Dave Ramsey occasionally mentions a quote that goes something like this

There is a place to go when you’re broke.  To work!  It’s a surefire money making scheme.

I’ve written quite a bit around not being satisfied to earn at or below the poverty level.  Some of you are probably thinking that what I’m saying is good but are wondering how in the world you can make some more money.  Here are a few thoughts on how to make more money.

  1. Work more hours.  Unfortunately this is not a long term solution if you’re already working forty or more hours a week.  Anyone can work the occasional 60-80 hour week.  Doing so, day in and day out, year after year will eventually take it’s toll on you.  Mentally, physically and spiritually.  So while this will work for a short time, and possibly even a year or two, it’s definitely not at the top of my list as a long term strategy for financial success.
  2. Start or purchase your own business.  When most people think about starting their own business they tend to think Walmart size.  What do I mean?  Walmart sized thinking is the idea that you need to start out large in order to be successful.  Statistically speaking, however, most employers are small business owners, not Fortune 500 companies.  This sounds like a possible option for us.
  3. Find a career you want to try.  Then assess how people make money in that field.  Find out what kind of education or training the successful people in the field have had.  Find out what they did to get where they are.  One way to gather this information is to personally buy the person lunch in exchange for picking their brain.  Finally, put a plan into place to become one of them.  This plan could take anywhere from days to several years.  The key is to start today.  This plan is a possible option as well.

Items 2 and 3 are very related.  You could even say that 3 may come prior to 2 depending on what you decide you want to try.  Here’s the deal, if you make less than $30-40k a year, you need to be putting plans into place to double your income in the next five years.  I want you to be earning 50-80k or more five years from today.  It will take work.  It will likely even take some long hours from Item 1 in the list.  You can do it, you can change your future!  BUT You must start today.