FINANCE
I were tackling debt , we realised the importance of not only saving but also investing to expedite our financial recovery .
It wasn ' t easy . We had to resist unnecessary purchases and accept that prioritising saving meant enduring creditor harassment . But this pressure fuelled our determination , leading us to seek additional income streams and recognise opportunities we might have otherwise missed . So , while saving may seem counter intuitive in today ' s economy , paying yourself first can be the key to financial liberation .
Realising that a pay cheque won ' t rescue you from debt is the first step toward financial freedom . But what ' s the solution ? It ' s simple yet challenging train yourself to recognise opportunities .
This mental shift , from emotional reactions to strategic thinking , unlocks doors to earning beyond what a job provides . Most people miss these opportunities because they seek stability . Yet , once you train your mind to spot one opportunity , you ' ll see them everywhere . The catch ? Many opportunities appear risky to the untrained eye , fuelled by that nagging inner voice .
4 Ways to seize those opportunities : 1 . Pause and reassess . Stop what isn ' t working and explore new avenues .
2 . Seek fresh ideas . Dive into books on diverse topics , seeking unconventional wisdom .
3 . Learn from those who ' ve succeeded . Connect with mentors over lunch and glean insights .
4 . Invest in education . Attend seminars , devour literature , and explore free or low-cost classes .
My life changed through one such opportunity : a real estate investment seminar . Amidst debt and odd jobs , I saved for this chance . Education was my lifeline . The seminar taught me deal analysis and creative financing , empowering me to escape debt ' s grip . Notably , three of four strategies to find opportunities centred on education — no coincidence .
I invested R3000 , buying not
80 JUNE 2024 Real Estate Investor Magazine