Mary King's Blog

Taking a Break

noreply@blogger.com (Mary King) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 22:19:00 +0000

Mary King's eNews

It's time for me to take a break from presenting Rich is Better - Wealth for Women workshops, I have decided to give myself the space to travel and holiday overseas. So far this year I am planning to visit China in April and France in June.

I am thrilled and excited to be giving myself this wonderful gift of time and travel.

As a result this will be my last email newsletter for the time being. I am also taking a break from writing.

While I am in Australia I will be available for consultations - on the phone or in person. If you want to have a chat about your current situation - financial or otherwise - you may email me or phone me to arrange an appointment.

Previous newsletters containing tips and ideas are accessible for you to read online. You will find them, from October 2006 to June 2008, archived on my website or, from June 2008 to March 2009, on my blog.

Thank you so much for receiving my monthly newsletter. Whenever I have something of interest or value to let you know about I would like to contact you again. In the meantime, I wish you physical and financial health and wellbeing.

Best wishes,

Mary King

maryking@maryking.com.au

03 9882 1886

Let's Count Our Blessings

noreply@blogger.com (Mary King) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:32:00 +0000

What a week in our history these past few days will prove to be. In Victoria many people have lost lives, homes and possessions - more than all previous devastation caused by fire. I think this is an opportunity for all of us to acknowledge the many good things we have in our lives. When everything is ripped away from us we have the chance to realise how much we had.

The state of Victoria is in mourning for lives lost in the fires that ripped through the countryside. Most of us will have a connection to somebody who has suffered loss. A couple of weeks ago I drove through and walked in the areas that are now blackened. As I looked at the pictures of the fire ravaged areas and the people involved I couldn't help but shed tears.

How precious is the life we have and so much to be grateful for. Develop an attitude of gratitude for what you have and you will get more good things. Focusing on lack and loss encourages more of the same.

Best wishes,

Mary King

Your Goals and Dreams for 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Mary King) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 05:38:00 +0000

We are at the start of another year - this could be a great opportunity to re-evaluate your dreams. What do you want to achieve in 2009? Have you set some goals for your finances and your life?

Remember when you set a goal - be specific, include the details, decide a date by when you will have it, it must be achievable, you need to believe you can have it and it must be written. Read it often and allow yourself to be emotional. Feel the joy you will have from achieving your goal.

How will you know you have achieved the goal? What will you see and what will you hear? Sometimes we have already received the goal and we may miss the fact that we actually have it. We may not recognise that our dream has been fulfilled - it may appear in a slightly different form from the way we thought it would manifest. An example of this from my own life is when I decided I would like to have a beautiful kitchen. I cut out a picture from a magazine of a lovely spacious modern kitchen. Shortly after that I moved to a new apartment. It was quite some time later that I suddenly realised I now had the kitchen of my dream. I didn't have to own the kitchen, it came in a rented apartment. I had it for the time I rented that apartment. I could easily have missed the fact that my goal had manifested. Check your goals to see if you could possibly have missed their manifestation in your life.

Keep your hopes high!

Best wishes,

Mary King
Australia's Wealth Coach to Women

Paying for your past

noreply@blogger.com (Mary King) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 02:48:00 +0000

Paying for Your Past

Last month I was invited to be a guest panelist for a survey, conducted by Schick in conjunction with Galaxy Research, of 1252 women aged between 18 to 39 years from all over Australia. 74% of the women surveyed said they felt financially independent. My thoughts about that are that they may feel independent because they are earning a wage. If they stop working in the job and the wage ceases they would no longer feel financially independent. In my opinion there is a vast difference between feeling financially independent and being financially free. Financial freedom comes when our investments - (money working for us - rather than us working for money) exceeds our expenses.

80% of those surveyed said they had some form of debt and 48% of that debt is credit card debt. I was asked if I was surprised at the level of credit card debt. My feeling was not of being surprised necessarily, it was more that I felt concerned. Of those surveyed, the average credit card debt, carried over each month, is $2,500. Credit card debt is consumer debt and is a costly way to spend your money. if only the minimum payment is made to the lender each month it could take 15 to 20 years to pay off the balance. That is excessive money to expend for a short-lived pleasure. I believe when we have consumer debt that we continue to pay for on our credit card, that we are paying for our 'past'. Would it not be a better idea to save some money for our 'future' and when we have saved the money give ourselves a 'reward'? It certainly costs less to save the money first.

Maybe we feel a sense of power when we can buy something now and pay for it later. This feeling of power is not real power and can not be sustained.

