What is mystery money?

We often limit where we think money can come into our lives by expecting it only from our jobs, investments, or the lottery. In my book, “When Money Talks, Listen”, mystery money is defined as money which comes to us from the unexpected source.

Below is a sample from a story (and a link to the full story) that is an example of how money can come to us unexpectedly, or mysteriously. And in this case, the recipient became a millionaire!!

In short the message is, be open to money arriving in any amount, from any source!

By VERENA DOBNIK, Associated Press Writer Verena Dobnik, Associated Press Writer – 2 hrs 6 mins ago

Almost four decades later, luck struck again: A Manhattan woman bequeathed Tamang her entire estate — including two apartments in the famed Dakota building off Central Park and her Russian surrealist art collection…..

Mystery money artcle

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Have you ever thought maybe the way you think about money is not in alignment with how you’d like to think about money, or even in line with the truth about money?

Does this line sound familiar? “I need more money!” I like Byron Katie’s comment on that…, “It’s not possible to have more money. No one has ever had more money than they have!” She will also respond to “I need more money!” with her coined response, “Is that true?” (I’ll give you a hint, it’s never true!…sssshh)

Ok, so now you want to clarify your statement. “I need more money…soon, or in the future.” Well, sorry again Katie for stealing your line, but I must ask again, Is….That….True??
Nobody knows. You can’t tell what’s going to happen in the future.

The way most of us think about money is that it’s elusive. It’s somehow in shortage, and for others but not us. When we think of money in this way, we don’t “get” more money, we simply “get” to be right.

So how can someone change how they think about money? I think a good way is to notice another area of your life where you have an abundance. What do you attract plenty of? Could it be smiles, laughter? What about compliments? They can be about anything. Your cooking. Your clothes, your hair, your looks, your work, or your clever decorating ideas. Pay attention to something good that you do attract. Then write down how you think about that. Ask yourself these questions. 1) Do I try and attract this, or does it just happen? 2) Am I surprised when I attract this, or is it just normal for me? 3) When I think of this, what pictures/feelings come to mind?

Once you’ve written down your answers, do the very same exercise, but this time asking the questions with regards to money. ie, Do I try to attract money, or does it just happen? Perhaps your answer will be something like “I try to attract it, but it doesn’t happen.”

Chances are you will see opposite answers to the questions you asked about what you do attract now, and when you answered them about money. Then make the shift in your thinking about money to the same as your thinking about what you do attract. And have fun!
Rich

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I’m reposting my original book review of Marci Shimoff’s great book, “Happy For No Reason” because you can now get it in paperback! With the current news stories dragging us all down these days, why not take a much needed break and learn how to be happy, for no reason. Let Marci show you how. And……you get some great free gifts as well…enjoy!

You can go here to order….“Happy For No Reason”

Happy for “Good” Reason”…

I just finished reading “Happy For No Reason” by Marci Shimoff, and now I have a good reason to be happy. For a little background, Marci has co-authored Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul, and is one of the featured teachers from the movie, The Secret.

The book teaches a 7 Steps to Being Happy, which she lays out in a clever analogy of building a home, a Home for Happiness as she calls it.

The Happy 100

We’ve all seen many top 100 lists, but here is one truly worth aspiring to make. Marci interviewed people from all walks of life and from around the globe and compiled a list of her Happy 100. (No, she didn’t call me)

The book is filled with some remarkable stories from these Happy 100. Each story I read became my favorite, just long enough until I reached the next one.

Sip A Fine Wine

This is not the type of book you want to hurry through and finish in a couple of sittings. I began reading a chapter at night while in bed. I figured it would be a nice way to head into sleep..and it was. I found myself looking forward to each night knowing that I had another chapter to read, a new favorite story to enjoy, and another night of sweet dreams. So I am a little saddened now that I am finished, and a tad envious to those of you who have yet to begin.

I don’t know Marci personally, but I found myself wishing I did. I guess that’s the sign of a good writer….and perhaps just a good person.

So if you are looking for a reason to be happy, buy the book…(Link to Marci’s Website) …. and then you can learn to be happy for no reason. And hopefully one day we’ll all be on her Happy 1 Billion.

Rich

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“If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they’re yours; if they don’t they never were.” Richard Bach.

Free Money:

Interesting concept, isn’t it? Of course it’s free, because you can’t buy money. (Well, unless it’s collectible or different currency’s, but let’s not split hairs)

But what if we looked at “free” differently. If we look for different definitions of “free”, perhaps we will view the statement, “Free Money” differently.

