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One Dad's Quest to Regain Control of his Kingdom

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Family Finance: How To Cope In Difficult Times

March 24, 2020 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Family life isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. It’s hard. Sometimes, it’s extremely hard. Of course, it’s also very rewarding – raising a family is probably the best thing that you will ever do. However, that doesn’t mean that managing is always easy – there are times throughout family life when it can seem a lot harder than during other periods. It’s important to know – that is entirely normal. 

Life has this way of throwing curveballs at us when we least expect it, doesn’t it? Sometimes, all it can take is one ‘curveball’ and it can feel like everything is falling apart. Knowing how to manage when this happens can seem tricky. However, there’s always a solution – it’s just a case of finding it, that’s all. 

If you and your family are struggling financially, it can feel like the end of the world. It’s extremely stressful when things don’t go right with your finances, but the fact is that you can remedy the problem, and you can learn to cope with the situation at hand. It’s just a case of learning what steps you need to take and how you can become more creative with your approach to finance. 

walking on a beach

Photo source: Pixabay

For everything that you should know about making your money spread a little further during turbulent times, have a read of the tips and ideas below!

 

Learn to cook more economically 

A great way to cut your family’s spending costs is to get creative when it comes to how you cook. The fact is that often, the cost of family shopping can be extremely expensive, which is where a lot of your monthly income can end up going – on pricey food. However, the good news is that when it comes to your monthly income, it is possible to reduce the amount that you are spending on cooking. It’s just a case of learning to cook in a more economic way. 

This means thinking about how you are cooking; and being mindful of what is going into each meal. There are plenty of budget-friendly recipes that you can opt to take advantage of – many of which are free and available online. You can also find a number of budget-friendly recipe Facebook groups to join, where people share daily ideas for keeping cooking cost-effective. 

A great hack for cutting costs is to go part vegetarian; cooking with vegetables instead of meat will significantly help to cut your cooking costs. Aim to cook at least three vegetarian meal a week, to help reduce your weekly shopping costs. 

 

Take advantage of budgeting apps 

When it comes to budgeting, learning how to start budgeting isn’t always an easy task. There’s a lot that you need to take into account and a lot that you need to consider; which is what can make budgeting a little complex when you first start out. 

However, the good news is that there are plenty of budgeting apps on hand to help make the process of learning to budget, a little easier and less stressful. These apps are designed to make the process of only spending what you really need to, far simpler and easier. All you need to do is input your income and outgoings and you can workout what you have spare each month to use for food shopping and other necessities.

There are a number of different budgeting apps to choose from, each of which offers a range of features – it may take a while to find the budgeting app that works best for you but it’s worth taking the time to do so. Some of the most popular budgeting apps include Bean and Dashboard – however there are plenty of others to choose from too.  

 

Utilize voucher codes 

A great way to cut costs when it comes to your family spending is to take advantage of voucher apps and websites, such as NetVoucherCodes.co.uk, for example. Here you can find a wide range of deals and discounts that should help to cut your family spending costs and keep prices low, to help make your money spread that little bit further. 

A great routine to get into is, whenever you need to replace an item, such as your mop or broom, for instance, instead of going out and buying one right away, take the time to source the cheapest option, without compromising on quality, of course. Voucher code websites and apps can help to make this process easier; ensuring that whenever you buy anything, you’re getting it for the best price possible. 

Just make sure that before you purchase an item that’s discounted, that you read the reviews of that item. This is important for ensuring that the item you are buying is of a good quality, and won’t be a purchase that you will live to regret. 

money

Photo from Pixabay

Don’t be afraid to buy pre-loved 

There’s often a stigma around buying pre-loved items, however there really shouldn’t be. Whether you’re in need of new household furniture or your children’s wardrobes need updating, opting to buy second-hand can be a great way to pay a quarter of the price you would need to pay brand new. 

By choosing to buy second-hand, you can save yourself a lot of money, and ensure that you aren’t overspending or leaving your family short of funds for other things. Wherever you can cut costs and save money, you should do. Don’t be embarrassed to buy second-hand, it’s not only a great way to cut costs but also a good step to take to help lead a more environmental life. 

