Calculate Your Net Worth

·                             Get a clear understanding of your financial status; calculate your net worth by adding up your cash       assets, property, and personal belongings, and then subtract your debt, including home mortgage and credit cards. You’ll have an instant idea of your net worth. One general paradigm to use as a guide: a healthy net worth equals your age times 10 percent of your pretax income. What a wake-up call, eh?

·                             Manage and track your spending. You’ll soon see where you over-indulge.

·                             Start a savings account, and save as much as you can. You’ll need it, trust me.

·                             Reduce credit card spending. Duh.

·                             Ask for a raise. Duh.  

·                             Be reasonable with yourself; if you can only save a little, then save a little. Remember the old adage that “if you put a little on a little, soon you will have a lot.” 

·                             Protect yourself: maintain a marketable skill. Continue to learn – even when you must duck out of the job market periodically to have children, or attend to other family responsibilities, you want to be able to jump back in when you’re ready.

·                             Retain a financial advisor.

·                             Adhere to the basics of financial planning: spend less, save and invest more, and follow a plan.

·                             If you’re married, know what your personal financial liabilities are. If your husband or partner declares bankruptcy, you could be forced to claim bankruptcy too. What then?

·                             Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage.

·                             Help yourself. Take some responsibility for your own future. Open a retirement account, like a 401(k), or IRA, and invest as much as you can in it.

·                             Be honest and open about your feelings and expectations regarding financial arrangements.

·                             Communicate. Work out a harmonious budget that brings into balance all the contributions both of you make to your life together.

Change Up Goals

Every year I try to make a list of things I want to accomplish.  This is the first year I will make a list of things I want.  Most recently listening to a LiveOutLoud tape on Ustream I found a new twist on things; pay bills off, marketing to a niche, figure what my net worth is, etc...

#30 Things I want this year (overlay #8 areas' of life)

1. Health
2. Friends & Fun
3. Family
4. Relationship
5. Physical improvement (environment; clean desk, files, clutter)
6. Money
7. Business/Personal development
8. Spiritual growth

If you had goals last year and you never accomplished one of them just change up goals.  eg.  loose weight - do 15 jumping jacks a day.  Then it's a new goal/want.  Try this on your own and don't take all day doing it. In the next 2 hours get it done and post me a note that you made a list.  

You will always get the same result if you do the same thing.  So, change up goals and succeed.

1. workout on scheduled
2. loose 20 lbs
3. bring fat count down 18%
4. workout on pole 20 min everyday 
5. foods that fuel, portions smaller ; Shakeology
6. connect w/ people online & off
7. put cost of my services
8. really listen w/ empathy
9. family-life lessons & money magnet
10. Ask God for; discretion is: discernment & balance between knowledge-common sense, insight-discernment
11. Clean clutter; desk, organize, & downsize
12. Save $20 put in envelope
13. Downsize bills; house hold
14. Sell patients
15. get back into Investor RE
16. Workshop host
17. Go Disney World
18. Zip-line &Beach
19. Science Centre
20. Cedar Point
21. Rock & Roll hall of fame/ Regee concert
22. Study religious health book
23. read bible every day
24. Sell, sell, sell everyday
25. blogs; write & renew old topic every Monday #3
26. continue to follow Wally B. and read more of his book list
27. Put self first
28. Negotiate everything till win, win situation is achieved
29. document & work Supervisory skills and work on them daily
30. resist pride and sexual immorality. Date men, find a suitable mate.

First Day on the Job

The first day at a new job is critical for making the right impression. After all, no office needs another toxic co-worker: the know-it-all, the gossip hound, the death breath guy and the "hey, look at my underwear" lady. Instead, you want to ooze dependability, preparedness, politeness, good grooming and above all, normality.

1. Get Two Weeks of Restful Sleep Before You Start     You will look better too.  Your mom was right when she told you to get a good night's sleep before your first day of work. You want to be sharp, clear-eyed and preferably awake while you meet dozens of new people, process loads of critical information, choose your network password and figure out the quickest route to the restroom.But what mom didn't know was that one good night of sleep won't make up for three months (or more) of late nights and afternoon naps. You need to re-train your body to keep regular "working" hours. Experts say this requires two weeks of going to sleep at a reasonable time and waking up unreasonably early [source:Vogt]. Stick to this regimen, and soon your internal clock will jibe with the alarm clock -- give or take three smacks of the snooze button.    
2. Test Drive Route Beforehand    Never had to use this because I came I when I got there, but this works.   Whether you drive, bike, bus or walk to your new job, it's smart to test drive the route before that first important day [source: Huhman]. Google Maps doesn't have a "rush hour" button that will automatically double the time of your daily commute. Plus, traffic is a lousy excuse for being late, since the rest of the office had to battle the same gridlock but still managed to make it in before 9:37. If you take public transportation, have your train/bus arrival and departure times, as well as any transfers you need to make, down pat well before your first day. Do you have to drive to the train or bus station? Master that route as well. Have a back-up plan handy, just in case.
3. Brown Bag it    The good lunch at the desk thing.  Every office has its own lunch culture. Only a lucky few cubicle slaves still get a leisurely lunch hour. The more common lunch ritual is of the e-mailing-with-one-hand-while-jamming-a-tuna-salad-sandwich-down-your-throat-with-the-other variety. If you're unsure of the lunch scene at the new job, better to brown bag it than get stuck with a vending machine lunch of peanut butter crackers and Mountain Dew. You may end up having lunch with the boss on your first day, but that's no guarantee -- and you may end your first day at work hungry.
   Either way, start your day with a hearty breakfast. You'll need more than your usual coffee and Cap'n Crunch to sustain you through hours of orientation and hand-shaking
4. Do your homework     An in depth look at the company.   A surefire way to impress your boss on the first day is to show up with a clear understanding of what the company does. Thanks to the Internet, this is a cinch. Read your company's Web site, its clients' Web sites and any recent news articles about them [source: Vogt]. You can even set up an e-mail alert through Google News to notify you when stories hit the press about your employer or your industry in general [source: Weiss]. You don't have to spout out all this info at will, but it will keep you from saying something stupid in front of the higher-ups
5. Hit the mall    Personally I have always gone for the fine material yet simple & professional.  Even at the most dressed-down workplaces, there is a line between office casual and college bum. It's time to put away your ironic T-shirts, hoodies and flip-flops and invest in some clothes that say, "I'm not the pizza guy."
   Every office has its own definition of appropriate dress. Pay attention to what other people are wearing when you go in for an interview. If you don't remember, you can call the human resources representative at your company and get his or her opinion. You certainly don't want to appear too casual, but you can overdo it the other way as well. You don't want to hear, "Hey, who's the guy in the tux?"
6. Take notes  Great time saver why people don't do this is beyond me.  The first day is a whirlwind of introductions and meetings. You'll meet four different people named Dan, receive a phonebook-sized packet of information about your healthcare plan and be walked through the simple 30-step process for clearing a paper jam in the copy machine.Take notes; you'll thank yourself later.  
7. Don't Be Yourself....Yet    Being the new guy can be easier if you read the book at the bottom of the page. The key word for your first day at work is restraint. If you're a naturally bubbly hyper-energetic type, tone it down a notch [source: Grobart]. You don't want to scare people. Likewise, if your default gear is low and slow, have an extra cup of coffee and practice your best fake smile
8. If You Don't Know...Ask       If your boss puts you on a task, try to get all of the details straight during that first meeting. You won't look stupid -- just attentive and thorough. If you're in the middle of the assignment and something still doesn't make sense, pop your head in the office and clear it up. Again, you look sincere, not slow. If you pop your head in every five minutes, though, you'll get annoying. Get it down as quickly as possible.Here's a question that's music to a manager's ears: "Can I help you with anything?"  Do more than what's asked of you make your self valuable.    
9. Shut up & Listen   Prevent hitting the glass ceiling. The best way to win people's trust is simply by listening to them [source: Vogt]. Show respect for their opinions and seek feedback on your ideas before presenting them as the new reality [source:CareerBuilder]. When in doubt, bring doughnuts.                   
10. Get On the Same Page     Learn about Others Personality and Character so that you know how each of your co-workers work.  What they expect without trial and error.  Read  Please Understand Me: Character and Temperament Types by David Keirsey, Marilyn Bates                                                            Here's what a professor of Purdue University is saying "Do you want to know yourself, and people around you including your rivals or enemies, then you must read it. You will see them as if without clothes, then you can deal with them very well for your merits. Know the person who sits in square table, so that you can deal with him very well. You will love this book. If you read without letting know them that you read it, and then you tell them, "Who you are, and what you want." They will be surprised and ask you, "How dare you know about me that much. I am wondering. blah blah... " 

Magic Key

A man who worked his way up the corporate ladder had kept earning his way.  He used his time wisely, kept on schedual, and was always ready for more.  He was not a slacker at all, as he grew older he thought why don't I just relax.  I have had this job for such a time that I am as good as I am going to get.  So, he relaxed and became unorganized.  Orders were not filled and soon after a time someone made sure that the boss was informed of his missed order.  It was time for a meeting and he became nervous. He realized someone had their eye on his job.  He decided to take a vacation and to recap the events of his work nature.  The decision he came to was simple, he realized that he had let go his concentration.

Upon his return he decided that he would follow a daily schedule.  The morning he would take the inventory, then make the calls to fill new orders, just before closing of the day he would clean off his desk.  He would follow this schedule everyday until it became habit.  He had concentration of his task and that was his Magic Key.
Keep in sight of that schedule, push though the tough days until that schedule becomes habit.  Concentrate on a task until complete. 

Back Burner = Procrastination

When was the last time you turned to the things you put on the back burner? Well, it's about time to get those ( to do's) out in front. For the past few weeks I've been getting some important things back into the works of daily moving forward.

How about some earlier methods that you've out grown/used? Maybe using them again with the new knowledge you have obtained will change the out come. Rereading some of the books that got put on the shelf is a great place to start.
Problogger


Research methods that have become old or just forgotten. Bring some of them back to the front and see what you come with. I have recently gone back to some basic sites that I have stored useful information on and reread the news feeds. Found out how I have lacked and improved.

Focus back on a very narrow road of organized effort so, so much of that useless information just seems to clutter time, energy, and effort. Maybe you want to check how your positive energy is in your home, office, or self (spiritual).

Computer Maintence Time - Spring & Fall Cleaning

Staying up to date with the latest computer tools for cleaning can be trying and sometimes expensive. Like you I feel that I've bought the best for my computer and then to talk with others find out different, or still more information. The best way I've found in getting the rest of the story is to talk to someone who really knows and fixes computers, tablets, and phones that's up to government standards.

Let me share with you what I learned;
Malwarebytes.com is free and does a great job in cleaning your computer. It's quarantined infectious threats to my computer, cleaned it, and now it's now faster. It found 22 threats I'm impressed..see what it can do for yours.

Viper.com has a three year purchase period but is very inexpensive in addition to that it also takes up very little space. And that's a huge plus in my book. It's is also very fast running at cleaning your system it's the fastest I've seen. Try it you'll be amazed.

lspfix.com is a site for all your malware, virus ware shopping needs. I wasn't impressed with this.

tdsskiller.com by kaspersky is another top of my list for getting and removing codes off my computer that would be threatening. This removes all the entries and goes to such paths deep inside while it removes, it also takes and makes codes all zero's and then goes back and changes them to all one's and still goes back once more and makes them all zero's again.

HijackThis.com has a free tool as well as a few others to purchase. This is a another great tool that I was told about that does a super job in keeping your computer, tablet and phone clean.

NOTE: make sure you don't over protect your computer you could do more damage than good. One for every kind of threats and then alternate once in a while just to make extra sure your computer is running at it's best.

Things We Should Say, But Don't

by Jeff Dowler

It occurred to me, upon reflecting on some recent experiences, that there are probably things we should say, but we don't. And not just in business.

For example:


"No."

This is a big one. Whether we are fearful of annoying someone, want to please them, or just don't have it in our gut to say it out loud, sometimes you should say NO. It might be a very difficult buyer, a challenging agent, a listing that you know cannot sell at the price the sellers need, an unreasonable or inappropate request from someone, but there are times we probably should say no. I'm preaching to myself here. There are nice ways to say no. But the direct approach is sometimes called for. But there are many variations: I can't do that; I am unable to; That doesn't work for me. You get the idea.



"I'm sorry," or "I Apologize."

