Gold and Silver Fever

The men in my family are fans of those reality TV shows that chronicle a group of men spending thousands upon thousands of dollars digging for gold. I have to say that every once in a while I sit down and watch these shows with them. While I find the idea of digging for gold in these freezing cold climates insane, I have to admit that some of the men are true characters and I find their stories intriguing.

However, as I sit and offer my point of view calling these men crazy, in actuality this dream of moving heaven and earth to find gold is not a new concept. People have been digging, hoping and dreaming of finding their own pot of gold for centuries.

Recently I came across this interesting graphic that breaks down how people have digging for gold and silver, too, over thousands of years.

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In reading the facts listed in this graphic I learned some interesting information:

-- I didn't realize that at one point silver was considered more valuable than gold.
-- While I did know that some of our country's most prosperous cities grew out of the gold rush I didn't realize how quickly they grew. At the start of the gold rush San Fransico had only 200 permanent citizens. However, in only six years that number grew to 36,000! Now that remarkable!
-- Silver is making a big comeback. I did know about this fact. I have a friend who, a few months back, needed cash rather quickly. She took some old silverware that she had wrapped up in her attic to the local jeweler. Thinking she only had a couple hundred dollars worth of silver she quickly learned that in reality she had over $1200.00! Now that's pretty cool and a nice surprise!

I found this infographic interesting and I'm sure if you take some time to read it you'll learn some new facts, too!

More interesting things to come...until then,

Interesting Rock Festival Statistics

Have you ever attended a rock festival? I've never been to one but I've heard about them my entire life. Who, like me at the ripe old age of 47, hasn't heard of 'Woodstock'?? I'm the youngest of 5 kids so this infamous rock festival was something I learned about years ago.

Then several years ago I was a fan of the hit TV show on MTV 'The Ozbournes'. Watching that I learned about 'Ozzfest' which is a music festival for heavy metal fans.

Here's a very interesting graphic detailing the statistics and demographics of rock festivals.

Infographic Provided by EquipSupply

I have to say that I can't help but scratch my head and wonder why people go to these events. They're obviously for the young...or at least the young at heart! I know I'm getting old, but have no desire to go and plant myself in a sea of strangers! Talk about claustrophobia and germophobia! I'd be freaking out in a matter of minutes!

And also in reading this graphic I'm flabbergasted at the ticket prices! If I wasn't panicking about the millions of people and germs surrounding me I'd certainly be freaking out over the cost just to walk through the gates! And I can't imagine the cost of any food or drinks once you get inside. The companies that provide the event supplies and concession machines must salivate at the idea of being part of these festivals. I'm sure they rake in the bucks at such events!

I don't want to be a downer. I was young once and went to concerts all the time. These festivals are similar to concerts...they just last longer...days longer. I'm sure those who attend these events have a great time and have lots of fun. But I think in my old age I've become too prudent and uptight! Rock festivals aren't created for an old and frugal mama like me!

Regardless if you'd ever attend any kind of rock festival I did find the graphic very informative!

Okay...more fun and interesting information coming soon...until then,

The Financial Aid Process

Since our oldest child recently graduated from high school and  will be heading off to college soon we've had a full year of learning about how to navigate the financial aid system.

While it is a very intimidating process my husband has a good understanding of how it all works. Plus our local high schools offer financial aid workshops for parents and students. We attended our first workshop when our son was in his junior year. Then we went to another one when he was a senior.

We all know that obtaining a higher education is costly. Over the past couple of years we've learned that our home state, Pennsylvania, is one of top states where the cost of tuition for a public 4-year institution of higher education is the most expensive. What a frightening statistic! We do not want our children to be burdened with thousands upon thousands of dollars of student loan debt hanging over their heads for 20+ years beyond college!

So we--mostly my husband--hunkered down over the past year or so and went to work to figure out the financial aid process. Here's a very informational graphic provided by snhu.edu that will help guide you through the process:


Brought to You by SNHU.EDU Online College Programs


This is a very large graphic but if you take some time to look it over I'm sure you'll find it helpful. The financial aid process can cause worry, but if you take your time and research the process then it isn't quite as bad as you might think!

