Down with Financialese

Written by Barbara Huson

Have you ever met with a financial advisor, and wished you had a translator? They may be really nice people, but once they start talking, they’re suddenly speaking a foreign tongue.

“C’mon, you guys,” I want to say. “Speak in plain English.” But, truth is, I don’t hold out much hope. The onus is on us.

I’m a big believer in working with professionals…be it for a root canal or a retirement plan. And sometimes the latter can be as painful as the former! But it doesn’t need to be.

Not if you’re willing to speak up, ask for clarification, and keep asking until you understand.

As I’ve learned over the years, just because you don’t understand ‘Financialese,’ doesn’t mean you’re stupid.

It’s simply a sign to ask more questions. And keep asking. The payoff is clarity. But, I’m here to tell you, the real reward is how powerful you’ll feel for standing up for yourself.

How do you stand up for yourself?

Afraid of Success? Think Again.

Written by Barbara Huson

We met for drinks, when she sheepishly admitted, “I think I’m afraid of success. I can see little ways I’m holding myself back.”

“What are you scared of?” I asked

“I’m afraid people will want more of me than I can give them. I’m so busy now, I’m afraid I’ll have no time for myself. I’m scared it will all be too much.”

At that moment, I knew she was describing an often misunderstood struggle unique to women. She wasn’t afraid of success. She was afraid of power.

There’s a critical difference. Success is the outcome we desire to achieve (the good stuff). Power is what it takes to achieve it (the scary stuff).

By nature, we women are all about relationships. We want everyone to like us.

Success, however, requires rocking the boat, speaking our truth, setting strong boundaries. What scares us is the consequences of ruffling feathers, ‘making’ people mad or unhappy.

As I learned from successful women, the key to claiming our power lies is shifting in our thinking. And the shift sounds like this: In the world of work, I’d rather be respected than liked.

“I tried to be nice rather than stand by my convictions,” a successful woman once told me. “But I learned you can’t always be liked, but you can definitely be respected.”

As I conveyed these thoughts to my friend, she nodded her head and smiled knowingly. Then I raised my wine glass as she lifted hers.

“To your success,” I toasted.

“To our power,” she replied.

If you enjoyed these “Words of Wealth”, head over to my website and sign-up for my FREE weekly newsletter at: www.barbarastanny.com

Is this YOUR Drug of Choice?

Written by Barbara Huson

I’m here to tell you, constant busyness can be hazardous to your health and well being!

I call it ATBS–Addicted to Busyness Syndrome.

And it’s epidemic among women. We stuff every cranny of our lives with so much activity that we’ve lost touch with what’s truly essential and what’s really irrelevant.

Busyness has become our drug of choice.

And I’m the first to admit—busyness is a bitch to give up!

Without endless activity, we’re left with empty space. And empty space gives rise to painful feelings. Rather than experience the pain, we fill up the spaces.

But, as I’ve learned from my own busyness detox, when you face what you fear, you find it no longer controls you. When you eliminate the unnecessary, you discover what really matters. And, though detoxing from frenetic activity is never easy or comfortable, it’s freeing beyond anything I expected.

When I slowed down, I saw my life more clearly. Decisions became obvious, thus easier to make. Opportunities abounded and I had the energy—and time—to grab them.

If you enjoyed these “Words of Wealth”, head over to my website and sign-up for my FREE weekly newsletter at: www.barbarastanny.com

The Legend of Sacred Success

Written by Barbara Huson

“The way to do is to be.” Lao Tzu

There once lived a woman whose life was abundant.

She had a beautiful home, happy children, a wonderful man, a successful career, and a healthy portfolio of stocks and bonds.

But one day, a very strange thing happened. She woke up feeling ‘blah.’ Something was missing. Subtle at first, these feelings grew more insistent.

Her happiness took a nose-dive. Her creativity all but disappeared. And her ambition (this was one really driven woman) completely vanished.

She tried pretending all was well. But the guilt made that impossible. How could she, who had so much, feel this empty? People would think she was crazy. Fact is, she felt crazy. This went on for months.

Until an angel appeared (disguised as a coach) with some sage advice. “You’re too into ‘doing,’” the angel told her. “You need time for ‘being.’”

And the woman knew the angel was right. So off the woman went, to be by herself, in search of the missing something.

The very first morning, she awoke with a prayer: “Tell me what I need to know.” She didn’t expect an answer. But one came immediately.

“Go for Greatness,” a voice replied. She stopped in her tracks. Suddenly, everything made sense.

She realized her symptoms were signals from her soul, summoning her to a higher level. She was being asked to pursue her soul’s purpose, doing what she was put on this planet to do, in a bigger way than ever before. And she knew, for a fact, she wasn’t alone. Countless others were receiving this same Call.

At that moment, the blahs evaporated, her energy returned. She’d found what was missing. She called it Sacred Success®. Her life was never the same. All that was good became even greater. She accomplished more with much less effort. Financial success came with ease and grace. Her closest friends all noticed the difference.

If you’re feeling something similar—like you’re stuck, burned out, something’s missing, or you’re right on the verge of greatness-THIS woman deeply desires to share what she learned with you. Her Sacred Success Retreat is May 18-21, in Baltimore, MD. There are only 4 seats left. Will you be in one of them?

Included in the fee: room, meals, workbook, private coaching session, and a full year of follow up!!!

LEARN MORE!

If you enjoyed these “Words of Wealth”, head over to my website and sign-up for my FREE weekly newsletter at: www.barbarastanny.com

Who Said Money = Power?

Written by Barbara Huson

Money does not give you power. Power comes from the choices you make. That’s a very important distinction.

Not all high earners are powerful women.

Successful women fall into two groups. The Successful High Earners and the Hard-driven High Earners.

The hard-driven ones I describe as superwomen on steroids, classic workaholics. They’ll breakdown before they’ll slow down.

These were not powerful women. In fact, they have more in common with underearners than their higher paid peers. They live in deprivation…not necessarily of money, but time, joy, freedom, and control of their life.

One of the defining characteristics of Successful High Earners is that they actually take time for relaxation and self-reflection, to figure out what is really important. Their decisions are based, not on fear, but on their most cherished values.

I remember talking to a woman who went to a workshop where she was asked this question: If you were on your deathbed, looking back at your life, what would make you feel happiest and satisfied with how you lived? From that came a list of her top 5 values.

Soon after, a friend asked her to be on the board of a business he was starting in China. The meetings would be all expense paid weekends in San Francisco. There was a time she would’ve jumped at the chance but, she realized, Chinese business wasn’t one of her priorities.

“It would’ve been fun,” she told me. “I would’ve met interesting people, but it would’ve taken me away from my partner, the book I was writing, all those things that are really important.

Have you looked at your top values lately? Are you living your priorities?

Are your ready to pursue your purpose, claim your power & build wealth? Take my Sacred Success Quiz to find out.

If you enjoyed these “Words of Wealth”, head over to my website and sign-up for my FREE weekly newsletter at: www.barbarastanny.com

Looking for Prince Charming?

Written by Barbara Huson

As I was writing my first book, I saw that there was a pivotal moment, in every woman’s story, when she finally realized—No one will do this for me. Prince Charming isn’t coming.

I’m here to tell you: Dispelling the Prince Charming myth is the most important financial decision you will ever make.

Let me warn you. Prince Charming doesn’t need to be a man. PC could be the lottery, an insurance settlement, or just an amorphous something…anything you imagine will rescue you financially.

Trying to manage money while harboring a rescue fantasy is like driving a car with watered down gas. You’re just not going to get very far.

But rest assured. It’s the myth, not the man, that has to go. You can have your Prince.

You just need to change the job description. He’s no longer your rescuer or your savior. He is your partner.

Want to find out how to become your own Prince Charming? Join me for my LAST Sacred Success Retreat, May 18—21. LEARN MORE

If you enjoyed these “Words of Wealth”, head over to my website and sign-up for my FREE weekly newsletter at: www.barbarastanny.com

When Someone Calls You a Bitch, say Thank You!

Written by Barbara Huson

One question I always ask financially successful women: What is your biggest regret?

Almost everyone has the same response. Not speaking up sooner.

As one woman, a 7th grade drop out, told me, “You don’t get what you deserve. You get what you demand.”

But even the most successful found it downright scary to ask for what they wanted, to say no to what they didn’t.

You know why? Studies prove that assertive, forceful men are given high marks by their bosses.

Assertive, forceful women are labeled a bitch.

I’m here to tell you—being a bitch is not a bad thing. That’s where our power is.

I’m not talking about the bitchy part. That’s the co-dependent in us who suppresses her true needs and gets very resentful.

The bitch is the powerful part who refuses to be a doormat, a victim, or tolerate injustices; who has the courage to be who she is and want what she wants.

She’s the Babe In Total Control of Herself.

If you enjoyed these “Words of Wealth”, head over to my website and sign-up for my FREE weekly newsletter at: www.barbarastanny.com

Are You Investing in Yourself in 2017?

Written by Barbara Huson

Last week, I shared the simple formula that I used to become a Savvy Investor. If you missed the free webinar, One Year to Create Wealth…In One Simple Step a Month. You can listen to the recording here. I’ve had a ton of feedback letting me know how helpful it was. I’m delighted!

But, believe me, I know how the mere thought of investing can seem daunting…if not impossible. I know how easy it is to go into avoidance.

The key is to make a commitment, invest in yourself, and find support to hold you accountable.

That’s why I created One Year to Wealth: Becoming a Savvy Investor. I will show you how to take charge of your money and your life…how to become the Powerful Woman you were born to be. And I want to make sure you get all the support you need. I want to be right there holding your hand.

My goal is to show how simple (and fun!) investing can be by breaking it down into very small chunks. I want YOU to know the enormous freedom, immense security, the incalculable peace of mind and the unbelievable confidence that I now experience.

The first step I shared is Commit. If you are ready to take that step, you can join me in a very powerful full year class: One Year to Wealth: Becoming a Savvy Investor.

This class will only be offered once in 2017. We’ll kick-off on January 24th with a special live Set Your Intentions call.