I truly encourage each of us to eliminate our continuous credit card debt. While paying the minimum may not seem like a lot of money to pay out each month the banks are receiving very good interest for the money they lent you. I suggest you make a concerted effort to pay at least an extra 10% of the minimum payment due each month until the card is paid off. If you have several cards add up the minimums, add 10%, and pay that amount off the card with the lowest balance, while still paying the minimum on each card. Once you have paid off the card with the smallest balance, write to the bank and close the account. Make sure you cut up the card so you are not tempted to use it. Next, roll over the money you used to pay off the first card to the card with the next lowest balance, and repeat the cycle until all cards are paid off. Once you're back in control, by saving the interest you used to be paying, you can now start to think about saving your money for investing and thus gro! wing your wealth.

How can you live more simply? Simplification is a very important aspect to increasing your net-worth. When we live within our means we are coming from a position of power. When we live beyond our means we are giving our power away and draining our energy. Ask yourself how you can simplify your desires? At first it may feel like a sacrifice to think of alternatives to something you would like to have right now. As you start to think of less expensive options I feel sure you will begin to see benefits. Why not give it a go and find out for yourself?

You Are Safe and All Is Well

noreply@blogger.com (Mary King) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 10:30:00 +0000

The planet is going through upheaval during this time of great change - depletion in the amount of natural resources compared with the last century, the melting of the ice caps and the number of species that are dying out. We are always evolving. The movements of the planet and also the events of this world are cyclical and elliptical. One season follows another. 'Bad' times follow 'good' times. Everything is in a constant state of motion and flux. Change is constant.

As you travel through this time of change and upheaval in the financial markets many doubts may arise. You may need to remind yourself that this is a natural process. I encourage you to believe that only good will come. In order to survive and thrive believe that you are entitled to do that. I often say an affirmation that helps me when fears start to surface, "I am safe and all is well." This quick and easy thought reminds me that all is well and there is nothing to be afraid of.

When we realise that all we have is this very moment, what happens in the world around us seems less stressful. In this present moment you are safe and all is well. Everything else is either past (a memory) or future (hasn't happened yet and indeed will pass away). In this 'now' moment you are safe and all is well - always.

The challenge is to remember to stay in the present moment. I highly recommend refraining from watching television or listening to the news (try it for a week or so to see how it feels) - so that your mind can be free of these 'negative' influences. Then stay focused on what you desire and it will surely manifest for you.

Best wishes,

Mary King
www.maryking.com.au

Saving Your Self

noreply@blogger.com (Mary King) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:39:00 +0000

The current turmoil in the financial markets is causing concern to many. The investment clock is constantly moving and at this time with shares dropping and property stagnating, cash is king. I think the best thing to do is to reduce your debt as much as possible and save your money. Then when shares bottom and property becomes more affordable you will be in a better position to buy.

Many years ago I learned the importance of managing my income by building good habits to handle my money wisely. I started a little 'Jam Jar Bank' in my kitchen. I set up three jam jars and labeled them 'Saving', 'Investing' & 'Giving Away to Charity'. I took 30% off the top of my after-tax income. Because I had a valuable plan to follow I no longer had to 'worry' about my finances. I actioned the strategy and discovered there was always 'enough' for my needs. This saved me unnecessary stress and anxiety. (We demonstrate the Jam Jar Bank in the Rich is Better- Wealth for Women Workshop.)

I started to religiously put money into jam jars; no matter how little I had, I built the habit. I love my Jam Jar Bank and find it compelling fun to put money into my 'Freedom Fund' (Investing) Jam Jar every day. Occasionally it's a coin and usually it's a note. I happily go without a cappuccino so I can save the money. I'd rather buy another property, or travel overseas, with the money I save. When you build the habit, you too will love to put money away so that money can grow for you.

The memory that comes back to me as I write occurred a few years ago. I went to visit my daughter in another state at the Easter break. I was gone for a week. When I returned, I discovered a man had found my vacant apartment and moved in. He broke in by removing the louvre glass panes from a bathroom window. He said he was my brother. A tenant in a neighbouring apartment became suspicious and, when he saw my antique dining-room chairs being carried out, called the police. The police apprehended the suspect the next day and my chairs were returned to me. After getting over the shock of knowing a strange man had been in my bed, I went to the kitchen cupboard to check on my jam jars. They were still there and the money was intact. I took this to be a message from the universe that I was on track.

If someone wants to steal from you, I think it's important to know that you are not really losing anything. I believe everything in on loan to us anyway. We have the use of it for a while, and then it may be somebody else's turn. I think the main thing is to be grateful for what you have when you have it, and if someone takes it from you, something new and fresh can come in to occupy the space.