There are lots of places that you can buy second-hand items from, from eBay to Facebook MarketPlace, as well as within various Facebook selling groups. Just make sure that before you buy anything, you are able to see it and inspect it, to make sure that you aren’t being ripped off. 

 

Adopt a ‘make do and mend’ approach wherever possible 

We live in a world where, far too often, if something is damaged we simply throw it away and fail to replace it. However, if you want to cut costs and reduce waste, then learning how to make do and mend old items that are failing to work properly anymore is vital. 

When it comes to fixing household items – whether it’s your washing machine or a broken chair – there are plenty of tutorials on YouTube and other sites that guide you through the process of fixing various items.

You could even get your kids involved in the fixing process, teaching them a number of key skills for later life. 

 

Source extra income opportunities 

It’s also a good idea to consider looking out for extra income opportunities; as by adding to your income, you can help to ensure that your finances are able to stretch a little further each month. There are lots of ways that you can earn  an extra income from home, it’s just a case of working out what would work best for you. 

You could opt to do some freelance work in your sector or choice, or you could consider doing something a little bit different. There’s also the option of completing online surveys for cash payouts. There are a wide number of options to consider. 

There you have it, a few useful tips for how you can make coping in difficult financial times a little easier and less stressful. Getting used to being careful with money isn’t always an easy task, but once you’ve adapted to the changes, it can make life far simpler and easier. 

 

Filed Under: fatherhood Tagged With: father, fatherhood, finance, finances, money, parenting, saving money, tips for dads, tips for fathers

Saving Here and There Can Add Up

December 11, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Saving Here and There Can Add Up

You get up each day to earn a paycheck because it makes living much easier. Many Americans live paycheck to paycheck. What’s even worse is that only a handful are saving for a rainy day. Saving money doesn’t have to be depressing. Learn some ways in which you can have fun keeping money in your pocket.

The Responsibilities of Being a Parent

As a parent, you have a lot on your plate. You are the role model in your children’s lives. Your responsible for paying all the bills and trying your best to make sure your kids are well dressed for school. How responsible you are with your money will have an influence on your children. Often you should have conversations with your children about your credit. Not only that but provide proof.

Having good credit and making money go hand and hand. Sometimes people with poor credit can not get certain jobs due to poor credit. And it makes it difficult for the individual in debt to pay off his debts and sustain his current living. It sounds silly but when your credit is ruined, the ability to save money becomes more of a challenge. For this reason, parents need to sit down with their children and prepare them for the real world. Saving money is wise and you should make it apart of your lifestyle.

Saving For Needs and Wants

When saving your income you should have a goal in mind. You should put funds aside for everyday household items you need. Some of these items could be cleaning supplies, food, toiletry, and hair care products. Saving 7% of each paycheck to go towards everyday household items will ease your mind. You should save another 7% from each payday for eating out, going shopping for clothes, and family vacations every year or two.

The percentage you choose to save is entirely up to you. However, the illustration above will help guide you. You could also take advantage of coupons and discounts. Sometimes working as an employee for certain companies qualifies you to shop and receive discounts. A good example is Cabelas employee discounts. When you are a Cabela’s team member, your customers trust your recommendations. That’s why top consumer hunting and fishing brands want to reward retail experts like you with insider access and discounts up to 60% off. You can share your buying advice with others.

It’s a great idea to be specific when saving for family vacations. Do your research and find different family resort locations that might fit your overall budget. From there you could narrow your pick down to choosing one. Never put too much pressure on yourself as a parent. And remember spending money is not the only way to have fun. Sometimes throwing a family cookout and letting your kids invite three of their friends is enough.

Keeping Money In Your Pocket

Keeping money in your pocket relieves tension. It makes you feel like you can handle being a responsible adult. You are ready for unexpected expenses such as a car repair or a dental procedure. One thing that is important to remember is parents should never be content with all of their income coming from a nine to five job. You can make plans with the income you are saving, but if your job gets rid of you, change of plans.

You now have to survive off of all of the money you were saving. Never get comfortable and always challenge yourself to pick up a side hustle. You could start a cleaning business, make money as a YouTuber, start a catering business, or get paid to help the elderly. In regards to your children, parents should also see them as a profitable investment instead of an expense.