Okay, more sharing to come soon...until then,

Online Coupons for Frugal Folks Like Us

I've said it before and I'll say it again, "My husband and I are a couple of tight wads!" Some people will find that irritating, but many will have a bit of respect for us. We've managed for the past several years to survive on a tight budget and the only way we've been able to do that is through frugal living.

With that being said I want to share my thoughts on online coupons, where to look for them and how we've fared with them in the past.

Best Online Coupons has a huge variety of online coupons shared on their site and I'm confident you'll find some of your favorite stores listed there. I see Macy's, Old Navy, QVC, Dell, 6pm, Target, Best Buy and Dicks Sporting Goods just to rattle off a few. They offer newly released online coupons, expiring online coupons and a variety of hot online coupons. And what makes it so easy is you can see the online coupon code right there along with the expiration date. I added that site to my Favorites right after I discovered it!

And how about travel coupons? Over the past few years my husband and I saddened our children by announcing that we weren't able to take a family vacation because money was too tight. However, by mid summer we seemed to have a change of heart only because we were able to find some pretty good travel deals. If you are like us in that manner of thinking then check out this link--Expedia coupon code 2012. You find a large number of discounts offered on airfare, hotels, car rentals and more. In a brief scan of the page I see lots of 'last minute' deals which are right up my husbands alley! I saw one for Las Vegas and got a bit excited. We went there two times many years ago before our kids were born and we always talk about going back. Now that the kids are growing up and becoming more independent I would definitely feel more at ease leaving them at home with my sister or mother-in-law.

Over at Deals2.com it's unreal the online coupons and coupon codes you'll find to help save a few bucks. Regarding travel they also have a large variety of links and I saw quite a few listed that we've used in the past. Their Expedia coupons range from Disneyland Resorts and Maui Hotels to car rentals. Right from your computer you could check out a vacation package and book it, Then click back and book your car rental! Or if you like to take cruises they have cruise packages as well.

Another list of Expedia coupons includes offers for destinations such as Galveston Island, Los Angeles and a few more deals for Las Vegas! Woo! I'm really going to have to take a look at these offers. My sister just got back from Vegas last week and hearing her talk about her trip and share her stories really has me ready to get back there.

I'll be sure to share my decision with you soon. Although I'm drooling over the thought of a trip to Vegas for just my husband and I, I have a feeling we'll be doing our regular family vacation this summer. I've shared with you that my oldest son is heading to college in the fall and the thought of taking a vacation with out my kids at this major life turning point doesn't seem likely. But who knows? Maybe we'll take two vacations! With all the deals I'm finding we might be able to swing it!

Okay, more sharing on the way soon...until then,

   

Omaha Bankruptcy Attorney

Bankruptcy. It's an intimidating word. I get a knot in my stomach just typing it. Thankfully my husband and I haven't had to deal with bankruptcy, but being self employed I have to admit that the subject creeps into the back of my mind every so often and I get nervous...very nervous. As the saying goes, "No one knows what the future holds", and with a high anxiety personality like mine I've contemplated the subject and how we would handle it if it were to become a reality for our family.

Though not an issue for us we have a family friend who has had to live through bankruptcy. And we have another friend who could be headed down this same path if he can't work out his debt issues. In talking with these friends over the past few years I've learned a little bit about the different types of bankruptcy.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy can completely wipe out credit card debt, medical bills and utility bills, but the bankruptcy court could order you to sell some of your property so you can repay your creditors. However, this practice varies from state to state.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to work out a repayment plan in bankruptcy court regarding your mortgage and auto loans. And if you have credit card debt or medical bills you may be able to reduce or eliminate those bills as well.

Although I shouldn't generalize I blame the bad economy for one friend choosing to file for bankruptcy. He and his wife were self employed as mortgage brokers and they basically lost everything in the drastic economic tumble from a few years ago. But many people have gotten in over their heads financially through a variety of means and many times it can only be blamed on reckless financial decision making. No matter the reason bankruptcy occurs more often now than ever before and it doesn't seem to have the stigma attached to it as it did in the past. Just about everyone I know has had to deal with looming debt of some sort. Many friends have made great changes in the way they handle their money and worked very hard to get their financial lives back on track. Others feel they have no other option but to consider bankruptcy. Since there is no 'one-size-fits-all' answer everyone has to choose the path that works best for them.

