I regularly receive correspondence from readers asking me for advice on how to accomplish some of their financial goals. While it’s possible to answer some questions in a few paragraphs, most queries would require an extended period of teaching to comprehensively address the issues of concern.

We live in an age of immediate gratification, and many people have become accustomed to getting fast solutions to their needs. Although today you can enjoy convenience foods, Google searches and instant messaging conversations, when you are looking for solutions to your money challenges, there really is no shortcut to success.

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR FINANCIAL EDUCATION

It took me many years of dedicated research and determined application to garner the wealth of knowledge about money that I am happy to share with you each week. I’m still learning new things all the time about what it takes to be successful with money, as there is always some lesson in life that can bring more insight and wisdom.

As we discussed last week, this month’s money mission is all about taking responsibility for your own financial education. There is a vast reservoir of easily accessible information that can help you to become more knowledgeable about money and to become an expert in handling your finances. Let’s look at six ways to learn more about money.

READ FINANCIAL BOOKS

I can’t stress enough how important it is for you to develop a habit of reading books about personal achievement and financial success. Most of what I know today was gleaned from dozens of books written by experts. Reading other people’s experiences is a relatable way to learn about money.

For example, financial guru Suze Orman taught me the secret to preparing a workable budget in her best-seller, The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom. For a list of recommended resources that will cover various money topics, go to financiallysmartadvice.com/money-book-club.

DO INTERNET RESEARCH

No one should give the excuses of having ‘no time’ or ‘no money’ to devote to financial education, as the Internet makes knowledge accessible to everyone. Website research has been a priceless source of information for me, and I consider it my unofficial university of higher learning.

You can find guidance on personal finance matters on advice sites such as Ehow.com or About.com; earning strategies on business sites such as Entrepreneur.com and Inc.com; and detailed investing education on trade sites such as Investopedia.com.

LISTEN TO CDs

While reading is essential, some persons find it difficult to assimilate facts solely from the written word. If you are more of an auditory learner, then you can get several money titles in audio book versions. You can also download them to your music player or smart phone for easy listening.

Even if you like reading, the spoken word can add a more vibrant experience to your education. One CD that really influenced my life was Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T Harv Eker. Just listening to the passion in the author’s voice inspired me to make some major career changes.

WATCH VIDEOS AND TV SHOWS

Reading and listening are good ways to gain information, but in today’s technological age, people connect even more when they can see the person giving the advice. Look out for TV shows or Internet videos that can help to enhance the material being taught.

For years, I watched The Suze Orman Show on CNBC and absorbed great lessons from the host’s inimitable style of giving financial advice. Another helpful financial coach is Dave Ramsay, author of Total Money Makeover. You can watch his videos on YouTube.

GO TO SEMINARS

We are fortunate here in Jamaica that many financial institutions regularly host seminars to provide advice to the public. Most of these events are free of cost, so keep abreast of upcoming events and take advantage of the information you can receive from them.

Occasionally, training organisations will create workshops that can educate you about specific skills such as starting a business or Internet marketing. I encourage you to invest some money in your learning and participate in sessions that are relevant to your needs.

GET MENTORS

Experience is really the best teacher, and you can gain nuggets of wisdom from persons who have already learned the lessons you are trying to discover. I received a lot of invaluable advice from wealthy clients who shared their stories about building businesses or investing techniques.

Even if you don’t have direct access to mentors, you can be motivated by reading about persons who achieved against the odds. One inspiration is Alvin Day, author of Caterpillars Can Fly, who is currently carrying out mentorship training in Jamaica to help transform our nation.

It’s not enough to just gather information from financial education resources; you have to apply your new-found knowledge to your own situation. If you’re serious about seeing positive changes in your finances, then take action on the advice you receive and persevere in carrying out the required steps until you are successful.

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 https://www.financiallysmartadvice.com and https://www.entrepreneursinjamaica.com. E-mail comments to cherryl@financiallysmartonline.com.