tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19558909531910624862024-03-13T23:35:04.635-07:00Live for ImprovementSimple tips and tricks to improve the quality of life.Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.comBlogger210125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-26449216818232428782010-10-29T10:09:00.000-07:002010-10-29T13:15:05.072-07:00The Twenty Dollar Micro Business Challenge<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7B1OADZGNh8/TMspZRXDKeI/AAAAAAAAANk/cCbdZOY7sk8/s1600/us20-front.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533562081288333794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 301px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7B1OADZGNh8/TMspZRXDKeI/AAAAAAAAANk/cCbdZOY7sk8/s320/us20-front.jpg" border="0" /></a>Everyone dreams about making additional income, but the idea of setting up a your own business can be overwhelming. That's the problem! Before making a single dollar, we tend to buy business cards, start building websites, designing logos, writing business plans, looking for investors, and scouting for employees. We burn out because this "additional income" just became another full time job. Stop it! There is no need to open 40 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jamba</span> Juice locations, when a simple lemonade stand would suffice. Start small and let your business grow as needed.<br /><br /><div><div></div><br /><br /><div>How Small? Well....$20 dollars goes farther than you think. </div><div><br /></div><div>Go to the bank and withdrawal $20 bucks cash. Put it in an envelope and write the date on it. You now have everything you need to start your own micro business. Below are some examples of micro businesses to get your creative juices flowing: <p></p><br /></div><div><strong>Antiquing-</strong>Go to a garage sale to see what you can find for under $20 bucks. Resell this item on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Craigslist</span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ebay</span> for a profit. <p></p><br /></div><div><strong>Walk dogs</strong> - Buy some poop bags, doggy treats, and make some cheap fliers. <p></p><br /></div><div><strong>Hauling-</strong> Got a Truck? Put an add on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">craigslist</span> offering to help someone move, or to take a load to the dump for a profit. Dump fees are $20 in my area, but Yard waste is free, you do the math. <p></p><br /></div><div><strong>Car Washing</strong> - Get some soap, an old towel and a Soft sponge. <p></p><br /></div><div><strong>Tour Guide</strong>- Do you live near a tourist hot spot? Try showing out-of-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">towners</span> to the local must see sights. <p></p><br /></div><div><strong>Hobbies </strong>- If you already have a hobby like knitting, painting, photography, pottery, tying fly-fishing lures, or have a vegetable garden. Use the $20 to market these products. <p></p><br /></div><div><strong>Skills </strong>- Do you speak another language, know how to cook, understand Math, or great with computers? Try becoming a tutor for others that do not posses the same skill set. <p></p><br /></div><div><strong>Shine Shoes</strong>- Try hanging out in the financial district with some shoe polish, a cloth and a brush. <p></p><br /></div><div><strong>Bakery</strong>- Spread the word to co-workers, friends and family that you are willing to make custom baked goods for any PTA meeting, retirement party, or birthday for a nominal fee. <p></p><br /></div><div>Find a Micro Business that works for you, and try running it for one month. If you are successful, than you can think about how to earn more. The simplicity of a micro business will earn you money quickly, without the complexities of a small business. </div></div>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-19745550213638329622010-09-30T10:50:00.001-07:002010-10-04T09:24:47.778-07:00IVI Inc. Brings Live TV to the Internet<a href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2010/09/ivi-brings-live-tv-to-internet.html"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 131px" alt="" src="http://www.crunchbase.com/assets/images/resized/0003/4167/34167v2-max-250x250.png" border="0" /></a>The Seattle based company <a href="http://www.ivi.tv/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">IVI</span> Inc.</a> may have finally bridged the gap between Television and the Internet. For years we have been able to watch previously recorded episodes of network TV on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Youtube</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hulu</span>. Then <a href="http://www.slingbox.com/go/home"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Slingbox</span> </a>came along and offered a way to stream your local cable channels from one location to any laptop or desktop. But until now we haven't been able to stream live local network TV from various locations around the country, to any computer in the country.<br /><div></div><br /><div>After downloading the IVI Player a R<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">edsox</span> fan living in Arizona can now watch the same live local NY broadcast of the game just like he was a block away from the stadium. During the commercials he can flip channels to check out the Mariners game and get local Seattle news and weather. Various local channels are now just a click away, no matter where you are. IVI lets you choose which brocast location of Fox you want to watch. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">It</span> also allows you to pause fast forward and rewind live TV. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">IVI</span> makes it possible for me to watch live TV on my laptop during my commute on the train, just like I was sitting at home. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here are some of the Pros and cons that I found:<br /></div><div>1.) User interface is very easy to use.</div><div>2.) Picture is Clear, but not yet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">HD</span>. </div><div>3.) Currently limited to NY and Seattle but more stations are coming.</div><div>4.) No buffer delay or pause when flipping channels.</div><div>5.) First month is free, but it costs $4.99 or $5.99 per month. (Still cheaper than basic cable)</div><div>6.) No Box or Equipment.