Not always easy to say, but no doubt we have all done things we didn't mean to do, or hurt someone in some way, or uttered something we regret, or didn't follow-through on a task we told our clients we would, or forget to tell a buyer or seller something we should have. Letting someone know you're sorry is also a way to empathize with someone who is suffering, feeling down, or in a tough situation.



"Thank you."

I'd say those are 2 of the most powerful and meaningful words we can utter, and there are lots of opportunities to do so. So often we don't say so when we could...or really should. I suspect most people will appreciate being told this. Even for the little things.

From a more real estate business related perspective, "I'm not an attorney," "I'm not an accountant or tax professional," or "I'm not an inspector," could probably be stated more often than we do. While we know this, there may be a tendency to overstep our professional boundaries and make statements or give advice to clients when their best interests are met by consulting someone who really knows.

Any thoughts?

Mentor

How often in a day do you take the time to mentor someone. Maybe your a mentor and don't even know it. What are some of the strongest influences in your life? As a child many choose their teachers, or a character which we know not. Did you know that 40% of our kids spend their time alone, unattended without a mentor. My point is where do you get most of your mentoring? Boss, Books, TV, or Olympic...thier are many sources for you to become a better mentor if your not one already.

In Greek mythology, Mentor (Greek: Μέντωρ / Méntōr; gen.: Μέντορος)
The first recorded modern usage of the term can be traced to a 1699 book entitled "Les Aventures de Telemaque", by the French writer François Fénelon[3] In the book the lead character is that of Mentor. This book was very popular during the 18th century and the modern application of the term can be traced to this publication.[3]

This is the source of the modern use of the word mentor: a trusted friend, counselor or teacher, usually a more experienced person. Some professions have "mentoring programs" in which newcomers are paired with more experienced people, who advise them and serve as examples as they advance. Schools sometimes offer mentoring programs to new students, or students having difficulties.

Today mentors provide expertise to less experienced individuals to help them advance their careers, enhance their education, and build their networks. In many different arenas people have benefited from being part of a mentoring relationship, including:

Authors — H.P. Lovecraft mentored Robert Bloch, Clark Ashton Smith, and Robert E. Howard
Business people — Freddie Laker mentored Richard Branson
Politicians — Aristotle mentored Alexander the Great

Delegation of Authority

While reading this week I found a topic I feel should be elaborated on. Decision making skills and how do we guide leaders, or for that much mentor good leaders? So I decided to do some research on the topic.
1. Work to each person's strengths.
2. Avoid bad relationship assignments
3. Make sure the person you are tapping on the shoulder can handle their new assignments.
4. Avoid favoritism or singling out individuals
5. Delegate with care.

Differences between Authority and Responsibility
Authority Responsibility
a. It is the legal right of a person or a superior to command his subordinates.
b.It is the obligation of subordinate to perform the work assigned to him.
a. Authority is attached to the position of a superior in concern.
b. Responsibility arises out of superior-subordinate relationship in which subordinate agrees to carry out duty given to him.
a. Authority can be delegated by a superior to a subordinate
b. Responsibility cannot be shifted and is absolute
a. It flows from top to bottom.
b. It flows from bottom to top.



Why delegate authority?

It is impossible for a manager in a huge company to deal with everything. So, if you delegate authority, you break your work into several peaces hire people and let them manage instead of you. You are still responsible for your work but let others somehow help you. For example, you are a top manager and are responsible for several departments (marketing, R&D, HR, etc) you hire Marketing manager for example and you delegate authority.

Do you have the Type A Personality?

While filling out a profile like so, many sites require of us to do. I decided to ask some close friends; how would you describe me? like what type of person
smart, funny???? and what did you notice about me when you meet me? One told me that I was a Type A and intelligent. OK, I googled it and saw many errors in my life such as; impatient, workaholics, and Social Isolation.

Here's a fun 5 minute test to check yourself Click Here

Here's what it said about me;
You have many of the characteristics of a Type A Personality. Type A Personality is characterized by two main factors, Achievement Striving and Impatience-Irritability. Type A persons tend to measure their success in terms of how many or how much of everything they acquire. They are generally dissatisfied with the world, including themselves. They are quite rigid in thought and conduct and tend to distrust others. In addition, they experience difficulty expressing their emotions, are generally very critical of themselves and others, and are of increased vulnerability to the physical and emotional effects of stress. Persons displaying Type A behaviors do not know how and when to relax. They feel impatient with the pace of most events. They strive to do too much at once and others often get tense and feel threatened in their presence.

In short Type A has; Competitiveness and Strong Achievement-Orientation

Want to discover more? Click Here

Art of Command

Two things are most important in becoming a great leader; one is character the second is integrity. Why do most of our leaders fail to obtain these? While many believe that loyalty is based on ... the most fundamental is that one is honest at all times.

Making decisions is also being a good decision maker, this is better than no decision at all. If you don't make any decision it's like a person who will not share their wisdom with others. The type of person whom just stays quiet all the time. What a waste even a bad decision is a decision and everyone can gain from either gaining from the decsion or simply gaining not to do things in that manner.

I have found myself in a position of wanting to be a better person at giving commands and what it takes to become a person of such.

here's my list thus far;


Read on
Managers - Effective Management is a Learned Skill
From Ordinary to Extraordinary – Leaders at Work
Sample Performance Review Phrases
Good Leaders are Present and Approachable
Good managers know that in order to keep a strong dialogue happening with team members they need to be around and remain approachable. A leader that encourages honesty from staff ensures that they don't surprise them with overdue problems. An open door policy or at least regularly scheduled meetings with staff are critical elements of strong leadership techniques.

Good Leaders are Strong During Tough Times
When the going gets tough, good managers demonstrate strong leadership skills. Strong managers are supportive and fair when change happens; for example, during periods of downturn or crisis. Good leaders advocate for the needs of the team. Good leaders are assertive with difficult people including team members who are not pulling their weight.

Good Leaders Listen to Their Team
Good leaders ask their team members for ideas and feedback and act on the suggestions. Strong managers can disagree with team players and peers and are able to listen to and accept disagreement from others (including subordinates) by respecting different points of view.

Good Leaders Believe in Their Team
Good supervising managers delegate to staff based on knowledge of team member strengths. They aren’t threatened by team members that are stronger than them on certain aspects. Micro managers they are not; good managers know how to delegate without strings attached, share the power and empower staff to make decisions.

Good supervising managers understand that they have to be more than just experts in technical skills and be experts in managing people. Strong leaders are part visionary, performance manager, role model, parent, rock, counselor and cheerleader.



Read more at Suite101: How to Be a Good Supervising Manager: Leading a Team Effectively by Demonstrating Strong Leadership Skills http://www.suite101.com/content/how-to-be-a-good-supervising-manager-a166481#ixzz1DOkWvXlU

My suggested reading is 19 Stars by Edgar F. Puryear Jr.

Disclosure; I am not affilated with the author nor do I recived any moneies for the organization listed above.

Walls of Limitation Built Through Habit

Millions of people go through poverty and want because they have made destructive use of Habit. Not understanding the laws of habit and attraction through which "like attracts like," those who remain in poverty seldom realize that they are where they are as the result of their own acts.

Formation of Habit of Saving does not mean that you shall limit your earning capacity and you'll never earn more than that. It means the opposite - that it places you in greater means of opportunity, vision, and self-confidence. The imagination, the enthusiasm, the initiative and leadership actually to increase your earning capacity.

Understanding this great law of Definite Chief Aim you set up, in your mind to set up practical plans for attaining the object or purpose. Through the law of habit you keep this fixated in your mind.



You will actually demand prosperity.
14 ways to get back on track

How to Change the World - Darren Hardy, Publisher of SUCCESS Magazine

This article could change the life you experience forever. No joke.

I want to show you how to completely change the world… in an instant.

This might be a bit controversial for many, and even more won’t have the stomach to do what I am suggesting…

via darrenhardy.success.com

Write a post like the one I've linked to above and you've got my attention! The rest doesn't disappoint and I agree completely having done what he suggests myself a few years ago. Students of mine will probably remember me urging you to do the same. Click on the link above and read for yourself and if you have any comments, please leave them in the comments section.

Note: Well written posts like this are exactly the kind of thing that grow your permission marketing base of fans. I don't have time to read any more on Darren's blog, but I'll be back...the post triggered me to follow him on Twitter. What could you write on your blog that will leave your audience wanting more?