Groom your children to be entrepreneurs. If your side hustle is a carpet cleaning business, take your children with you sometimes to train them in the field. Train your kids to be skilled landscapers. Your responsibility as a parent is to show them how to survive in a competitive world if no one would hire them. You are not fully in control until you are financially independent.

The Life of an Adult

As an adult with children, you have a financial obligation to your family. That obligation is everything you have read above. By learning the ins and outs of life, your entire family will thank you later.

Filed Under: fatherhood Tagged With: father, fatherhood, finance, finances, money, saving money

Reaching Big Financial Goals: How to Stay Motivated, How to Get There

August 15, 2018 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Saving is an activity everyone should practice regardless of their financial situation and lifestyle. It creates a buffer for these hard times. Or, presents wonderful opportunities when everything aligns. Either way, it’s a hedge with the unpredictable nature of time.

This article will help you understand why saving is valuable and how to “lock in” to a savings mindset. Then, provide a host of ways to save without feeling like you’re sacrificing everything.

The Value of Money & How to Stay Vigilant with Savings

There’s no denying money makes the world go ’round.

You may have found having more money doesn’t make you happy. But, similar studies found a “saturation point” to which having enough money does improve wellbeing and happiness. Usually, the later results from less stress and financial freedom to explore what one wants.

Having enough money today means fewer instances of a downward, financial spiral.

It means:

  • Getting that cancer checkup finding precursors before it’s malignant
  • Fixing dental problems before they’re excruciating and sometimes deadly
  • Having a course in higher education helping to align versus aimless progression

Saving money is the core of these beneficial activities done today helping you lead a healthy life later on. The burden is overcoming the immediate need for money — especially when things are tight. This is why we set savings goals.

What goals help people save?

  • Home
  • Car
  • Education
  • Travel
  • Marriage
  • Children
  • Financial Independence

These are items offering lifestyle changes.

If we reach them, they’re worth the grind because it pegs us one rung higher. Saving becomes easy when these goals are present versus saving for the sake of the activity. Of course, to each their own — but consider every time you’ve saved effectively and it’s very likely it was attached to a major, lifestyle-changing event.

How to Cut Costs to Reach Financial Milestones and Goals

Two avenues will increase savings:

  • Making more
  • Saving more

Unfortunately, many wages remain stagnant while inflation grows. One could hop jobs for a raise, but the markets remain laggard — it’s not a viable option for someone stuck in their economic position.

Instead, cut costs:

  • Shop Around — Fill your time with comparison shopping for everything. This includes everything from your typical grocery shopping to finding cheap prescription glasses. We’re in the age of globalization and the internet, there’s a very fine chance better discounts are available online if you’re willing to wait for shipping. Plus, it’s likely you could have stores price match competitors if an item is absolutely crucial to have right now.
  • Barter — Connect with friends, family, and neighbors to barter goods and services. This includes common items whether it be ingredients for cooking or yard tools, to ride sharing or exchanging services instead of money. Bartering bypasses extra expenses tacked-on by the supply chain. Plus, it creates a network where you and participants aren’t spending money on limited-use items when they could get shared.
  • Adjust — There’s a very good chance you’re unable to save money because of your lifestyle. Many people lead happy lives living on minuscule budgets. These budgets may form from moving or adjusting consumer habits, or changing their diet and social influences. It may seem like a sacrifice, but align your life’s goals as and the savings will come naturally — especially if they help you reach these feelings rapidly.

Three items? Well, of course.

Remember, the big saving goals are often attributed to lifestyle changes. Why not align the process with big lifestyle changes too? Shopping around, bartering, and general adjustment will have the greatest impact on your financial goals. 

Of course, you should include some of the “easy wins” that’ll grow your savings pot like using high-interest accounts, selling stuff, and keeping loose change. There’s no reason not to do these as they’ll reinforce your decisions.

Filed Under: fatherhood Tagged With: finances, goals, money, saving money

Explaining Difficult Financial Times To Your Child

September 24, 2017 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Explaining Difficult Financial Times To Your Child

 

Explaining Difficult Financial Times To Your Child

By Patty Moore, blogger @WorkMomLife on Twitter!

