The holidays have finally come and gone. While the parties have subsided and people’s resolutions are either in full swing or have already been broken, there is one part of the season that may still linger well after the holiday: Debts!
Credit cards get maxed out from gift giving, Yankee Swaps, and attending gatherings. All of that fun and excitement gives way to the hangover of needing to pay for everything as the new year begins. The short-term happiness gives way to shock and anxiety for covering every bill and invoice.
There is a solution to this problem. Yes, one can spend less or just not attend any events. The better answer comes from seeing a Financial Coach. Ron Williams, a Johnston-based professional, who hears about these horror stories, and works with these clients to relieve the stress and pain of financial burdens.
Williams usually doesn’t blame clients for their financial troubles for one simple reason:
“Most people growing up were never taught about finances in school,” he said. “Their parents may not have told them too much about saving money and investing either. People are in the dark when it comes down to saving, investing, and storing money away for emergencies and other unplanned circumstances. I work to ease the burdens of those financial responsibilities, which in turn, will help reduce the stress and anxiety in other areas of their lives.”
Ron’s appreciation for finances comes from more than two decades working in the industry. At one point, he had more than 700 people reporting to him. During his tenure, Ron also noticed a stark trend emerging. That his clients and those he helped were also dealing with the financial problems associated with either not earning enough money or not saving enough for the road ahead. That can lead financial stress because it only takes a situation to turn a family’s lives upside-down.
That was when he decided to change gears and help people understand the importance of saving and investing. He graduated from Liberty University with a degree in psychology. Williams is quick to point out that he is not a licensed therapist or a financial advisor. Rather, he provides assistance to anyone who wants to get out or debt and become financially successful.
Williams notes that not many people are storing money away for a rainy day. Or, they are not seeing the forest through the trees. There is something to be said about sticking to a plan so results can be seen.
“Roughly 5 percent of people have a written plan (to save or invest),” he said. “Another 15 percent only have a plan in their heads. That leaves the remaining 80 percent living from paycheck to paycheck. That is too many people who are one major life event from being in financial trouble.
“Not coincidentally, the five percent of those have a written plan are also millionaires,” he added.
Part of his approach to helping clients comes from following a SMART plan. This puts the focus on staying fiscally responsible while paying off your debts and saving money for the future. SMART means:
Specific: What exactly is the goal that you want to accomplish?
Measurable: Watching the bills decrease over time. Paying smaller debts before attacking larger ones.
Achievable: Introducing a plan and staying mentally tough.
Realistic: Writing down the goals and sticking to the plan.
Timely: Seeing how long it will take to make it happen.
Williams cited his own case in setting the process along. He said that by staying true to this plan, he was able to pay cash for his children’s college education, and purchase his home, while remaining debt free. The financial problems are not there, which led to other areas of his life becoming worry free as well.
“Think of it this way: If you could start today to save money while paying down your credit cards, mortgage, and other expenses, then wouldn’t you want to begin right away? Few people look into the future because they are too focused on the present. To have the ability of having money for your children’s weddings, a new house, a car, or even a vacation home, takes time and dedication. The first step in all of this is realizing that what you are doing is not working and seeking guidance elsewhere,” Williams said.
Ron was cited by former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump for his service. Ron received the President’s Volunteer Service Award. The distinction is given to people who help address the most pressing needs in their community and the country.
Based in Johnston, Ron travels statewide to meet with clients to help them see the rewards of being financially successful.
For more details on his services, please contact Ron at 401-301-6251 or @ ronwilliams145.rw@gmail.com.
