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Teaching you to embrace today while making yourself a millionaire!

I wish I would have understood how easy it is to become a millionaire by starting to save small amounts of money when I was younger...

I feel compelled to share the simple concepts you can apply today....

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19 January 2010

Tuesday's Tips

Hey everybody, we're swinging into 2010 and I've got some great tips to get you rolling. After taking some holiday time to relax and refresh my brain it's now bursting with tips that just need to be given.

1) If you're setting goals write them down. This is probably the most important tip I'll give all year. There is no better way to fail to reach a goal than to not write it down. I've been saying for years that I'm going to get into better shape, start working out, and make positive lifestyle changes. However I never wrote those things down, and I've yet to work out for more than 2 weeks before stopping. In my head I'm always saying to myself "man I need to start working out again" or "that flight of stairs should not make me short of breath, I think it's time to start getting back into shape." But all of my inner monologues have yet to motivate me enough to go more than 2 weeks. But, I sat down one night and wrote down 5 goals that I'd like to accomplish this year. Some were very simple like "make different brownies in my new brownie pan once a month" and some were more advanced such as "earn my real estate license by passing the exams on the 1st try." My point is that if you don't right your goals down you will be less likely to complete them. This isn't just my opinion, it has been proven over longitudinal studies that have lasted over the past 50+ years.

2) Upgrade your education. In these economic times jobs are scarce and those that are available might want the best possible candidate. If you are equally qualified as another candidate, but that candidate has a license or higher degree, they may be the person that gets the job. Right now I am earning my Real Estate License because it will raise my value to my company, and it shows that I am taking initiative and wanting to learn more to help the company. My girlfriend is currently waiting to hear back from a graduate program that she applied to because she wants to take advantage of the down economy to further her education and improve her prospects for the future. Also, this program will get her into a job working with children which is what she would love to do.

So everyone, make sure you write down some goals and start educating yourself. And don't think education means you have to earn a degree or a license. It can be as simple as just taking a class or 2 at a community college or technical school. Whatever it is just start educating yourself and stick to those goals. Look at them every morning and every night. Keep a copy in your wallet or purse. Just write them down because you'll be hundreds of times more likely to work toward completing them.

Everyone take it easy and enjoy 2010. We're already almost 1/12 of the way through the year, so make sure to take advantage of what time is left.

I'm on a 168 hour break, so until then Stay Tuned...

16 January 2010

Sallie Mae's Tips for College Planning


There are many steps to picking a college. Sallie Mae has provided a list of things to consider while choosing. Financial concerns are among the top issues and if you miss deadlines to apply for aid - you may have to wait another year to apply. This is not a time to procrastinate. Once the money is gone - you are out of luck.


TOP 10 TIPS
For Planning and Paying for College


Make the most of high school academics and activities
Select courses that meet college admissions requirements. Develop your
interests and talents through additional activities.


Find a college that fits you
Use the Internet, guidebooks, brochures, campus visits, and college
fairs to find schools that meet your academic and personal needs.


Take appropriate standardized tests
The SAT and/or the ACT are usually required for college admissions.
Use a test prep book or online practice tool to get ready.


Familiarize yourself with the college application process

Make a list of all deadlines and required recommendations, essays,
transcripts, test scores, etc.


Investigate scholarship opportunities early
Scholarships are based on a variety of criteria and can be found on
the Internet, in scholarship guides, and through sponsoring groups.


Beware of scholarship scams
No one can guarantee you a scholarship in advance, and you should
never have to pay a fee for scholarship searches.


Understand college costs
In addition to tuition, room and board, you also will need to cover fees,
books, transportation, and personal expenses.


Research your eligibility for federal and state financial aid
Two-thirds of all full-time undergraduate students receive some kind
of financial aid, so odds are you are eligible, too.


Complete the FAFSA annually in January
This is required to be considered for federal student aid. It can also
be required by colleges, state agencies, and some scholarships.


Explore student and parent loans
Borrow only what you absolutely need. Start with federal student
loan programs, which usually provide the best terms.

For more information on planning and paying for college, visit
http://www.salliemaefund.org/.

©2008 The Sallie Mae Fund. All Rights Reserved.
SMF-023


Stay tuned.....

07 January 2010

2010 Make the Decision to be Debt Free


Wow, Already a week into 2010. Seems just like yesterday we were planning what we were going to do to bring in the year 2000. Time flies by and that is why it is so important to have a plan with your finances and start saving now.

Before you know it - you will be celebrating your 50th birthday.


Here are some tips to start off on a good note in 2010 from All About Money.


Control spending: If you spend less you'll have more money available to pay down debt and save for the future. Write down your expenses for a month to see where your money is going. You might be surprised by how easy it is to find places to scale back.


Create a debt repayment plan: If you carry credit card debt, write down everything you owe and make a plan to pay it off. Start with small items you can act on right away—it will make tackling the bigger debt easier. Also, try buying with cash only. It’s a sure-fire way to prevent increases in your credit card debt.


Set up auto-savings plans: Arrange with your bank or another financial institution to have a set amount deducted from your checking account to a savings account each pay period. Of the Americans who have been able to contribute to emergency savings funds, automatic withdrawal is the most popular method, according to the Consumer Federation of America.
Boost retirement savings: If your employer offers a 401(k) plan, increase your contributions. If you don't have an employer plan, open an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and arrange for contributions to be made automatically from your checking or savings account.


Create a long-term plan: Write a list of your long-term goals, such as buying a home or saving for college or retirement. Visit Smart about money for more tips on accomplishing these goals.


Protect Yourself: Be prepared for the unexpected by making sure you, your family, your assets and investments are insured and fully covered. If you do not have a will, make 2010 the year you establish a life plan.


Find a financial buddy: Share your financial resolutions with a friend, colleague, or family member, and you’ll be more likely to keep them. Find someone else who wants to turn around their debt or cut their spending, and establish a mutual support system.


Copyright © 2010 National Endowment for Financial Education. All rights reserved.


Stay tuned.........

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