Traditional IRA Accounts or Self-Directed IRA’s?

Most people are aware of traditional IRA’s, ROTH IRA’s, 401K’s, etc. Have you ever thought of a self-directed IRA though? For those of you who may not be familiar with this type of IRA, it’s an alternative. An alternative to the stock market, bonds, and mutual funds, but with the same "rules" for withdrawals and taxation. For years people have been using this vehicle to "invest out of the box ", but it’s now becoming even more popular since the average IRA has decreased in value by about 40%.

There are many private equity investment opportunities, ranging from alternative energy sources, independent films, and even real estate…. (yes, even now!) One company located in 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 »

Financial Planning For Women

Did you know that an estimated 80% of American women will need to take charge of their finances at some point in their adult lives? With more women entering the workforce, divorce rates climbing, and women surviving their spouses - more wealth than ever will be placed in the hands of women . Hopefully you will know how to handle it and invest it wisely. Understanding your finances will empower you and make you feel more in control and prepared for the future.

Where do you learn these skills though? You’ve heard the saying, "It’s hard to enough to make money, but even harder to keep it", right? Think about the skills you will need most by reviewing the following:

• Determine your financial strengths and weaknesses

• Think about how to invest to become financially secure and independent

• Be sure you have credit in your name (not just jointly with your spouse)

• Determine your net worth

• Research clubs, associations and/or advisors who can provide you with information to make your own decisions

You can now learn more about these skills and others, HERE….

Please leave a comment about where and how you’ve been educating yourself and raising your Financial IQ….

Until next time, J.

How to Be on Top of Everything (By Michael Masterson)

I came across this article and thought it so worthwhile I’m including it as my post today. Let me know your thoughts, leave a comment.

Since January, I’ve been writing a series of essays in ETR intended to give you tools to help you "master plan" your life. As you put this master plan into action, you will find that you will be able to accomplish more than you ever have before. Much more.

People will notice how much you’re getting done. And, as a result, some of them will come to you for help. Or advice. Or simply to give you more work because you have become your company’s go-to person.

This is all good and fine. It gives you more power. And more options. And more opportunities to advance in your career. But unless you have a system for managing all that extra work, you will soon be overwhelmed. And if you become overwhelmed, the happy movie you have been making about yourself in your head will turn into a horror story. People will be disappointed in you. Then angry at you. Before you know it, they’ll be planning to get rid of you.

You don’t want that. You want to be in charge of how much work you do. And you want to keep track of that work as well as all the work you delegate to other people. Keep in mind that the higher up you go in your business, the more delegating you’ll be doing.
As you get busier, you want to get better too. In particular, you want to:

• Be prepared for all the meetings you go to.

• Meet all your deadlines.

• Answer all the questions you’ve agreed to answer.

continue reading »

Making a Living while Making a Life

I’m diverting just a bit this morning from posting more information about Carbon Copy Pro, because I came across a great article on the site of The Wealthy Blogger . I connected with this, as it reminds us to take a breath and regenerate….

A quote from the article…..
….."From experience, I can attest to the importance of making it a regular habit to set aside at least 24 hours each and every week to personal relaxation away from work. You might get more done at first if you don’t take this break - but in the long run, you will find yourself in a rut, discouraged, and possibly even having forgotten how to enjoy life! Is that what you are working for? In the long run, you’ll likely achieve more when you take regular breaks from your work and learn to work hard and then play hard.

If you don’t take regular breaks, you may end up forgetting what it is exactly you are working for. You may lose sight of your major values. Of course, taking too many breaks when you can’t afford it or should be working can have similar effects as well.

When you start out working towards goal achievement, you likely will spend long hard hours at your work. Sacrificing leisure time especially at the beginning will likely be a requirement in order to achieve any goal that you have set for yourself. Giving up a few hours in the evening of TV in order to move yourself ahead will probably be a sacrifice you will need to make if you want to achieve goals in the future of being financially independent and doing many of the activities you’re watching others do while you watch TV."

To read the complete article, please click here ….. it will be worth your while.

Also, please leave a comment on how you like to regenerate and refresh your spirit.

Until next time, J.
"Take control of your destiny or someone else will"

The Keys to Financial Independence

There’s an old saying - "Life is not a dress rehearsal. It’s the real thing".  With that there’s a certain amount of living on the edge that’s needed if one is going to excel. Does that mean you need to live on the edge of a financial cliff each week or month though? Quite the opposite - it’s very liberating to not need to worry about your finances, and then you can enjoy those moments of living on the edge.
The keys to this are:

•    Evaluating your current financial situation objectively. Get some assistance to do this if necessary. Then put a plan in place to consistently knock down your debt.

•    Minimize your taxes.  There are ways you can legally and lawfully lower your income taxes.  Learn ways that you can benefit specific to your situation.

•    Create a savings/emergency fund.  You should have a minimum of 3-6 months of income saved to pay your bills in an emergency situation.

•    Ensure proper protection, so you can sleep better at night. Is your family properly protected?  Do you have adequate life insurance? Do you have a living trust?  Find out what you need to do to protect your family’s assets.

•    Create wealth and build a legacy. This is where it gets FUN! Invest like the wealthy and see how it grows. Fully fund college accounts.  Retire early on your terms.  Make your financial dreams a reality.

•    Remember that finances are only one piece of the "being wealthy" equation.  Maintain your health so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. Give back to your family, friends and community - it’s a wonderful feeling, embrace it.

Until next time -

Janet

"Take control of your destiny or someone else will"