Middle Class is Losing in This Market Meltdown

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just yell, "Uncle", like we did as a kid when a sibling was trouncing us? Wouldn’t it be nice if we could wake up tomorrow and all of the news this past month (plus) was a dream? Everything going on right now is preoccupying the minds of all Americans. Whether you work for a corporation, or have a home-based business, whether you are currently "okay" financially, or strung as tight as a rubber band - long term we will all be affected. Trump and Kiyosaki, in their book, "Why We Want You to be Rich", said the middle class is continue reading »

$700 Billion Bailout Still Not Enough?

Every day the headlines talk about a new company that has reported less than desirable earnings, and are now requesting support from the government. The domino effect has been created and it’s global. Some time back I mentioned a movie that has been playing around the country in select cities called I.O.U.S.A. I now have the book and will be reading it over the next couple of weeks. I’ll let you know my thoughts when I finish it.

Meanwhile, I thought Kip Herriage (The CEO & Founder of Wealth Masters Int’l) had an interesting post on his blog yesterday. He wrote: continue reading »

12 Low Cost Marketing Channels

We touched on writing articles the other day as being one strategy to generating more leads and customers. This is a great way to create back links and exposure to your website. Where to start though….. because there are thousands of sites you can post to. So, I’ve listed a dozen to get you started. Remember, that one of the great things about articles continue reading »

6 Steps to Creating Your Ultimate Retirement Plan

Have you ever met or known someone who is living in retirement the way you have dreamed of?  Do you have a "role model" that you can talk with, and see how they accomplished their dream?

I’ve been blessed to have observed very closely such a couple - my parents.

Each Fall they always take an adventure trip for at least a month.  They are currently in Egypt riding camels, riding in a hot air balloon at sunrise over the pyramids, and cruising down the Nile river.  Wow!  Do I want to experience life like that, by being a participant versus an observer! continue reading »

4 Tips to Teaching Kids How to Manage Money

I grew up in a pretty conservative household when it came to saving and spending money. Guess that’s why I started teaching my daughter, Mikaila, when she was young (& the other kids in my life) to be responsible with their money early on. By the way, she’s the baby and just turned 21 today! Happy Birthday kiddo!

I believe in giving children an allowance for two reasons. One, it instills in them a sense of pride completing a responsibility and receiving something tangible for their efforts. But secondarily (& most important I think), is to teach them how to manage money early on.

I gave the kids 4 "piggy banks" when they were about 4 years old and explained continue reading »

I’ve Heard There’s a Recession Coming, But I’m Not Going to Participate

You don’t have to either, the choice is up to you. Attitude and doing something about it is always up to you! Here are some suggestions to think about….

• Focus on what you want to create and make a plan to pursue it. Write it down otherwise it just becomes a dream
• Yes, there are continue reading »
  

Women Against Sarah Palin

I normally don’t share my political views publicly. But have you noticed since the election is so close, the mudslinging is getting worse? I try to ignore all of that and get to the issues , and I’ve got to tell you Palin scares the hell out of me. I’m not the only one either. There is a website, continue reading »

Cancer That Insidious Disease is Affecting My Online Business

I didn’t do my normal post this morning because I have been stuck as to what to say. My mind keeps coming back to a place of anger. Rather than pushing it aside I decided to get it off my chest and write about it. You see, a dear friend of 30 years just passed away this last weekend of cancer. She was diagnosed 2 years ago with bladder cancer and since then it has not been a pleasant road for her.

We have worked together off and on over the years, we’ve vacationed together, gone to weddings, hiked, shopped, and even were there for each other when each of our spouses passed away. My husband was only 39 (10 years ago of leukemia) and her husband a few years older (12 years ago of Lou Gehrig’s). We have a lot of history together and sometimes we’d talk not believing we had known each other that long…. were we really getting that old?

I am sad that she had to leave us so soon. She had many lemons handed to her over the years, but she would quietly make lemonade from them. She never complained, never had an ill word about anyone, never held a grudge…..

Why am I angry you wonder? What I’m about to say may offend some of you, so I will say my apologies in advance…. but,
Why do we treat our animals more humanely than we do people? This is not the first time I’ve seen someone terminally ill with absolutely no hope of survival have to lose their dignity and suffer besides. My friend was bedridden for the last few months with absolutely no quality of life. For the last couple of weeks she was barely cognizant we were there, yet legally no-one could "assist her through the transition". When horses break a leg we don’t let them suffer. When cats and dogs are terminal with no quality, we are allowed to "put them to sleep". Have our lawmakers truly not experienced watching a loved one die or more accurately waste away? Why couldn’t a little "cocktail" be administered so she could peacefully drift off to sleep? I can only hope no-one has to endure that when it’s my time….

There…. I had to get that off my chest because it’s been affecting my focus and my business. I’m sure there will be some of you who would like to comment one way or another….

There was an article in AARP magazine last month about life lessons. It was a discussion between two friends, one coming to the end of her life. Here’s what she told the other…"Look, darling," she said, tapping her watch. "From age 50 to 80 it’s not minutes - it’s seconds. Pay attention." I must not have looked as if I was paying enough attention, because she put her hand on my wrist and squeezed. "It’s seconds. You think you know, but you don’t." I’m beginning to know…..

Until next time, J.

"Take control of your destiny or someone else will"

I Can Volunteer Because of My Home Based Business

Having been self employed for the last 7-8 years has allowed me freedoms that I never had while working for someone else. I have been very blessed with the people in my life and the opportunities I’ve had (and still have!) I donate regularly to a couple of "favorite" charities, but the best feeling has been donating my "time". continue reading »