37 Reasons | The Good News About Property – Part #3

Day Three in my series about my favourite 37 Reasons why you might come to our Money Gym Property Extravaganza in London on 21st March in aid of the Big Issue. The Incentives. The Bribes. And what whoppers they are!

http://www.themoneygym.com/events/property

In no particular order of importance – you must rate that for yourself:

1. Prizes totalling £42,500 and rising – from a holiday in one of the overseas investment properties, to portfolio places worth £10,000, to mentoring, books, Wembley tickets, coaching sessions, Belgian chocolates, audio CDs, days out, lunches, Money Gym memberships and products, a blog makeover or creation session worth £1200 – the abundance just keeps on rolling.  And because the number of raffle tickets is only one per delegate, the chances of you winning a big prize are 1 in 200. I hope you are visualising the one you want? Can you feel it?

2. Discounts – at least two of the speakers have created special discounted versions of their products and services specially for attendees, available uniquely on the day.

3. Free Money Gym Silver memberships for 90 days – a special promotion we have just launched. If you have booked your ticket and can persuade someone else to come too – via Twitter, your blog, word of mouth or email invitation and they quote your name in their booking, both of you qualify for free Silver membership of the Money Gym for 90 days.

4. Goody bags containing millions of pounds, credit cards, coins, magic pencils and that all important raffle ticket (see 1).

5. A free personalised follow-up phone consultation with me for all delegates. This is to help you to evaluate the investment opportunities we shall showcase that day, or provide you with the support you need to put either your first step on the property ladder or the next step.

Can you be bribed? Yes, me too! If the price is right…

http://www.themoneygym.com/events/property

I hope it’s YOUR number I pull from the champagne bucket.

Judith

PS I’m contemplating setting up a special accountability group for all those new SilverMembers we shall create that day… watch this space.

Money Gym Gold Video Entry – Hazel Croucher

And I think……..I think……..this is the last video entry.  Well done Hazel for breaking through and actually doing this!

Money Gym Gold Written Entry – Barry Curnow

And last but not least before the deadline was………Barry Curnow.  Barry says:

I came to London from the West Country 40 years ago with degrees in Economics and Organizational Psychology to seek my fortune. I am still actively seeking it! Having earned enough to retire by the age of 40, I chose instead to get married for the second time to my present wife. Our 21st wedding anniversary was on Christmas Eve.

In between I had a ‘successful’ corporate career as an international management consultant and am now a consultant to professional service firms. I was also volunteer leader of three UK and international professional institutes and co-authored several books on consulting and careers. I became a consultants’ consultant trading on my own account for the past 18 years: providing coaching, counselling , mentoring and psychotherapy by consultants for consultants and professional service firms and their clients. I have worked here in Europe and in Russia, China and the US.

The first low point was the collapse of my first marriage in 1981 from which I learned that it is no good being successful if you are flying all around the world and spend no time with your family.

The high point is the longevity and happiness of my (current) second marriage from which I have learned that happiness is priceless but it also has a cost and at this rate in the present economy I sometimes feel I shall never be able to retire , unless I win the competition and Nicola teaches me how!

The second (related) low point was having to sell our dream house in 2005 because we could no longer afford to keep it.

Of course Debbie Winterbourne is the favourite and I would vote for her too but I am going to ask you to vote for me.

Because what Debbie really needs now, even more than she needs Nicola is £12, 000 worth of consulting advice from me first! I have spent my life advising people how to build boutique service businesses with a value based integrity like Debbie’s and I can do it for her. That is what I do!

But what I really need is coaching from Nicola, now, so I can retire some day rather than go on working until I drop.

So Nicola, Debbie and all. Here is my proposition: vote for me and if I win, I will give Debbie £12,000 worth of professional consulting advice on how to build The Academy of Dreams.

It’s a win/win because our ages are the right way round and if Debbie wants further help after the £12k, then she can pay me in equity based incentive that will pay me something when I am old!