 

As a parent, you want to protect your children, so you hide the bad from them. When you find yourself in a bad or stressful situation financial, you may end up lying to them about your finances as well.

 

Look, everyone faces financial difficulties, and it is also important to protect your child from certain evils in the world. However, failing to properly explain certain issues such as financial woes to your kid could actually hurt their growth. In fact, they could grow up ignorant of personal finance basics.

 

Instead of keeping them in the dark, you could fill them in on your decisions, obligations, and plans of action when you are working on bills or thinking about your finances. You don’t want to just crush them with a ton of knowledge, but if you do it right, you can make it a decent learning experience.

 

Below, we will delve a bit deeper into how you can talk to your children and what you should or should not tell them.

What You Need to Say

What You Need to Say

You may be confused about what to tell your children. Just know that you should be honest with your children, but do not tell them any more than what they need to know. If you tell your child too much, then he or she may worry about money, causing stress and anxiety.

 

Of course, telling your children about the situation is up to you, but if you decide to tell them, stick to a simple and brief explanation about the situation and how it is going to be handled. For example, you may want to tell your child that you need to save money for the next few months and to do so, communicating this effectively is a big step in the financial learning process

Stay Calm

Stay Calm

It can be hard to stay calm, especially in a situation where you know that you are already stressed out. If your child starts to ask a lot of questions, do not yell or become upset. They genuinely are taking an interest in what you are saying, but they may not fully understand. Additionally, calmly explaining a situation to them is a great way to teach them more than just finance; they learn through observation of your demeanor

Help Your Child Understand

Help Your Child Understand

Once you have explained to your child what to expect, it is time to help them truly understand it. There are many ways that you can do this, but it often works best if you show them as opposed to just telling them.

 

What this means is for example, if you only have $50 to spend on groceries at the store, take your child with you. If they are old enough, allow them to do the math when you are picking out groceries. Then, let them see how quickly the money runs out. Of course, do not actually let them just buy anything. You should guide them in a constructional manner. However, let them make the decisions, and once they realize how hard it is, show them how you plan to stretch that $50. Sounds like a fun lesson!

Get Them Involved

Get Them Involved

You can turn learning about personal finance into an activity, and there are a number of different ways to do this depending on how old they are.

 

One way is to bring your kid along for the ride when you’re paying bills. This doesn’t sound fun at all, but you could try making it fun for them if they are at an early age. This could help them with their math, and it could serve as bonding time when you are covering the utilities. In fact, if they’re excitable, you could make it feel like they’re responsible for the hot water in the house, just something to get them interested.

 

If they are a bit older, then you could ramp it up a notch with a more ambitious lesson. If your kid is a teenager, then open up a credit card in his or her name. This may sound risky, but if you do it right, then they won’t be able to spend above a certain limit. Give them some responsibility with the card, and you can see if they fulfill their end of the deal. This would be a great learning exercise for someone heading off to college.

You’re in Control

You’re in Control

Remember, you’re in control of the situation, and you can make it work. Talk to your children and do not hide anything from them. You can show them what debt looks like and explain to them how credit cards are not a lifesaver. You want your children to learn the basics of finance now so they do not grow up and overspend or throw themselves into debt within the first few years of life.

 

 

 

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Filed Under: fatherhood Tagged With: family, finances, guest post

Rethink How You Teach Your Children About Money

August 4, 2015 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

money

Rethink How You Teach Your Children About Money

Money is one thing that will follow your child throughout life forever. Children are hyper-focused on various different things throughout life – sports, friends, school, whatever the current pop sensation happens to be – but all of that changes as a child grows up and assumes more responsibility. What doesn’t change? Money. Everyone always needs money.

So why do we avoid talking to children about money? Why is it that parents will tackle so many other hot-button issues, like gun violence and drugs, before discussing money management? Personal finance should absolutely be taught at home – but some parents are going about it the wrong way.