Bankruptcy laws were created to help you get out of debt. If you are feeling completely overwhelmed and nervous and need some guidance you can find relief. Contact an Omaha Bankruptcy Attorney for advice on the subject. They have the expertise and experience in helping people figure out a solution to their debt issues.

Bankruptcy can be an intimidating subject, but there is help out there so don't be afraid or too embarrassed to ask. You certainly are not alone.

Okay...more discussions to come...until then,

"You Should Only Have To Get Rich Once" by Russell E. Holcombe

I just finished reading a book called "You Should Only Have to Get Rich Once" by author Russell E. Holcombe. As a Certified Financial Planner, Russell Holcombe's goal is to help wealthy clients better understand how to manage their money and to stay wealthy.

I'll be candid with you, when it comes to talking about investing I get very confused. My husband and I have a few small accounts but nothing that amounts to putting us into the 'wealthy' category. I certainly hope that someday we'll be in a much higher tax bracket, but for now I'll settle for where we are.

Regardless, I began reading this book feeling a bit nervous that I might get lost or overwhelmed with discussions about financial matters and the "how to's" about investing. But I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book.

For starters  let me say that I try very hard to live my life honestly. I'm not only honest with others, but I'm also honest and true to myself. I try to make decisions that take me in the direction that "I" want to go and not the direction that I am expected to go. I have my own home based business and believe me when I tell you that I didn't have many cheerleaders rooting for me when I made the decision to forge my own path.  Everyone seemed to be a 'Doubting Thomas' and their words of encouragement were few. But I'm an entrepreneur and I think differently. I wanted (and still want) different things for my family. I want to run my life the way I see fit. I don't want to live out my days according to what others' opinions may be.

That kind of honesty coupled with a conservative mentality toward money puts me in the right frame of mind to appreciate Mr. Holcombe's advice and teachings. And let me add that, like me, my husband is a sole proprietor and even more conservative with money than I am.

As a financial professional Mr. Holcombe has seen many wealthy persons that have fallen for the "traps of the financial factory". Sadly many of these people have lost a good portion of their wealth when it really wasn't necessary. While the author began writing this book many years ago, he was still writing it during the economic disaster of 2008. He believes that some of the wealth that was lost in that downturn was simply due to over-investing.

He explains that if you only focus on making a profit then that's where your trouble lies. Unfortunately, "Profit can be an addictive narcotic. Everyone wants it. People will do anything to get a hit of it in their portfolio."

He wants people to change the way they think about money. In his opinion when a wealthy person reaches a certain level of wealth he or she needs to stop over-investing. Now understand, he doesn't say to stop investing, just stop over-investing. There is a difference and in my opinion it makes complete sense. His comparison is that of running a race. You've run the race and you've reached the finish line. Common sense says that's the point when you stop running. Right? But what would you think if you saw someone running a race yet once they've passed the finish line they continue to run? Most people would consider that person as crazy!

So how do you figure out when to stop over-investing? The author explains that one needs to find their "Point of Independence" (POI) which he defines as:

"Your Point of Independence is the intersection in the road where the money you need to do whatever you want to do in life is funded without your labor."

Wow! That sounds like a wonderful intersection! It's a very interesting concept and the book shares a variety of stories of people who figured out their own personal POI, who were wise and stayed in control of their money. And it also shares stories about some wealthy people who weren't so wise. It really has helped to change the way I think about my money and what I hope my money will do for me someday.

As I stated earlier, my husband and I have a long way to go to reach the level of income where we should begin this line of thinking. But there's nothing wrong with preparing, right? And it's a great feeling to know that you shouldn't fall for or believe everything your financial advisor tells you. Prior to reading this book my husband and I had a meeting with our financial advisor. My husband is much more outspoken than I and he was feeling frustration with what our advisor was trying to tell us. We left the meeting feeling uneasy and disagreeing with the numbers and comparisons our advisor was sharing with us.

Magically a few days later this book appeared in my mail box. How about that! Talk about the universe trying to send us a message!

So I've learned that just as my entrepreneurial mind set told me I must forge my own path I also have to do the same from a financial perspective. Be your own pioneer and figure out what suits your life best. Be honest with yourself and figure out what you want your money to do for you. There is no need to jump on every bandwagon that comes along and agree with every one else's opinion of how you should handle your wealth.

