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6 Financial Pivots to Make in the Age of Covid-19 was originally published on Firsthand.
Given the mounting job losses, stock market volatility, and general economic uncertainty, it's easy to worry about your money and be confused about what to do with it. Of course, everyone's financial situation is different, but there are certain actions to take that can benefit almost anyone. Here are six financial pivots to make in a Covid-19 world.
1. Change your perspective about money.
In times of chaos like we're facing now, most people start making decisions about money from positions of fear and scarcity. But times of chaos bring massive opportunities. So, start by changing your core beliefs about money, looking at it through the eyes of freedom, opportunity, possibility, and abundance. This will ground you in objective reality, helping you avoid making irrational emotional decisions.
2. Be entrepreneurial and solve problems.
Many people were forced to take a pay cut or lost their jobs because of Covid-19. This means it's time to start acting entrepreneurial. At the heart of every big fortune is someone who solved a problem. Times of chaos bring all sorts of new problems that need to be solved. These problems will be everywhere. They'll face the masses and be industry-specific. Use your natural talents and abilities to find the solutions and you'll find plenty of new ways to earn money.
3. Negotiate everything.
If you're left trying to figure out how you're going to pay your mortgage or make your car payment this month, you're not alone. Times are tough for a lot of us, and your lenders know they have to work with you. In this Covid-19 world we're living in, absolutely everything is negotiable. Reach out to anyone you pay monthly—including banks, credit card companies, landlords, and car title holders—and ask them to reduce or defer your payments until this situation is behind us.
4. Inventory your assets and sell them for cash.
If you've been wanting to clean out your closets and garage, now's the time to do it—and make money in the process. Items you no longer need—like kid's toys, garden tools, slightly used furniture, and old sporting equipment—can all be sold for cash. Sell on eBay or other outlets, and keep the cash in a safe place in case you need it if the shutdown looms on.
5. Leverage your network.
Now's the time to leverage your contacts, acquaintances, former employers, and anyone else who can help you if you've lost your job, or are in need of additional work and projects, or might need an introduction to someone who wants what you have to offer. The world's wealthiest people use leverage all the time and so should you, especially during these difficult times.
6. Learn how money works and prepare yourself.
Some medical experts are predicting a second round of the coronavirus come the fall. Now's the time to learn how money really works and get prepared. Re-evaluate your financial situation and study the basics of personal finance. If you're lucky enough to have one, contact your financial professional and make sure you have things in order and are prepared for the unknown.
A final note
Although times might be tough now, and it's hard to imagine the end of all this, it's not going to be like this forever. In fact, when the turnaround hits, hold on tight. It may take some time, but eventually business is going to comeback in full swing. The self-made wealthy are getting ready for the turnaround. And you should be, too.
Steve Siebold is author of the book How Money Works and a self-made millionaire who has interviewed more than 1,300 of the world's wealthiest people over the last 35 years.