( Note to Debbie, I had seriously considered saying I would give you the business coaching anyway, which as a qualified Group Analyst and Psychotherapist and Certified Management Consultant-with a long Jungian analysis- I am well placed and keen to do-but if I did, people would have no reason to vote for me, so, sorry but I have to make it contingent!)

( Note to Nicola, I had seriously considered offering £12,000 worth of business coaching from me for you to offer as an extra prize to illustrate the win/win principle of leverage but if I did, you would have no reason to pick me and you might give it to someone other than Debbie who I would like to have a prize.)

So folks, for now, with only just over 20 minutes to go, my proposition stands.

I am interested in the internet and the stock market because I have already had 40 years of property and business. I want to build an internet business that draws on my face to face consulting to consultants business. The new frontier for the client consultant relationship management skills that I teach is social media/networking and Web 2.0.

Two for one Nicola! How about it?

Barry Curnow

Money Gym Gold Written Entry – Matthew Lloyd-Winder

Submitted before the deadline but after I went to party!  Here is the penultimate entry for the Money Gym Gold wealth coaching competition.  Cue……….Matthew Lloyd-Winder!

Hi Happy Christmas seasons greetings and a prosperous new year!

My name is Matthew Lloyd-Winder, I am a stained glass artist working in South Mimms and my company is http://www. Stainedglassstudio.Co.uk

I warn you this entry is interactive so switch off now if you cant take the pace!

You probably think I am mad but every morning I get up at 5.30 and go out for a cycle ride come rain or shine (if it is below zero I promised my family that I would walk instead because of my little accident last Jan the 6th when I skidded onto some ice in front of a gleaming silver 4 wheel drive Tonka trooper and got a little squashed – understatement- Although the pain was intense, lots of bruising, broken shoulder blade, and I had stay in bed for over a week- unheard of for a self employed person- I used the time to focus what I really wanted out of life, and after about3 months the pain subsided the neurofen was binned I could stand upright again and I felt I had made full recovery)

But I digress, the reason I go out in the first place is not to annoy my wife, – although it does- but to give myself an hour in a world that belongs just to me…

To stand in a field and perform a ritual-
(No not the one were I dance naked around a tree- but don’t let me stop you if you want to)
But one where I simply state; who I am, and my goals, both for today and long term.
Some days I feel that this Mantra works, and other days I know it does.
So now you know I am a bit nutty I would like to share some of it with you, because in a way it leads into why I am entering this competition.

(And by the way if you do the actions you’ll get more out of it)

So shut your eyes and start by imagining you are standing in a field under an oak tree, (open your eyes or you will never get to the next bit) (my mistake)  You have done your stretches watched the sun come up – or at this time of year the moon, stars or rain clouds. The world is quiet and you are centred.
Take in a deep relaxing breath and make your power move (sharp exhalation and explosive movement – hmm that sounds very wrong somehow)( nutter!) and speak the following words
“I am abundant in every good way,
Infinite money is mine to Earn, Save, Invest, Exponentially multiply and share.
I embrace abundance and abundance embraces me.” (I hug myself at this point and smile inwardly)
(The next bit is my own personal bit -but if it appeals to you too then be my guest)

“My Goal is complete financial independence in the shortest possible time frame in order that I may become an enlightened millionaire, and be in a position to share my wealth and abundance more effectively with the rest of the world.

See you feel good now -don’t you! (nod your head)

So why do I need to win?

I believe that winning this years gold level coaching would assist me immensely in my quest in obtaining financial independence because according to all the books, audio, emails and seminars that I have read seen and attended there is a consensus of opinion that states that no matter how good you are single handed, and how dedicated to achieving your goals you are, they become infinitely more accessible with coaching. (teamwork)

And whilst I feel wealthy in every other way, I am fed up with being financially poor.

Also most of my learning about wealth creation has been done in isolation I really want to receive support from confidant, competent teachers.

Why the Money Gym?

A coach from the money gym right now would be so good for me, as I am tuned into wealth creation, and am hungry to learn more, and Because, I trust the money gym.

Having received and absorbed Nicola’s regular emails I know -as you all do -that she is inspired, unique, and passionate about giving more value than seems possible.