</div><div>7.) It can be installed on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">multiple</span> computers, but only one will play at a time.</div><div>8.) Includes all the major networks ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX </div><div>9.) Does not yet have all the regular cable channels.</div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Overall I am very impressed with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">IVI</span> player, and recommend it for couch potatoes on the go. </div>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-37543257435851534672010-09-20T15:08:00.001-07:002010-09-21T08:22:18.605-07:00Emergency Waterproof iPhone Case<a href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2010/09/emergency-waterproof-iphone-case.html"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 248px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 325px" alt="" src="http://www.iphonesavior.com/images/2008/03/01/iphone_zippy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>My friend and I regularly go salmon fishing on the local rivers. While wading across the river he accidentally submerge his iphone. Now the screen is dark and the button doesn't work.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>On our next outing I decided to carry my phone in a zip-lock bag as a safety precaution. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the touch screen still works while inside. The display can also be easily viewed through the plastic. This no-brainer actually works quite well.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The next time you go near water, try putting your cell phone in a zip-lock bag. It is a cheap way of avoiding a costly mistake. </div>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-19436984975373529412010-09-20T13:47:00.000-07:002010-09-20T14:50:47.888-07:00Fight Quasimodo with a Yoga Ball<a href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2010/09/battling-quasimodo-with-yoga-ball.html"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px" alt="" src="http://www.fitnessfatloss.com/images/best-ab-workout.jpg" border="0" /></a>Minding your posture can be a difficult and daunting task, especially if you are tall like me. At 6'3" I've started to realized that my old high school slouch is becoming a full on Montgomery Burns. I've never had back problems growing up, but as I get older there will be days when I feel soreness and tension. I consulted a Chiropractor, who recommended arching my back over a yoga ball twice a day. As embarassing as it was, I went out and bought a yoga ball. Now it has become my new favorite past time. After a long day, I look forward to coming home and stretching out my back. I've been sleeping better at night and my posture is improving.<br /><div></div><br /><div>How much time do you spend lounging on a couch, leaning over a desk, or stuck in traffic? When was the last time you stretched out your back. Maybe its time to swallow your pride, be a man, and buy a yoga ball.</div>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-72725070769408269672010-05-14T08:22:00.000-07:002010-05-14T11:04:12.764-07:00RFID blocker<a href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2010/05/rfid-blocker.html"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px" alt="" src="http://www.chicaandjo.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/foil_1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Maybe I am just overly paranoid, but these days <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio-frequency_identification"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">RFIDs</span></span></a> are everywhere. They're in your credit cards, your cell phone, employment badges, public transportation passes, electronic toll booths, retail packaging. They are used to find lost pets, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">track</span> livestock, and in some cases implanted in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VeriChip">you</a>.<br /><div></div><br /><div>If you are worried about someone stealing your identity or credit card information using a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">RFID</span></span> reader, here is a simple trick for you:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Cut a piece of aluminum foil about the size of a dollar bill, and place it in your wallet. When your wallet is folded up in your pocket, any credit cards or ID badges wrapped inside the foil will be impervious to an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">RFID</span></span> reader. I experimented at work, and sure enough my proximity card won't open my office door if there's a sheet in aluminum foil between the card and the reader.</div>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-40249357958173781982010-05-13T08:45:00.000-07:002010-05-14T10:37:05.006-07:00Great Marinades and Seasoning for Free<a href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2010/05/great-marinades-and-seasoning-for-free.html"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 204px" alt="" src="http://pqliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/meat-rack.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The summer grilling season is almost here, and the only thing better a marinated tri-tip, is not paying $4.00 for a bottle of marinade. Here's how:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We've all seen the marinaded meats behind the glass at our local grocery store, but what you may not know is that most butchers will happily add your choice of marinades, and seasonings to any meat you buy for free.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Our local Safeway, has a very friendly butcher. He's always talking about what's on sale, grilling techniques, and all his must try recipes. It seems like every time we go in he's got a new marinade. Routinely we'll select a nice package of ribs, steak, or chops, and bring it to the butcher counter. He'll ask us what kind of marinade we want, put the meat in a zip lock bag, and add a generous portion of marinade. The marinade begins soaking into the meat before we have even finished shopping, and it is usually ready to cook when we get home. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, the next time you buy grilling meat, try having the butcher add a marinade or seasonings. </div>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-32720816672150903542010-05-11T13:56:00.000-07:002010-05-11T19:58:44.947-07:00Understanding Time Constraints<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2010/05/understanding-time-constraints.html"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 321px;" src="http://thomallison1.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/dalitime.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div> Always strive to do your best, but take into consideration uncontrollable factors like time.</div><br /><div>Suppose we are entering a sand castle making contest, and the lucky winner will receive a new pick-up truck. You are probably already thinking about how to build your castle. Now ask yourself how time can affect the quality of your castle. If you were given a week to build the castle, it would probably include a tower, a mote, windows, and a working drawbridge. If you were only given 30 seconds, the castle would probably resemble a square shaped ant hill. In this example, time plays a significant role in the outcome of your castle, regardless of your effort. This concept carries over to many situations in life.<br /></div><div> </div><br /><div>When you are confronted with any task, the first question to ask yourself is how much time and effort is needed to accomplish it. If while hiking, you come across a stream, you may want to use a log to make a temporary bridge. But if this stream was on your property and used daily to get to your house, it might make more sense to construct a proper bridge. </div><br />Trying to build the Great Wall of China in a day will surely lead to disappointment, just like using chewing gum to fix a plumbing leak is a bad idea. The appropriate time and effort must be factored into every task to get adequate results.<br /><div> </div><br /><div></div>If my boss asks when I'll have a report ready, I usually estimate the time and add another day or two. This way when I finish early, I look like a hero, and if I run into problems I can still get it to him on time.<br /><br /><div></div><div>By understanding time constraints, you can better allocate you time and paved the way to achievable success.<br /></div>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-60553009238065677812010-04-02T09:18:00.000-07:002010-04-02T13:22:34.756-07:00Give Yourself a Raise by Managing Your Expenses<a href="http://www.versacreations.net/images/Wallet%20with%20Money.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 218px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px" alt="" src="http://www.versacreations.net/images/Wallet%20with%20Money.jpg" border="0" /></a>Whether it's working overtime, or getting a second job, most people will do what ever it takes to maximize their income. Unfortunately hardly anyone pays attention to their spending habits. I'm here to tell you that earning and saving are one of the same. If you want to make more money, you don't have to impress your boss. You can just as easily pass on a night out with friends, or refrain from impulse buying dvds.<br /><br /><div>To put it in perspective, think about how excited you would you be if your boss raised you salary by $100/week. You would probably do cart-wheels down the hall. Now think if you went out for dinner and drinks with friends to celebrate, that same $100.00 could disappear in a matter of hours. </div><div></div><div>We need to looked at our expenses like we look at our income. If your boss shorted you an hour on your paycheck, you would probably march into his office and demand that it was fixed. Now how you would react if on the way home you noticed the grocery store accidentally charged you twice for a 24 pack of toilet paper. You may go back in and tell them, but then again it might just be more effort than it is worth. </div><p>Just remember whether your earning or spending, money-is-money-is-money. Finding a $5 bill on the on the ground, should be just as exciting as using a coupon.</p>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-40260771943406884112010-04-02T07:51:00.000-07:002010-04-02T14:55:51.895-07:00Know Your home<a href="http://web.iitd.ac.in/~kamleshsingh/home.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 297px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px" alt="" src="http://web.iitd.ac.in/~kamleshsingh/home.jpg" border="0" /></a>While making dinner the other day, half of our house lost <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">power</span>. All the lights in the the guest bedrooms, office, den and garage went out. But strangeley the lights in the kitchen, master, and living room still worked fine. After tracing the electricity back to the breaker panel, I found that it was not the wiring in the house but one of the power companies leads <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">coming</span> in that failed. I called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PSE, and they</span> came out within a few hours to restored power. It turns out there was a problem with one of the underground supply lines. This got me thinking about all the important things people should know about their home:<br /><br /><strong>Be Able to Locate Your Utility Panels</strong><br />Many people don't know where their electrical panel is, let alone how to shut off the water or gas in an emergency. Take a few moments to locate these items. Also consider buying a gas shut off wrench and keeping accessible.<br /><br /><strong>Have it when you need it</strong><br />Everyone knows how frustrating it can be to find a working flash light in the dark, but what about a fire extinguisher? If your house caught on fire, do you even have one to grab? Having a fire extinguisher can be the difference between a small kitchen fire and losing your home. At a cost of $15-$30 it is worth it. Most homeowner insurance companies will even give a discount for having one.<br /><br /><strong>Lighting Pilots</strong><br />Learn how to light the pilot on your water heater, fire place, or other applicable appliances. If the gas is ever shut off temporarily, you don't want to rely on a technician for warmth.