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Financial Tips for College Students, We all Should Know

I'm shocked to think the new school year is just around the corner.  Next month families and students will be busy preparing for the new year. Nothing is more exciting that for the new college Freshman. I recently read an article in the Huffington Post called, "7 Financial Tips Every College Student Should Know."

I thought how I wish someone would have told me this advice when I was going to College.  I could have avoided some major financial issues.  As I read the article there are ideas and tips I believe we all could apply.

Tip #1 - Know your Financial Aid Options.

This is a great tip for all College Students.  There are so many options to help pay for the cost of your education.  I first thought, well this doesn't apply to me.  But in fact, it does. It applies to anyone that has children or grandchildren whom they would like to see go to college.  With college tuition on the rise, and who know what the government grants will look like when my children go to college, it is my responsibility to be prepared.  Just like other parents with young children we must be ready for that time.  I'm afraid it will be here fast that we would like.

One of the ways, I have began to save for my children's education is using Upromise. It is an amazing website that allows you to get cashback on purchases you make on the internet.  Most stores is 5% back. If you spend $200 at Walmart.com on school supplies this year, it would be give you back $10. That doesn't seem like much but if you think of all the online purchase you make within a year it can add up quickly.  Last year,  I received almost $500 in cashback rewards.  Once you have this money in our Upromise account, you have several options to cash it out.  I use the College Saving account for my children.  I'm taking money that I didn't have before and putting it away for my children's education.  That is amazing if you ask me.
(ps I'm not getting any compensation for this recommendation. I just think it is an awesome site everyone should use.)

Tip #2- Budget, Budget, Budget

Everyone needs to have a Budget.  We all need to know what is coming in and what is going out.  I found that with a simple Excel Spreadsheet I could easy see where my money was going each month. It could track expense and see where I was falling short and what I could eliminate.  Budgets don't have to be complicated. They can be a piece of paper. Just some way to track where your money is coming from and where it is going.

Tip #3- Try the Envelope System.

I  personally love this idea.  I learned about this idea several years ago from a friend. It helped me get out of debt and keep my spending in check.  I like what the article says.

"Keep it easy to stay within your budget by using the "envelope system." Under this system, you set a budget for the week, the month, or the next pay period. You might decide, for example, to spend $200 on groceries this month and $50 on gasoline.

You put that money into envelopes marked "groceries" and "gas," and you pay for those expenses out of those envelopes. Once you're out of money, you're out -- no more groceries until your next pay period.

This system keeps you from over-spending and prevents you from accidentally going into debt. When you can physically see how much cash you have left, it's a lot easier be careful with it."

Tip #4- Steer Clear of Credit Cards

Credit Cards can be so good to help build and establish credit.  They can ruin your credit just as fast.   The article says, "Whenever possible, try to avoid charging your expenses on plastic. Being able to "afford" an extra concert ticket or fancy dinner isn't worth having to work extra hours to pay down sky-high interest rates later. You're already probably going to emerge from school with some student loans to pay off -- don't saddle yourself with extra payments from credit cards."  

I says stay far away from them while in college and even when you are out of school.  

Tip #5- Establish Credit. 

The article talks about using a Credit Card to establish credit.  As you may have guessed, I'm anti-Credit Cards for college students.  Now don't get me wrong, credit cards have their place.  But they must be used right.  I say this because as a young College Student, I didn't fully understand Credit Cards. I got myself in a huge mess of unnecessary debt.   In my opinion credit will come.  There are other ways to build your credit.  If you are going to use a Credit Card as a credit builder, be an authorized user on your parents card.  As they make wise purchases and payments it will build the college students credit.  For other ideas on how to build credit without a Credit Card click Here. 

Tip #6 - Learn to Love Frugality

The Huffington Post said it best,  

"Yep, you're gonna be one of those people who look back fondly on their Ramen noodle days and their campus apartment furnished with hodgepodge hand-me-downs. And you know why you'll be looking back on them fondly? Because future you will be financially comfortable, since you made smart money decisions now.

Don't be one of those students who decide they must live the high life in order to enjoy their college experience. (On the contrary: Being broke is part of the college experience.) You can reward yourself for a long week of studying by having a game night with your friends, rather than lining up shots at the bar. If ever there was a time in your life when it's okay to play the frugality card, it's now. Your future self will thank you."

Tip #7 - Play Up Your Student Discounts

Students get unbelievable discounts, on just about everything.  As a college student, always, always ask if there is a student discount.  From local grocery stores, restaurants, entertainment. Business what college students and they know they don't have money so take advantage.   For the rest of us.  we too should take advantage of any discounts that come our way. Family, Military or Age discounts can save us money. 

