A transition is “a life change characterized by a sharp break with the past.” Life’s transitions happen all the time. Often they don’t let you know they are on the way. What was, is no longer.

I recently lost my sister. Technically, Phyllis was my best friend. In actuality, she was the sister I always wanted. Fifteen years ago we adopted each other. Someone to watch our backs. Her transition smacked me upside my head and shattered me. But worst, the business that surrounds the death and dying process left me shell-shocked.

Are you one major transition away from an unexpected disruption of your life? How will an unexpected and unplanned for event impact you? Are you vulnerable? Have you put emergency plans in place? Do you have a Plan B to protect and shelter you from the devastation of unwanted change?

“The death of a loved one imposes cruel demands on the closest survivors. You, more than anyone, need time and space to handle your emotions, gather your thoughts and say goodbye. And yet demands are suddenly coming from all sides.”

I didn’t know. I was unprepared. Dumb is expensive. Here’s my heads up to you so you know.

Transitions

Many people are vulnerable to big transitions. The death of business partner you count on, a surprise divorce request, an unplanned move from your home, or getting laid off from your job can temporarily rock your world. Developing alternative plans — ones you hope not to use — can protect you emotionally and financially. Make a Plan B today and minimize the severity of tomorrow’s thunderstorms.

Yes, you’re married to a wonderful person. One you love and trust. Your relationship is secure and special. But ask yourself … what if? In America we have a 50% divorce rate. You gotta ask.

I’m a positive person. I prefer to think about what I want, not what I don’t want in my life. And yet such a limited approach can leave you at the mercy of those things you don’t want in your life.

Accidents happen. People change their minds. It’s important that you think about and consider the what-ifs. Then make provisional plans to protect yourself and your family.

Make A Plan B

Like what kind of plans? Step one is Keep a Cash Stash. In case your credit cards are unavailable, you need cash to manage a major life change. The cash must be accessible — you must be able to get your hands on it when you need it most.

Regularly add to a Personal Financial Security savings account. Such an account is often referred to as an “rainy day” or “emergency” fund, but — here I go again — I dislike the feeling of preparing for what I don’t want. A Financial Security account describes what the money is for and works for me.

You might open a new brokerage account with your favorite investment services provider and start a Financial Security equity fund. Or a Keep-Me-In-the-Manner-I’ve-Become-Accustomed bond fund.

Purchase life insurance where you are the beneficiary for anyone on whose support you depend. Key man insurance policies are standard in many corporations. You may want to have the equivalent. Insure the person or persons who are most important to your life running smoothly. It costs to grieve and takes time to replace their contributions to your life.

What other safety valves should be put in place to protect you? What do you wish you had known before you went through a big transition? Share your experiences with us here.

Start working on creating your Plan B today.

Peace and prosperity,

P.S. Subscribe to my new Financial Fitness eZine. Get the latest money tips, news and expert interviews. Simply click here and enter your name and email in the form. Thanks!

P.P.S. Click “Follow me” on the right to follow me on Twitter.

On my Facebook page yesterday I posted: “I give myself permission to prosper.” Join me.

One of the reasons I like Facebook is because it’s responsive. People weigh in with their thoughts and opinions, which I value. I want to hear what my friends and fans think and feel. So I solicit their comments.

Several people said they would give themselves permission to prosper in 2010. My friend, llenar asked, why wait? Great question which gives me the space to explain a few of the benefits of participating in my Money Attraction Secrets Bootcamp.

Why Wait Until 2010?

Some people wait because s/he doesn’t know how or where to start. They want to learn the steps and receive specific direction in order to take focused action. Others wait because they desire to be part of a group-learning process. Group learning is an easier, more enjoyable and better learning model than individual coaching.

I’m teaching the steps to achieving prosperity, money attraction, and money management in my 8-week Money Attraction Secrets Bootcamp. It starts on Jan 5, 2010 at 8pm Eastern.

Prosperity is about love, success, time, joy, comfort, beauty, confidence, money and wisdom. It’s also about believing that you are worthy of having a better life. The Money Attraction Secrets Bootcamp is an opportunity to enhance your thinking around money as you prepare your 2010 Prosperity Plan!

Click to find out more and sign up for the Money Attraction Secrets Bootcamp.

Spiritual Tools

Here’s what is covered in 8-week Bootcamp. You’ll learn to use spiritual tools to jump start and keep your money flow energetic. You’ll enter a world and mindset of abundance, which is your birthright.

Money Management Skills

You’ll also discover the business skills you need to manage and grow your money effectively. You’ll design workable spending plans, estimate and balance your expenses, plan your purchases, develop a habit of saving to invest, and gain confidence using online money management and investment tools.

Your interaction with your money will be enjoyable for you’ve made money your friend. You know that you deserve the money you have, and you attract prosperity and permit it to stay with you.

Financial Fitness Academy

The Financial Fitness Academy community-building aspects of the Bootcamp are major. It’s a membership forum where you’ll mastermind and joint venture with others on the fast track to Financial Fitness. It’s where you brainstorm ideas, get support, and practice spiritual and business techniques in a secure, can’t-lose-money environment.

Give Yourself Permission to Prosper

You are worthy of having and enjoying money. Give yourself permission to prosper in 2010. You will attract more money participating in the Bootcamp than you will working alone. What are you waiting for? Sign up today. Join me!

Let me know what you think about giving yourself permission to prosper. Share your thoughts.

Peace and prosperity,

Judith Stephens, MBA
The Money Lady

PS.  Please share this with your friends and business associates. Invite them to join you in the Bootcamp.

Join me Friday, December 12 on Blog Talk Radio’s The Passion Project with host Katherine Reschke. We will discuss how to prepare your 2009 Income Plan.

Katherine and I will also talk about how to stay open to abundance and prosperity during a widely-reported economic downturn.

The show airs live at noon EST (11am CST, 10am MST, 9am PST and 5pm GMT) on Friday at BTR’s The Passion Project.

I’d love it if you can join us in the chat room for the live show. If your schedule does not allow that, please click to replay the show at your convenience.

Let me know what you think about our discussion. Share with us in a comment how your planning is coming along, and what tips you use to prepare your Income Plan. Thanks!

Warmly,

Judith