you have a job, you may be biting your fingernails waiting for the next round of layoffs to begin.

You may feel like you need to find a way to handle stress.  Unfortunately, many people use unhealthy coping mechanisms to handle stress.  You need to look for ways you can improve your health and reduce stress.  Fortunately, there are many places you can seek the help that you need.

If you have health insurance, you may want to talk to your doctor about mental health counseling and even anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication to help you get through this tough time.  However, if you’re having financial struggles, healthcare may not be as affordable as you’d like.

Fortunately, there are many community resources to help you get the stress therapy that you need.  You can check with your local county hospital.  County hospitals receive public funding and often will provide all kinds of healthcare services free or at a very low cost.  In addition, there are also programs with your local MHMR office.  This office is designed to help improve mental health of its citizens.

You may also want to check with nonprofit organizations in your area that provide counseling and other mental health services.  Many people benefit from one-on-one counseling and even from support groups for people dealing with the stressful economy.

Realize that you’re not alone.  Many people are suffering from the stress that’s caused by economic uncertainty.  Even if you haven’t lost your job, you may be so concerned about your financial situation that you have trouble getting through your daily responsibilities.

There’s help available for anyone who’s suffering from stress.  You may simply need to learn a few skills or you may need to have more extensive treatment to help you deal with problems. Whatever the case, letting stress go without treatment can be a major mistake.  High stress levels can lead to big health problems.  Don’t wait to find stress therapy for your issues.

Earn Money for Instant Stress Relief

NOTE:  This is a part of a new series of articles about money and stress, which has been a big concern for readers here.  For more help on the subject of bringing more money into your life, using the Law of Attraction and EFT, read 10-Day Money Makeover.

When you’re dealing with financial difficulties, it can be very frustrating and stressful.  And while the effects of stress are huge, you may only need to make a little money to combat those feelings and receive a lot of relief.

You need to take a hard look at your household budget.  Have you cut expenses as much as you can?  For some families cutting costs can include things like cancelling cable or eating out fewer times a week.  But if you’re already pared your expenses down as much as possible, the only answer that will really help is an increase in income.

First you need to determine how much you really need to make ends meet.  This will allow you to set a goal for how much you need to increase your income.  For many people, the amount won’t be as large as expected.  In fact, you may be surprised how just adding one or two hundred dollars a month can give you a great deal of relief.

Then you need to look for ways you can increase your income and meet your goals.  There are several ways you can look for opportunities to make a little more money.  For example, check your local paper for part-time or even temporary jobs that can bring in some quick cash.  

Look at what you already know how to do.  Are you a talented artist?  Do you know how to write well?  Can you make specialty cakes?  Do you sew?  Would you be willing to do some housework?  There are many opportunities for someone who’s willing to put in some extra time to make a little extra money.

The internet also offers opportunities through internet marketing and affiliate programs to add cash to your budget without having to leave your living room.  Make sure to get educated about these opportunities and look to the experts for advice.  

You’ll find that many people who are successful are more than happy to mentor you and help you to find your own success.  You may also find that there are good products that will teach you what you need to know to make extra money from home.  

When you add a little money to your income, you can relieve almost all of your financial stress.  This will free you up to take care of other things that are going on in your life.  When you take control of your finances, you’ll find that you have peace of mind.  If you’re adding a little money to your budget – even if it doesn’t totally get rid of your deficit – you’ll feel empowered and have instant stress relief.

How Often Do You Stress About Money?

NOTE:  This is a part of a new series of articles about money and stress, which has been a big concern for readers here.  For more help on the subject of bringing more money into your life, using the Law of Attraction and EFT, read 10-Day Money Makeover.

Life brings all kinds of stressors.  You have a busy schedule, family issues, health concerns, and many other things that consume your life.  But for some people, money is the number one stress.

How much time do you spend worried about your money situation?  Money can be one of the most stressful issues for individuals and families alike. When you don’t have money, you can’t meet the needs of your family such as food, clothing, and shelter.

Many people are so stressed about money that it affects every aspect of their health.  They may have physical symptoms such as high blood pressure, chest pain, and indigestion.  

They may also feel the mental health symptoms that go along with depression.  Money problems can also affect your social health.  Instead of feeling like you can spend time with friends, you may withdraw from your usual relationships.

If you’ve been feeling any of these symptoms, you may want to look at what is causing your stress.  Is it a low-paying job?  Is it too many expenses?  Are you living beyond your means?  Is money the first thing you think about when you wake?  Or the last thing you think about before sleeping?  Is sleep impossible because of your financial worries?

If money is on the forefront of your mind when you go throughout your day, it’s probably the thing that’s causing you the most stress.  The good news is that you’re not alone and you don’t have to have constant worries over finances.  But you can’t be in denial any longer about the problem.

The best way to handle your money stress is to tackle it head on.  You must be willing to face the problem before you can relieve your feelings of tension and anxiety.  But the good news is that once you open those bills, look at your bank statements, and figure out where you really stand financially, it’s much easier to get rid of the stressful feelings.

If you’re not sure where to start, there are many ways to get help.  Check your local library for books on money management, find out if your local community center offers workshops on financial help, and listen to as many experts as you can.

You may even want to enlist the help of a friend who understands financial management better than you and ask for some help creating and living on a budget.  It may take hard work and sacrifice to get your finances under control, but the stress relief is well worth it.

Will the Economic Stimulus Provide Any Stress Relief?

NOTE:  This is a part of a new series of articles about money and stress, which has been a big concern for readers here.  For more help on the subject of bringing more money into your life, using the Law of Attraction and EFT, read 10-Day Money Makeover.

With all the talk about bailout money and stimulus packages, you’re probably wondering if the economic stimulus will provide any stress relief for you.  The good news is that it probably will help you, but how much it will help you depends on your situation.

If you have a traditional job, you’ll benefit from the payroll tax credit that will directly increase your paycheck.  Instead of waiting until tax time to benefit from this stimulus, you’ll already begin to see a reduction in your payroll taxes which means a higher paycheck.  For individuals, the tax credit is $400.  That averages out to be about $33 a month.  Any increase is helpful, but this isn’t likely to save you from major financial stress.

If you have children, you may benefit from an expansion of the child tax credit which allows families to benefit even if they don’t make enough money to pay taxes.  That means that people with very low incomes will benefit.  If you’re a college student, you’ll also benefit from an increase in the tuition tax credit.  You can write off more of your educational expenses than you once could.

Perhaps the best stimulus comes from buying a home.  Homebuyers can expect an $8000 tax credit if they meet certain conditions.  You’ll want to talk to a realtor or accountant to make sure you qualify for this.  If you own a home and are willing to invest in energy efficiency, you’ll also be eligible for an energy credit.

If you’re unemployed, you’ll benefit from a decrease in taxation from unemployment benefits.  That means you won’t pay taxes on the first $2400 of unemployment income.  Above that amount and taxation begins.  

For many people, the economic stimulus will provide some stress relief because it provides additional income for the household.  However, if you’re having major financial stresses, the best way to relieve stress is to create a plan to improve your situation.  For some people that means downsizing and lowering their cost of living, for others it means looking for higher paying jobs.  

If you’re doing okay, but you’d like a little extra money this stimulus will be very good for you.  But if you have major issues, you can’t count on the stimulus to rescue you.  However, through some careful financial planning, you can find a way to manage your money and your stress levels.  The economic stimulus will help in small ways, but it’s up to the individual to manage household finances.

Money Is One of the Top Stress Factors That Hinder Your Health

NOTE:  This is a part of a new series of articles about money and stress, which has been a big concern for readers here.  For more help on the subject of bringing more money into your life, using the Law of Attraction and EFT, read 10-Day Money Makeover.

Stress is a part of life.  There are many areas that can cause stress for you such as relationships, your boss, a death in the family, or the loss of a job.  These factors all affect the body in a negative way.  But in today’s economy, one of the top stressors that is showing its ugly head over and over again is financial.  

There are many reasons why you might be feeling financial stress.  You may have suffered a layoff, had to take a cut in salary or benefits, or you may just be having a hard time finding a new job that compensates you enough to keep up with inflation.  In fact, it’s not unusual for people to have worked the same job without a raise for years.  And while income isn’t increasing, the cost of living is.

Money stress can also happen when you have a large amount of debt.  As the bills stack up and your paycheck doesn’t seem to cover all of them, you may feel like you’re fighting a losing battle.  And those feelings of helplessness can also cause havoc with your health.

Stress you carry for a long period of time can be detrimental to your health.  It causes problems with your immune system, your energy levels, and can even cause an increased risk for cancer and heart disease.  It’s critical that you handle stress in an appropriate way so that your money stress won’t turn into a life changing illness.  

If you are beginning to feel physical signs of stress, it’s time to take care of your health.  Remembering to eat right and get exercise will help you to fight off physical fatigue and keep your immune system healthy.  If you’re feeling hopeless or depressed, you may need to talk with a health professional to determine the best course of action.  Remember that your financial problems don’t have to be permanent.  You can learn to manage your money and time will help you to improve your situation.

Finally, you need to learn money management skills so that you can eventually relieve the stress you feel from money.  When you finally address the problem, you’ll feel better quickly.  Just getting the problem out in the open and determining what it will take to solve the problem is sometimes enough to improve your mental and physical health.  If you don’t know where to turn, try reading some financial improvement books, talking to a friend, or attending a community workshop.

Baby Boomers and Money Stress

NOTE:  This is a part of a new series of articles about money and stress, which has been a big concern for readers here.  For more help on the subject of bringing more money into your life, using the Law of Attraction and EFT, read 10-Day Money Makeover.

Perhaps the people most affected by the problems with the economy are those who are preparing to retire in the near future.  Many people woke up to find that one day their stock portfolio had been reduced by half or even more.  And when retirement is only a few years away, it can be devastating to take such a loss.

If you’re in this group of people, you may be wondering how you’re going to retire or stay in retirement.  However, you don’t have to resort to reentering the workforce in order to replace what was lost.  

There are many opportunities to make money by working online from home.  This allows you to supplement your retirement income without having to go back to the daily grind.  Working online allows you to work in your pajamas, work late at night, or work early in the morning.  You can make it fit your schedule completely.

It typically doesn’t require a big investment either.  The biggest expenditure will be making sure you have a good computer and internet connection to get going with your online work.  You’ll also need to do a little research to find out exactly how you want to work online.

Many people are successful with affiliate marketing programs that allow you to make a cut of money by promoting other people’s products.  You don’t have to create an original product; you just work to help sell it.  When someone buys it through your efforts, you receive a percentage of the product.

Internet marketing offers many other opportunities as well.  For example, you can market yourself as a service provider and get paid for services such as writing, graphic design, and web design.  

You can also create a membership site where you offer products such as digital downloads.  Info product sales is another area where you can make money online.  You can offer a tangible product or digital downloads such as eBooks and other online packages.  

You may wonder how to get started, but it’s actually not as difficult as you think.  Looking at message boards and forums you can find out what topics are selling well.  You can also get mentorship from gurus in the field on sites like the Warrior Forum.  

Becoming a service provider is also possible by using forums or selling your services on Elance.   Working online will allow you to replace the retirement you lost and supplement your income enough to live more comfortably.