<br /><p><strong>Important Documents</strong><br />If you had to evacuate your home, how long would it take to gather all your important documents. Consider keeping your birth/marriage certificates, car <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pink slips</span>, house title, social security card, emergency credit card, tax info, and any other important documents in a safe place that can be accessed quickly.</p><p>By taking a few moments to know your home, and organize the things inside it, you could save yourself some serious headaches in the future.<br /></p>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-5286062809957586052010-03-26T08:19:00.000-07:002010-03-26T14:04:55.491-07:00Find Your Motivators<a href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2010/03/find-your-motivators.html"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 444px" alt="" src="http://actnormal.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/fashion-diva.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>What gets you out of bed in the morning, makes you go to work, or inspires you to clean your house? The simple answer is motivation, but a more precise answer is each individual motivator. You get out of bed for that cup of coffee, or because its better than listening to a buzzing alarm clock. You go to work so you can provide for your kids. You clean your house because you in-laws are coming over. These are the behind the scenes motivators. Motivators are the reason that we do the things we do. </div><div></div><div></div><div><p></p>Suppose you have a co-worker who is notoriously late to work. Even with an important early morning meeting, he or she is 15 minutes late. Now suppose there's a $8,000.00 incentive for them to arrive on time each day for a week. I gaurantee that same person will find a way to be there on time. The difference in this scenario is the money motivator. Normally, the co-worker prefers the extra sleep, or the relaxed commute to being punctual. Negative motivators can also have the same affect. A boss could say "If you're not on time every day this week then you are fired!" </div><div><br /></div><div>Everyday we do hundreds of tasks without fully understanding the motivators behind them. By taking the time to identify these motivators it helps us to validate our actions. If you don't want to take out the trash, find the motivator. Would you rather live with flies and the pungent smell of rotting food wafting through your house? Of course not, so take out the trash. Are you dreading doing your laundry? You'll be the one forced to go out in public looking like Steve Urkel because you ran out of clean close that fit. Are you avoiding the gym? It may be harder to avoid your swim suit this summer or the health hazards later in life. Do you hate sitting in traffic? Try sitting at home unemployed. There are reasons why we do things that we don't enjoy. If there wasn't, the action would be a wasted effort and meaningless. </div><div><br /></div><div>Like a dog that sits for a treat, a job hunter dressing up for an interview, or the friendliness of a car salesmen, there are motivators behind all actions. Learn what your motivators are and these actions will have meaning. Chores and hardships will become logical. </div><div><br /></div><div>Please feel free to comment, your input motivates me to continue writing articles.</div>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-59400388174792058812010-02-15T10:55:00.000-08:002010-02-17T08:26:00.989-08:00Sell Your Old Books for Cash<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2010/02/sell-your-old-books-for-cash.html"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 347px;" src="http://jonbunn.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/book-sale.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Today I tripped over a big heavy box in the garage. I vaguely remember crating it around with me from house to house in college, but never once opened it to see the contents. When finally got around to opening it this morning, I found a ton of old books.<br /><br />My first reaction was to take them to the Goodwill or a used book store, but while Googling the nearest used book store I found:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cash4books.net/">http://www.cash4books.net/</a><br /><br />Cash4 books buys used books. This easy to use site lets you<span style="font-weight: bold;"> type in the ISBN # located on ever book bar code for an instant quote</span>. I only got a few dollars per book, but shipping is free with the sites printable shipping labels. After they get your books you will receive a check or Paypal deposit.<br /><br />So if you have a ton of old books weighing you down, and cluttering up your house, check Cash4books before you donate them to Goodwill, you could stand make some easy money.Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-63001013088052110022010-02-08T08:06:00.000-08:002010-02-08T10:27:56.554-08:00Stop Bad Mouthing Your Employer<a href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2010/02/stop-bad-mouthing-your-employer.html"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 222px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 348px" alt="" src="http://fortcollinscopier.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/secret.jpg" border="0" /></a>If you're stressed out, and having a bad day at work, don't vent your frustration with co-workers. It not only makes you look bad, but it makes your employer look bad as well. Bad mouthing only adds to an already stressful situation. It defames your character and does not speak very highly of your integrity. Bad mouthing your boss doesn't accomplish anything, and could even get you fired. This doesn't mean that you have to shoulder all the burdens at work. There is a big difference between complaining about your boss, and proposing solutions.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Complaining About Your Boss</strong></div><div>It's easy to say "This is a poor way to run a business," or " We wouldn't have these problems if I was in charge." In reality, you are not in charge, and without proposing any solution, you are just complaining. Anytime you feel the need to lower your voice, you are probably bad mouthing. Finding faults in other people's actions is a spineless act, and should left up to gossipers and villains.