As all parents and children prepare for this upcoming school year. I hope this advice will empower to make smart financial decisions. 

2 Billion Dollar in Revenue

Have you ever worked for a company that did over 2 Billion dollars in revenue in the first 2 years of operation?  This week during a weekly webinar DS Domination announced their members have reached over 2 Billion Dollars in revenue.  This was overwhelming to me.  For a company that is just coming up on its 2 year anniversary, this was incredible.

It got me thinking.  I have done several Network Marketing and Direct Sales companies, were any of them over 2 Billion Dollars. 

The only company I have been associated with which has revenue over $2 Billion is Avon.  Avon reports their annual earning last year at $10 Billion..  I also looked up some of the other companies I have tried.  The Pampered Chef reports a $700 Million last year. USANA Health Science reported $790 Million last year.  Now I understand that I am comparing 2 years of number with DS Domination to 1 year with these other companies.  Still I am impressed. 

I love about DS Domination is that my success is all on me.  I don't have a downline to worry if they are getting their numbers.  The money you make is yours. It is in your PayPal account immediately. No waiting for a check from the company or complicated compensation plan.  I remember looking into on company and as they explained how you made money, I was so confused.  No I sell items on eBay and pocket the profits. 

Sure I share this with others.  Or more likely they come to me and ask what I am doing.  And when someone I introduce to the program signs up, I get a 50% commission.  That is simple and something I can repeat to others. 

If you would like to learn more about this company, please click on my link below. 

Things to do before 8am

In October of 2013 Jennifer Cohen write an article for Forbes.com, entitled “5 Things Super Successful people do before 8am”. I loved this article. It made me think of what I should be focusing on each day. I’m going to paraphrase her article. You need to read it for yourself here.

Over the years I have become more of a morning person. I have come to prefer getting as much done as much “have to” stuff done in the morning and leaving the afternoon for more fun stuff.

Did you know some of the wealthiest and successful people are awake before dawn. Margaret Thatcher was up every day at 5 a.m.; Frank Lloyd Wright at 4 am and Robert Iger, the CEO of Disney wakes at 4:30am.

I’m not that much of a morning person. 6am is my normal time to get up. Sleeping in is 8am. While I do some of this list, I have some work to do on the others.

1. Exercise. This is my favorite thing to do in the morning. Having Fibromyalgia, I wake in the morning usually stiff and sore. When I get moving when I first wake up, it helps relive the stiffness. My favorite exercise is walking. I love to walk around my neighborhood early in the morning. I do feel very grateful as I watch my neighbors hurry to get out the door for work and I don’t have that worry.

2. Map Out your Day. Jennifer Cohen says, “Maximize your potential by mapping out your schedule for the day, as well as your goals and to dos. The morning is a good time for this as it is often one of the only quiet times a person gets throughout the day.” I find this true. Once kids are up, my quiet time is over.

3. Eat a Healthy Breakfast. This is easy for me. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. In fact, I could eat breakfast foods for every meal. I know so many people that don’t take the time to eat anything. We have all seen the studies that prove not eating breakfast is bad for our health. The article points out, “Even five minutes of talking with your kids or spouse while eating a quick bowl of oatmeal can boost your spirits before heading out the door.”

4. Visualization. This is something I have never done in the morning. I usually do my visualization at night before I go to sleep. But I like what the article says. “These days we talk about our physical health ad nauseam, but sometimes our mental health gets overlooked. The morning is the perfect time to spend some quiet time inside your mind meditating or visualizing. Take a moment to visualize your day ahead of you, focusing on the successes you will have. Even just a minute of visualization and positive thinking can help improve your mood and outlook on your work load for the day.”

5. Make Your Day Top Heavy. This means doing the things we don’t like to do first and saving the more pleasurable things for later. When we procrastinate the dreaded items of the day, it can lead to unnecessary stress. This is the way I prefer to spend my day. Doing the things I don’t want to do first and leaving the other stuff for the rest of my day.

I feel pretty good. I’m currently doing 3 out of 5. Not bad but gives me some room for improvement. So how about you? How are you doing one these success habits?

Beauty of the Earth

Have you ever thought about all the beauty this world has to offer? I don’t know if I truly have. The last 6 years of my life have been filled with stress, pain and just trying to survive. I didn’t take the time to enjoy God’s creations. They are so easy to ignore.

