The Dash Movie – Making a Difference

The air was crisp, the sun warm. Perfect morning for a walk. As soon as he saw me put on my shoes, Casey intuitively knew play time had arrived. Wiggling all over from head to toe, my 4 legged companion was excitedly anticipating his daily run.  Leash in hand, off we went.

Perhaps an odd place for most, the cemetery is a favorite place for us to visit. The restorative natural beauty of  trees, water, and newly budding trees is perfect for quieting my mind, changing my perspective and remembering priorities.

The headstones tell a story of their own, signifying the lives of people I never personally knew. In an especially reflective mood today, I took time to pay attention to the names and dates.  Spouses who had outlived the other ten years or longer. How did they cope? Children whose lives were cut short. Soldiers, grandparents, moms and dads. They each have a story to tell.

If you have lived long enough you have experienced loss of some form or another. A life.  A marriage. A friendship. A job. A lifestyle.

I wonder.  If you knew you only had 5 years left, how would you spend them? What about one year? Or one day?

We never know what the future holds.  Today make a choice that will a difference. A difference in your life. A difference in the life of others.

As for me, I’ve carved out a moment to step back and look at the big picture. No matter how long we live, life is short. Live the dash.

Note: The Dash Movie by Linda Ellis has been watched over 50 million times. Enjoy and then forward this post with either the “Email” link or “ShareThis” link.

The Collapse of the Middle Class

With mortage rates at 6%, it would be a stretch to make the payments on the house of their dreams. But they were young, full of dreams and determination. They were ready to start their family and could just see the big back yard filled with children and pets. Yes, it was perfect. This was home.

One income, one car, one payment. They clipped coupons, shopped sales, and raised 3 children in this home. It was 1952 and the house cost $12,500.  Twenty years later it was paid for.

Fast forward 1970’s:

With mortgage rates at 7.5%, it would be a stretch to make payments on their first house. But this was a handyman house. They were young, full of dreams, and determination and knew with a little sweat equity they could make this work. Ready to start their family, they could visualize the back yard as a family gathering place, filled with picnics, children’s parties, and dog. Yes, it was perfect. And home.

Dad had a full-time income. Mom had an ongoing part-time job, but work was flexible. She stayed home when the children were born. She stayed home when grandparents needed help. She went to work when dad got laid off. They clipped coupons, shopped sales, entertained at home. It was 1974 and the house was $22,500 with 5 acres of land.

Fast Forward Today:

The house was perfect. With the recent housing crisis, mortgages rates had come down to 6%. Yes, it would be a bit of a stretch, but they both had great jobs, were young, and full of dreams and determination. The back yard would be perfect for raising children.

Two full time jobs, two cars, full-time child care. They have no time to be sick and heaven forbid either of them should lose a job. It’s 2008 and the house was $210,000.

Author of the Two Income Trap, Harvard University Professor Elizabeth Warren believes the single most profound economic shift of the second half of the 20th century is the millions of mothers who entered the paid workforce. This is not a view against women in the workforce. It is an enlightened study as how we spend money.

The trap? More income equals more risk.

We’re working harder and have less. Although it is now more likely to have two incomes, we haven’t improved our financial strength. Instead of becoming wealthy with the second income, we not only have consumed the entire second income, but spent the 11% the one-income family was able to save back in the 1970’s and on top of that spend 15% of our annual income on revolving credit card debt.

If a household depends on 2 incomes to meet their housing obligations, what happens if one of them gets sick or loses a job?

The eye opening statistics show that we are not spending more on necessities of food and clothing, even considering how much we eat out or spend on designer clothing for our children.

Watch as Harvard University Professor Elizaeth Warren shares her insightful research and thoughts about the coming collapse of the middle class. It doesn’t have to be this way. I believe it’s not too late to change.

(Fast forward 5 minutes into the video to the beginning of Professor Warren’s talk.)

Financial Serenity: First Step Awareness

Not sure how to get out of debt and gain financial serenity?