Money

Teach Math, Not Money

Many students take finance courses at some point in their education, and studies have shown that these students show higher rates of financial literacy, but they don’t necessarily exhibit better financial behavior. However, students required to take extra math courses were significantly better with money management later in life. If you’re comfortable with numbers and statistics, you’re more likely to have a good grasp on credit, debt, and investing – it’s that simple. Instead of bombarding a young child with the details of checking accounts and interest, help them develop strong math skills.

time

Teach Them “Just In Time”

The Wall Street Journal describes a great tactic for teaching financial lessons: waiting until it’s just about time for them to be applicable. You don’t need to explain an auto loan, interest, and depreciation to a seven-year-old. But a fifteen-year-old getting ready to buy his or her first car? That information is going to stick, because it’s applicable immediately instead of years in the future. The WSJ article also suggests teaching kids about savings accounts and budgeting right before a birthday, when a child is likely to get a lump sum of money from relatives.  This way, they have an immediate situation to apply the lesson – experiential learning at its best!

honesty

Be Honest

The majority of people learn about money from their families very early on, but much of that knowledge is second hand. My parents never talked about money in front of us, but we knew there wasn’t much of it – we could tell by the way my mother got very anxious while paying bills, or the way my dad carefully calculated our grocery total as we placed items into the cart. Parents don’t want to pass their nervousness about money onto their children, and discussing the details of your money situation in public is not considered polite.

But I will never forget when, as I was trying to figure out how to pay to study abroad in college, a friend with very rich parents said to me, “Ask your mom and dad! Parents always have a ton of money hidden away that they don’t tell you about.” Her attitude toward money was radically different from my own, and might have been different if her parents had taken the time to discuss why they had extra money hanging around, and that not everyone has the luxury of disposable income. Talk to your children about net income and why it’s important to save money for the future – you don’t have to go too deep in the beginning, but the simple act of explaining why you reach for the off-brand toilet paper in the store can help them understand your financial decisions a bit more.

The bottom line is that while personal finance courses are certainly a good thing, having solid math and critical thinking skills will probably help your children lead financially healthy lives in the long run. Don’t be afraid to admit financial mistakes and tell your kids what you did to fix it, either – removing the mystery of money is half the battle!

Janelle Witting manages social media for Michigan First Credit Union, connecting important financial issues with the realities of day-to-day life. When she’s not filling her head with useless trivia, you can find her reading books, watching dorky television, pretending to work out, or playing with her perfect dogs.

 

Filed Under: fatherhood, Guest Post Tagged With: finances, honesty, money, money management, saving money

5 Ways To Teach Your Child About Money

April 27, 2015 by dadofdivas 1 Comment

#IAmProtective#IAmProtective

As a parent you want the best for your child. You want them to succeed in their endeavors and you want them to appreciate the things that they have and understand the value of money and not simply expect to get things. As a parent it is sometimes hard to find ways to teach your child about money, but beyond this, also talking about complex issues such as: life insurance, how much life insurance you need, the difference between universal and term life insurance, annuities versus other saving models and so much more.

I have found over the years that it is not always easy to teach your child about money, it takes time, patience and much more. I also have found that what works for one child may be a complete flop with the other. That being said, lately my daughter has been asking for a lot. She always seems to have something that she needs. While you and I know that these usually are wants and not needs, as a parent I have to redirect and work with her to see and understand this for herself so that she can make good decisions for her financial future.

Money

 

Below are my top five ways that you can teach your child about money and its’ value!

  1. Let them earn the things that they want
    Growing up myself, I can say that I saved, especially when I got into my teen years. My parents made it very clear that if there was something that I really wanted that I could work to make the money and get it for myself, and I think that my wife and I are working to do instill this in our own daughters too.
  2. Help them understand the importance of giving to others
    However, it also is important for us to instill in them the importance of giving to others too. Whether that means providing financial or other gifts to local food banks, teachers, or other people in need or volunteering their time, it all goes back to giving away something of themselves. J-Mom and I are very passionate about this and we try to lead by example to our girls, showing them what we do.
  3. Saving versus spending.
    Explain and demonstrate the concept of earning interest income on savings. Consider paying interest on money children save at home; children can help calculate the interest and see how fast money accumulates through the power of compound interest. Some parents even offer to match what children save on their own.
  4. Have your child open a savings account at a local credit union or bank 
    Allowing them to start early and see how saving money can lead to greater wealth can be an amazing tool to help them to be successful in later years. I have fallen into the trap in trying to make them keep the money in their account. I would encourage you to reconsider this and to not refuse them when they want to withdraw a portion of their savings for a purchase as this can backfire and could cause them from wanting to save at all. Some parents will consider things like introducing children to U.S. savings bonds. Bonds are still a good value, costing one-half their face value and earning interest that in some instances will be tax-free if used for a college education. Perhaps more importantly, when given as a gift, bonds will not be spent immediately, reinforcing saving and goal-setting lessons.
  5. Have regular family discussions about finances.
    Start early and help kids to understand many topics and be money smart. Some of the topics that you could cover could include areas such as: the difference between cash, checks, and credit cards; wise spending habits; how to avoid the use of credit; and the advantages of saving and investment growth. With teenagers, it’s also useful to discuss what’s happening with the national and local economies, how to economize at home, and alternatives to spending money. All of this information will be important as they take on more responsibility for their own financial well-being.