In the last year, I have finally come to a place I feel many of my wounds from my divorce have healed. While I will still have the scars for awhile, I have come to a place I can do more with life than just survive. Anyone that has been in survival mode knows it is hard to notice the world around you, let alone find joy.

This last week I got an amazing opportunity to go with my children to Arches National Park. WOW. Talk about the beauty of the earth. The red rock formations are spectacular. This is not my first time to the Arches. Having spent my childhood in this area I have visit the Arches several times with my family. But it had been over 20 years since I was last there. To share the experience with my own children was amazing. They love the outdoors. They could be more excited to see and hike to the different arches. Their excitement was infectious.

I have been in awe of the Moab, Utah area. It is so unique to any part of the country. I highly recommend everyone take a trip to see this area. The Arches aren’t the only thing to see. The Canyonlands National park is also in the area. There are several state parks closed by, including my favorite Dead Horse Point. The stars at night are breathtaking. I miss seeing the stars. Living in the city doesn’t allow for that kind of viewing.

I know it is hard. I know life is busy and stressful. But I encourage you to take 5 minutes today and find the joy in the world around you.

I have been thinking a lot about Hype. Having an internet business and talking to others about their businesses, Hype is very common. Hype is defined as promote or publicize a product intensively, often exaggerating its importance or benefits. I have met so many people that do exaggerate their business. Sadly I have in my previous post also come across this way. Yikes!! I don’t want people to be scared away by my story because it has too much Hype.

I am excited. Like everyone else, I feel I have found the best business opportunity. I know anyone can do. But in my excitement to share with knowledge with others, I have become intents. I don’t feel in any way I have exaggerated what this opportunity can or has done for me and my family. It has changed my life for the better. But everyone says that. Every business out there has a “rags to riches” story. All businesses, Network Marketing or Directs Sales have changed people’s life.

I am vowing from now on to express my excitement without any Hype. This opportunity speaks for itself. That is exciting. I want to document my success and the steps I am taking. I have not made my millions yet. But I’m on my way.

If you would like to learn more about what I am doing, WITHOUT any Hype, email me on the contact me link.

Success and Happiness

Why Most MLMs and Network Marketing Fail?

The first time tried my hand at Network Marketing I was only 21 years old. I wanted what the top earners had. I wanted to lifestyle that these businesses had to offer.  I didn't think it was impossible but I wasn't ready how hard it was going to be.  I am not an outgoing people.  I do not consider myself a sales person. I am not pushy.  I would rather help people then push products on people they really don't need.

So of course, I  didn't last long.  I put more money into the I got out.  But it wasn't my last Marketing business I tried.  I put a lot of money into several attempts.  I had given up on this type of business really working.  That is one thing that attracted to me to the knowledge my Mentor provided.  I learned why MLMs and Network Marketing rarely work.

I want to share this video from Kevin, my mentor.  He will explain why you have failed and what you can do different.

Solving the Top 4 Pitfalls of Working from Home

Solving the Top 4 Pitfalls of Working from Home

By: Nellie Akalp

Published February 13, 2013

Read Full Article Here.

The number of Americans working from home has jumped 41 percent since 1999, and that trend toward telecommuting or running a home-based business should continue to grow as technology continues to evolve.

While the work-from-home lifestyle brings some significant perks, it's not without challenges. You may not deal with the daily commute or rush-hour traffic, but there's a new set of struggles that are unique to the home office. Here's a breakdown of the top four pitfalls associated with working from home and how to overcome them.

1. You Can't Stay Focused

It’s not easy to stay focused in the face of countless distractions, from the television to the dirty dishes waiting in the kitchen. And when you’re brand new to working at home, the first danger is that it’s hard to feel like you’re working, simply because you don’t associate your home environment with being at work.

Solution: Some people are expert multitaskers, gracefully alternating between work and household tasks or other distractions throughout the day. However, if you find your work productivity is suffering, you’ll need to come up with a more formal structure for your day. After all, you wouldn’t iron your clothes during the day if you were back at the office.

In an ideal case, you should create a dedicated area as your office (preferably with a door, so you can shut out unwanted distractions). At the very least, carve out a corner of a room just for work, so going there signals your brain that it’s time to get serious. If you find yourself stuck from time to time, try changing your environment by working at the café for an hour or taking a short walk outside. A change in scenery can bring you fresh focus.

2. You Lose Boundaries

When you’re working at a traditional office job, everyone seems to understand your work schedule. You don’t get many personal calls during the day. You’re not expected to handle all the daily errands. However, all those boundaries go out the window when you’re working from home.

