Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Monday, July 27, 2015
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.
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.
Saturday, July 25, 2015
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.
Thursday, July 23, 2015
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?
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?
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
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.
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.
Monday, July 20, 2015
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.
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.
Friday, July 17, 2015
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