7 Movies to Motivate You

7 Movies to Motivate You
When it comes to inducing instant, effective inspiration for about $4 per rental, movies are king. Go on, say you weren't ready to slap on the gloves and get in the ring after watching Rocky -- liar.

Given their powers of motivation, movies might be just what the doctor ordered if you're starting to feel your momentum slow down at the office, or your job search seems like it's going nowhere. Try one of these movies to rev you up and get you back in the saddle.

Norma Rae

A small-town southern girl unionizes factory workers against dangerous and callous management in a movie that would make Jimmy Hoffa weep with admiration (wherever he is). Based on real events in which a little girl takes on the big, nasty establishment, this one ends in triumph for the downtrodden worker.

A Civil Action

A lawyer played by John Travolta wages a seemingly hopeless battle for justice against a company suspected of poisoning a town's water supply, losing his shirt, office and coworkers in his blind obsession with winning the case. A lawyer who shrugs off money in the interest of winning a case for its moral implications? Now that's inspiring.

Gung Ho

After a Japanese firm buys the car manufacturer he works for, a young Michael Keaton has to keep his faithful workers happy under the demands of new management. Immersed in allegory about work and fulfillment, this one is all about jobs: keeping vs. losing them, white collar vs. blue collar and American vs. foreign work ethic. See it to restore your faith in the idea that you can balance a strenuous career, life and family.

Tommy Boy

A Chris Farley character squeezed into a business suit and asked not to screw up something hugely important? Are you kidding? Though he seems destined for failure when forced to become a salesman in a serious hurry to save his dad's business, the blundering Tommy Boy proves that anyone can find success with heart and ingenuity, even against a sinister Dan Akroyd.

The Secret of My Success

In the lighthearted romance, everything-will-turnout-all-right category, this film stars a "Family Ties"-esque Michael J. Fox in the story of a mailroom worker who poses as a top-level exec at a titanic corporation to woo one of the real executives. Cheesy, contrived, outlandish and oh-so-nostalgically '80s, it's still hard not to be charmed when Fox takes down the greedy bad guys.

Stand and Deliver

A true story of persistence and achievement in the face of unrelenting apathy and difficulty, this one pits a resilient math teacher against a troupe of underprivileged high schoolers hell-bent on the idea that school is pointless. Transforming his students from gang members and dropouts to high-level calculus aces, Edward James Olmos portrays an inspiring figure for teachers facing stereotypes and kids who only appear to fit them.

Erin Brockovich

Like some dressed-down Mother Teresa with a license to swear, the heroine of this based-on-real-events movie is a lawyer's assistant unafraid to use her sassy personality and, um, other assets to cut through the typical bull of legalese and win millions for the wronged. Not your typical single-mom-versus-a-colossal-energy-conglomerate flick, but a good one.

And if you're lacking the motivation to get motivated, these films could help you feel better about your idleness.

Office Space
Clockwatchers
Fight Club
9 to 5
Working Girl

These movies work for me but, what do you watch that has a great motivation with you?

Celebrate the Things in Your Life that Are Better Than Ever

What in your life is better than ever? What an ironic post to include from TwitterMoms and Dove gofresh! How are you better than ever is the recent contest that I couldn't resist as there are so many facets to that question. I can think of many ways that I'm better and can contribute it to experience.

1. I am better today at being more aware of how I speak and treat others the way they want to be treated than in more recent years past. I still catch myself and do make corrections as needed.
2. I am better today for the education that I have acquired for the betterment of my family. For that I am eternally grateful for asking for wisdom, knowledge and understanding with out them I would not have past this way.
3. I am better today also for the experiences that I utilize my life's problems and achievements to share with others. For the ups and downs in life teach us the lessons we learn through perseverance. I've learned to over come many obstacles and seen some of my best work because of these trails I've endured. We only become better by sharing our very best when all else fails.
4. I also am better by the opportunities in helping others over come things in life. I do not volunteer as much as I use to but, now I have workshops that I ask donations for the education I give. For by others do we have a chance to grow and enhance our own life's by the presents of others.
5. Lastly, I am better today by the care I give myself my body as a whole; I cleanse internally and use good products for my body, my mind; I read many books and put these books into practical use in my life and my spirit; I study the Bible and use subliminal messages to improve my thinking, body, and attitude towards further development in life. My photos show how little changes make a difference I take very good care myself. For I do what is needed to be able to live for as long as the good Lord will have me. I would like to see my family grow and to experience life as it is meant to be.