Instead of using Jam Jars you can use envelopes, plastic containers, moneyboxes or bank accounts. These days with Internet banking it is easy to transfer money between bank accounts. The principles remain the same. I personally feel that building the habit by using cash is a practical way to start. When you are in the habit of dividing your income in this way, you can move on to bank accounts. The important thing is to build the habit. Money will no longer be an issue that plays on your mind, causing you concern. Not only will you be saving money for your future you will also be saving yourself!

Living on the Equity in Your Real Estate

noreply@blogger.com (Mary King) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 22:42:00 +0000

Because property values normally double every 7 to 10 years one of the reasons for building a substantial property portfolio is that you can borrow against the equity that has accumulated in the properties, by taking out a line of credit. This is money you could live on.

This is passive residual income. You put in effort to buy the properties and as the equity grows over time, you are creating a passive income. You can then live (it may be simple living) on the extra value in your properties. The income from tenants pays the interest on the money you borrow. The more properties you own the greater equity you build. Passive income frees you up to live, to work at something you want to do or to build wealth in other ways.

In an article entitled How to Develop the Mindset of a Super Successful Property Investor Michael Yardney (www.PropertyUpdate.com.au) wrote "The rich know that as the value of their properties increases they can borrow against this increasing value. When they receive these borrowed funds they can take this money, without paying tax on it, and use it for whatever purposes they desire."

This growth in equity just happens. Sometimes there are periods when the property value increase moves slower than at other times, in fact it may even go backwards for a while, and then, invariably, growth returns again.

When you own property the banks are usually willing to lend you money by taking a mortgage over the property.

If you're still waiting to buy your first property, I believe a good time to buy is approaching. Save your deposit and then get ready. Start researching and preparing yourself to buy by doing your homework now.

Best wishes,

Mary King

Doing Everything With Nothing

noreply@blogger.com (Mary King) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:18:00 +0000

I'm sure you've heard the term 'Leverage'. It has become the buzzword frequently used to explain why it is often valuable to borrow to invest.

Leverage means doing more with less. In the context of buying property we use our deposit (less) to borrow the balance from the bank to pay the full purchase price (more).

Another universal principle (one that may be a new term for you) is the concept of 'Ephemeralization'. This is an idea coined by Dr. R. Buckminster Fuller to describe doing ever more with less.

In the past we had to spend large amounts of money to advertise a coming event with newspaper advertisements, printed flyers and extensive mailings. Today the internet allows us to reach massive numbers of people invisibly and practically cost exempt. Using the internet we can make 'free' calls using Skype, and send newsletters, audios, e-books, enrollment forms, receipts and flyers. Previously all these forms of contact added to the cost of doing business. Now there is a way to communicate that saves vast amounts of money.

As time goes on, we are starting to learn how to do everything with nothing.

This is a revolutionary idea. People are making fortunes with home-based businesses on the internet. An ordinary person (as distinct from a corporation) has the ability to connect with millions of prospects. This was previously only available to those who could afford to spend large amounts of money. Today everyone has the ability to attract business as long as they learn a few tricks of the trade.

In this information age, all you need to do is think, create and produce. You can write an article and turn it into an audio, a CD, a podcast, a newsletter, an e-book and a chapter for a book (to name some of the ideas). Put your thinking caps on and see what you can create. Think of how today we are starting to do everything with nothing. How can you make use of this principle in your life?

Best wishes

Mary King
The Power To Choose

A Time to Sow & A Time to Reap

noreply@blogger.com (Mary King) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:02:00 +0000

Some women are very capable of and excited to make inroads to build their wealth. They have ideas about what to do and are keen to get going. Underneath, there may be a fear of what life would be like if there is not enough money coming in, which drives them to succeed.

Many women in relationships or partnerships often feel as if they are dragging a dead weight with a partner who does not seem to be aligned with their sense of urgency. The partner may be depressed, disinterested and/or lacking initiative.

I have seen two women recently whose lives have things in common, even though the circumstances seem to be different.

Alice works hard and is full of energy and ideas. She has a positive attitude. Her partner has lost his job, has been out of work for several months and is somewhat depressed about his situation. She feels restricted by his negative attitude and is afraid her own vitality will be dragged down.

Jodie is also feeling frustrated with her partner who has been ill and spent time in hospital. They were not prepared for this break in income and, as a result, she is thrown into panic deciding what to do to bring in money to cover their debts. She starts a frenzy of activity to earn more cash.

