They say that you shouldn’t talk about money. I completely disagree. We need to talk about money. We need to have conversations about how to use it more effectively. We need to understand it, not fear it.
We need to stop the shame and guilt and embarrassment and start teaching and developing the skills to manage our money so that it brings us confidence and empowerment.
Money cannot buy happiness. It does bring peace of mind.
The lack, and miss management of money causes stress and anxiety. And stress is at the root of all illness and disease.
The leading cause of divorce, which is a serious tragedy to a family, is financial stress and strain.
If I can save a family by helping them to better understand their habits, behaviors and beliefs around money and help them create a positive relationship with money and eliminate the financial stress that is so prevalent, then I will have done a great work for the world!
Paris Cluff was born in East Los Angeles, CA (shout out to the Cheech and Chong fans!) and grew up in Costa Mesa, near Newport Beach, CA. He was born the oldest of five children to a middle-class family. Although his family was and still is close, he remembers watching his parents discuss money and finances and realized what a strain it had on them and the family. Thankfully his parents didn’t end up as a statistic and are still married to this day.
Paris later moved to the Central Valley (Fresno) where he met his wife and started his family. Shortly after he got married, he started working for the local utility company. Within a few years, he had qualified for the company 401(k) program. So he decided it was time to start investing for the future. At that time, all Paris knew about money was that it was green and he wanted more. He barely knew what a 401(k) was, so he started to ask coworkers for advice. That is when he realized the lack of information that his coworkers had about investing and money.
When he asked some of the more experienced coworkers what they did with their 401(k), he would get answers like, “I just flipped a coin to pick the investments,” or, “I just put it all in the company stock.” Realizing he wasn’t going to get great advice from coworkers, he decided to take matters into his own hands. He read every book he could get his hands on about investing and money. Retirement, for Paris, was one of those major life events that needed wise planning. Life events, like who to marry and what house to buy, shouldn’t be left the chance.
One day while at work, a coworker, who had watched him reading all the books and asking questions about the company 401(k), came and asked him for advice on what she should do with her 401(k). After sharing what he learned from the books, she turned to him and said, “I finally understand what to do with my investments in my 401(k). You have made it very easy for me to understand. You have a gift. You should do this for a living.”
That comment sent Paris on a whole new course. He obtained his degree from the local college and went on to get his professional licenses in Life and Health Insurance, his Investment licenses and eventually became a Registered Investment Advisor.
After over 15 years as a financial professional and having helped hundreds of clients and trained dozens of financial professionals and agents, Paris was introduced to the National Financial Educator Council through the Transamerica Financial Educators Academy. His philosophy on money and finance fit perfectly with the objectives and missions of these two organizations. Paris decided immediately to become a Certified Financial Educator and to join the Personal Finance Speakers Association.
Paris’ passion to educate, and his ‘gift’ to take complex financial concepts and make them easy to understand has proven to be a great blessing to him and his clients.
Several years ago Paris discontinued his investment licenses to pursue financial education, and started a YouTube channel and a financial coaching business.
Paris is also a “prepper.” He believes that we should be prepared for life’s emergencies, whether they be job loss, natural disasters or the Zombie apocalypse, he wants to be ready for it all.
Paris lives in Utah with his wife of 27 years and 4 of his 5 children. Two of his daughters are married and one lives with her husband in California. Paris is active in his church and in his community and is passionate about helping people become financially literate and accomplish their financial goals and dreams!
When you think about money, how does it make you feel?
If you said "stressful," then you're in the right place.
Does the thought of paying bills each month stress you out?
Does trying to find and understand insurance overwhelm you?
Does investing cause you to feel fear that you will pick the wrong investment and lose all your money?
We aren't taught the basics of money in schools or churches, and most are definitely not learning it from home.
It isn't your fault you weren't taught, but it is your responsibility to learn.
At Financial Self-Reliance, we want to teach you the basic financial principles to help you manage, protect, and grow your money.
There are simple, proven skills and habits that everyone can learn if they are taught in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
At Financial Self-Reliance, we believe you can learn the habits and behaviors to help you have a brighter financial future!
