Tracy Davidson

Get Going

How to deal with this tough economic time! Lets look at where we are today.  We have unemployment at a 25 year high.  More than 95 banks have filed this year. Families have lost their wealth through the stock market and housing declines and experts predict that it is not over yet.   

Some of you may have lost your jobs and are wondering what to do.  Here is what you need to do.  You need to do something!   If you have lost your job, take a deep breath, a few minutes to reflex and relax.  It is never easy when someone loses a job or career due to nothing of their own accord; in fact it is very difficult, so take a moment to relax… Then do something. 

What do I mean by “Do Something”, take this time to reflex on what you would like to do?  Remember back in high school or college you thought about what you were going to be, is that still something you can do?  Or is there another career you would like to pursue.  If you don’t know what the next step might.  Do something, take long walks, exercise, visit friends, do household projects, volunteer.  You might be saying WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT, I NEED A JOB!  I would agree you do need a job, but first you need to get your sprits in line.  At a time like this you need to create some good momentum and not just sit there thinking or panicking or just plain mad. 

One thing that is amazing about human beings is when human beings starts moving and doing things you create a better spirit about yourself, you feel better about things: a body in motion stays in motion.  If you are walking around mad at the world or feeling that everything bad happens to you, you are not going to get hired, your are not going to get anywhere you want to be!  Create a new spirit about yourself by doing good for others such as volunteering and/ or exercising.  When you begin to create some positive momentum for yourself good things happen.  Find yourself a cheerleader, someone that going to help keep your spirits up and keep you going in the right direction. 

In one month, 4 years ago, I was downsized and served with divorce papers and the bills were starting to pile-up.  I though my life was over.  What I did not understand that my life was just beginning.  A new life was in the making, little did I know it.  I was walking around full of doom and gloom and mad as hell.  I started going to the gym, my old karate teacher called me and demanded I work out.  My father gave me many projects to do. I started to run into friends I have not seen in years talking with them.  I shared my pain with my church family, and through all of that my spirits started to improve. 

With a new spirit about myself now, I’m ready to go get them.  I’m ready to knot out life.  As long as you have life you have a chance. Life is like boxing, in some rounds you may get knocked down.  That what your corner is for, to pick you up and tell you go get them.  Other times you will knock them out, but just keep on getting up and keep on fighting don’t stop!!!! 

In the words of Frank Sinatra “I thought of quitting baby but my heart just ain’t gonna buy it…Each time I find myself flat on my face, I just pick myself up and get back in the race… That’s life!”

If you have lost your job, here is what you need to do:

Find out where you stand financially.  Have a family meeting to determine what the family plans will be, such as spending on college, vacation, retirement, health care plans and entertainment. Rollover your 401K right away to an IRA.  If you need money the penalties are lower coming out of an IRA than a 401K, do something and go get them.   

Erwin B. Gant, President

Gant Private Financial Management