As a result of her efforts

I have attended three amazing Money Gym workshops this year.

The first was a property day with Greg Ballard who was brilliant. He offered so much concise information in so little time! Mind blowing stuff really especially as the current economic climate is- “a little bit less than predictable”

As a follow on from that day

I also attended a Rent2own evening as recommended by Nicola, and was enlightened by Pat Cunningham as to how you can buy a house for a pound, and create positive cash-flow (win for you) in a deal that essentially also offers a win for the seller, and a win for the buyer. Win win win! What could be better?

The second workshop was Brett Mc Fall’s 2 day internet marketing seminar. Talk about paradigm shift in my awareness, I was absolutely blown away with the concepts, especially the accessibility of how easy it is to use the internet as a business tool.

Brett launched into the 2 day workshop with a passion to impart all his knowledge about making money whilst you sleep, and did it very effectively in bite sized chunks. I came away thinking Even I can do this! (And more importantly – I don’t feel the urge to buy an anorak!)

After Brett was done, came Tim Broklehurst and his Viral Spiral…. What a compliment to Brett’s information. Just as you thought you had seen it all, Tim took it into hyperspace! Describing how the essence of success on the net is growing a list, exponentially, and how he has developed systems to help you do it.

My final day out with the Money Gym was the Lets Talk money day in (Oct?)

In which a small group of members, and non members sat in a room together discussing money, sharing information, being led by Nicola and Judith, “The Governess” ( sorry Nicola but we all wander off occasionally) (especially me-Oops) with assistance from Annie K. The great thing about this day for me was how real people, from all walks of life, pulled together and offered support and encouragement to each other, in a non competitive way that resulted in everyone growing from the experience. (I did get a tear to the eye at one point)

Ok you ask why should Matthew win or even get my vote?

Well let me tell you.

I need to take more action, and I know with the aid of a coach, taking the steps that will propel me forward, will become a lot easier, less daunting, and faster. Having attended all of the above workshops and been inspired big time I still haven’t taken enough action because,have a problem around my neck in the shape of a hamster wheel.

Stained glass studio is and has been my only source of income for 29 years I am passionate about what I do and have made some amazing works of art for people, given employment to some great artists/ craftsmen, and intend to see that SGS continues to develop and become even more profitable.

But- it does seem to take all of my time, and the yield financially is not supporting my current lifestyle, let alone my dream of becoming an enlightened millionaire!

Through my desire to become financially independent, and the influence that the money gym has had on me to date, I have opened my eyes to two other lanes of the wealth superhighway and know that I must take action. I first want to develop an internet business as it will cost less to start up,(less risk) and I love the idea of doing the work once and being paid again and again, lots of Ideas to start with, and I then want to move into property, but this will need more finance to start with. I need assistance, with streamlining all these pieces of the jigsaw.

I will look at the stock market next year but don’t have any urgency on that one yet.

As I said in the beginning I want to be in a position where I can use my wealth and abundance more effectively with the rest of the world.

In other words I have a desire to contribute. And the best way to do that is take action, because in this world money talks.

My first action was to look at the things I wanted, and the financial list looked like this;

Make more money, buy a bigger house, a newer car, take proper holidays, buy organic food wherever possible, stay healthy, and send my three children to a good school. And be able to pay my bills on time, clear my bad debt.

This list felt good and I was more than half convinced that this was what I wanted.

But as time drew on I discovered that this was really only the start. It did not motivate 100% I didn’t feel great that the main beneficiaries were me and my immediate family.

So I asked myself again, and whilst the list above remained in place I also realised that as I grow I have a duty to assist others to learn and grow any way that I can. (To this end I have already started to contribute in small ways.)

You will know that the world has many worthwhile causes, many of which are no doubt dear to your heart.

My main goal, is to get wealth creation taught effectively in primary schools, as I believe in so doing, more abundance will be the result.

Look at us, we are all grown adults, floundering around in the richest time the world has ever known, restricted by our inhibitions, conditioning, and fears unable to embrace change, and learn at the speed of a child. Statistically about 95% of us in the UK will die poor, after a lifetimes graft, how crap is that?

But

Imagine if you had been educated at a very early age, about the positive effect money will have on you and your loved ones.

How being wealthy would assist you to help others live a better life too.

If this was true

Where would you be now? And how will the world be a better place? ( Interactive moment)

I want to walk the walk and talk the talk, -which means being financially independent, and the gold coaching will help me do that quicker.

In addition if I am the winner I pledge to give everything in my power to be the best coachee (!?)

Do the stuff that is needed, be there on time and give 1001% always.

And please note

As I am well aware of the effect of not having enough money has on a person I further pledge to ensure that I use my newly acquired learning to assist the money gym in their goal of creating a million millionaires by offering my skills free of charge if they want them, especially to those who cannot afford to pay up front for the knowledge.

So if you have been affected by any of the contents in this Christmas appeal….

Please call our help line and cast your vote fore me Matthew Lloyd-Winder (interactive bit the button down at the bottom of the page!)

P.S. If you have been- thanks for listening, and do have a fabulous new year full of everything you want- (except if it’s my prize of the gold coaching)

P.P.S. sorry it was a bit long winded (xxx)

Money Gym Gold Written Entry – Suzanne Barnett

Hi Nicola and all you lovely votees on this fantastic New Years Eve,

I have had two glasses of wine (very nice) and will be downing some champagne shortly, as we all should be to see this wonderful New Year in. I have been mulling over, toying with, cogetating and deliberating whether I should enter this competition or not. And……. finally GRTI (got round to it). Not through procrastination you understand, but through fear, fear of making a fool of myself, fear of stepping out of my comfort zone.

Well, here goes………huge step just been made. Firstly, I am considered to be a successful business women, running a training company that provides IT and Soft Skills training to various companies around the UK. I use mainly freelance trainers as I feel they can provide the best in up to date skills and they are adaptable to a customers needs. They are always fresh and enthusasitc therefore the customers always receives the best possible attention.

As for me, I feel I am the conductor of a very small ochestra ensuring that I find the right people, at the right time and ensure that they deliver the right course for the right organisation. I have also dabbled in Thought Field Therapy, which is a method of tapping on accupressure points that cures fears, phobias, anxieties, stress and many others. However, never quiet got that going as was always too busy on the training company and perhaps should have used it on myself more often. LOL

I would consider myself to be an entrepenuer, not very well educated, lots of common sense and loads of business ideas, and I’m full of fun. I am also the “best mum in the whole wild world” cos my eight year old daughter tells me, so it must be true (tongue in cheek)!

That’s pretty much as it is now – I was dragged up as opposed to brought up, although Mum didn’t do too much of a bad job as I am very well mannered at the dinner table. As for my lowest point, like many there are a few, but I guess for me my worst point has to be June of this year, when I was attacked by someone, which resulted in me having a broken arm and constant pain in my back. It put me into a few months of depression and wollowing in self pity. (Pleased to say I am out of that dark time) and on my way up and forward.

The highest point of my life is the birth of my daughter, I dreamt about her with auburn hair and blue eyes, the dream was very vivid and I was awoken by the pure excitement of the dream, woke up my husband and through tears of laughter told him we were having a little girl with auburn hair and blue eyes. THEN WENT INTO FULL BLOWN LABOUR AAAAGGGGHHH. She arrived……………with a mass of auburn (well gingerish) hair and blue eyes! How spooky.

What appeals most from the 4 wealth highway lanes…………….mmmm, part of my problem that I desperately need coaching with is the lack of decision making, I find that very hard. However, I am already an owner of a business that could be greately improved as we lost a major client last month and now I am practically down to zero income. I need help in gaining control over my finances as I have had considerable credit card debt. I say have had, as I just re-mortgaged my property to pay most of the debt off, which has left around 25K owing and a massive overdraft!!! Property …..I have and am receiving training in that area, but would need further coaching/gudance. Have not invested in shares at all (don’t know anything about it) and finally the internet.