Now
Then


I'm sure there are many, many more ways that I am better now than I have ever been. How about you? Join in the discussion back at TwitterMoms here. You can also participate in a fun photo contest! Dove® gofresh™ is also sponsoring a Facebook photo contest!


You can share you're photos about what's "better than ever" on the Facebook contest page for a chance to win a spa weekend getaway in Sedona, AZ, and thousands of dollars worth of great prize packages from Dove® gofresh™!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Dove® gofresh™ blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card and some product. For more information on how you can participate, click here:

Forclosure Appraiser

An appraiser has a far different role than the inspector that goes through a home on the market and writes up a report on its condition. Real Estate Appraisers operate under certification by one of two trade organizations: The Appraisal Institute and the National Society of Real Estate Appraisers. Both organizations maintain rigorous professional standards and have mandatory ongoing education programs.

Appraisers not only inspect the property but evaluate its value within the context of its location. An appraisal report will discuss interior work and finish, improvements, site, neighborhood, and a valuation section that addresses the value of similar homes in the neighborhood based on recent sales.

The “fair market value” of the property can be based on the cost of replacement; the “comps” – that is, recent sales of similar properties – and in some cases, the potential income of the property. Some evaluations combine a little of each.

Prior to a home purchase, the lender will have a home appraised after an offer has been made. The appraiser has knowledge of the offer and often returns with a valuation that closely matches the offer. Sometimes that is due to a reasonable offer guided by a seasoned real estate agent; in the past, sometimes the appraiser was perhaps more interested in continuing his business relationship with the bank.

A study of 300 foreclosed homes done in 1985 by the Mortgage Guarantee Insurance Association showed an average variation of appraisals done during the sale and appraisals for a foreclosure to be 20%. Some of these cases may well have been on properties that had not been kept up, in neighborhoods that were deteriorating, or during a housing downturn. Nonetheless, it led to considerable tightening of the professional standards for appraisers.

If you are considering buying a foreclosed property it may be worth your while to hire your own appraiser in order to evaluate the risks involved in the purchase. It is important to have some history on the neighborhood. You may find an extended period of homes losing value, based on sales prices over the last few years. You may find repair issues that the appraiser for the FHA or HUD missed. You should be able to make a knowledgeable purchase based on your interest and not the sellers.

This article is a very good source of information considering how tough the economy is today. Some times the littlest of things make a huge difference in the out come.

Stop Acting Rich...

Stop acting rich...and start living like a real millionaire. Have you ever wondered how some neighbors just are always living life to it's fullest. While others are just barley getting by with their expensive cloths, cars, homes, wine, and watches.

Well, I've just read another book by Thomas J. Stanley and inside is a full account of how some people are fugal in their living while others are just living a rich life. Have you ever heard to the phase "Big hat no cattle" in a description some people believe that if they buy expensive items that will get them into the upper class of society. They will be privileged and will attract others to notice them for their success.

Successful people are generally big budget people they take time to watch their every dollar and spend time learning how to invest their money. While buying practical living items that give them quality yet, cost efficient too. Why do, people try to buy their way into wealth?

Our fanisties are never going to equal our reality. Education and experience is how millionare got to be who they are. I recommend reading this book I am not affilated with Mr. Stanley or does he pay me.

My Most Triumphant Outlet Shopping Story

I love shopping for business suits at outlet stores there's such a big savings. I still buy business cloths but, on a very tight budget, so every dollar counts. I remember the very first time going to an outlet store at thirteen there was a line of women waiting for this place to open. When going in there were rows and rows of suits though out this warehouse. Savings up to 85% off and others were 40-50% off ticket price. I came out with a beautiful cream colored suit and skirt and a black jacket for very little money.

Here is the story behind the infamous suit purchases at Macy's.

