Steve Sanchez
GCN Live.com

At every turn we hear how bad our economy is with the experts saying the worse is yet to come.

Initially, we allow all the thoughts of doom, gloom and despair to rear its ugly head. Then, after the hysteria settles, we look at our life both financially and emotionally and we wonder if were on the right track or just getting by. We ask ourselves and/or our significant other: “Is there more to life than this and will we have an economic future as our parents and grandparents did.”

For the first time in decades, college graduates are finding themselves without a job to go to aside from flipping burgers at the local fast food chain all while facing mounting student loan debt. Families are stressing on how they will pay for college, yet alone will they be able to save enough for retirement. Job security, if that is even a term anymore, is on the minds of those fortunate enough to have employment.

I personally believe more than ever that it is time we step up and create our own economic certainty, but it will take a different set of rules, thinking and living. Right now, more than anytime in history, is the perfect time to look at creating a home based business to help achieve the economic security that the generation before us enjoyed. Now of course this may not be the game plan for all, but for many who have asked the very question “Do I have and economic future?” this may be what the doctor ordered.

Now that you have decided that this may be the road necessary to travel to insure your economic security, you may be asking where do I start? The first thing I would recommend is to think about what your passion or hobby is and ask yourself if that could be a viable home business to start inexpensively. Another idea is researching online some highly rated home-based business or network marketing opportunities. WHAT? Did he say network marketing? YES! One of the best 21st century business models is, in fact, network marketing. In fact, Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki wrote a book stating this very thing and what a tremendous opportunity this industry can provide for the right people with passion and perseverance. Just think about all the people you may know or have the opportunity to talk to that are like-minded, which, in essence, is what that business model needs to have you successful. Of course, you want to make sure that the company you choose has a great management team, training and product to give you the tools to be successful.

For others, a business may not be in the cards but you still have the fear of not having the security you want for your future. This may take you making decisions such as downsizing your current home, driving a more reasonable car and saving as much as you can after any debt you have is paid off. “I know this sounds easier than it really is,” you may be saying, but as I see it there is no other way aside from hitting the lottery to take control of our financial futures. We cannot rely on the government to take care of us as they may have done the previous generation. With social security practically insolvent, a weak dollar and tremendous debt that our country faces we are now forced to take our own economic security into our own hands. Of course these issues we face are not easy and I will never pretend that they are, but sitting still and not making an attempt to making choices to insure our economic well being is worse than not trying at all. When I look in the mirror, I want to be able to say that I may have not succeeded in a business endeavor, but at least I didn’t wonder if I could have or not. Life is an adventure and sometimes we are not dealt a fair hand, but every day we wake up and the good Lord gives us another day we have the opportunity to do something more, be something more and have the freedom in this great country to try it win or lose.

So, the next time you ask yourself “Do I have an economic future,” your answer will be predicated on your decision to move or stand still. I choose move… how about you?

Remember, opportunities don’t go away; they just go to someone else.

Steve Sanchez is the host of the Steve Sanchez Show, which airs on GCN Saturdays 9:00a-11:00a Central Time. Listen to the show On Demand.

The above article is merely opinion and Steve Sanchez is not offering investment advice and suggests you seek counsel from the proper professionals with the correct licenses that can help you determine your goals and objectives.

Like GCN Live on Facebook and follow on Twitter for more great news, opinions, and announcements from GCN Live’s hosts and staff.

Steve Sanchez
GCN Live.com

With our world off its financial rocker, is it any wonder why the average American family is in debt up to its eyeballs and the average savings is lower than it’s been in 50 years.

There is a constant need in many American families to buy more stuff and to have more stuff than their neighbor. This mindset has become generational with Mr. and Mrs. Baby Boomer and Mr. and Mrs. Gen-X’er passing down to their children the same sloppy, undisciplined mindset in regards to fiscal responsibility.

Now movements, due mostly to the entitlement mindset that typically was taught at home has surfaced like the ‘OCCUPY WHATEVER SOUNDS COOL AT THE MOMENT MOVEMENT’ which has now brought the irresponsibility to the streets in a neighborhood near you. Why has this happened? Where did it start? Is it too late for America to find its center core once again?

I believe the far left political establishment has done a brilliant job in our schools with indoctrination of what financial utopia is supposed to look like; thus the entitlement mentality movement picketing in the streets. Couple this with our elected officials both on the right and the left who have not in recent years shown a proper example with how the peoples’ money should be handled, is it any wonder why the American family should care? Our government is in debt, many corporations are in debt and most American families are in debt. So where do we look to for sound advice to get us disciplined with our finances and ultimately get us financial freedom.