money

 

These are only a few tips for how to teach your child the value of money. This post could probably have included hundreds of tips and I just touched the tip of the iceberg with my top five. That being said, I found that there are amazing resources available online to help you with learning about this topic, information about life insurance quotes, the amount of life insurance your need, college preparation and so much more.  Below are a few good posts that I found that I wanted to share with you!

  • 3 Lessons on Saving Money All Parents Can Teach Their Children –  http://cbi.as/7to5
  • Teaching Your Children About Money –  http://cbi.as/7to7
  • Financial Management 101: Teaching Kids How to Budget –  http://cbi.as/7to9Five
  • Ways Parents Can Become Better Providers –  http://cbi.as/7tob

 
Also in exploring this topic I found another great site that I thought I would share as it covers a little bit of everything. The site has a learning library that is very complete. Check it out here: http://cbi.as/ec5d5

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Filed Under: fatherhood Tagged With: finances, financial literacy, money, saving money, teaching

Book Review – The Way to Wealth

September 7, 2010 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the Book
Today’s recession economy has made most people pessimistic about their financial prospects.  With daily offers of getich-quick schemes and big pay for little work, people don’t know what to believe.  But Americans have always believed in the founding fathers, which is why Jack Vincent’s rewrite of Benjamin Franklin’s 1758 Way to Wealth (Helpful Info Publishing) is a relevant and welcomed addition to anyone’s collection.  This timeless guide to financial prosperity has been rewritten and adapted for modern readers and today’s economy.  In these uncertain times, readers can apply Benjamin Franklin’s wisdom to their lives and financially prosper.

Jack Vincent is a loving father of four who married at 17 and quickly learned responsibility.  He read Way to Wealth, and its message transformed him.  His lifelong application of its principles has made him a multiple award-winning successful business, real estate, and insurance entrepreneur for a quarter of a century.  He is now passing the keys to success to readers.  Young people and adults ready to change their lives can benefit from this book’s transformative message of hope.
Each copy purchased provides the reader opportunities to directly ask Jack Vincent questions online; he handles his own email.  His goal is to get a million copies of this life-changing book to the public.  Just because Vincent rewrote a book about financial prosperity does not mean he is selfish; on the contrary, he has offered to donate copies to religious organizations, libraries, schools, and individuals unable to afford it.  Those in need can click on “Request for Donation” on his website for more information.

Jack Vincent is living proof the wisdom in this book changes lives and leads to financial success.  Fans can find and follow Jack Vincent on Facebook by his name and on Twitter as “AskBenFranklin.”  The book is available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or upon request from local bookstores.  Readers can even buy a limited number of signed copies for $12.95 and find other interesting information at Jack Vincent’s website at: www.TheWayToWealthBook.com.

My Take on the BookThis book is filled with great practical advice for the average person. Even though it was written back in the 1700’s, the advice stands the test of time and people today can learn just as much from the sage advice given by Mr. Franklin as they did then. There are so many great tips in this book that people young and old can leanr from. As a person who works with graduate students, I see many of the tips very applicable for them as they are leaving their degree with much debt.