I highly recommend this book!

***And one final note: The author was kind enough to send me a second copy of his book to use as a give away to one of my followers. Immediately after this post goes live I'll be sharing the link on Twitter and my Facebook Page. I'll continue to promote this contest over the next several days. The tenth person to contact me will be the winner. You can contact me via Direct Message on Twitter, message me on Facebook or comment on my blog. It's very simple! Good luck!***

Girls Pajamas from Aeropostal

   I'm spending a little bit of my free time this evening reving myself up for all the holiday shopping that has to be done soon. My daughter's birthday is right before Christmas so I not only have to do lots of holiday shopping for the entire family, but I also have to get birthday gifts for her at the same time.

   But thankfully she's a girl!! Which translates to...she is SUPER EASY to shop for!

   Not that she really *NEEDS* a thing...we just went school shopping a few weeks ago! But I will admit that her pajamas are looking pretty worn. I don't think I've gotten her any since last Christmas. All summer she only slept in t-shirts and shorts.

   Meanwhile, as I was doing some online shopping I happened upon these darling girls pajamas and I think the styles are right up her alley. They have colorful tanks, camis and t-shirts which are perfect for her. She is so unlike me and she wears tank tops in the winter! Me? I wear heavy fleece pajamas because I am always freezing cold.

   And the flannel pants or the fleece pants would be great to go with these tops. And I've taken a fancy to the holiday themed pants! How cute are they?!?! But knowing my daughter she'd probably prefer the plain colored pants. Usually if I like something it ends up that she doesn't. It's that teen attitude that comes into play when we shop. But then again, the little flannel dorm boxers might be more in line with her taste. Plus...as I said...she's never cold like me!

   Decisions! Decisions!

   Okay...I'm going to get going so I can focus and take more time to look over this large selection of girls pajamas and maybe even more of the other clothes on their site. I bought my son a couple pair of jeans from Aeropostal last year and he wears them all the time. And the best part...the price was great! Lots to think about!

   Have a great evening! More fun on the way tomorrow...until then,

Prepaid Cards

   My oldest son is a senior in high school and lately we have had 'everything college' on the brain! We've visited 5 schools and my son is fairly sure which college he'll be attending. My husband and I are definitely the worrying type and our goal is to stay ahead of the game in every aspect. We've witnessed family members and friends end up with serious financial woes because they didn't research their college funding options or plan ahead. Our obsessive-compulsive worrying can be annoying, but in this case we hope it will help us avoid making similar mistakes.

   Meanwhile, we watch the news every day and hear about all of the credit problems people face because of the financial situation in our country. We've read articles relating to this issue as well as listened to news shows discussing the credit crunch. One topic that we leaned about and have considered an option for our son is reloadable prepaid cards.
  
   The thought of handing any of our children a credit card makes my husband and I super nervous. We trust our kids, but they are still too young to handle the responsibility of a credit card. But a reloadable prepaid card? Hmmm...this might be a good way to help our kids learn how to handle their money. And, at the same time, this would allow us to have debt control and prevent them from getting in over their heads by using a regular credit card.

   Just recently I learned about the Green Dot prepaid card. This company offers a prepaid card that is reloadable and you can choose between a debit MasterCard or a Visa debit card. You can use it where ever Visa and MasterCard debit cards are accepted. Plus your card will be personalized with your name. And while it's the same as having cash in hand it can be considered safer than cash. If your card is lost or stolen your money is protected. (Limitations and fees may apply so make sure to read the fine print.)

   Green Dot has a number of available products but the one that caught my attention was the prepaid student card. This could certainly be something my son will be able to use when he heads  off to college.

   And something else that I appreciated about the Green Dot prepaid card is that they have a service available on their site where you can reload a card online. This would be beneficial if my son calls at the last minute in panic mode saying that he needs some cash right away.

   A few other advantages of a prepaid card---there are no interest rates, credit checks are not necessary, and you don't have to disclose your income or bank account information.

