Tips to Stay Ahead of the Money Game

You would think that in a recession that you are stuck with what you can get financially. NOT SO! Throughout my career a few pieces of advice I've received from mentors have kept me staying above downswings in the economy, and helped me take maximum advantage of boom times. Check it!

1. Say yes to every job opportunity that comes your way. Even if you have a full time job, if a small project of any kinds floats into your life, TAKE IT. Put that money away for a rainy day or retirement. That's wealth: Feeling a sense of safety when an emergency pops up. I've cleaned garages for busy people, dealt blackjack at Christmas parties, and even dressed up like Tony the Tiger for a Wal-Mart promotion all while running a national multi-media business, just to get a little wealth!

2. Make it a part of your day to look for extra gigs. With the internet, there are endless opportunities to get tons of jobs that are quick and pay well. Add at least one or two a week to your agenda. Watching TV in your spare time won't get you the extra cash to take that cruise or trip to Hawaii.

3. Put away 3 percent of EVERYTHING you make away. Most of us have a hard time saving money. Google it. BUT, all of us won't miss 3 percent stuffed away in a bank again. Over a 10 year period, you will be amazed and wearing a big smile if you do this.

4. Make a long term goal. Learn the stock market, and pick a few stocks so you can start a portfolio of your own. Scott Trade is happy to help and it's still the best way to see gains on your extra money. Same with government bonds.

5. Go the extra mile. Stretch yourself and learn new skills. You can find tutorials on nearly any subject on the web. Each time you master a new tool, you raise your confidence and that always brings in more money. If you already have a very successful business or job, go a step further and talk to your clients. Thank them routinely for their business and ask the for critical feed back. This is insurance and money in the bank.

6. Have fun! Make sure you are having fun at all that you do. Laughter is the best medicine and people who hire, love to hire happy, outgoing people!

Season's change - and in business, we better change too.

While in college, a pre-med major at the time, I learned a single fact that changed my outlook on life, and immediately became a constant part of the way I conduct myself. It is probably the most singular important defining moment and nugget of truth that still serves me daily.

In Zoology, you study every animal and plant kingdom known to humankind. The underpinnings of this course is to "rank" species on their abilities to survive, reproduce, and how their anatomy works. So. Here it is. The ability to be a successful surviving,thriving organism is ADAPTABILITY. Too hot? No prob. Too cold? Under control. Predators? I've developed a hard shell. Food? Got my system down pat.

See what I mean? Think of a shark, crocodile, or even cockroach! They've been hanging around in the same environment for millions of years. And they are GOOD at what they do. They have ADAPTED.

How, you say, does this apply to success in life? Well, whether its God, hard work, strategy, natural ability or the whole package, one thing has been true since I was a small boy - role playing, morphing to "fit" unexpected social outbursts, reaching for something bigger than me, and rising to the occasion IS adapting.

Choosing to adapt, pick up new trends before the crowd does, take calculated big risks, being open - will probably allow me to live past 100.

When work hands me a curveball I don't want, feel unqualified to do, or feel stupid, I start adapting. Goal: Not only fail, but embrace the assignment.

Adaptation occurs every hour of everyday. We are part of evolution. "Rolling with the Punches" is a lasting quotation for a reason. It sums up the secret of adapting. It's our answer and the result is success.

How flexible are you?

Realize your inner strength and abilites!

iPhenomena!

After Apple's iCEO, Steven Jobs released the iMac, the world of computing and media as well all knew it had iChanged forever. Now, from the iPod through to the imminent takeover of book publishing with the advent of the iPad, the world is now filled with hundreds of millions of tiny little viewing screens that need special attention.

Coming soon to a smudged, scratched screen near you. NEW SCREEN.

A media screen device cleaner that makes CENTS!

Welcome to my Mind.

The American Scheme.

Loooooong gone are the days when corporate American actually wanted to keep an employee for life. We now live in a country where a handful of conglomerates dominate each industry segment with an iron fist. Food is not farmed, it's manufactured. Homes aren't worth half of what they cost to build. Cars aren't worth buying new, ever. A college degree isn't worth the paper it's printed on. You've heard both sides of the story, and the jury isn't just still out, it's been lobbied to death, and CONGRESS! Don't even start.

So, what are we to do? Those of us who still give a damn and want to make a good honest living. Where do we start? How do we make sense or feel good about what we do to make our dreams come true?

Let's start with that. Dreams. What are our dreams come true? What are they, and why are they?

Is the American Dream now, The American Scheme? It used to be quite enough for a family to have a career, a decent house, insurance, and a life with all the trimmings. You know, kids, a dog or cat, maybe a boat, enough money left over to save for the future and have some left over to fill in the cracks of boredom with an occasional night out for dinner or a movie, an extra curricular activity and college.

WHOA! You have to work at LEAST TWO JOBS for all that now, right?

Thank God the bubble is popping on that model for an American Dream. With the recession, the financial meltdowns, unemployment, and political gridlock, All of US Americans are having to ask ourselves.....

WHAT REALLY MATTERS? What makes a LIFE WELL LIVED, really?!

I'm looking for the truth, just like America. Can we create a career for ourselves and find the path to a life well lived? I would love to hear some stories from those of you who have.