I looked up the word “free” on dictionary.com, and pulled a few of the various definitions posted. I will only make brief comments on each definition to help steer you to make your own connections.

1) “To make free; set at liberty; release from bondage, imprisonment, or restraint.”

Hmm. Interesting. Does that definition ring any bells with you if you relate it to money?

2) “Exempt or released from something specified that controls, restrains, burdens, etc.”

Do you feel restrained? Burdened by lack of money for bills? Maybe let that go and see what happens.

3) “That may be used by or is open to all”

Do you agree with that notion? Or might you feel that money is only for the few?

4) “Clear of obstructions or obstacles”

Might you view money as an obstacle to the things you want? Does that create a positive or negative relationship?

5) “At liberty to enter and enjoy at will”

When was the last time you thought of money as something for you to really enjoy?

Free Money. Just thought it might be interesting to take a look at it from a different perspective and see if it’s actually us who are restricting the free flow of money.

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Tis the season to be thankful, yes indeed. I know there will be many reminders coming your way saying thank you during this time, and I thought I’d offer one of my own, with a little twist…

During this time when you are giving thanks, take a moment to thank…you! Yes, you. Thank that part of you that’s always trying to make you happier. The part that tries to help you be a better mother, husband, employee, daughter, or person. That little part of you that holds the door for someone, who cries at movies, and who puts the dollar in the charity. The one who changes the diapers, who goes to work, who cooks the dinner, and who says I love you.

Just say thanks to you for being you. It’s the only you there is.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rich

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Do you ever walk around with that helpless feeling…ahhh…”I need money!”
You may not walk around with the conscious thought, but see if any of these sound or feel familiar…

I need money….because I can’t pay the bills at the end of the month
I need money….so that I can get a better car
I need money….in the bank in case I get laid off.
I need money….to send my kids to college.
I need money….so that I can retire comfortably.

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself if this has worked? Does this weight on you actually help you get money? For some, maybe. Maybe you work harder, longer etc. Yet does that weight of that “need” ever leave you? Does that feel good? Of course not. But then the question is, what do we do about it? Heck, in most cases it’s true. I need money!
But, whenever we need, crave, or want, we actually push away. Are you attracted to someone who is desperate for your affection or attention? No. And money isn’t either.

There is only one thing to do the next time the feeling hits you that you need money. In my book “When Money Talks, Listen!”, Mr. Money teaches us that money is here to serve us. But we have elevated its stature so much that we feel unworthy of it. So let’s try and shift that thinking on the spot when we feel we need money for something. Try this tiny change and see what happens. Yes, it’s going to sound a little strange, but hey, nobody will know you’re doing it. All we are going to do is change one word, and feel the difference. Ok, ready? Here it is. “I feed money”. See, I told you it was a little odd. However, we are just trying to change that sense of being unworthy. In this case, money needs you. You feed it. You give it life. Think about it. What purpose does money have without you? Without “us”?. Plants and animals have no use for it. So, you feed it. You give it life, you give it meaning. It exists for, and because of…you! Let it thank you by paying your bills and taking care of your needs. It’s thankful for the purpose only you can give it.

Rich

Tags: Money // 4 Comments »

At least to AgentSully (Kris) over at Lifelearningtoday.com!

I had a fun interview with Kris about my experience writing “When Money Talks, Listen!”. She has this posted on her site as well, but here is the transcript….

This was a very sweet story! Sorry to be cliche, Rich, but I laughed, I cried, and I learned! What was your inspiration to write this story? Any biographical elements?

Kris, let me begin by saying thank you for asking to do this interview. Also, there is no need to apologize for the ‘cliché”. Hearing that you “laughed, cried, and learned” from my book is about the best review you could give me.

I did have a real life inspiration for writing this story; kudos to your instincts. I had left my job because I no longer felt fulfilled, and many months passed while I searched for something different. Naturally I began to get concerned about money as time passed and I had no income coming in. I began to wonder what it is about money that makes us so stressed, and why it has such a hold on us. I have always enjoyed writing, so one day I had an idea that I could try and create a fictional character that might be able to answer some of these questions for me. So, I named him Myster (Mr.) Money.

Who was the audience you had in mind when writing this book?

Because I decided to create this character to answer my questions, the original audience I had in mind was me! Ha ha. However, once it was completed and I let some family and friends read it, it seemed that the principles and story would apply to most any demographic. However, I’d say it’s most beneficial to those who find that money has always been a challenge in their lives. Some people can attract abundance easily into their lives, and probably wouldn’t need to read this.

