With the new year come new resolutions, and while all of these pledges are made with the honest intention of being seen through, most will be broken before the first week has drawn itself out. One of the most common resolutions is to be smarter with finances, but the average American will fail in accomplishing this for a number of reasons (curse you New Year's day sales!). Luckily, Inside SCV stumbled along a business that will help you not only stick to these promises, but change the way you handle your finances long after 2006.

Total Financial Solutions, a local full-service financial firm, also boasts a Money School for you, your kids and your employees.

Total Financial Solutions' founder, Arif Halaby, has been helping his clients with their finances since 1996. Since then, his company has grown tremendously and has had numerous success stories. In the last four years alone, Halaby has helped young adults start approximately 40 businesses, ranging from coffee shops to painting stores.

So, what does one have to do to start bettering their financial future? "The first step is to seek the advice of professionals. And always ask them if they have invested in businesses and if they've done what they are advising you to do. Advisers have to follow their own advice," said Halaby. He added, "Then you must research other businesses that have been successful in that field. Most successful entrepreneurs will always want to help other serious people trying to make it."

Halaby stresses the fact that it is never too early to start planning - that's why there's a Money School just for children. "We let kids know how special they are and how special their ideas are. Their ideas are just as important and powerful as anyone else and they need to know that. We encourage them to take a chance and think about business ideas and we help them refine those choices," stated Halaby.

Perhaps this belief in a child's unlimited potential is the reason Total Solutions Unlimited gives away thousands of scholarships a year. In fact, any person who calls their offices will be given a $500 scholarship if they qualify. Additionally, if you sign up for their poplar Money School, you will receive an additional $500.

The Money School is a two day course that will teach kids and adults the vitals skills that are not taught in school. Students will learn that, much like a tool, money can be used for good or bad. Upon completion of the course, you will have a better understanding of how to use money to better not only your life but other's lives as well. You will earn how to save money, get out of debt and plan for your retirement.

The next Money School is scheduled for February 4 and 5 and March 4 and 5. The classes are moderately priced with discounts if you bring your spouse or children.

Most importantly, you'll learn how money can work for you. "Everyone needs to have two jobs in their lives," explains Halaby, "one for themselves and one for their money. You have to know that money can work for you, whether it be in the stock market, real estate or annuities, there are endless ways to have money work for you as opposed to having you work for it."


For more information on Money School, call 753-9683.