That appeals to me most as it seems that it is possible to set up website(s) and make passive income, I really really want to earn money while I sleep. Really and truly though I want it all and I want to live, and have many belly laughs along the way.

Finally it is not only important for me to learn from YOU Nicola, but for me to pass on the knowledge I already have with the knowledge I will gain from this fantastic opportunity to get the stuff that is in your head into mine (hopefully).

Vote for me please everyone – it is NEW YEARS EVE and you’ll all have fun watching I promise.

Money Gym Gold Video Entry – Clare Hanbury-Leu

Good to see old friends getting involved in the Money Gym Gold Competition – here’s Clare’s

Money Gym Gold Video Entry – Amanda Steadman

Here is Amanda Steadman’s entry for the Money Gym Competition – now Amanda, did I say there was extra points for hats?

Money Gym Gold Written Entry – Melanie

Don’t you think reading the entries for the Money Gym Gold Competition is the best way to start New Year?  Inspiring, humbling, a great reminder to be grateful, for your warm houses, your loved ones, the glass of Cava, the TV, I’m feeling grateful for everything tonight!  Struggling to keep up with the entries flooding in but delighted you care enough to try for the competition and comment and vote.  Keep the comments and votes on each entry coming!

Melanie @ VintagePaint.com starts off……  “Born Virgoan – child of the 60’s modern linguist by education but always self employed and originally in a family business.  By 2000 I thought that my life’s path was generally sorted – business I loved , friends and family I loved and feeling reasonably financially stable.

Then personal Armageddon arrived – my father closely involved in the business became seriously ill with what was to become a distressing dementing illness. Our business imploded – I formed a pact with the devil and took in a venture capital partner only to become a victim of a palace revolution and find myself without my business, my livelihood and a financial wasteland via personal insolvency and industrial tribunals on the way– hero to zero in one quick move.

My business collapse was followed soon by personal tragedy – losing two of my closest friends within 12 months of one another. Everywhere I turned the whole structure of my life seemed to be collapsing in front of me rather like a deck of cards.

My father’s illness developed into dementia so that I became a carer whilst trying all sorts of jobs to make ends meet – supermarket shelves, multi level marketing – you name it I tried it with periods of extreme depression on the way – 5 years of lows you might say.

Somehow the desire was still there deep inside me to want to get back into trying to fulfil my business dream again even though I was stifled by fear and anxiety.

So, after my father died I started to develop my business idea based on real products but very much internet based.

Financial freedom still eludes me but I’m committed to keep on trying and the high point you can say is that I have discovered new and interesting relationships with lots of people out there to help and inner resources that I didn’t know that I had.
I’m interested in three lanes of the wealth highway – property – just trying to rent my house out at the moment and internet based business – I know that my business could really take off online and it would be a dream to learn so much more about internet business in order to transform business in 2009

Upward and onward!

Melanie

Money Gym Gold Written Entry – Carrie Eddins

Hi there lovely people, it’s Carrie Eddins here:) I am entering this amazing competition that Nicola has created as I believe it will strongly change my financial destiny beyond measure in 2009 and beyond.

I’m 33 and from Worcestershire, I have spent most of my life since graduating in Peace Studies in 2000, temping, coaching, and experimenting with entrepreneurial ideas. I found , life coaching, that is, something that I loved doing, but did not wish to do 24/7 as I always had lots of entrepreneurial ideas just waiting to burst out!! Unsure how to express my creative and entrepreneurial side and see the value in it, I spent a large part of four years go in and out of jobs trying to see how I could deliver my gifts, but sadly not seeing the results that I desired Even in coaching, I found it very restrictive and not helping me to make a living out it .

my lowest point came in the middle of 2006, when I failed my IVA, and so was made nearly bankrupt, and with no savings, and no assets, as everything I earned and received from my grandparents I had invested in courses or to keep the wolves from my door with my bills.My credit rating could not be lower, I did feel like a big pile of wasted energy for quite a while! And I owe my mum a LOt of money for her generous support for too long now. At the time, I really started to question why I had given up coaching and even some regular work for my secret experiment! I even gave up a lot of socialising as I simply did not have the funds, and a love life, I did not have the funds for romance! but you know what, this year, made me realise that every single ounce of my sacrifice, however crazy at the time was worth it.

why?