Life is cyclical. There are times when money flows in; there is an abundance and good feeling. And there are times when ‘bad’ things seem to be happening – machines break down, accidents happen and bills appear as if from nowhere. When the ‘good’ times are current we hope they will not end, then the wheel turns to a new part in the cycle and life becomes a challenge. When we are in the trough it seems as if this challenging time is everlasting.

And yet, “this too shall pass.” No matter what, the end will come. Events and situations occur that lift us out of the depths.

There is always a way to benefit from the circumstance. It could be to just surrender. When we surrender we stop putting up resistance and we go into the experience to accept whatever we need to experience at the time. I believe everything happens for a reason. We may not know or understand the reason but often a ‘negative’ experience eventually becomes a great teaching for us. Sometimes the lesson may be to allow our partner to have his or her ‘episode’ and to stand strong in our own power. I’m not suggesting this is easy. I am saying the experience can be beneficial in the long run.

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My new book - Well Heeled & High Heeled - How to be a Wealthy Woman

I have just returned from time away writing my next book - Well Heeled & High Heeled - How to be a Wealthy Woman. It's in process. Would you be willing to comment on what information you would like to see in this book? I'll do my best to cover your question. You may comment by going to my blog and writing your request. This will really help me to supply the answers you, and other women, are looking for. Many thanks for your input.

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New Empower Magazine - available in newsagents and airports 23rd July

I've been invited to write as the 'expert' for the finances section of a new glossy magazine for women called Empower. The first edition is due out on 23rd July and will be available at newsagents and airports. Look out for it. It promises to be inspirational, motivational and offer excellent reading.

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Best wishes,

Mary King
Rich is Better - Wealth for Women
www.wealth4women.net

What Do You Do When You Don't Know What To Do?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary King) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 07:16:00 +0000

There are times in our lives when we know what is 'right' and what to do, and there are other times when the road ahead is not clear. Sometimes it is easy to make a decision and follow where it leads, and at other times it is unclear which path to take. When I don't know what to do next, I just attempt to stay in the state of 'not knowing'. Although relatively uncomfortable, it is also a healthy state to be in. I suggest you remain 'in process' while you are in that 'not-knowing' state.

Make valuable use of this time of 'not knowing'. Read, take courses, ask questions and remain open to new information and ideas to come to you.

Sometimes the way that will be opened to you hasn't appeared yet.

Some years ago I came back from a fabulous five-week trip playing tennis in Germany, Monaco and Switzerland to find an unsettled state where I had been working. I suddenly realised I needed to move on to having my own business. After giving a month's notice, I finished work on Friday and, as I had not yet found my new business, I applied for a position I saw advertised in Saturday's newspaper. The proprietor asked me to meet him with two references. On Sunday I rang a former employer who immediately offered me a partnership. He had been waiting for months for a resolution to his situation. On Monday, after looking at the business, he and I agreed to become partners. He said, "Where were you Marylou? What took you so long? I've been waiting for you." I replied, "I came as fast as I could."

The universe orders itself to arrange connections and sometimes one of us has to wait till the other is ready. So stay in the discomfort till the path ahead becomes clear. Then when you can see the way ahead there is no need to wait any longer. Take action!

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Testimonials from recent Rich is Better - Wealth for Women workshop

The last Rich is Better- Wealth for Women workshop was held in Melbourne in May at the beautiful Prana House. The participants gave glowing endorsements. Here are some testimonials:

"This workshop surprised me with just how good it is. Mary King has distilled mountains of brilliant information and presents it in a crystal clear and fun manner. She is authentically warm hearted and generous in delivering information and activities perfectly designed to help women get over their fears and hesitations about being wealthy. Every woman needs to do this course, the earlier the better!"
Libby Grace B.A.(Hons), MBA, Master Environ, Senior Supply Chain Consultant

"Mary is a warm generous presenter who imparts much wisdom and practical knowledge. I have attended many workshops in the past and found myself very pleasantly surprised with her methods; filled with fun and literally magic. And what really struck me was her disarming self-honesty which further proved her invaluable strength and expansive world and self-knowledge."
Jacquie Browne Better Life Expo

"Very thorough and comprehensive, thought-provoking and delivered with heart. Just the shot in the arm I needed to get back on track, motivated and committed to generating wealth for me. Thank you Mary. Excellent backup and resources. Fantastic value for money."
Sandra Boyd

"Rich is Better - Wealth for Women Workshop was an excellent opportunity to consider how we've arrived at the financial position we are now experiencing and it offered valuable tools and strategies to assist the participants to move forward in the direction they desire. Something for everyone! Good for you, for the wonderful work you are doing to assist people in being more responsible and abundant."
Julie Davey Best-selling international author A for Attitude

The next 2008 Rich is Better - Wealth for Women workshops are to be held in Auckland and Sydney in August, Brisbane in October and Melbourne in November. To find out early-bird dates and bonuses click here. The next Rich is Better - Real Estate workshop will be held in Melbourne in September. Numbers are limited. To find out early-bird date and bonuses click here.

