Unshakable Dreams | Giving Your Dreams A Financial Foundation

Taking One Step Forward And One Step Back

Written by Darrin Greene · Leave a Comment

step forward 300x199 Taking One Step Forward And One Step Back I don’t know about you but I get very discouraged when I’m working hard at something only to see no progress.

Here’s what I mean: Some time ago my wife and I had the revelation that using debt to become financially well off wasn’t working for us. We decided to stop going further into the hole and to go the opposite way. It was one of the best decisions we could have made.

So we started down that journey but we quickly found out that just because we stopped digging a hole didn’t mean anything unless we started to fill it back in. We overlooked the fact that trying to maintain the same lifestyle with buying clothes, eating out and even going on trips wasn’t going to cut it. At the time we didn’t see the problem with continuing to buy these things because we were using cash. The thing was, our debt load wasn’t changing (sure we were paying the minimums but that’s only there to keep you in debt as long as possible) and this was where we felt like we were taking one step forward and one step back. Discouragement quickly set in. It wasn’t until we made some changes to our lifestyle that we started to see any real progress.

How do you avoid finding yourself and your family stuck in this trap? You have to do what it takes. Ladies, if that means not buying that purse because it goes with your jacket or guys, not buying the latest fishing lure, then so be it. It’s only for a season so the uncomfortable position that you have found yourself in can be cleaned up. The bigger the price that you pay to win, the quicker you will be at the place you are dreaming of.

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Keep It Simple

Written by Darrin Greene · 2 Comments

Slow 300x199 Keep It Simple Keeping things simple is key when it comes to making financial decisions. Before my wife and I had a clue, I was waist deep in books and other information about how I could manipulate our money so we could be financially independent asap. Whether it was in real estate, stocks, currency, or some other thing that I saw on midnight cable. I really was all over the map trying out new things.

A few years later, when we came to the understanding that things weren’t happening the way the books led us to believe, we slowed down and started to take one step at a time. The surprising thing was, our net worth started to go up. Funny how things began to work out for us when we stopped listening to the get rich quick stuff.

Not sure what direction to go? Try keeping it simple and have a solid foundation before you move on.

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008 Unshakable Dreams Podcast – Should You Use A Financial Planner?

Written by Darrin Greene · Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Show Topics:

My family’s new website – Our360Family.com
Should you use a Financial Planner?

My family has started a new website called Our360Family.com. We are on a journey like everyone else and this is one of the ways that we want to keep ourselves accountable. Our hope is to become a better us and to possibly encourage others to do the same.

I also talk about when it’s the best time to use a Financial Planner. With the vast majority of Financial Planners selling you a product in hopes of fixing your problem, you may find yourself right back where you started. There’s definitely a place for them in your financial journey – it’s a matter of knowing when the right time is and finding one that wants to serve you and not just sell you a product.

If you have any questions or comments you can email me at, feedback@unshakabledreams.com. You can also connect with me on Facebook or Twitter.

Don’t want to miss an episode? You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.

I hope that you have a great week and thanks for listening.

5 Things To Do When You Feel Confused About Making A Decision

Written by Darrin Greene · 4 Comments

1. Take your time/sleep on it – Making a decision off the cuff can often lead to something that seems right now but in the long run, may bite you. This is not to say to put things off and not think about them but rather take time to know your facts. 2. Gather more information – Having information gives you power to make the right decisions. This will enable you to have more options. 3. Talk it over with your spouse – Marriage is a great thing. There are a lot of things that my wife picks up on [...]

007 Unshakable Dreams Podcast – Reaching Your Dreams When Life Is Busy – Using Google To Communicate With Your Spouse

Written by Darrin Greene · Leave a Comment

Show Topics: Reaching your dreams when life is busy Using Google to communicate with your spouse Life is busy. How do you stay consistent when more things are added to your calendar? Sometimes you can’t but it helps to not lose sight of the big picture. You have to take one step at a time. If you don’t, it is so easy to watch your dreams slip away. When you find that there is some downtime coming your way, filling it in with something that is life giving is very beneficial. This last week when I had some free time, [...]

Pick Up The Phone

Written by Darrin Greene · Leave a Comment

How many times does the phone ring and either you don’t feel like getting off of the couch, don’t feel like talking, or you don’t want people to know you’re home? Hey, I only blog about things that I experience and do myself – I’m with you on this one. Here’s what amazes me. It only takes one second, one action and even one conversation to change your life. I know that some will think that one thing will always be negative, but what fun is life when you’re thinking like that? Start to step out of your comfort zone. [...]

Credit Score And Credit Card Points

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Two things that both the financial industry and our culture have sold us are: build your credit score and use a credit card so you can get points while you do it. Believing these two things may be holding you back from the life that you really want. Here’s why: Your credit score / FICO score is built from 5 categories: 35% – Payment history 30% – Amounts owed 15% – Length of credit history 10% – New credit 10% – Types of credit used The MYTH has been that if I have a high credit score I am [...]

Is Money Hindering Or Enhancing Your Dreams?

Written by Darrin Greene · Leave a Comment

Stepping out and making your dreams become reality is a courageous thing to do. Years back when Laurie and I made the decision to start living out our dreams, without a doubt money was hindering us. It’s not that we didn’t have some money. I mean, we took out a 16,000 dollar loan and I quit my job. What could go wrong? Well, let me tell you. That money disappeared in a few short months while we chased the ideas that were in our heads, and all that we really had to show for it was receipts. But at least [...]

006 Unshakable Dreams Podcast – How To Quit The Job You Hate

Written by Darrin Greene · Leave a Comment

Show Topics: Why are so many people trading freedom for the so called security of a job that they hate? In this episode I share a few steps to take that will enable you to leave the job that you hate and step into something that will give you purpose. I don’t think that you should feel trapped in a job but I also don’t think you should leave one just because you don’t like it. It’s all about having a plan. So the question is, do you feel trapped in a job that you hate? If so, are you [...]