Well, in early 2004, I decided to do a life detox to see how I could improve my life. What I discovered was that I had a glaringly obvious addiction that I had failed to notice! My addiction to chocolate! So, I set up my own ‘chocolate rehab clinic,’ at home to see how I could overcome my addiction to chocolate. This journey has led me to many ‘aha,’ ,moments that I have recorded in my forthcoming book ‘chocolate rehab.’ I looked at my addiction on a mental, emotion, nutritional, relational, sexual, energetic, spiritual, financial and lifestyle level so as to learn how to indulge less in chocolate and more in life!!

my highest point…..

I was very, very fortunate to be supported to go to Australia this May, to speak at the Sydney Mind, Body & Spirit festival and meet hundreds and hundreds of straight-talking Aussies who told me my idea ‘chocolate rehab,’ was great! Wow, I felt that I had won a personal lottery, all of my sleepness nights, and sacrifices had been worth it for that valuable feedback from these total strangers:) Then, on returning to the UK, I even got invited on the Alan Titchmarsch show, which seems likely to happen now in January- which is amazing given that no-one has seen my book, it’s out next month! I have even peaked the interested on BBC radio four women’s hour, which my mum a regular listener is thrilled about!! I have also featured on international radio, national radio, and regional radio too, and in various oversees and local publications!! I have now planned for many different spins offs from chocolate rehab- such as chocolate rehab for kids, as lots of kids asked for it, chocolate rehab for men, chocolate rehab t-shirts with my message of : ” Chocolate Rehab- to have more satisfaction, less doubt, more orgasms, less boredom, more energy, less lethargy!, ” Chocolate Rehab bath oil, with a lady from the money gym e-group, a boardgame, amongst many other opportunities!!

I know, deep down that it might have taken me a lot, lot, longer to reach this very exciting point in my life, without having Nicola Cairncross on my radar. She’s an inspiration, who I find truly tremendous, I have felt this for quite a few years now, that she’s like a Bob Bowan of wealth coaching and I know that I would not be who I am today without knowing about her. I remember her saying about the importance of finding a niche, and getting know in it, not just a product! so I have followed her example, Chocolate addiction is a niche and an untapped market which I am truly excited about entering!! All thanks to Nicola’s guidance from a far:)

For me winning this competition would enable me to work closely with this ‘Olympic coach,’ on Internet business initially, and then on property once I have created more financial stability! I would like to set up a membership site for Chocolate Rehab and build a business around using Goddess energy and Goddesses to market to women, as women are most definitely from Venus and Men are from Mars. We actually receive and process information differently, so this needs to be reflected in our marketing. This is something I am very excited about launching in 2009, and with Nicola’s support, I know it will really be considerably smoother.

Why Vote for me folks?

Well, I am prepared, like Michael Phelps was to give it everything I have got, I have been on the sidelines on the Moneygym community for a few years now and I am keen to move my life forward financially as that is the only area that is now holding me back! I will offer you all with the videos and feedback the ugly, and uncomfortable bits, so that you can see that I am really growing and offer as much nuggets of wisdom that I experience through this incredible process as possible! With quite a bit of humour, as I feel that’s a good way to learn, and I am not adverse to been chuckled at, if that will help people then I will do it, I might even create a few comedic videos about it as we often learn a lot when relaxed and laughing!! ,And laughing helps me too!! lol..

anyway I digress.. The other thing is that I will pledge if I win, to give 5% of my profits from working through the money gym coaching to the Primrose Hospice which is local to me, providing comfort and support to those in the latter years of their life, and also to the Animal Healing trust, who help heal animals, locally, ran my my Reiki Master, Sue Guessey and her Partner Richard Keogh.
And finally, in a spirit of abundance I pledge to generate a year’s worth of coaching to donate to someone else, the how part I will work out later, as I feel even more so that ever before it is vitally important to give back, and the above are a few of my little ways of doing so:)

I am ready to step up to the challenge of ‘ eight olympic gold medals,’ like Phelps was, I am willing to do absolutely everything Nicola says, firstly that will involve getting a webcam, my person had last minute problems, who was going to lend it to me, but not to worry, I trust in the universe that the person meant for this fantastic experience will get it!!

