How I Found Financial Redemption through WIFE.org

… and How You Can Too!

A Man is NOT a Financial Plan  

A Man is Not a Financial PlanI’m Elizabeth Bryan – I didn’t coin the phrase “A Man is Not a Financial Plan,” (WIFE co-founders Candace Bahr and Ginita Wall so wisely did) but I’m about to tell you why you should pay attention to those words – bigtime.

I’m an artist by birth, and also a writer and inventor.  I am the co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings, the co-inventor of the 7 Habits of Happy Kids game, I’ve designed jewelry to raise money for non-profits, I’ve been on QVC and I’ve traveled the world in style.

I have a wonderful husband, two incredible sons, two dogs and four cats for a total of 9 animals, if you count my husband and the kids.  I’m also writing another book called Soul Models which showcases the Power of Compassion through stories about incredible women.  I’m passionate about working with non-profits like WIFE.org to help share important messages, and theirs could be the most important of all.

“Wow,” you may be thinking….lucky her!  Bet she’s never struggled a day in her life!”  She couldn’t possibly have a darn thing to worry about!”   Hmmmm…….. Things are never what they seem.  I’ve had plenty to be worried about – start with being divorced with two small sons, filing bankruptcy, losing my business and my home and being massively depressed as a result. In fact, I pretty much felt like jumping off the nearest cliff – more on that later.

IF, however, 20 years ago, I had discovered The Women’s Institute for Financial Education, I would have learned that “A Man is Not a Financial Plan” and would likely have been spared all of that pain and grief.  Then again, I wouldn’t be lucky enough to help you by sharing my sordid story.

I am inviting you to come along on my Journey of Financial Redemption by implementing all the amazing things Candace and Ginita teach here at WIFE.org, so get ready to change your financial destiny!

Daily Small Steps:  Candace and Ginita always say “small steps lead to big success.”  It is definitely easier to tackle things a little at a time, rather than feel overwhelmed by everything you may need to do, especially in the financial arena.  Each time I post, I am going to share one of Candace and Ginita’ s Small Steps and how I applied it in my life – it’s a great exercise for you to try along with me.  Each post, it may be a 5, 10, or 15 minute Small Step.

Today’s 5 minute Small Step:

Constantly ask this question: What is the best use of my time right now? This technique is used by some of the most successful business people to keep them on track. Sometimes you’ll find yourself doing something that feels busy but isn’t productive. Simply asking yourself this question will keep you moving forward with important tasks.

Ok – if I’m being honest, I always feel busy, and constantly crack my own whip so I feel productive – maybe a bit too much.  That said, there are definitely times during the day I burn out.  So, sometimes if I ask myself “What is the most important use of my time right now,” I find that taking a 15 – 20 minute clear-the-head break does the trick in making me even more productive for the rest of the day.  For me, this usually means shutting my eyes and resting my brain in the form of a power nap – not fully asleep, but definitely not awake.

According to Psychology Today,* power naps have proven benefits like improved physical well-being, mood and memory, along with more energy and sharper senses. Studies show that intellectual performance improves and accuracy in work performance increases too.

Self-proclaimed nappers include Albert Einstein, Leonardo Da Vinci , Thomas Edison, Winston Churchill, John D. Rockefeller, Eleanor Roosevelt and Bill Clinton to name a few – so if you choose to snooze, you are in excellent company!

Share how you keep yourself most productive during the day – your suggestion might help someone else!

2 thoughts on “How I Found Financial Redemption through WIFE.org”

  1. I keep myself most productive during the day by using LISTS! I actually write out what needs to be done the night before- that way I sleep better and thoughts don’t stir in my head while trying to fall asleep. Then I have my list in the morning- I prioritize it and then work through it. If I don’t finish something it goes to the top of the list for the next morning! I also agree that taking breaks or a short walk can help re-set your energy to finish the day.

    1. Your approach makes so much sense. By making a list, you know your priorities and can sleep well and start your day out right. You must be one productive gal! Having a list on a smart phone helps as well– the reminders beep throughout the day and keep me on task.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top