I think we first need to seek out those that talk the talk and walk the walk. Those that have real life experience that can share insight, strategies and help place us into an overall plan to accomplish our goals and objectives. We then, need to demand the same from our elected officials and that means voting for the right candidate that lines up with bringing America back to a foundation of low taxes, pro-business growth, a balanced budget, reducing our national debt and fixing the social security system. We cannot comprise in any of these areas any longer or the America we grew up in will be Greece faster than you can say, “Let’s eat a GYRO!”

I also believe that demanding our schools to teach our children personal finance from middle school on would be of great value. Another value that I believe would benefit the American public would be a mandated all day class teaching the value of home ownership, being out of debt and the basics of investing before any of these major purchases could be made. Many may say, we don’t need any more mandates, but after being a Financial Consultant for better than 20 years I believe it would be of great value to many families and would help prevent many errors in the financial basics.

We have to understand that it is our responsibility and ours alone to provide financial peace of mind for our family. Of course, we want to benefit from the social security system that we are forced to pay into and this is why it is more crucial now than ever that we have the right resident in the White House. If that doesn’t concern you then maybe the $5.00 per gallon gas your paying when you fill your tank might… AREN’T YOU FEELING IT AT THE PUMP?

If I can leave you with anything it is that we all have our share of failures and success (me included) when it comes to finances. What is important to remember is that, regardless of your past errors or where you came from, this does not define who you are and who you’re called to be in any area of your life. Teach your children the value of money and what is important in terms of its use. Teach them that we are to live within our means and competing with the Jones’ leaves you many times with a nickel in one pocket and lint in the other. For you as parents remember, the Bible teaches that we are not to be slaves to debt. It also leaves us men – who are the ultimate leaders of our home – with great insight: A good man will leave an inheritance to his children’s children.

In the end, until our fiscal responsibility in our own homes is in order, you cannot demand or expect our governments to have its in order.

Steve Sanchez is the host of the Steve Sanchez Show, which airs on GCN Saturdays 8:00a-10:00a Central Time. Listen to the show On Demand.

The above article is merely opinion and Steve Sanchez is not offering investment advice and suggests you seek counsel from the proper professionals with the correct licenses that can help you determine your goals and objectives.

Like GCN Live on Facebook and follow on Twitter for more great news, opinions, and announcements from GCN Live’s hosts and staff.

Steve Sanchez
GCN Live.com

Yes, the title is meant to get your attention.

How true is this statement though? What does it mean exactly? Well, after spending the better part of 20 years being in the financial business before getting behind the microphone, I worked with many people helping them achieve their financial goals and objectives. Through this, I came to realize that regardless of financial background or income that most people are broke in their finances. Now broke doesn’t always necessarily mean you are hanging on the financial ledge, but it does mean that if we are not good stewards of what God has trusted us with – no matter how big or small – we can find ourselves broke emotionally, spiritually, as well as financially.

I have counseled with people making $50,000 per year that have little debt, own two homes and have ample savings towards retirement. I have also counseled with many that earn high six-figure incomes with tremendous debt, leveraged to the hilt in their homes and no savings. After carefully studying each demographic I have come to the conclusion that it is truly perspective on how one views money. Of course I have seen the roles reversed as well where the lower income family is living above their means not getting ahead while the high-six figure earner has achieved their ideal lifestyle. Again it always boils down to perspective and the decisions one makes with spending habits, investing, etc.

When we talk perspective, we also have to look at how the political landscape views the demographics of America. Today we hear more and more, especially from our left leaning friends, how the nasty rich are living the high life all while middle America is being rubbed out and the poor continues to be trampled on. I still haven’t been able to swallow the definition of rich that the left has tried to make you believe has it so much better, all while calling for this group to spread their good fortunes to those that are down on their luck or disadvantaged. What the left many times fail to realize is that the so called rich is Mr. and Mrs. Small Business; IE: middle America, the very group they saying their trying to defend. They are so out of touch, that they don’t look at the sacrifices this group endures. This group is too small to get the special interests of large corporations, but too big for any government help. Working for years as I have with these groups (small business) after expenses, employees, insurance and taxes the bottom line isn’t that grand… thus broke at a different level.

From the outside looking in, many times we believe success to look one way, but all along it’s not what we thought or envisioned. Many times the blue-collared union worker has a better bottom line than many of our small business.

