The Hidden Money

The Hidden Cost of "Stuff"

In all the years I helped people get loans to buy properties and businesses, and even more recently in my digital business - the most common things I hear when speaking to new and aspiring business owners about funding their ‘ownership’ goals is:  "I don't have the money" or “I can’t afford it”.

I get it - I've been there too.

But here's what I've learned: sometimes our biggest financial opportunities are hiding in plain sight…

Back in 2012 when I first met my husband, I’d been living paycheck to paycheck but always had a really nice car (fully financed of course!). So when we started making serious goals on where we wanted our lives to head financially - I had to make some radical choices.

I sold my expensive car and with the proceeds I bought an older model that I could pay with cash. I stopped buying designer clothes, and I got brutally honest about my spending habits.

One of the main goals we had around this time was to start getting into property investing. At the time we didn’t own our own home yet and could barely afford a down payment - so we got creative: we bought a property in a more affordable area with a 3-bedroom main house and a separate 1-bedroom cottage in the back yard. We lived in the tiny, dated cottage out back and rented out the larger main house to cover all our costs.

It certainly wasn't glamorous, but it put us in a position to renovate, add value, and use the equity to purchase the next property.

It got us our start in real estate investing, and enabled us to go on to purchase multiple rental properties over the years.

You’ve got to ask yourself - how badly do you want this new life for your future? If nothing changes…then nothing changes.

The Hidden Money Formula

It may not be a pleasant thought, but the truth is many of us live beyond our means. Expensive cars and toys with finance against them, high rent in upscale neighborhoods, or a mortgage on a house that is barely affordable and leaves you stretched. Sometimes ‘getting ahead’ takes real sacrifice and digging deep to get honest with yourself...

Through my journey and helping hundreds of others, I've identified the main places most people have hidden capital:

1. Expensive Toys

   • Jet skis, snowmobiles, four-wheelers, boats

   • Classic cars or project vehicles

   • Specialty tools or equipment

   • Designer clothes, shoes, bags

   • Think monthly debt payments + maintenance costs + storage fees

2. Lifestyle Upgrades

• Luxury car payments

• Oversized housing costs

• Premium subscriptions

• High-end electronics

The Millionaire Secret

You know what's fascinating? The truly wealthy often live far below their means. They understand something crucial: Every dollar tied up in depreciating assets is a dollar not building your empire.

You might have heard the story about Warren Buffett - despite being one of the wealthiest people in the world (worth over $100 billion!), he still lives in the same house he bought in Omaha, Nebraska in 1958 for $31,500. He drives modest cars, often keeping them for years, and famously gets his breakfast regularly from McDonalds.

The Mindset Breakthrough

Here's the truth: Finding money for your business isn't just about selling stuff, and you don’t need to be as frugal as Warren Buffet either! (I’m definitely not).

It's about developing the eyes of an owner - seeing resources where others see status symbols, and opportunities where others see sacrifice.

This Week's Power Moves:

1. Complete a Deep Dive Audit

2. Identify your top 3 money-draining items

3. Calculate your potential "freedom fund"

4. Make one decisive move toward converting an asset to opportunity

_{*This blog provides general information and personal insights for educational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Always consult qualified professionals before making financial decisions based on your unique situation.}