Why did you decide to use a story for teaching these financial principals?

I have always believed that stories, fables, and parables are great ways to teach. They use examples well, and provide entertainment so that the mind forgets it’s being taught, and thus doesn’t resist so much. Also, as I write I have noticed that when I am writing a story, if I let myself get out of the way it will begin to write itself. This is when a deeper wisdom can take over and offer better insights. So I was writing to learn.

How do you think people will benefit from reading your book?

It’s my hope that people will benefit most from this book by improving their relationship with money. Perhaps changing their perception of what money is, and its purpose. One of the 5 lessons that Myster Money teaches is to notice the gifts that are left behind when money leaves your possession. I think this is a good habit to be in.

I like the idea of giving money away, knowing that it will come back to you. Any personal stories in this regard?

Sometimes children are our best teachers. I remember the first time I was taught this principal, and it was from my 8 yr. old nephew. His family came to my parent’s house for dinner. My Father (his Grandfather) found $2 in his coat pocket, and turned and gave it to my nephew. My nephew said, “Wow. Today I had a dollar and put it in the church basket. And now God paid me back… double!” I’ve since experienced this numbers of times in my life, but think that says it best.

Did you ever have a guy like Scratch in your life?

Scratch does not represent one person in my life, but several. While I didn’t create him with anyone in mind, I can now read the story and see pieces of my father, grandfather and a few other notable mentors. There is even a mention in the book to his cologne smelling like my grandfathers. To me that is always a nice memory.

For someone attempting a makeover in their financial life, what is the best advice you can offer them?

Find a way to break the “craving need” for money. Like many things in life, we can want something too much, and thus push it away. Think back to a person or a job you wanted that you ever pushed away by this method. Money is the same. I was recently told a story by someone I met who said the best lesson he ever learned about money was from his father. He told him that whenever you can least afford it, take a $100 bill and burn it! Then, one day when he was down and out, he got his hundred dollar bill, rolled it up, and smoked it! Ha.ha…He said he never had an issue with money again. I love the lesson, but I think it’s probably even better to give that money away to someone else.

Myster Money mentions in the book that money is here to serve “us”. However, we treat it the opposite, as though we are unworthy and somehow have to convince it otherwise. I portrayed Myster Money as a generous, wise old man….give money this characteristic, and watch what happens!

Thanks, Rich!

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can get a copy of this ebook, head on over to MysterMoney.com.

Please take a look at the interview, and check our her great site while you’re there…..(tell her Myster Money sent you!). Link below…

Read “When Money Talks, Listen!” Interview

Tags: Money // 2 Comments »

Ok, I made a slight edit, but with good reason which I’ll explain. This was a headline I saw on Yahoo today: “Oil prices plunge at fastest rate in 17yrs!”

I couldn’t help but think of all the doom and gloom headlines regarding oil that have been coming out daily for months and months.

“Gas prices could hit $7 a gallon”

“No end in site to runaway oil prices”

“Economy teetering due to skyrocketing oil prices”

Think back even just a week ago. Would you have imagined seeing the headline today, “Oil prices plunge at fastest rate in 17yrs”?

Gee, what could next week bring?

“No bottom in site to falling oil prices”

“Experts predict a free-fall to $1 a gallon”

“Stock market explodes to record highs as oil prices collapse”

No, I am not making this prediction (at least not as soon as next week), but I am trying to point out that we say similar negative headlines to ourselves every day, don’t we? And we believe them to…

“We’re slipping into a recession, I’ll never find a job now”

“My money problems are skidding out of control”

“My life is a disaster, and things are about to get worse”

Oil goes up, and it goes down. As does the stock market, the housing market, and our problems.

You see, the media have known for decades that the key to catching our attention is a great headline…especially one that scares the daylights out of us.

Well, our crafty old minds have picked up on this little gem of a strategy. It’s called “Sensationalizing”…a quick look at Dictionary.com and I found, “Sensationalizing: To cast and present in a manner intended to arouse strong interest, especially through inclusion of exaggerated or lurid details”

So, the moral of the story is this. The next headline you read that scares you, remember the above definition, especially the word “exaggerated”. And more importantly, do the same thing the next time you hear that little sensationalizing headline writer inside your head. Since we attract what we think about, it’s probably time to promote yourself to Editor and Chief and redline your “head”-lines.

Rich

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Many of us walk around looking for the answers that will make us happier, healthier, or more successful. Wandering, but not finding, we end up feeling tired and depressed, like the dog chasing his tail. But just like the dog who doesn’t realize that the tail belongs to him, we fail to realize that the answers we seek belong to us. So I’ve created some fun and thought provoking questions to ask that special person who holds all of your answers…you!