<br /></div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Proposing solutions</strong></div><div>If you know how to make the business run more efficiently, by all means speak up. Suggest your improvement to the boss and your co-workers. If everyone is in agreement, you could be the hero of the company. A problem solver will advance within a company, while a bad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">mouther</span> will fester in their own misery.<br /></div><div></div><div><p></p>Avoid getting caught up in office politics, and stop bad mouthing your employer. </div>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-45432431503705572202010-02-02T08:16:00.000-08:002010-02-02T08:36:36.436-08:00Quick Tip: Keep a Stash of Cash at Home<a href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2010/02/quick-tip-keep-stash-of-cash-at-home.html"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/galleries/2008/pf/0801/gallery.prudent_paranoid.moneymag/images/7_money_stash.ce.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I don't normally carry cash. I use my debit card for almost everything. Unfortunately their are times when cash is nessesary. Whether it's tipping the pizza guy, making change for poker night, or wheelin-and-dealing at a neighbors garage sale, it is always good to have at least some cash at home. There is no need to stuff your life savings in a matteress, but having access to $100 in small bills comes in handy.</div>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-1159681152186891112010-01-31T15:31:00.000-08:002010-01-31T17:22:14.333-08:00Turbo Tax Online<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2010/01/turbo-tax-online.html"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 180px;" src="http://www.macononthecheap.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/turbotax.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Today my wife and I went to <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/">Best Buy</a> and bought the latest version of <a href="http://turbotax.intuit.com/">TurboTax</a>, just like we do every year. Just before the installation, we discovered that <a href="http://turbotax.intuit.com/">Turbo Tax</a> is available online for $20 less. Since our software was unopened, we were able to return it.<br /><br />We used the online version for the first time, and highly recomend it. You don't have to install any sofware, and can access your tax filing from any computer. All of the version like Basic, Deluxe, Primere, Home Business, and Business are all available online.Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-5663740336029824002010-01-28T10:34:00.000-08:002010-01-28T11:20:02.409-08:00Pay Paper Bills Upon Receipt<a href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2010/01/pay-paper-bills-upon-receipt.html"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 204px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px" alt="" src="http://swiftpage.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/mail.jpg" border="0" /></a>We all have bills that are can't be <a href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2008/10/never-worry-about-paying-bills-again.html">automated</a>. My local water company for example, doesn't have the technology to deduct money from my "Bills" bank Account, and the amount varies each month, so I can't use my banks <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">reoccurring</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bill pay</span> to issue a check.<br /><div></div><br /><div>The easiest way to pay these bills is upon receipt. If I'm thumbing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">through</span> the mail and come across these type of bills, I whip out my check book right then and there. I slap a stamp on the envelope, and put it by the door for mailing. If I set it down on the counter, odds are that I'll forget to pay it. There is nothing more frustrating than getting a late fee on a bill that you had the money to pay for. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So try making it a rule to pay these <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">un-automated</span> bills upon <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">receipt</span>, you'll never be late again. </div>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-83517912444223808762010-01-25T09:14:00.000-08:002010-01-25T10:49:08.272-08:00Quick tip: Life without the Snooze Bar<a href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2010/01/quick-tip-life-without-snooze-bar.html"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 285px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 380px" alt="" src="http://www.sleepingdisorders365.com/uploaded_images/sleeping-disorders-waking-up-between-rem-sleep-cycles-721899.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Does it take the "Jaws-of-life" to get you out of bed in the morning? Consider changing your sleep habits. Here is a trick that I use to make my mornings easier: </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Monday through Friday I get up at 5:15 am. I'm usually out the door just before 6:00 to catch the train. If motivating myself to get up at this time becomes problematic, I will plan a "sleep attack." </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>The Early Alarm Sleep Attack</strong></div><br /><div>Set your alarm an hour early, and crank up the volume. The next morning after you put your heart back in your chest, and return to DEFCON 5, go through your regular morning routine as usual. If everything goes correctly you should be walking out the door exactly 1 hour ahead of schedule.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Make sure you leave the house. Either go to work early, or stop at a coffee shop and read the paper. If you go to work early it might impress your boss, and help to compensate for your temporary sleep deprived zombie state. Do what ever it takes to get through the day. When you get home, you must stay up until an hour before you regular bed time. Before you go to bed remember to return your alarm clock to it regular settings.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The next morning you will wake up at your normal time feeling refreshed and life will be wonderful. Even 5:15am can feel like sleeping in.