Our decision-making process, the Circle of Wisdom, teaches that awareness is the first step in creating a life you love. So how does that help you get out of debt and gain financial serenity?

It’s just like dieting. When you begin a weight loss plan, an “in your face” reality check can clearly show you that what you are consuming is the problem. This awareness can be the wake up call that transforms and energizes your goals. Now that you know the problem, you can achieve success.

If you don’t know where your money is going, it’s impossible to plug the leaks and gain financial peace of mind. Although I use QuickBooks for my business, I have been searching for a simple financial software system I could recommend for personal financial planning.   You Need a Budget is more than a simple, effective personal budget financial software system. It is a tool that will help you quickly gain an awareness about money and lead you on the path to financial peace of mind.

Get Out of Debt, Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck and Stop Fighting with Your Spouse

End sleepless nights and the stress that financial insecurity brings. Create a written spending plan (I’m not fond of the term budget) that simply and effectively works. Money management is made easy when you know what you want, realistically look at your income and debt, and create a spending and saving plan that works for you and your family. Sometimes a simple financial software tool helps takes the dread out of budgeting.

Do you need a personal financial software tool to get out of debt?

Not necessarily. But gaining clarity about your current money situation will be your lightbulb moment. A true foundation to regaining financial control.

Whatever financial planning tool you decide to use (even a simple Excel or Numbers spreadsheet or spiral notebook), gaining a clear insight or awareness into your current situation is essential to get a snapshot of your financial picture.

These tools will shine a strong light on the problem and you will immediately know what you need to do to get out of debt and gain financial peace of mind. Awareness is the important first step.

An Amazon best seller with 93 5-star reviews, this You Need a Budget personal financial software can be up and running within minutes, allowing you to import your banking transactions, track all your spending, and quickly gain financial peace of mind by gaining control of your money. Compatible with Windows Vista/2000/XP, not Macs.  Users claim it is easier to use than Quicken or Money. As I haven’t used those tools, I can’t comment.  I do know You Need a Budget is a much less expensive financial planning software tool especially considering the provided support options.

Created by Jesse Mecham, a Certified Public Accountant, and based on four rules of cash flow, this personal financial software budgeting program helps you maximize your money as you set and fulfill all your financial goals. Get out of debt, save for retirement and remove guilt about spending money by having a defined spending plan already in place. Spreadsheets, online video tutorials, and community forums are made available.

Is this financial planning tool right for you? Maybe. Maybe not.

If you are interested, there is a 60-day free trial available to see if it’s a good fit.

Reviews:

“Just what I was looking for. I was looking for software that used the “envelope system” of budgeting where you take your cash and divide it up into different envelopes for your budget categories and then is removed as you spend. This software fit perfectly…”

“This software is very easy to use. The company goes way above and beyond to make sure you are comfortable through extensive video tutorials and customer support. You can even attend free webinars that go step by step…”

“I love it!! It is so freeing to get a month ahead on paying bills, but even if you aren’t planning to do that, you can use this software and tell your dollars where to go instead of wondering where they went!!!”

“The best thing about YNAB is that I know exactly how much money I have for everything. I know how much I want to spend on clothing, so I dont feel guilty when I buy something…”

“I have used Quicken and Money for several years and I can honestly say that, this is the best tool I have used so far. YNAB is a powerful budgeting tool, but if you only need to track and budget your income and spending, then this is the tool for you. “

Check out more success stories here.

The bottom line? Awareness is the first step to Take Control of Your Money

It is important to face reality, find the money leak and make the decision to fix it. Money matters. Start your Get Out of Debt Journey today.

Resource: 
You Need a Budget

Navigation – How to Make Wise Decisions

As you decide to take ownership of your life, the most critical skill you can develop is learning how to make wise decisions.  Time challenged and overwhelmed with information, you often second guess your ability to make the right choices. Knowing wrong choices can affect your future freedom, independence and security, this frustration and uncertainty leads to inaction.