We always have time to help you and anyone you send our way.
Financial freedom begins with having a positive cash flow. If you aren't tracking the flow of money in and out of your life, then you are missing a foundational skill for financial freedom.
In the 30-day challenge I show you simple, proven techniques to manage your money more efficiently and increase your positive cash flow!
Financial Self-Mastery PDF Workbook
Silver Coin Club
Exclusive Budgeting Sheets
Members Only Groups
Annual Updates
Personal Coaching
Would you like to have someone help to keep you accountable and teach you in a more personalized way?
I would love to help coach you through your journey to Financial Self-Reliance.
I have access to some very insightful assessments for my coaching clients to help them develop the mindsets and skill sets of the wealthy.
Learn the tips and techniques to quickly increase your current cash flow.
"Thanks to your 30 day challenge, we have "found" over $700 to save/invest. We have also been able to pay off our high interest home project loan/credit card! Thank you for providing this challenge. It really did give us a new way to look at things. We have also paid off over 20 collections accounts and improve our credit scores by over 100 points on David's and just under 100 points on mine! I'm so glad we found you and Financial Self-Reliance. We are finally becoming just that! You are 100% correct, mindset is everything. Thank you for showing us how to change ours."
"The 30 Day Challenge for increasing your cash flow absolutely works. By following the same strategies, I have gained control over how every penny is spent, and that has changed my financial life.
I wish I had found it years ago as it would have saved me years of frustration.
This challenge lays down the groundwork--the absolute foundation you need to take control of your finances. And honestly, you can't become financially self-reliant without taking these actions. "
"When I met Paris, I was in some serious debt. I had been sent to collections. I was really worried about it. After being honest and open with Paris about what was happening in my financial life, we put together a budget and I realized I did have extra money to pay those debts. Especially if I spent my money more wisely. Paris guided me and gave me the confidence to call the collection companies and make arrangements to pay. With Paris’ help and reassurance, I followed his advice and I have been able to pay off several of my debts and am excited to be debt free!
Thank you, Paris!”
"I didn't know how bad I was managing my money until I tried this challenge. Paris makes it so easy to understand, super simple and he's a very clear communicator."
"Thanks Paris and the team at Financial Self-Reliance for opening my eyes and empowering me with the rules of the money game so that I can make much wiser choices with my money in the future."
Thank you, Paris!”
Learn the tips and techniques to quickly increase your current cash flow.
"Thanks to your 30 day challenge, we have "found" over $700 to save/invest. We have also been able to pay off our high interest home project loan/credit card! Thank you for providing this challenge. It really did give us a new way to look at things. We have also paid off over 20 collections accounts and improve our credit scores by over 100 points on David's and just under 100 points on mine! I'm so glad we found you and Financial Self-Reliance. We are finally becoming just that! You are 100% correct, mindset is everything. Thank you for showing us how to change ours."
"The 30 Day Challenge for increasing your cash flow absolutely works. By following the same strategies, I have gained control over how every penny is spent, and that has changed my financial life.
I wish I had found it years ago as it would have saved me years of frustration.
This challenge lays down the groundwork--the absolute foundation you need to take control of your finances. And honestly, you can't become financially self-reliant without taking these actions. "
"When I met Paris, I was in some serious debt. I had been sent to collections. I was really worried about it. After being honest and open with Paris about what was happening in my financial life, we put together a budget and I realized I did have extra money to pay those debts. Especially if I spent my money more wisely. Paris guided me and gave me the confidence to call the collection companies and make arrangements to pay. With Paris’ help and reassurance, I followed his advice and I have been able to pay off several of my debts and am excited to be debt free!
Thank you, Paris!”
"I didn't know how bad I was managing my money until I tried this challenge. Paris makes it so easy to understand, super simple and he's a very clear communicator."
"Thanks Paris and the team at Financial Self-Reliance for opening my eyes and empowering me with the rules of the money game so that I can make much wiser choices with my money in the future."
Thank you, Paris!”