</div>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-37141945788648734292010-01-22T07:56:00.000-08:002010-01-22T08:58:29.590-08:00Long Car Trips are Better with Audio Books<a href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2010/01/long-car-trips-are-better-with-audio.html"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px" alt="" src="http://www.topnews.in/healthcare/sites/default/files/driving.jpg" border="0" /></a>Over the holidays, My Wife and I drove to California twice to see friends and family. We <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">prefer</span> to leave around 6:00 am, drive straight through and arrive just after 7:00 pm. To maintain our sanity during this 13+ hour drive, we listen to audio books cover to cover. A good audio book like Dan Brown's Deception Point can make the hands of a clock spin like airplane propellers while whisking you off to a far away land.<br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Passively</span> listening to an audio book is much safer than chatting on a cell phone. "Drivers who talk on either handheld or hands-free cellular phones are as impaired as drunken drivers," according to experimental research conducted by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Drs</span>. Frank <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Drews</span>, David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Strayer</span>, and Dennis L. Crouch of the University of Utah.<br /><br />Instead of just staring at the road listening to the radio, you might consider an educational audio books. You could learn Thai, investment <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">strategies</span>, or even how to win an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">argument</span>. If you are going to be stuck in the car for hours on end, you might as well get something out of it.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The next time you have a long drive ahead of you, try listening to an audio book and tell me what you think.</div>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-56822028488803346732010-01-19T15:39:00.000-08:002010-01-19T15:50:48.793-08:00Quick Tip: $100 Tradeking Referrals<a href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2010/01/quick-tip-100-tradeking-refferals.html"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 165px" alt="" src="http://www.davemanuel.com/images/tradeking_logo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Right now <a href="http://www.tradeking.com/">Tradeking</a> is offering $100 for friend referrals. Provide them with the email address of your friend, and if they open an account, deposit over $1,000.00 and make their first trade, you get $100.00.</div><div></div><div></div><div>Any of you thinking about opening an account let me know. I'll even split it with you.</div>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-59270251325352323762010-01-19T13:48:00.000-08:002010-01-19T15:02:35.915-08:00The Extreme Credit Card Challenge<a href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2010/01/extreme-credit-card-challenge.html"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 332px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 189px" alt="" src="http://gryphonscry.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/male-alcoholic.jpg" border="0" /></a>Get ready for my new Extreme Credit Card Challenge. It's the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nicorette</span></span> for bad Credit Card spending habits, and if you are tired of unwanted credit card debt, than listen up.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Credit card debt is not a way of life! Don't become complacent with having it. Credit Card debt is a horrible addiction just like drinking or smoking. The only way to get rid of it is to stop spending, and start paying. Unfortunately most people just don't have the will power. There is another term for these people called addicts.<br /></div><div></div><br /><br /><div>To combat the lack of will power I challenge you to a month without your credit card. See how many consecutive days you can leave your credit card at home. Many Alcoholics can easily go a day or two without a drink, but to abstain for a week or a month takes dedication. It is the same with your credit card. Are you such a junkie that you are actually depend on a credit card fix? Would your life really change if you were to only use a debit card or cash?</div><div><br /></div><div>Starting tomorrow, take all credit cards out of your wallet and purposely leave them at home to test your addiction. Can you to survive a day without it? how about a week, or a month?<br /><br /></div><div></div><div><strong>But what if there is an emergency?</strong> </div><div>Now you're talking! This is why starting and emergency fund is so important. Using a credit card in an emergency is the worst idea ever. Why would you want to pay interest on an already bad situation?<br /><br /></div><div>Comment on your progress, and how many days you've been credit card sober.</div>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-10539801981282609242010-01-12T12:55:00.001-08:002010-01-19T12:57:11.031-08:00ADT Yard Signs: The Poor Man's Security System<a href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2010/01/adt-yard-signs-poor-mans-security.html"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 301px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0LLR3F6WUAY/SQ5YolME_vI/AAAAAAAAAL0/cEf6kFeNGYE/s320/ADT+sign.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Recently a co-worker's home was burglarized. I use the term "burglarized" not robbed, because technically a robbery only occurs if the owner is present, and forced to turn over possessions. This misfortune, however got me to re-evaluate my own security.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>According to <a href="http://www.security-systems-and-alarms.com/adt-home-security-systems.asp">ADT</a>, "Homes with ADT® monitored security systems are three times less likely to be broken into than those homes without a security system." This does not surprise me, because the average burglar will not go near a home with an ADT yard sign, or window decals. The interesting part is that the signs and window decals are the cheapest part of owning a security system.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>A yard sign and decals can be purchased on <a href="http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1311&_nkw=adt+sign&_sacat=See-All-Categories">ebay</a> for around $30-$50. These identifiers obviously don't provide the protection of an actual system, but it can greatly affect the odds of a break in. There are even companies that specialize in making fake security signs, but I heard burglars can tell the difference.