Sound familiar? It doesn’t have to be this way.

Once you develop your personal decision making process, you will instinctively know the path of action you need to take when you find yourself in unfamiliar territory. This newly discovered clarity and confidence will help you make wise decisions you can trust.

Action strategies, removing internal roadblocks, and setting success milestones will help you chart a course of successful solutions not only for your current transition, but will also help you navigate future.

How do you do this?

How to Make Wise Decisions for Life’s Next Chapter

• Decide what is most important to you. What will make you feel secure, fulfilled, at peace with yourself?
• Honestly look at the current direction of your life. Is your current path leading you towards your goal or away from it? What can you immediately do to change course?
• What are you willing to pay for reaching your goal? Make no mistake. You will pay with either your time, effort, or money. Perhaps all three. If you aren’t willing to commit your energy to action, you don’t have a goal. You have an empty dream.
• Once you decide what you are willing to pay for your goal in time, energy or money, decisions become easy. Every choice that presents itself will have an instant answer. You will immediately know if that choice will lead you in the right direction to help you on your journey.
• Before you begin your journey, decide in advance how you will recognize success. How will you feel? Where will you be living? What type of work will you be doing? Where will you find fulfillment? How will your bank account, your scales, your self-worth reflect your efforts?
• Create a Vision Map with photos, quotes, magazine clippings that visually reinforces your goal.

Bottom line? Follow your truth.

You already know what to do. Chart a path that will help you radiate the peace of mind that accompanies spiritual fulfillment and financial strength.

Our forthcoming book, The Circle of Wisdom, a Woman’s Guide to Clarity and Confidence, will soon be ready. Please let us know what burning question you may have about taking ownership of your life and learning how to make personal wise decisions.

Alignment – Live Your Values

Have you ever been somewhere you felt you didn’t fit in? Trying to be someone you aren’t? It can be exhausting.

When you live your values, you are in alignment. It’s that comfortable feeling of changing out of your confining dress clothes into your favorite sweater and jeans. You just feel good.

You know who you are. You know what’s important to you and why. You quit trying to fit into someone else’s standards. You stop trying to impress.

Be still. Rid yourself of distractions and find your true north.

Values-based decisions will eliminate inner conflict and vastly increase the quality of your life.

Health will improve as you experience less stress spiritually, financially, and physically.

Imagine someone you don’t know has followed you around for a week. Would she be able to explain to someone else the values you hold dear? If someone looked at your calendar, could they see what’s important to you? What about your bank account?

If financial serenity is a goal, it’s time to take control by creating and following your personal GPS, an internal guidance system. If you have dreams of a life you want, start taking action.

How can I help?

You are a Leader

We are experiencing a trust recession. We need leaders. We need you.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
John Quincy Adams

Are you a leader?

Our country, our businesses, our families are anxiously looking for leaders and guidance they can believe in. They are looking for you.

Whether you choose to be a leader or not, you are. Silent leadership is accomplished thru observation. Acquaintances, friends, loved ones, co-workers … they watch you without either of you being consciously aware. Your actions speak louder than your words .

Your leadership may be recognized immediately or it may take years. But someone, someday, will be going through a life changing experience and look back through their life history to intuitively find someone who’s life experiences and way of going impacted their life and memories. You have most likely done the same.

Whether it was how your role model ran an ethical business, dealt with an illness, a job change, a move, loss of a spouse or job, you remember. You will either decide to follow their path or choose to forge a new trail. But you will remember.  You, my friend, are that silent leader.

I was recently re-reading Leadership Secrets by Eric Yaverbaum and the following leadership values jumped off the page. Not because they are anything new, but because I noticed the 60 CEOs cited in this book were not from the corporations who have led our downward spiral. No CEO from AIG, Bank of America, Lehman, or CitiGroup. I think that speaks volumes about the state of our country today.