So circling back to our perspective on money and how we handle debt, how we work with what has been placed in our hands is how we determine how fruitful we will be. For me personally, I have had tremendous successes and tremendous failures over my 20 years in business and media. This certainly wasn’t because I was not intelligent or not a good steward of money, but because I was and still am a risk taker and consequences – good bad or indifferent – come from these types of decisions; decisions that risk-takers take. In essence, I’m one of the small businesses of America that doesn’t get the special interests favors from Washington when we make bad decisions. Like many of you, I never received a stimulus check or a bail out from the government. Like you, I have worked with what God has entrusted me with. The great news for me and the great news for you is that God is still in the business of raising up what I call “last days warriors” that he wants to prosper. I also believe there is a shaking going on in America and the righteous will have wealth transferred to them! Oh no, he couldn’t go a whole article without throwing religion into the mix. Truthfully, I couldn’t help it and I don’t apologize for it! I figure you have to believe in something, so why not believe in the God that created the universe, which includes you and me! If some want to believe they were birthed from a guppy in a pond, more power to them. For me, I believe that although times are tough in this economy, we can endure and preserver. We have to work hard at being out of debt, forgiving those that may have wronged us with our money and most importantly forgive ourselves for mistakes and bad decisions we may have made in the past.

What’s great is our past doesn’t dictate our future and we can pick up and start from where we are at and being content with what God has trusted us with. When we prove ourselves with little than I believe we will be trusted with much. Once we as a culture can get to that place – the place of contentment, not competing with the Jones’, and not seeing ourselves as broke but restored – then I believe we can live a very fulfilled life.

Remember, it’s not how we start; it’s how we finish!

Steve Sanchez is the host of the Steve Sanchez Show, which airs on GCN Saturdays 8:00a-10:00a Central Time. Listen to the show On Demand.

The above article is merely opinion and Steve Sanchez is not offering investment advice and suggests you seek counsel from the proper professionals with the correct licenses that can help you determine your goals and objectives.

Like GCN Live on Facebook and follow on Twitter for more great news, opinions, and announcements from GCN Live’s hosts and staff.

By Steve Sanchez
GCN Live.com

Most people reading the title might say, “Oh no are we going to get Christianity shoved down our throats”…

The truth is, it’s a question and issue that deserves some discussion since over 76 percent of people in America consider themselves Christians. The reason I thought I would touch on this and bring clarity and awareness to many people is because there are so many families facing economic woes today due to the Wall Street Casino, our Government being out of touch with Main Street, and for many American’s receiving bad advice from so called financial experts.

I was reading an article that stated that a recent survey found most Americans would rather receive financial advice from Donald Trump or Kim Kardashian rather than the Bible. Many of you may even agree with this survey, but I will tell you why I don’t and why you shouldn’t either, especially if your one of the 76 percent that calls yourself a Christian.

First, if we look at the Bible from the perspective of an ancient book of knowledge and take the religious elements away from it, one can hardly argue that this book does not contain context, insight, and the highest forms of wisdom.

Passages, such as being a good steward of one’s resources, staying out of debt and giving to those in need is hardly the wrong type of advice. How about the passage of a good man leaving an inheritance to his children’s children? This seems to be sound advice for us as men on how important it is to leave our grandchildren resources to continue with going to college, starting a business, being charitable, etc… As women, the value of making a dollar stretch and living within a budget seems very mainstream to me.

It’s undeniable that many of the parables we quote and live by today came from the Bible. Of course one could say; Steve I’m an Atheist and this doesn’t apply to me, and again I would ask you to take the religious aspect out of it and focus on the wisdom which you hear regurgitated by many of the best selling authors that are self-appointed financial gurus, which indeed tell us to get out of debt, live within our means, setup trusts, and to be charitable.

So when I hear that many would rather hear financial advice from a celebrity that inherited their fortune from their famous lawyer-father and continues to be famous for the sake of being famous, it concerns me that we have lost touch with the simple and basic fundamentals that we all can benefit from. For me, the Bible is just that resource. How can we ignore the most influential, most published, most read, and most translated book in our world’s history.

Now of course, we do need financial advise from reputable sources as well for implementation. Many of these sources can be secular as well as non-secular. I personally would not pass up an hour with the likes of a Donald Trump for strategies to possibly increase my wealth, and I would never suggest for anyone to not seek advice from successful men and women. The premise of this article is not to dismiss all the different arenas available to us as consumers. The premise is to bring to light the oldest of resources that never fails; truthfully it never has failed me. When I look back at all the financial decisions I made over my adult life, the ones where I put biblical wisdom to use I prospered and more times than not when I sought man and ignored the wisdom of the Bible I failed more times than I succeeded.