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, if you don't currently have a functioning security system at home, consider getting some authentic signs. It could be the best $30 you ever spent.</div>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-60832663869291969252010-01-05T11:50:00.000-08:002010-01-05T15:33:52.018-08:00Never Buy less than $500 of Stock at a time.<a href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2010/01/never-buy-less-than-500-of-stock-at.html"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://www.goldcoinsgain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/roth-ira.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />A while back I opened a Roth Ira Account, as should any financially responsible 29 year old. My contributions are automatically deducted from each paycheck, and deposited into my <a href="http://www.tradeking.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tradeking</span></span> account</a>. I like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tradeking</span></span> because they only charge $4.99 per trade, and make trading easy for a novice like me. I plan to max out my Roth IRA contributions once I get out of credit card debt, but for now I contribute $200.00 a month.<br /><br />Since I am fairly new to investing, I would just invest the money as soon as it cleared the bank. I thought that the sooner it was invested the faster it would make money. The problem is that I would pay $4.99 each time I bought more stock. This greatly affected my earnings for each small purchase, especially since I'm paid bi-weekly. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Here's</span> why:<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"></span></strong></div><p><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"></span></strong></p><p><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Scenario</span> 1.)</strong><br />A modest $100 is deposited into my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tradeking</span></span> account bi-weekly. I use to invest it as soon as it cleared. After doing this for six months, I was paying $59.40 in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">commission</span> fees for a mere $1200.00 invested. Those <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">commission</span> fees eat up 4.95% of earnings.<br /><br /></p><div><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Scenario</span> 2.)</strong></div><div>Now the same $100 is deposited into my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tradeking</span></span> account bi-weekly, but instead I wait to six months to invest. After six months I make a single trade. For that one trade I only pay $4.95 in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">commission</span>.</span> I still have $1200.00 invested, but the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">commission</span></span> only consumes 0.4125% of my total investment. That is only a fraction of a percent and almost unnoticeable.<br /><br /></div><div>Buying less than $500.00 of stock it isn't worth the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">commission</span> to me. Below is my breakdown:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7B1OADZGNh8/S0O_cq5-7yI/AAAAAAAAANE/NBHEIMxL2e4/s1600-h/Commision.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423388875558940450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 253px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7B1OADZGNh8/S0O_cq5-7yI/AAAAAAAAANE/NBHEIMxL2e4/s320/Commision.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br />I believe spending 1% to invest $500 is an acceptable cost, but ideally you want to save up as much as possible and buy in bulk. How do you regularly invest your Roth IRA contributions?</div>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-90730978241742317612010-01-04T12:23:00.001-08:002010-01-25T09:13:21.400-08:00Allowance Formula for Kids<a href="http://www.themint.org/images/allowances.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 231px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 271px" alt="" src="http://www.themint.org/images/allowances.jpg" border="0" /></a>My wife and I don't have any kids yet, but we are planning to in the next few years. With that being said, I came up with an idea that I wanted to run by all you parents out there.<br /><br />After reading the article "<a href="http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/01/21/should-you-pay-your-kids-for-good-grades/comment-page-2/#comment-137808">Should You Pay Your Kids for Good Grades</a>" on <a href="http://www.fivecentnickel.com/">fivecentnickel</a>, I developed a formula to calculate a weekly allowance for kids based on their grades.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">[GPA-Unacceptable] x Rate = Allowance</span></strong><br /><br />Using this formula, each report card could set the tone for allowance payments. This enables an allowance to increase or decrease with the grades on each passing report card. I have no idea what the average allowance is for children these days, but changing the rate provides flexibility.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><strong>Example 1:</strong><br />Your son Michael brings home a report card with a 3.29 GPA. He is not allowed to get less than a 2.5 GPA (C average). His pay rate is $10. And his allowance is paid weekly.<br /><strong></strong><br />[3.29 - 2.5] x $10 = $7.90 per week<br /><br /><strong>Example 2:</strong><br />Your daughter Rachel brings home a report card with a 3.50 GPA. she is not allowed to get less than a 2.5 GPA (C average). Her Pay rate is $10. And her allowance is paid weekly.<br /><strong></strong><br />[3.5 - 2.5] x $10 = $10 per week<br /><br /><strong>Example 3:<br /></strong>Your other son Paul brings home a report card with a 4.0 GPA. He is not allowed to get less than a 2.5 GPA (C average). His Pay rate is $10. And his allowance is paid weekly.<br /><br />[4.0 - 2.5] x $10 = $15 per week<br /><br /><strong>Example 4:</strong><br />Your oldest daughter Megan is starting high school, and brings home a report card with a 3.50 GPA. she is not allowed to get less than a 2.5 GPA (C average). Her Pay rate is $15 because she is older. And her allowance is paid weekly.