CymLowell

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Terms of Use  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Filed Under: book review Tagged With: books, finances

Credit Cards with Training Wheels for Teenagers

September 2, 2010 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Passing on this post from CBS MoneyWatch blogger Stacey Bradford, who writes about two options from American Express that allow parents to give their children some ‘credit’ for being trustworthy with credit cards:
 

http://moneywatch.bnet.com/saving-money/blog/family-finance/credit-cards-with-training-wheels-for-teenagers/2931/?tag=col1;blogiver

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Filed Under: parenting Tagged With: education, finances, parenthood

Book Review: How Rich People Think

August 27, 2010 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the Book
What separates rich people from the middle class?  Mental toughness expert Steve Siebold says it’s the way people think about money.  In his new book, How Rich People Think, Siebold breaks down 100 differences in thinking between how rich people look at money versus how the middle class looks at money.  The differences are not only numerous – they’re extreme!    
Driven by the fear of loss and uncertainty of the future, Siebold says the masses focus on how to protect and hoard their money – especially during difficult times like these.  The world class, as Siebold calls them, on the other hand, understands the importance of saving and investing, but they direct their mental energy toward accumulating wealth through serving people and solving problems.  They know that the secret to becoming a millionaire isn’t in the mechanics of the money, but in the level of thinking that generates it.  
How Rich People Think isn’t about money.  It’s about thinking.  Each short chapter represents one of the lessons Siebold learned over the past 26 years interviewing some of the richest people in the world.  It’s the raw and uncensored truth about how rich people really think.               
Some differences in thinking between rich people and the middle class when it comes to money that the book outlines:
  • Middle class focuses on saving.  World class focuses on earning. 
  • Middle class believes hard work creates wealth.  World class believes leverage creates wealth.
  • Middle class believes money is earned through labor.  World class believes money is earned through thought.
  • Middle class worries about running out of money.  World class thinks about how to make more money.
  • Middle class operates from a fear based consciousness.  World class operates in a consciousness of abundance and freedom.   
  • Middle class sees money through the eyes of emotion.  World class sees money through the eyes of logic.
In addition, each chapter ends with an action step to help the reader think about money more like rich people do.  The premise: you have to think like a millionaire to become a millionaire.
If anyone knows about getting rich after going through tough times, it’s Siebold.  In 1984, he was completely broke and searching for answers.  What he found was that it’s not intelligence or education that holds back the average person from getting rich.  It’s the middle-class beliefs about money that keeps them struggling to survive in a world of abundance.  Today, he’s a multi-millionaire. 
If you’re rich, Siebold says, keep thinking the way you’re thinking.  If not, maybe it’s time for a change. 
To learn more, visit http://www.howrichpeoplethinkbook.com/

About the Author

Steve Siebold is a former professional athlete and national coach He’s spent the past 26 years studying the thought processes, habits, and philosophies of world class performers. Today he helps Fortune 500 companies increase sales through mental toughness training. His clients include Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble and Toyota. He’s written four other books on mental toughness, two of which have become business best-sellers with over 130,000 copies in print. His national television show, Mental Toughness with Steve Siebold, won the 2007 Telly Award. In the past 6 months, Steve has been interviewed on the Today Show, Good Morning America, ABC News, The BBC in Europe, NBC Australia, and dozens of others. As a professional speaker, Steve ranks among the top 1% of income earners worldwide. Steve’s blog, MentalToughnessBlog.com is currently one of the fastest growing audio/video blogs on the Internet. 
My Take on the Book
This book is short, but to the point and gives you a ton of information to chew on in those 100 short chapters. I enjoyed how each chapter differentiated between how rich people and poor people think. I also enjoyed reading through the suggestions that he gives so that you can move toward the wealth that you always hope for. Much of the book is truly about is changing the way that you think about money and I believe that if you follow his steps, you can move in the right direction financially!
If this book sounds like something you would like in your own library you can find it on Amazon!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Terms of Use  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Filed Under: book review Tagged With: books, finances, saving money

Three Jars Announces New Allowance Calculator

August 17, 2010 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

I have shared my thoughts about Three Jars in the past, and recently just found out that they have launched a new Allowance Calculator which allows parents to figure out what is the right amount to pay their children for an allowance. I have tried it out and am impressed thus far. I look forward to continuing to play with it in the future!

If you are interested in checking it out for yourself, go and visit – http://www.threejars.com/

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Terms of Use  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Filed Under: parenting Tagged With: finances, money, parenthood, saving money, teaching

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