   Now, I'm not being naive and I don't intend to give you a 'pie-in-the-sky' impression about these cards. There are some negative issues with prepaid cards that you absolutely need to consider. There are fees involved. There is a fee to purchase one, a fee to reload a card, more fees if you use a non-participating ATM, plus a few more that you need to be aware of. And one important point is this--if you want or need to build credit prepaid cards are not going to benefit you simply because the money is not being borrowed. There are a few other things to consider as well, so always make sure to read the fine print before you buy one.

   The bottom line...do your homework! Read and learn.There are many articles about prepaid cards all over the Internet. Just as my husband and I are spending lots of time planning to get our son prepared for college we also have to prepare him for the responsibility of handling his finances. I think and hope and pray he'll be okay. But we can't take anything for granted!  We must take responsiblitly and educate ourselves first! Then hopefully our child will follow suit.

   Okay...time to get moving on my day! More on the way...until then,

OMG...synchronicity...OR...what??

Okay...this is just TOO WEIRD...TOO FREAKY..

...OR...

is it plain and simple...synchronicity???

Just last night I blogged about how 'Change is Possible'. In this post I discussed how I need to change the way I think or at least, in a sense, pump up the volume and start setting my benchmarks for financial success higher.

Then this morning I was trying to catch up on my reading. I clicked open my Daily Guru email from earlier this week and this is what it said:

“ ...what I focus on in life is what I get. And if I concentrate on how bad I am or how wrong I am or how inadequate I am, if I concentrate on what I can’t do and how there’s not enough time in which to do it, isn’t that what I get every time? And when I think about how powerful I am, and when I think about what I have left to contribute, and when I think about the difference I can make on this planet, then that’s what I get. You see, I recognize that it’s not what happens to you; it’s what you do about it.” -- W. Mitchell

What are your thoughts??? I say it's synchronicity. I believe it's the universe telling me, "Yes, Jane. You're on the right track. Keep going in this direction." I believe it's a nudge from my many spiritual advisers.

Yeah...I'm sure many of you think I'm a bit 'out there'. But this is exactly how I've grown my business. From the very beginning...from the word go...I listened to my instincts....I've listened to my inner voice. I always paid attention to what the universe was showing me and I sincerely believe that's why I've had such success.

Okay...have a busy morning ahead and lots of running around. But I'll be back with more soon. Until then,

Change is Possible

I read this today in my Daily Worth email..."Change is Possible".

In relation to the book 'The Secret' (see my note about this book below) I have been saying for the past few years that, financially speaking, I don't want much...I just want to be able to keep us afloat. I want to be able to pay our bills. Well...guess what? That's exactly what I'm doing. With my business I am making enough money to pay our bills and keep us afloat.

But you know what??? I want more than that!! However...(and you can blame it on my Catholic guilt)...I have an issue with wanting more. I fear that I will be projecting a vibe of GREED out into the universe. I am not a greedy person. I am utterly grateful for my place in life...I have a wonderful husband, 3 beautiful, healthy kids, a loving extended family, a nice home in a nice neighborhood, a successful home-based business and so much more. So, if that's the case, then why would I think that what I have isn't enough???

But I get it now...it's not GREEDY to want more. I don't want more so I can go out and spend frivolously, be irresponsible and get out of control with adding more 'things' to my life. I want more so I can be SANE. I want to put money into my savings and see it grow. I want to know that if one of our vehicles breaks down we can pay for it and not sweat because we have to pay for it with a credit card. I want to know that when the gas bills go up really high in the cold winter months I won't have to panic when I see our savings go down. And there's more...so much more...but I won't continue to bore you.

So...I am changing the thoughts that I am putting out into the universe...I am replacing my old thoughts and I will continually put this thought out there...

"I want to live a financially sane life. I want to meet the baseline that I require to live a financially sane life—I not only want to cover our expenses, but I also want to sock away savings and to meet my personal goals."

This will be my new mantra...change is possible.

Do you get where I'm coming from??? If so join me and let me know if you notice any changes occurring.

I'm excited to hear what you have to share...until then,

***Regarding the book 'The Secret'...I have practiced positive thinking for many years...probably since high school. I just didn't realize it was a big 'Secret'. I practiced little things like telling myself every morning that I was going to have a good day. Or if something in my life wasn't going well for me I would tell myself 'you deserve better'. And then things would get better for me. So I'm not a newbie when it comes to this big 'Secret'...it's something I've worked on most of my adult life. But...that's another post for another day.***