<br /><strong></strong><br />[3.5 - 2.5] x $15 = $15 per week<strong> </strong><br /><br /><strong>Example 5:</strong><br />If you want to be really mean, you could even charge or fine your kids if they get less than an acceptable GPA.<br /><br />[2.36 - 2.5] x $15 = -$2.10 fee per week<br /><br />This formula rewards kids for working hard, and teaches them that there are consequences for their actions. It could also provide a platform for teaching personal finance and money management.<br /><br />Please comment on whether this formula could work for your kids.Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-27827780521385262662010-01-04T10:00:00.000-08:002010-01-04T11:20:15.067-08:00Don't Celebrate Victories Until You Cross the Finish Line<a href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2010/01/dont-celebrate-victories-until-you.html"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 345px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 435px" alt="" src="http://babybird.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/wileycoyote.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>It's easy to fall short of your dreams, if you don't follow through in your efforts. Whether you're a politician leading the polls, a boxer winning a fight, or a Nascar driver with one lap to go, something can always go wrong at the last second. It's Murphy's law to have a catastrophic failure just before the smell of victory. The phrase "it's not over, until it's over" is applicable in all aspects of life.<br /></div><br /><div>Focusing beyond goals, will usually ensure success. In football, it's much better to run a touch down into the locker room like Forrest Gump, than to get tackled on the 1 yard line doing your victory dance. Never assume the win until you've actually won.<br /></div><br /><div>In Hollywood movies, villains are unable to grasp this concept. With the hero captured, and the planet doomed, the villain decides to go off and relish in his own dastardly deeds. This often allows the hero time to escape and save the day. If only the villain would see his evil plans to the bitter end, he would be much more successful. </div><div><br /> </div><div>When buying or selling a house don't break out the champagne until the paperwork is signed and the new owner has possession of the keys. All too often, couples get there heart broken because a technicality prevents them from buying their dream home. It can be equally devastating to have a buyer back out last minute. Only, once the sale is final should you start dancing in the street. </div>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-22516766990252965982009-12-31T08:32:00.001-08:002009-12-31T08:56:22.122-08:00New Years Resolution's<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2009/12/new-years-resolutions.html"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 404px; height: 288px;" src="http://newyearin.com/New-Year-in.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Happy New Years Eve, enjoy time with your friends and family, and remember to stay safe! We'll be enjoying a low-key evening at a friends house playing Wii.<br /><br />I haven't given my New Years resolution much thought, this year. It seems like the time is passing more quickly now. Below are a few things that I want to accomplish in 2010.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />1. Enjoy more time with my wife, and our puppy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Teagan</span><br />2. Pay off the last of my credit card debt, and be completely debt free.<br />3. Get rid of my gut that is starting to form.<br />4. Knock out the den wall, and maybe even put in some hardwood floors.<br />5. Live for improvement!Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955890953191062486.post-32808920421136535202009-12-16T08:06:00.000-08:002009-12-19T10:15:40.944-08:00Forget Saving and Start Paying<a href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2009/12/forget-saving-and-start-paying.html"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 370px; height: 331px;" alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/qumoyAC4XcJ-s1aNpARAkc-57jp8X*YPQ4kIkPd0ZavADKKiGa29WQOkmRHFt0TVRzNJiCjlsceiDsw-N--cTvr4HUe7ND6k/drillsergeant.jpg" border="0" /></a>Everywhere you turn, people are recommending ways to save money shopping, but unless you actually use that money to pay off credit card debt, or contribute it towards an emergency found you aren't making progress. We all have a habit of living paycheck to paycheck, and when <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">additional</span> expenses like car repairs come-up, we grit our teeth and find a way to over come it.<br /><br /><div>Its time to start creating our own additional expenses, and forcing our lifestyles to compensate. Working backwards is a sure fire way to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">guarantee</span> success. After all, you can't spend what you don't have.<br /></div><div></div><br /><br /><div><strong>Here how:</strong></div><div>Start automating your credit card payments to an uncomfortable amount. If you regularly pay $300 dollars each month, crank it up to $500. You will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">definitely</span> feel a lifestyle shock, but it might be the wake up call you need. Do you contribute $100 dollars per month to a saving account only when you remember to do so. Set up an automated monthly transfer of $300.00. The money will get zapped from your account whether you like it or not. Your lifestyle will change out of survival instead of at will. It's time to get serious with your finances. Implement the "<a href="http://liveforimprovement.blogspot.com/2009/12/30-day-zero-rule.html">30 day Zero rule</a>." Lets get rid of debt once an for all, instead of just chipping away at it in your spare time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now is a perfect time to ramp up the amount you pay towards debt or an e<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">mergency</span></span> fund. You can start 2010 with a bang, and directly see all you hard work in each larger payment.</div>Dan Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14939874080652591580noreply@blogger.com0