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My new book The Path To Success is hot off the press, with great bonuses when you buy

I'm delighted to announce that The Path To Success that I co-authored with Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, Mark Victor Hansen and Brian Tracy (to name a few) has just been released.

The Path To Success provides 55 inspiring stories from highly successful people from all over the globe. In an open, honest way they each share their personal stories and the secrets they've used to generate a six or even seven figure income through their businesses as well as sharing personal stories of triumph over adversity.

The book costs $22.50. The bonuses that come with the purchase far outweigh your investment costs. To read the details and buy click here.

Best wishes,

Mary King

How to Clear Your Perceptions

noreply@blogger.com (Mary King) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:52:00 +0000

The benefit of time free of the influence of the media

Over many years and from several sources, the wisdom of avoiding TV, radio and newspapers has cropped up so often I am compelled to take notice. We unconsciously accept the limiting beliefs and fears propagated by these media. I was reminded to revisit a wonderful book I had read a few years ago Bringers of the Dawn by Barbara Marciniak. The book states "the effects of television are so permeating... you cannot counterbalance what the technology is presently doing to your vibrational frequency... If you really want to evolve, do not read the newspapers, do not listen to the radio, and do not watch television."

Periodically I have made the decision to take the advice. Then every now and again, I find myself propped up watching TV and spending hours reading the newspaper. Although up to date with current events, I notice my creativity and productivity start to suffer.

In March this year I attended the National Speakers Association of Australia Convention. One of the speakers was Randy Gage. You may have heard of him as a prosperity guru. He talked about a time in his life when he 'woke up' and, from that day on, ceased to watch TV or read the paper. Progressively his prosperity and creativity were ignited and he noticed his results begin to rocket skywards. He went on to become extremely wealthy. He now travels the world extensively teaching about prosperity.

I came home from the convention and cancelled the paper from Tuesday to Friday and have refrained from watching TV since! The weekend papers give me all the relevant information on property and the local real estate market. The benefits include that my mind is clear: I feel I can think and create. Another plus is just how much more I can achieve. I feel as if my life is in flow. Events that were blocked have fallen into place and many good things are happening.

The morning after the convention I sprang out of bed at 5.30am and went for an hour-long run/walk. By the end of the day I had booked flights to New Zealand and a venue to present the Rich is Better - Wealth for Women Workshop in Auckland. This was something I had been thinking about and had done nothing about.

Each day I am noticing little miracles. They are marvellous - inspiring and self-perpetuating.

I feel a trifle 'silly' or 'unpopular' as I write these words. The TV, the newspaper and the radio are so much a part of our everyday lives... and so insidious. How often does the TV/radio get switched on simply from habit? We are so captivated by the belief we will 'miss out' if we are not up with current news items.

Well, I have been thought 'odd' for a long time; so another little idiosyncrasy won't hurt at all. Why would I worry about not knowing what is going on in the world? Sooner or later somebody tells me anyway.

Recently I had a pile of ironing. To make the tedious job more enjoyable, I turned on the television. Frankly I was astonished at the unpleasant behaviour of the performers in the series and I turned it off before I had finished the ironing. This was not entertaining, interesting or informative. It was an assault on my spirit.

At that time I had been free of the influence of television for a couple of weeks, and found I was far more sensitive to what I was subjecting myself, when, while ironing, I tuned in.

I strongly suggest you give yourself the gift of time free of TV, radio and newspapers. Give it a go. The difference your life will present to you will astound you.

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Telstra Business Women's Awards

Recently I attended an ABN, Australian Businesswomen's Network, event at Sofitel entitled Shooting Stars. Winners of the Telstra Business Women of the Year spoke. What impressed me about these wonderful women was how like us all they actually are. A friend I invited along said she "found the evening both inspiring and comforting - the speakers were normal women having a go - just like me!" I would like to congratulate the women who won the awards and compliment Telstra on their choice. Interestingly, there are thousands of women recommended each year for this prestigious award. How encouraging for all women if Telstra published a list of all nominees. What an inspiration that would be!

The ABN encouraged women to submit an entry for ourselves. The process of looking at and listing your achievements is extremely valuable and beneficial. And something we don't do often enough. It is when we count our blessings, list our achievements and note our goals we are reminded of who we really are.

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I look forward to having you join us at one (or both) of the workshops.

Best wishes,

Mary King