This is a great exercise to do in the morning by yourself, or the evening before bed. But, it’s also a fun thing to do in a group setting, or just go around the table at dinner. Some questions have a follow up which I have denoted as part (a).

1. I would be happier if I had?
1 (a). I’ll bet if I just did this (fill in), I would probably get it.
2. I’d be willing to try this new good habit (fill in)for the next 21 days.
3. I’d have a much better day tomorrow if I just did this today.
4. I’ll bet that this belief of mine (fill in) isn’t even true after all.
5. I’d be willing to believe this (fill in) for the next week.
6. I’d probably like myself more if I just did (didn’t) do this.(fill in)
7. Probably the number one reason I don’t have more money is this (fill in)
7 (a) I’d be willing to try this (fill in) to help change #7.
8. I’d be willing to stop trying to control (him, her, or this)
9. I would be most disappointed if I died before having done or accomplishing this? (fill in)
10. I’m really good at? (Fill in)
10 (a) If I’m not, should I be doing #10 for a living?
11. I’d be willing to stop doing/believing this (fill in) for the next month.
12. Rather than getting upset, the next time this (fill in) happens, I’m going to do this (fill in) instead.
13. I’d be willing to give up wanting to be, do, or have this (fill in)
14. I really love (fill in)
15. If I just did this (fill in) today, I’d be happier.
16. I’ll be this person (fill in) would love to hear from me.
17. Does anyone else make a good living at doing what I do well?
17 (a) Why don’t I do #17?
18. I’d be willing to do this (fill in) to be in better shape.
19. It seems whenever I do this (fill in), everything gets better.
20. If I just did this (fill in), the way I do that (fill in), I’m sure I’d be successful at it.
21. Ok, I give up trying to figure this out (fill in); I’m now turning it over to God.
22. Rather than simply preaching this (fill in), I should probably practice it.
23. If I just stopped procrastinating on this (fill in) everyday, my days would be so much better.
24. If I got this much money (fill in), I’d feel so much better.
24 (a) List 10 ways it’s possible to get #24. Stretch your mind.
25. My life is so much better whenever I do this (fill in)
26. I should probably make this (fill in) a goal of mine and go for it, rather than thinking about it.
27. I’d do this (fill in) if I wasn’t afraid.
27 (a) Have you ever tried to face rather than run from the fear in #27?
28. If I had this much money (fill in), I’d help out (fill in)
29. I’ve been thinking and worrying about this (fill in) for way too long, it’s time to just do it.
30. If I did nothing else to improve my life other than this (fill in), I’ll bet I’d feel great.

Please feel free to share some of your favorite answers or some additional questions that you came up with.

Wishing you all the best,

Rich

Tags: General // 2 Comments »

*** “Worried about your Financial Future? Give your worries a summer vacation with “When Money Talks, Listen!”,

“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give”. Sir Winston Churchill

Ok, here is your chance to be put into the history books. Quotes can come from anyone, even our friend “anonymous” has his or her share out there. Today it’s your turn. I am going to compile a list of “new” quotes, and they will come from all of you. Anyone who reads this has their chance of being quoted for the rest of time. The 10 best will be listed as “The 10 Best Quotes of the 21st Century” in a future post, and hopefully on tv. Below are the rules.

1) Authentic: This is an opportunity to strut your stuff! Please, no plagiarizing. If you choose to be anonymous, sign your quote as “anonymous”.
2) Submit: Write your new, awesome, soon to be classic quote as a comment to this post on www.mystermoney.com/blog
3) Spread to word: Digg it. Stumble it. Blog it. Email it. Whatever your method, make sure you do your part to increase the number of entries so you can see how you compare to the best of the best.
4) Number of Entries: You may submit one quote per day for the duration of the contest. Contest ends Feb 29th, 2008.
5) Judging: I will be putting together a list of judges to determine the 10 best quotes. The judges will include yours truly, some fellow bloggers, authors, and perhaps even a celebrity or two! (sshh).

Oprah

Ok, I can’t promise this, but we will attempt to get the new “10 Best Quotes of the 21st Century” announced on Oprah. You never know.

To get us started…

“Should we fail to reach any of our hopes and dreams, it will be due to only one reason. All the time we spent trying to find that reason” Richard Ezzo, author, “When Money Talks, Listen!”

Best of luck to you, and here’s to seeing your quote referred to in the 22nd century!

Rich

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