I’m a fan of optimism, but I believe that optimism apart from good planning and hard work will leave you disappointed.

There are lots of people who are financially optimistic who have no reason to be. These are the people who say things like “It’ll get better” but do nothing to make that statement a reality.

One of my favorite “money verses” is Proverbs 21:5: “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.”

I believe there is every reason to be financially optimistic… if that optimism is built on a realistic plan and backed by hard work.

If you don’t like the way your finances are looking now I encourage you to do three things:

• Make a realistic assessment of where you, where you want to be, and what it’s going to take to get there. We call that a plan!
• Do what the plan requires (e.g. cut expenses, generate additional income, or both!)
• Lift up your head and let the optimist within you rule the day!

Here’s on more verse for the optimist within you:

Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper and be satisfied. (Proverbs 13:4 NLT)

For what it’s worth Dave Ramsey has a GREAT resource avaible if you need help putting a plan together. Check it out here.