It seems a healthy balance of both is very necessary especially for those that call themselves Christians. So the next time you find yourself in need of making a financial decision, I would challenge you to give the Bible a try and seek that wisdom first. I believe when that is done, it will give us the clarity to seek other counsel where we can then put a plan together and see that plan out.

For those that may feel I went religious with my weekly insight I apologize because my intent is not to offend anyone. Look at it this way, if it doesn’t offend you to read a fortune from a fortune cookie, ask a Psychic to look into their Crystal Ball then hearing one man’s opinion about the Bible shouldn’t offend you. It should challenge you to see if my argument is warranted or not.

Remember, opportunities don’t go away; they just go to someone else.

Steve Sanchez is the host of the Steve Sanchez Show, which airs on GCN Saturdays 8:00a-10:00a Central Time. Listen to the show On Demand.

The above article is merely opinion and Steve Sanchez is not offering investment advice and suggests you seek counsel from the proper professionals with the correct licenses that can help you determine your goals and objectives.

Like GCN Live on Facebook and follow on Twitter for more great news, opinions, and announcements from GCN Live’s hosts and staff.

By Steve Sanchez
GCN Live.com

Many hard working American’s are asking themselves this very question these days.

Personally, the more I see the talking heads on your favorite financial TV show spew their latest and greatest tip that typically turns out to be a bust or the over zealous analyst telling you why you need to buy XYZ stock, which they typically wouldn’t allow their mother to purchase, makes me question the authenticity and accuracy of the so called experts.

When we look at the last ten years of the Wall Street Casino it is hard to argue the horrible performance that many Main Street Americans have been subjected too. In fact, most American’s that trusted the Wall Street bookies with their life savings have been scratching their heads wondering why there seems to be a minus sign on their statements more times than not. When the bookies are questioned as to why the losses, the response is the canned one that they all say which is; “leave it alone it will come back around”. Really? In what time frame and in who’s life time? Now I’m not saying that many have not benefited from the Wall Street Casino, but in my opinion it’s not the norm.

You see the buy and hold days in my opinion are over. No longer can you buy a blue chip hold it for 30 years and benefit. It seems if a company lasts 30 years it is a miracle in itself. Even one of the greatest investors in the last 30 years, Warren Buffet, has said that his ‘buy and hold’ strategy is not right for the times we are in now. So knowing this, how do we benefit to build a retirement or a successful portfolio? In my opinion, I believe implementing products and services from Insurance Companies such as Annuities and Life Insurance are great ways to build SAFE and reliable portfolios. Precious Metals I believe are also a great alternative to the Wall Street Casino and should be considered as well. I do want to be clear and say that there are great valued companies to consider in one’s portfolio however, my point is that Wall Street is out of touch with Main Street and unless you’re in the inside or trade your time as a Day Trader, then history has shown us that it has become very difficult to beat the house!

For over 20 years I have consulted with many regarding their money issues, and, unfortunately, I have seen a common thread, which is many so called Financial Advisers are clueless as to what their client really wants out of their money. The people I speak with say they are looking for simplicity and not all the pie charts that have show past performance and what the future could look like from these so called self-glorified experts. This is why billions of dollars are leaving brokerage houses to Insurance Companies for the safe strategies I mentioned earlier. As I have said before, we trust the Insurance Companies in the event we have an automobile accident or if our home burns down, shouldn’t we trust this same industry with our money?

Of course, speaking as I do doesn’t make me the most popular guy at the party, but as the old saying goes: “THE TRUTH HURTS”! I will continue to empower Main Street America with alternatives that work and that they can count on. We cannot deny that Washington and Wall Street have forgotten this group the group that built America. Of course being that it’s an election year, you’re popular again and will be courted for your vote. I leave you with this, do not let what I call the Republicrats steer you down the wrong road. Vote for fiscal conservative values, family values, and for the candidate that can and will put America back to work and make ‘Made in the USA’ mean something again. When we get to that place again, which I believe we can with the right leadership, then maybe we can get back to Wall Street being a place where all Americans can benefit, not just the choice few.

Remember know one cares more about your money than you. And opportunities don’t go away, they just go to someone else.

Steve Sanchez is the host of the Steve Sanchez Show, which airs on GCN Saturdays 8:00a-10:00a Central Time. Listen to the show On Demand.

The above article is merely opinion and Steve Sanchez is not offering investment advice and suggests you seek counsel from the proper professionals with the correct licenses that can help you determine your goals and objectives.

Like GCN Live on Facebook and follow on Twitter for more great news, opinions, and announcements from GCN Live’s hosts and staff.