Despite the developments in technology and differences in trends that emerge over time, there is one financial certainty that will probably remain constant. Most persons - regardless of age, gender, education, nationality, status or creed - will express the desire to have more money.

The ability to increase income levels far in excess of spending needs is desired by many, but discovered by very few. Could it be that some people are blessed with an inherent flair for making money that escapes the less talented majority? Or is there a scientific approach to money multiplication which can only be exploited after years of dedicated study?

The 2012 Money Manifesto, our 12-step guide to creating financial success, provides a recipe for increasing your income and putting your money to work for you. It is virtually impossible to budget successfully, save towards a nest egg, avoid debilitating debt, and plan for future goals, without having the means to boost your earning power.

Making money is an art

While it may seem that some people were uniquely gifted with entrepreneurial genes that allowed them to effortlessly make money as soon as they could walk and talk, the Bible declares that God gives all of us the ability to create wealth. Unfortunately, many persons never tap into their talent to earn, and remain financial underachievers forever.

If you accept that you have a God-given capability to make money, then it means that you just need learn how to unearth the power that already exists inside of you. Let's look at some simple strategies that can help you to take advantage of the myriad opportunities to create your own income that exist all around.

To create a plan to earn more, you first have to determine the exact amount of extra income that's required to meet your needs and satisfy your goals. To do this, complete the budgeting process which was outlined in an earlier column. Download a budget sheet at www.financiallysmart.org and follow the instructions to calculate your targeted income need.

Stimulate your earning skills

To engage your innate earning talent, your brain has to be an active participant in creating possibilities. However, if your income need is substantial, you're likely to draw a blank in coming up with practical ideas to earn. You have to break down your monthly budget shortfall into weekly or daily amounts that will seem easier to obtain.

For example, if your budget shortfall shows that you need an extra $24,000 per month, this target will feel more attainable if you express your need as $6,000 per week or $800 per day. Next, work out how many customers you would need to supply with products or services to earn your required income on a daily or weekly basis.

You have special skills and talents that can help to solve people's problems and fill their unmet needs. Look around your community, workplace, school or church for opportunities to make people's lives more comfortable or convenient; and believe that you deserve to be financially rewarded for supplying them with your beneficial products and services.

Making money is a science

Utilising your money-making talents is essential for success, but it's also crucial to use the science of putting your money to work for you. There are only 24 hours in a day in which you can work; so to exponentially increase your earning ability, you need to apply passive methods of income generation.

Investing is one way of creating a source of income that is not solely dependent on your work effort. When you invest, you are committing your funds into some endeavour with the expectation of receiving a profit. You can invest in real estate, business ventures, physical products, and structured investment vehicles, among other things.

While investors hope to increase the value of their original investment or to receive an income from their efforts, there is always the likelihood of getting a negative result from an investment. Investing risk is an inescapable factor, and you should always ascertain if you are willing or able to absorb the possible risks.

Expand your investing expertise

Just like any other science, there are universal principles that govern the world of investing. It's not wise to participate in any investment venture without first educating yourself about its operation. You really don't want to be using guesswork and taking gambles when your money and future prosperity is at stake.

Fortunately, you don't have to spend a fortune to get your investor qualifications. You can acquire a wealth of information from reading books, listening to CDs, attending seminars, surfing websites, and tuning in to television and radio shows that share techniques of smart investing. Check out some recommended internet sites and reading resources at www.financiallysmart.org.

Investing is not a spectator sport; and the best way to become an expert is to get actively involved. You can start out small by putting aside some of your extra income into different investment options to learn more about how they work. The good news is that whether you make a gain or a loss with your initial efforts, you can use the opportunity to become a more experienced investor.

Cherryl is a money coach, business mentor, and founder of Financially S.M.A.R.T. Services. Her upcoming book, "The 3 Ms of Money" will reveal all the secrets she learned about financial success. Get more advice on money and business matters at www.financiallysmartadvice.com and www.entrepreneursinjamaica.com. Email comments to cherryl@financiallysmartonline.com.

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