Though I have been away from writing and blogging for several months, Christmas always inspires me to send some message,whether good or bad, to those I care about . So here I go.
Throughout my life, I have heard dozens of people say, “If I had a million bucks…” and then go on to describe whatever big splash they would make with the money if they had it. I think I have done similar things. But if we were being honest, we would know that we already possess “something” much more valuable than “a million bucks” and could spend that “something” right now. That something is ourselves!
We all possess three things that we could use to make a difference any day we choose: Our time, our talent and our treasure (yes, money can be used too, but it doesn’t have to be a “million bucks”). In lesson three of my book, Financial Sanity in Three Easy Lessons, I discuss the concept of building a financial plan with “making a difference” as a component of the individual’s plan. It is this “making a difference” that I have found makes people the happiest in the use of their finances whether large or small. One song got it right: “The things we do for love!” Indeed, they are immense.
But some people don’t know where to start. Like me, they suffer with “paralysis through analysis” or they feel overwhelmed by “looking at the mountain rather than the step in front of them.” Well, I have an easy answer to those looking to make a difference….at least it is a good start and so easy to do.
So let me offer this New Year’s resolution:
- Call whichever company has your life insurance contracts;
- Ask for a Change of Beneficiary Form;
- Get the form and revise your beneficiaries to include a 10% designation to the charity of your choice (leave your loved ones the other 90%).
Voila! With relative ease, you have just made a MAJOR DIFFERENCE in the lives of an untold number of people! I bet you will want to do more…
Merry Christmas and may God bless you in the New Year!