We went to Macy's at North Olmstead and stopped at the women's clothing department.. A clerk named Sandy asked if she could help. I replied I was just looking around. She said there was a great deal she had on some clearance suits and what was my size. I said 5 regular and she then pulled out a grayish glen plaid Hart Schaffner & Marx suit I tried it on and the only alteration needed was cuffing the pants. The regular price was $695 on sale for $349.50. But the good news didn't stop there! She then said there was a special coupon she had which would take another 20% off, and if I reactivated a Macy's charge, then another additional 20% would be deducted off the total. Bottom line, the suit ended up costing me $222.40 before sales tax!

My next question to Sandy was; Do you have any other Hart Schaffner & Marx suits at that price? She said no, but she did have a Nautica blue wool in my size. Original price $495. my price thanks to Sandy, $158.40!

If this was a MasterCard commercial, my comment on buying two quality suits including alterations for a total price of $433.46, priceless!

More information on Gap Outlet and special savings for you:
Gap Outlet Offerings

Gap Outlet is offering up to 50% off on select Summer Styles from April 23 until May 6th! Also, Gap Outlet is offering an exclusive coupon code to the TwitterMoms community for an additional 15% discount on all purchases, with a minimum spend of $75. This exclusive additional discount is available to all TwitterMoms friends and family from April 26 through May 10.

Banana Republic Factory Store Offerings

Banana Republic Factory Store is offering up to 50% off all women's clothes from April 30 until May 19th! Banana Republic Factory Store is offering an exclusive coupon code to the TwitterMoms community for an additional 15% discount on all purchases, with a minimum spend of $75. This exclusive additional discount is available to all TwitterMoms friends and family from April 26 through May 10, so hurry to your closest location today.

Disclaimer "I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Gap Outlet blogging program to be eligible to get a $20 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Personality Plus

Realizing our strengths and weaknesses is the mature thing to do. But, for those who do not and stay (young)immature are missing out on the best part of life. Knowledge is power and getting to know your self and understand others is by far much better than just putting up with say your boss/co-worker.

People get along very well when we look at the good things about each other but, when we start to notice the less appealing parts of their personality trouble starts.

A boss is very bossy and impatient he usually makes people feel very stressed and the reaction is they work harder. That's good right? A co-worker talks way too much and is not organized. The life of the party Right?
Both parties need to work on their personalities to become easier to get along with. The boss works on giving people space and listens more. The co-worker finds out that the world still functions without constant talking and gets organized.

Florence Littauer has written a great book that I recommend reading.

Listening with Empathy

Empathy is the heart of a person who is able to be genuine to others. While this may be difficult for some it is a necessity for most communication in our life.

Meeting some one for the first time you realize that they are genuine or either distracted, nervous, pushy, or down right not it touch with reality.

Went to the store and was approached by the sales woman and found her to be genuine and was not trying to sell us something. Other times I found that she really listened to what my needs were and made herself available to serve me the best way she could. But, I have found one or two that are just down right finding ways to try to make me buy their product. Well, I didn't like it and I never shopped there again.

Why is this? Well, they may have forgotten to get in touch with themselves. Having one's full attention of what is happening at the present time is good but, what about the heart felt things that are not being expressed? Maybe their just thinking about that quota that has to be made. Could be just lack of having a positive feeling for themselves. Or worst problems at home.

We've all had some comment, feeling that were just making us uncomfortable as well as our client. This could be fatal if not curtailed in some healthy form.

"That outfit is weird" "I never act like that person" things we think need time for release but, when? Well, while your laughing at your client, friend, child etc... they maybe able to sense your inability to be genuine and friendly.

These things need to be released but, at a more appropriate time so that they blend in with what is happening. This way you have released in a evasive manner.

Empathy-Identification with and understanding of anther's situation, feelings, and motives. See Synonyms at pity.
2. The attribution of one's own feelings to an object.

a model/mentor A Lincolnesque leader is confident enough to be humble -- to not feel the need to bluster or dominate, but to be sufficiently sure of one's own judgment and self-worth to really listen and not be threatened by contrary advice."


If your in sales, service for a living and you feel you haven't reach your full potential or just need to improve your relationships. I recommend reading the book Listening with Empathy.

Inside you'll find some short tips on preparing your self for the client and to be genuine about your sales and have your clients come back or recommend you. And that's good business. This has been the most developed book on listening skills that I have found as yet. Look into the coaching site for more support www.listeningwithempathy.com



I do not work for this organization nor do I get paid by them.