Solution: This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take advantage of the flexibility that comes with working from home. But you should think about how easy it is to have time ripped from your workday. Just because you work from home doesn’t mean your job is any less real than your office counterparts. The key here is to respect your own time and your schedule—because no one else will respect your boundaries if you don’t respect them first.

3. You Work Too Much

What’s the stereotype of working from home? Sleeping in, working in pajamas and easing through the day. However, the reality is usually far from that. People who work from home often work longer days simply because there’s no separation between work and home. When you’re working from home, you don’t pack up your computer; you don’t drive away from the office. Without a natural stopping point, the day gets longer and it’s harder to put work aside.

Solution: With most jobs, there’s always going to be more work to do. This means you need to self-regulate and be disciplined about setting a boundary between your work and personal life. This doesn’t have to be every night. However, if you’re serious about working from home for the long haul, you have to make the lifestyle sustainable. And that means you’ll need time away from the computer and stress of work.

4. You Feel Isolated

The solitude of working from home means fewer distractions and pesky office politics, but the physical separation from colleagues brings an inevitable sense of isolation. Everyone needs social interaction (albeit at varying levels), and working remotely limits your opportunities to connect with others. Many people don’t realize just how much they miss the day-to-day social interaction of the office until it’s gone.

Solution: When you’re working from home, you’ll need to manufacture those social interactions. For example:

• Make a point to schedule lunch or breakfast get-togethers.
• Use social networks such as Facebook or Twitter as your virtual "water cooler" during the day.
• When possible, use real-time communications like phone calls, Skype or chat instead of email.
• Get involved with local networking groups or meetups.
• Spend some time working in shared office spaces. Websites including LiquidSpace, ShareDesk,Deskwanted and WorkSnug can help you find a co-working space in major cities, and the shared office trend is catching on in smaller towns as well.

This is an exciting time, as technology is giving people more freedom to carve out their own work-styles and career paths. Don’t let these pitfalls deter you. If you want to strike out on your own as an independent worker or just telecommute from home a few days a week, go for it. Just be mindful that there are unique challenges associated with working from home, ones you probably never would have thought about while in the office.

Think and Grow Rich

Think and Grow Rich. By Napoleon Hill
How any adult has not read this book is beyond me.  This book as so many pearls of wisdom. It should be in every house.   It should be on all required reading list for High School and College. 

I first read this book when I was about 22.  I was told about it by my sponsor of the Network Marketing company I was in at that time.  I was so excited I ordered my first copy on Amazon.  The problem was that it was on of the first additions and the formatting of the book was awkward to read.  So I didn't finish it right away.  It was about 2 years later I found the audio version at my library and I listened to it.  Amazing!!

I only wished I would have applied the lessons I learned earlier.  3 Feet from Gold is my favorite story. I have used this story in training others or to remind myself.  When I started this last business adventure, when I started to get hard, I would tell myself. I don't want to get 3 years down the road and be where I am now. I don't want to walk away only being 3 feet from Gold.

If you have not read this book yet... What in the world are you waiting for. Get to your library and check it out.  Better yet, go to Amazon and purchase a copy. 

If you have ready this book, maybe its time to read it again.  

I'll even make it easy for you.  Don't have time to read or don't want to drive all the way to the library. I've included the YouTube video with the whole audio book.

Who Moved my Cheese?

I love to read. One of my favorite things to read are self-help or educational books. I recently was told about the book "Who Moved my Cheese?", by Spencer Johnson. I love this book. It is a great parable about who each of us deal with change. In different times of my life I could relate with didn't characters. Most of the time I believe I relate the most with Haw. I can be very slow to change.

I would also like to think I will change and move on when I have to. But there have been times that I have been like Hem. I wait for something to bring back what I lost or for someone to give me what I think I deserve.

Everyone needs to read this book. The awesome thing is there is a video on YouTube so you don't even have to read it.

Who Are YOU? Are you chasing your Cheese? Found your Cheese?

Or hoping someone will just give you Cheese?

Steps of Financial Freedom

This program is so easy to use you can create Financial Freedom in 6 Steps or less. 

Step 1

Learn which products to Sell on eBay.

Make Money 

Step 2

Learn to source products from multiple suppliers.

Make More Money

Step 3

Learn to Sell Products on Amazon.

Make Even More Money

Step 4

Learn to shop your hometown stores for products 

to sell on Amazon. 

Let Amazon do all the shipping and Customer Service.

Make Awesome Money

Step 5

Learn to source and brand products from China

Financial Freedom

Step 6

Show others how to use these steps.

Share the Wealth

*eBay and Amazon are register trademarks