"I don't want you to be a been brother: a would-a-been, could-a-been or should-a-been. Focus, be well-rounded and give your effort at all times."

Chris Hogan received this advice from his Mom. He was bless to grow up with seven or eight parental figures - from uncles and grandparents to teachers and coaches - in a small town in Kentucky.

These role models helped him to dream big and never rest on his laurels. Today, Chris is a husband, father, bestselling author, radio and podcast host, expert on retirement and personal finance and part of the Dave Ramsey speaker team.

Today, Chris shares simple, life-changing financial tips and nuggets of wisdom gleaned from mentors throughout his life.

SHOW NOTES: 

• Information that gets applied in your life time and again becomes wisdom.
• Above all else I realize my time spent with my boys is to help them become productive young men in society. Time spent talking about what and how they are thinking so I can share my experiences and they can see that Dad is not perfect, but perfectly capable of improving.
• Dreaming big is necessary but the work you have to put in if you're serious will lead you closer (or on the doorstep) of that opportunity.
• Be open to opportunities. What seems like a detour is actually the new bigger journey connecting you to the end goal.
• Grab the opportunity and avoid the chances. Chances are 50/50. When pursued, an opportunity will lead you somewhere better. - Chris's Grandma
• Failure is when you don't accomplish a goal and you stop. Not succeeding is when you gave 100% but didn't reach the goal. With maturity and wisdom you realize in pursuit of it, you improved, moved down the path.
• Understanding my example speaks louder than my words makes me stay very aware.
• Chris moved from banking to consumer finance when he realized: "Those account numbers had names; those names had faces; the faces had families."
• It's hard to tell how people are doing with money. They can be dressed head to toe in Prada but not have two nickels to rub together.
• If you are 17 or 77: We all need money to provide for our family.
• If you don't have a plan for your money, someone else will. It's 80% effort and 20% knowledge. It's a matter of learning these 3 basic skills:
  
  
  1. Understand and tap into what it is you would ultimately like to accomplish. What are your high definition dreams: Write a check to your college? Build a park? Support your grandparents.
  2. Triple A: Assess. Acknowledge. Activate. Assess current financial situation. What's working? What isn't? Acknowledge that it can be better! Activate. How can we do this? Do it.
  3. Get out of debt and you give yourself a raise. Debt is a thief. When you get a credit card, interest is a penalty. When you save or invest - the interest you earn is a reward or bonus. You don't have to ask for a raise or work harder, just focus on getting out of debt.

• Budgeting is crucial. Tell your money where to go, don't wonder where its been spent.
• Don't make excuses, make progress. Regardless of where you are, one step forward is called progress.
• Learn more at ChrisHogan360.com
  
  

CHRIS HOGAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peel. I got this from my coach sophomore year of college. He said read it and apply it.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do? I'd find a way to give a large majority away to create and pass on his legacy. It doesn't change what I do day to day. I'd understand it was a blessing and I'd never want to waste it.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? The quilt my grandma made me and my grandpa's cane. They are reminders to me that where I come from is not an accident and where I am going is not an accident either.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Dr. Martin Luther King. I'd want to find out what in this man caused him to go against the norm and stay so focused despite such persecution and learn about his heart and mission.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My defensive coordinating coach Ernie horning - "Don't make excuses make plays."

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Slow down! I was in such a rush to arrive that I may have overlooked the process and relationships. Slow down, there is wisdom in waiting. Because if you 're not prepared to get to the next step, you won't maximize the opportunity you'll squander it.

Practical way to catch our breath and slow down: Kids and friends ultimately will remember how you made them feel. Even in the midst of being busy, be intentional. Carve out the time to sit down and carve out your sons and daughters. So often we think people want something from us. Let's be the people that give something. Let's give. 

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Grab opportunity. Maximize opportunities and share opportunities. 

***

Live Inspired – IN STUDIO: For the first time ever, John is launching IN STUDIO – a LIVE, virtual monthly experience. Registration opens in April for a limited time. Learn more: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/In-Studio

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast anywhere you get your podcasts.

I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning