Archive for the ‘New Skill’ Category

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Aug. 12
10:26 am

iPandora, Do You?

posted by Jason

pandoraAs you have read about me before I am all about the latest and greatest. So, I have recently been trying to do better with my spending habits and trying to do better at saving my money on all the little things I spend on.

Well, I am a huge fan of iTunes. You get whatever song you want and you get it right away. Now what is so wrong about that? Well, I will tell you. I thought it would be a great idea if I printed up an account history on my account to see where all my money was going.

 I was shocked to find out that I was spending at least $30 a month on iTunes. I would just buy songs that I would hear on the radio or friends would recommend and didn’t think anything of them because they were only $0.99 or $1.29, which didn’t seem like much, but when you buy a bunch of songs they really start adding up.

I had heard that I could just listen to the songs that I want to on Pandora if I just typed in the name of the song or artist I wanted. The great thing about this too is that I don’t have to pay a thing. I have never gotten e-mails from them and I love the mixed up music they play for me. I hear songs on there that I hadn’t heard in years from some of my favorite singers.

So, what I have started doing is when Pandora plays a song that I either was going to buy on iTunes or a song that I really love I look up how much it is on iTunes and transfer that amount from my checking into my savings account online. I can’t believe how much my account has grown just by doing these small transfers.

So what are some creative ways you try to save money? Let us know!

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Posted in Money & Finances, New Skill | 4 Comments »

Jul. 15
9:18 am

Beefing up your password

posted by Rebecka

These days, many of us use the internet for online transactions and to store sensitive information. Well, here are a few tips from MSN.com  on how to beef up your password to keep your senstitive information safe and secure!

By using the following tips, people will be able to create easy-to-remember passwords that follow these typical requirements: at least eight characters long and with at least three of the following character types: uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.
  • Substitute numbers for letters and vice versa. (o instead of 0, 4 instead of A, 1 instead of L, E instead of 3)
  • Substitute words for numbers (one, two, three … )
  • Combine both of the above (0ne, thr33, f1ve)
  • Use capitalization in random places (bLue, happY)
  • Use special characters ( !@#$%^&*(){}[] ) to punctuate and separate words
  • Create passwords out of words, numbers or phrases you’ll remember
  • Misspell words
Using these tips, you can create memorable passwords that will be nearly impossible to guess. Here are some examples of converting memorable information into a complex password
We’ll start with some easy ones:
  • Friday becomes frYday!
  • Robert becomes #robERt#
  • 867-5309 becomes 8siX753o
  • 19 Peach Place becomes: 0ne9peacHpl!
  • I love Jill becomes: eYelov3Jill
  • My dog Fritz becomes MeyedogfrltZ
While some of these examples look nearly indecipherable, you can see how they’re not difficult to memorize — as long as you know the originating word, number or phrase and the basic methodology used to create it. By educating users on how to create strong passwords, you strengthen the security of your company, and your users will benefit additionally by have safer personal experiences with online banking and social networking.
Personally, my favorite thing to do is make a sentence like “my husband likes to sings in the shower” than my password would be “Mhl2sits” That way, even if some did happen to come across my password, it would be extremely hard to memorize because they would have no idea what it means!

Posted in New Skill, Random | 3 Comments »

Jun. 30
8:00 am

A New Way to Fund & Follow Creativity

posted by Jason

Have you ever had an idea and just thought, “I wish the economy wasn’t so bad so that I could get this idea moving and maybe make me some money.” Well, you are in LUCK!!! There is this website that has started and it making dreams come true for those with ideas that they wanted to get out there.

Kickstarter.com is the new way that people are starting to get their ideas out to the public and ALSO get people to help support them in what they want to do.

What this website does is it helps get your ideas out to the public and help you raise money for those ideas:

  1. It’s less risk for everyone. If you need $5,000, it’s tough having $2,000 and a bunch of people expecting you to complete a $5,000 project.
  2. It allows people to test concepts (or conditionally sell stuff) without risk. If you don’t receive the support you want, you’re not compelled to follow through. This is huge!
  3. It motivates. If people want to see a project come to life, they’re going to spread the word.

The funny thing is, a local band actually did this and is trying to get money to go out on tour. “For a pledge of $250, for example, the donor will receive a Denny’s waffle dinner with the band. For a pledge of $750, the band will write a song for the donor that will be performed on tour, recorded and filmed.” (sltrib.com)

So anyone can do this and anyone can contribute. What ideas do you have that you would want to get out to the rest of the world to see if they support you in your efforts? What do you think about this site and trying to get people out of their slump of not having any work for their dreams? Let us know.

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Posted in Adventure, Entertainment, Money & Finances, New Skill, Random | 2 Comments »

Jun. 28
8:00 am

Learning Financial Independence!

posted by Heidi

acn-credit-score-vs-debt-reliefI was never a really BIG spender until I started working and moved away from the parents, but I still had some control. My parents taught me early about starting a savings account and saving for those BIG purchase items I wanted. I would put 10% away in my rainy day savings account and then however much I wanted toward my big purchase, usually 20% or 30% of my earnings. The rest I would use, go to a movie with my friends or to the mall. I rarely asked my parents for money and I’ve had my own money since I was old enough to babysit.

However, they never taught me about credit card debt. In High School my parents did help me get a credit card in my name to buy new tires for my car and I was able to pay it off pretty easy with no worries. However, when I got to college, I got pre-approved credit card deals in the mail, credit card flyers with my purchases at the school book store and stores would give me the opportunity to save money on my purchase if I applied for their credit card. Who could resist? I had a card for everything and used all my new credit cards on anything I wanted. Before I knew it debt was pilling high, but at least I was making enough to get me out of the hole I had dug!

That was a hard lesson to learn, but at least I learned it quickly before too much debt pilled up. Credit Cards are great tools, but they can lead you to your ruin! Did anyone ever teach you how to save money or how to stay out of debt? If so what advice would you give someone who is just learning about financial independance?

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Posted in Life, Money & Finances, New Skill | 5 Comments »

May. 3
8:00 am

Haggling: Not Just A Funny Sounding Word

posted by Bryson

In Marne’s last blog post she mentioned haggling as a good way to save money, which got me thinking about the whole concept of haggling, and I thought I’d share my insight on the matter.

There are going to be places where haggling can save you tons of money on the item you’re buying. The French Market in Louisiana is a good example of that. It’s a giant flea market where everyone expects you to haggle. I don’t think I’ve ever paid more than half the asking price for something when I’ve been there.

But, not all places are going to be like the French Market. If you’re buying a TV from a place like Best Buy, it’s going to be hard for the sales associate to lower the price of the TV all that much. You might be able to get him to take $5 off the top, but not much more than that. So how do you haggle in that kind of situation? Well, you’re probably going to need some cables for your new TV and you might want a new Blu-Ray player to watch movies on. And while you’re at it, maybe even some Blu-Ray movies. Talk to the associate about that and see if they can’t get you a discount on them. If they can’t, you haven’t lost anything. What’s the worst they can say when you ask? With the price of TVs and cables and such nowadays, you can’t afford not to at least ask.

Haggling has been around for a long time. It’s something that obviously works or it wouldn’t still be done today. It’s going to usually save you at least some money when you’re buying something, so why not give it a try?

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Posted in Money & Finances, New Skill | 2 Comments »

Apr. 26
8:01 am

Voluntourism!

posted by Rebecka

If your dream vacation is one where you lay on the beach getting sunburnt while your spending an arm and a leg just to stay in then nicest hotel…than maybe this isn’t for you! But if you want to use up your vacation time doing something life changing, maybe consider doing Voluntourism!

Voluntourism is exactly what is sounds like! A vacation which includes volunteering for a chartiable cause.

VolunTourism Defined:

The conscious, seamlessly integrated combination of voluntary service to a destination and the best, traditional elements of travel — arts, culture, geography, history and recreation — in that destination.

So what do you think? Would you Volunteer for your next vacation?

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Posted in Adventure, New Skill | 4 Comments »

Mar. 24
9:00 am

5 Lessons a Millionaire Taught Me

posted by Marne

Recently, Jason asked for tips on ways to save in his blog post. It got me thinking about this book my parents had me read not too long ago. It’s a book written by Richard Paul Evans and took me just a couple of hours to read. The book is called The 5 Lessons a Millionaire Taught Me. There’s a lot of sound advice in it and I’m going to share it with you!

Richard Paul Evans goes over the 5 keys he learned through a good friend of his and through his own tests in life. He explains that they can potentially help you re-vamp how you handle and see money.

LESSON ONE: DECIDE TO BE WEALTHY- In this chapter, he explains, “Life isn’t about money. It’s about God. It’s about love. It’s about family and relationships. It’s about personal evolution learning and growth. Part of that growth is learning balance between the different forces of life. Money, like health and spirituality, is part of that symmetry, and for those who do not accept responsiblity for financial matters, life is thrown out of balance.”

He explains that you have to be willing to commit to changing how you handle money and the key to achieving such is committing to a small idea.

LESSON TWO: TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR MONEY - There are four steps he gives in this chapter to accomplish this responsibility:

  1. Know How Much Money You Have
  2. Know Where Your Money Comes From
  3. Know Where Your Money Is Going
  4. Know What Your Money Is Doing

LESSON THREE: KEEP A PORTION OF EVERYTHING YOU EARN - In this chapter he discusses the Power of Compound Interest and the benefits of starting a “Nest Egg.” He also addresses the ever-popular question, “Should I first pay off my debt?” He talks about every decision is up to the person and if you have significant debt to seek professionals who can help you figure out the best decision for your specific situation. He does talk about how it’s important, psychologically, to see your wealth grow as your debt decreases. But remember the decision is personal.

LESSON FOUR: WIN IN THE MARGINS - He provides four mind-sets that will help you do this

  1. “The Millionaire Mentality Carefully Considers Each Expenditure” - Ask yourself if the money you’re spending is really necessary. And remember to ask a salesman, “Is that the best you can do?” A lot of times your salesman will fudge and lower the price for you.
  2. “The Millionaire Mentality Believes That Freedom and Power are Better Than Momentary Pleasure” - Evans talks about maknig sure what you’re paying is what you’re paying. He goes through examples illustrating people wanting a nice car now, instead of saving up for a down payment, etc. He shares their misery after a few years because it becomes too much to handle, etc.
  3. “The Millionaire Mentality Does Not Equate Spending with Happiness” - He talks about being grateful for what you have and not looking to spending your money to have things to make you momentarily happy.
  4. “The Millionaire Mentality Protects the Nest Egg” - Evans explains that at time you need to insure the money you have set aside is going to be protected.

LESSON FIVE: GIVE BACK - Evans talks about “Financial Karma” and other ways by giving back to the community you feel wealthier and it’s considered a wise investment. “In addition to sharing your wealth, you have a responsibility to share teh lessons of proper money management with others.”

CONCLUSION: IT’S NEVER TOO LATE - So don’t give up. Start new, if you have to. Read this book if you want to. I know the local libraries I have checked all carry a few copies. It’s worth the read!

Are there any ideas in here you follow already that work? Is there anything you’re going to try?

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Posted in Life, Money & Finances, New Skill | 4 Comments »

Nov. 3
2:46 pm

Making Savements

posted by Rebecka

Savement: The Act of Saving

Each month, we have payments on things such as; insurance, car payment, mortgage payment, etc. but how many of us make savements? What if our savings account was formatted like our expenses? Likewise, would you be more dedicated to saving if you thought of them more like payments? What you would need to do is list off all the things you want to save for in your budget, find out how much you want to save on that particular item and start making savements!

For example: $400 savings commitment per month

· Vacation (Disney Land): $200

· Bedroom Set: $40

· Christmas: $100

· Miscellaneous: $60

I think if I thought of my savings as payments, I would be a lot more disciplined…but what do you think?  Do you make savements?

Posted in Money & Finances, New Skill, Random | 12 Comments »

Jul. 6
8:00 am

Bargaining is not a crime!

posted by Rebecka Todd

Is it just me or does the word “bargain” make you think of something unpleasant? I am NOT a bargain shopper but my husband is. The other day he was trying to bargain with a cell phone employee. I got very uncomfortable but in the end, he saved us $100. It made me start thinking…maybe bargaining isn’t so bad after all. In reality, if we just practiced a few good bargaining habits, it could save us loads of money! Here are a few tips to spice up your bargaining skills!

1. If possible, bring cash when buying a big purchase. Then you can say “This is what I will pay. No exceptions.” The employee wants your sale and might even be willing to talk to the manager to lower the price if it means the employee will get commission.

2. There is NO harm is asking how low they are willing to take the price down. You never know what they might say…

3. Don’t lie about any situation! That is not a good bargaining tactic. Be truthful but be stern.

4. Do your homework. If you find the same item cheaper elsewhere, tell the employee!  they might match the price.

Bargaining might make you step out of your comfort zone, but it might just be worth it! So next time you’re at a store, try one of these tips and see how much you can save!

Posted in New Skill | 9 Comments »

Jun. 17
8:00 am

My First Job

posted by Tricy

I was a junior in high school when I decided I needed to find a part-time job. I applied at a few different places and I was hired by Training Table, which was just down the street from my school.

 

It was hard to work and go to school. I remember rushing from track meets to get to work on time and I smelled like burgers every night.  I had to work most weekends and give up on some high school fun. But it was worth it to bring in a pay check.  I was finally able to afford all the important stuff like cd’s. I was also able to start saving a little for college.

 

You can quiz me on the T-table menu, I’m still a huge fan.  Sometimes I even dream of the employee discount.  I haven’t worked there for a while, but they can tell when I come in because I always order the same thing. The number 16 Blue Bacon Burger, sub swiss for cheddar, no tomato, extra dressing and cut in half.

 

Working at Training Table was not always fun. For some reason people don’t usually leave tips there. But it was the perfect first job. I think I learned how to work hard at home, but I learned how to work with others at the Training Table.  Overall it was a good experience… and the cheese fries are amazing!

 

What was your first job?

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Posted in New Skill | 3 Comments »

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