Happy New year to you all, may it be the best possible year for you and may all your most exciting ideas and possibilities be realised!!

Namaste, giggles & Light,

Carrie Eddinsxx
http://www.chocolaterehab.com

Money Gym Gold Written Entry – Kate Bushell

Hello Nicola and the Money Gym team. My name is Kate Bushell and this is my entry for the Money Gym Gold Membership Competition.

My background so far is that whilst I left school with a respectable clutch of qualifications, I knew that higher education was not for me. I attended a one year Private Secretary’s course, passed with flying colours and walked straight into a PA job at the young age of 19. It was an eye opener for me, having spent 5 years safely tucked away at a boarding school in the middle of nowhere. Needless to say I was not very streetwise and had a huge amount to learn.

Many years later following promotions into office management and then an offer of a job in a specialised area of law within a company for whom I was already working as an office manager, I became self-employed as a typist and alongside this for a short while I had a go at network marketing as I could see the benefit of passive income. During this time I also attended a Tony Robbins fire walk and following on from this signed up to his full Life Mastery seminars.

I sold my home in Leicestershire in 2003 and as my mother had kindly offered me a home with her in Cambridgeshire whilst I looked for my dream home in Suffolk, I took her up on it and took the opportunity to realise some of my travel dreams. I stumbled across an advert from a sailing school and booked myself onto their yachtmaster training course which entailed spending 3 months sailing around Britain (with 5 men I’d never met before) on a yacht 40 feet in length. It was a great lesson on how to get on with people living in a very small space!

In between my travels I also found The Money Gym and have attended both a Money Gym open day and Passive Investments open day knowing that whilst I very much enjoyed my typing work, I was still exchanging time for money and I didn’t want to be doing this for the rest of my life.

My low point came in December 2006 when a very minor car accident set off a flare up of a pre-existing inflammatory condition and left me completely bed bound for 3 months. I began to recover and a friend very kindly offered to take me on a holiday for a week to Suffolk. I had a quick look on the internet and found some properties to look at whilst we were there. One of them suited all my requirements and after a bit of negotiating, the two bedroomed bungalow became mine in August. To coincide with the purchase of my home, I also remortgaged a buy-to-let property which I had bought in 2004 with the intention of purchasing another investment property. However a severe reaction to the prescription drugs which were keeping my inflammation at bay meant that I had to stop taking them and the inflammation was again left raging out of control. Fortunately, when I went for an emergency appointment at Ipswich Hospital the rheumatology assistant noticed that I possibly needed both hip joints replaced and this was confirmed by x-ray. So this was why I’d had so many problems with walking!

This year, 2008, the year of my 40th birthday I became the proud owner of a new pair of hips. I have been able to bring the inflammation under control by way of diet and whilst I am still not able to drive at least I am now able to use public transport to get about. With me not having had an income whilst I was unwell, and still unable to work, the equity I had released from the investment property was used to pay for my care and general living expenses.

What have I learned from this experience? That having a good team around you is essential, and a good sense of humour is helpful when things get a little undignified!! I know that I had become a bit too comfortable living at mum’s and being unwell pushed me into taking action.

My current goals are to find a way of producing an income so that I can cashflow further property and stockmarket investment without having to get a job. My main interest is property, however the wealth highway lane which scares me most is the internet although this is the one I need to learn about first as it will enable my other goals to be reached.

High points in my life have been my move to Suffolk which had been a goal of mine for several years; I can’t believe how happy I have been here from the first day I moved in, and my friends who are a continuous high point and whom I value highly.

Winning Membership of Money Gym Gold and the coaching will be tremendous for me as I am at a point in my life where effectively I am in a position to start from afresh, with a clean canvas in front of me on which to paint an amazing life.

Happy New Year to you all.

Kate

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