You can learn more about One Year to Wealth here

I’d love to take this journey with you, to support and educate you as you become a Savvy Investor.

Are you ready to invest in yourself?

Here are some of last year’s One Year to Wealth participants who shared their stories. Can you relate?

“I continue to feel so grateful for this course and for everything it has helped me with. For starters, I wanted to feel confident to invest my 401K funds in the best way, and understanding what I’m doing with it. That was my reason for joining the course and it has been fulfilled in a beautiful way.
Further, I never had a clue that I was going to have my whole financial world, worries and all, be completely shifted into calm and confidence. My outlook is so joyful now on how to maintain a cash flow budget so I know that I will always have a positive balance, especially while paying the max to my credit card balance. I don’t feel deprived, and I feel that the discipline makes me feel abundant and money has value now. I don’t hold back when I want something, but I keep looking at it before making a move, asking, is this worth it? Is it more important than paying this to myself? (without judgment). Sometimes it is worth it, and then I get it with no guilt, which always used to follow purchases of any kind. And I’ve already paid off half the credit card debt that had been carrying for some years. The rest is all in 0% interest cards and being paid off rapidly.” ~~Monica

“Every now and then life presents us with a game changer. Barbara is such a person. One Year to Wealth , for me, marked a new beginning. Barbara handed me the tools to discover how my mind approaches money, how money fog works and when it arises and when old stories dictate my approach to money today. After almost a year of One Year to Wealth I feel equipped to talk about money ( I never did), to approach finance professionals ( I never dared) and to manage my assets ( I never even knew them.) Within the supportive and exciting environment Barbara created, it became possible to see my emotions as a part of my money story. With the course almost done, there is no end in sight. My money explorations have only just begun and they will last a lifetime. My role, going forward, is clear: to nourish myself, my family and the world. All emotions are welcome! Thank you!!!” ~~Katherine

“I felt the desire to tell you I am in tears of joy in how my life has changed this year, and that I am now a part of a wonderful future. I am so thankful for OYTW and look forward to continuing with each level of Barbara’s offerings as I stretch. It is a whole new world.” ~~Pam

Let’s Talk About the Taboo

Written by Barbara Huson

I’d like to share an exercise I gave participants at a recent retreat. I call it The Sacred Wealth Circle.

On a blank piece of paper, draw a large circle. Inside the circle, write the names of people you can talk to about money, wealth, and power.

Then, outside the circle, write down the names of people you are close to, but can’t discuss finances because they tend to be naysayers or aren’t interested.

What did you discover?

To create wealth and claim our power, we need support…from other women, mentors and financial experts. Sure, no one can take responsibility for us. But we cannot—should not—do it alone.

An Emory University study revealed: “The pleasure and reward centers of a woman’s brain light up if they can work towards their financial goals in collaboration with other women.”

The world needs more supportive communities of women talking openly, candidly about topics that have been taboo for centuries: money, wealth, and power. Won’t you join me on the first Monday of every month for my free call? https://www.barbara-huson.com/seminars/money-mondays/

It’s a safe place to talk about money, as women.

If you enjoyed these “Words of Wealth”, head over to my website and sign-up for my FREE weekly newsletter at: www.barbarastanny.com

The Destructive Power of Self-Betrayal

Written by Barbara Huson

Check if any of these apply to you:

You’re angry, but don’t say anything.
You’d like to say ‘no,’ but you can’t.
You want something, but don’t ask for it.
You get an idea but don’t act on it.

If you’ve checked even one, it’s a sign you’ve given your power away. And you’re not alone. We women do it all the time!

Why are so many of us reluctant to say what they think, feel, or need?

Mostly, to avoid conflict. We’re afraid if we take a stand, we’ll be rejected, disliked, or disapproved of. Instead, we water ourselves down so as not to make waves.

Over time, these acts of self-betrayal destroys our self-esteem…and quality of life.

Good news! If you can give your power away, you can also take it back. How? 3 Steps.

Ask yourself the Power Question—What do I want? Not what does my husband, or kids or boss or society want. What do I want? This isn’t a question we’ve often asked, so it may take time to answer.
Look for opportunities to say no to what you don’t want, ask for what you do want and express what you feel and think. If this is new, it will be very uncomfortable. Do your best.
Get support. Seek out people to be cheerleaders, sounding boards and role models. We women need support when things are scary. And risking backlash can be very scary. But when you think about it…self-betrayal is even scarier.

If you enjoyed these “Words of Wealth”, head over to my website and sign-up for my FREE weekly newsletter at: www.barbarastanny.com

Women & Power

Down with Financialese

Afraid of Success? Think Again.

Is this YOUR Drug of Choice?

The Legend of Sacred Success

Who Said Money = Power?

Are your ready to pursue your purpose, claim your power & build wealth? Take my Sacred Success Quiz to find out.

Looking for Prince Charming?

When Someone Calls You a Bitch, say Thank You!

Are You Investing in Yourself in 2017?

Let’s Talk About the Taboo

The Destructive Power of Self-Betrayal

Meet Barbara Huson

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