• “Lead by example.” Bruce Coleman
• “Convey a compelling vision.” Daniel Rose
• “Values are the foundation of all great leaders.” Gary Costley
• “Make good simple, honest and ethical decisions.” William Goodwin, Jr.
• “Simplify your business plan until it fits on one sheet of paper.” Lloyd “Buzz” Waterhouse

What do you consider to be leadership qualities you’d like to see in others? Which do you see in yourself?

Security – What does it mean to you?

Is it Financial independence? Freedom? Not becoming a bag lady?

Most women I speak with immediately mention the ability to maintain both their freedom and financial independence. They don’t want to rely on someone else to take care of them.

Security doesn’t mean a life without change or challenge.  Security is about developing the skills, self-confidence and self-assurance to make wise decisions. To know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you  will not be taken advantage of and can become self-sufficient regardless of circumstances.

The only real security in life is believing in yourself and your abilities. You are a nurturer. You have taken care of children, parents, husbands, employees, co-workers and pets. It’s time to carve out some time to take care of you. Do you know who you are? What you want?

Be still. Listen to your inner voice. Discover who you are and what you want. Make a plan and take action. Life is too short to wait.

Please let me know how I can help.

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Financial Security in Uncharted Waters

Take Heart. Seasons Change. Bears Hibernate. The Tide Will Come In.

It’s the nature of the beast. Change is inevitable. How do you achieve financial security in uncharted waters?

If you haven’t done so yet, it is vital you protect yourself and conserve cash now, so when the true buying opportunities present themselves (and they will), you’ll be ready, with cash to invest. Unlike the masses, you can profit from this beastly decline.

Take advantage of upticks in the market to sell investments. Don’t mistake them for a new bull market. Not yet. ***

The ebb and flow of the ocean tide provides powerful life lessons. I’ve just returned from spending time at Cape Canaveral, walking and biking the beach each day, quieting the soul to open myself to the life lessons I would discover.

Ocean tides are predictable; just like clockwork they naturally and alternatively rise and fall. But the choppiness of the waters, height of the waves and color of the ocean change unpredictably each day. Some days the wind creates whitecaps even within a sheltered bay. Other times the ocean itself is calm and flat waters prevail.

But the tides?

Predictable. Expected. Unavoidable.

Understand the tides of investing are similar. Don’t fight reality nor bury your head in the sand. Neither will help your situation. When times are prosperous and the market is rising, no one thinks those times will ever end.

When the market is in a downward spiral, there also doesn’t appear to be an end in sight. Neither belief is true.

Contrarian wisdom wins every time. It is time to prepare for the next wave. Think about this …

Read more

“You only get one” – My Perspective Shifts

Today a dear friend of mine wrote such a compelling and blended message of reality, hope, and truth that I asked her if I could share her insight with the readers of the Journal. She graciously agreed.

You may not personally know Michelle, but I’m quite sure you know of at least one woman who shares her story. She fills me with inspiration and admiration. I trust her message will touch your heart as it did mine and perhaps shift your perspective. Read more

Video Tip: Saving Money with Amazon Specials

Instantly Save $20 on LeapFrog Toys using Amazon Special

EDITED DECEMBER 16: The Gund Bear is no longer available from Amazon.

This video tip from the “Savvy Shopper” is about saving money with Amazon specials, and more specifically how to save $20 and get a free Gund bear on Amazon’s LeapFrog specials bundle package. The links included below make sure you effortlessly get the immediate extra $20 savings. If you don’t follow this link, you may have trouble. It took me awhile to get it right myself! (Note: seasonal video will be removed after Christmas.)

Here is the special page you need to use to easily Save $20 with Amazon’s LeapFrog “create your own bundle” promotion. As mentioned in the video, this page is very hard to find on your own and some people have had difficulty getting the $20 off. This page simplifies the process.

Check out further information on the LeapFrog toys at Educational Toys Kids Love to find more Christmas gft ideas for kids.

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