We have come a long way, baby! Just knowing there were some truly strong, fabulous women who stand out in history like Eleanor Roosevelt, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Juliet Lowe and thousands of others, keeps on inspiring me to be the best I can be.
However, we still make statements that convey our underlying fear that we, as a group, still cannot make decisions that are important to us. Just the other day, while sitting down with a client who taking the first step to creating her wealth accumulation plan, said she didn't have a husband to make the decisions for her.
Ladies!!! This is not acceptable in any way! We live longer and manage the household and WE STILL believe men are the only humans who can make financial decisions????
Your well-being is important now and later. If you are married, you and your partner should be actively engaged in making sure YOU BOTH have an adequate life plan for now and later. And, if you haven't yet tied the knot, you should have a life plan that takes into consideration that you still have a present and a future with or without a husband.
Please take the time to consider your life and all the fabulous things you give to this world as a woman and know how precious your contribution is to everyone you touch. Take care of yourself first: you can't save the person next to you on the plane unless you take the oxygen mask first!
If you want a little help on getting started on your financial gameplan, you can always contact me at: debtcure123@gmail.com and I can help you find a personal finance coach near you!
As always, send me a comment, concern or suggestion anytime.
Live, Love and Laugh Deeply!
~jax
Showing posts with label personal finance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label personal finance. Show all posts
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Relief from the $38 cup of Joe!
Consumers have spoken and have been heard!
Effective July 1, 2010 --- of course sooner would be better --- those annoying overdraft fees for small and unimportant purchases will not be covered by overdraft unless you "opt-in" to the overdraft program with your bank.
It's slightly better to have an option to decide whether you are prepared to pay an $30 extra for a $5 cup of coffee as opposed to being stuck paying that much when you thought you'd just simply be declined if the $5 wasn't available in your account!
Now, just remember, you are still accountable for your financial well-being, so if you do "opt-in" stay on top of your deposits and your payments. This new ruling DOES NOT cover important bills like car loan payments and mortgage payments.
I've given you the link here so you have the posted article for yourself: "Fed: banks need customer consent on overdraft fees"
As always, comments are welcome! Anything you'd like to say {Please be nice!} send it to debtcure123@gmail.com.
Ta~Jax
Effective July 1, 2010 --- of course sooner would be better --- those annoying overdraft fees for small and unimportant purchases will not be covered by overdraft unless you "opt-in" to the overdraft program with your bank.
It's slightly better to have an option to decide whether you are prepared to pay an $30 extra for a $5 cup of coffee as opposed to being stuck paying that much when you thought you'd just simply be declined if the $5 wasn't available in your account!
Now, just remember, you are still accountable for your financial well-being, so if you do "opt-in" stay on top of your deposits and your payments. This new ruling DOES NOT cover important bills like car loan payments and mortgage payments.
I've given you the link here so you have the posted article for yourself: "Fed: banks need customer consent on overdraft fees"
As always, comments are welcome! Anything you'd like to say {Please be nice!} send it to debtcure123@gmail.com.
Ta~Jax
Monday, November 2, 2009
Wow! What Will They Think Of Next?
Just read this little post of Yahoo! Finance and, boy oh boy! They keep finding new ways to stay in black while customers are still in the red!
Who is "they"? The banking industry...you know, the ones who are also charging debit card users and online banking users astronomical account fees to cover purchases and payment. Take a moment to read this article, if you please; I think it's important you know what's happening: "5 Evil Things Credit Card Companies Can Still Do".
This is what's happening - there is legislation that limits some of the fees and rates charges on existing balances, protections for new account holders and how often increases on rates can occur on older accounts. There are still late payment fees that will apply and any other action a bank may have to take on delinquent accounts.
But, in light of the legislation that has been signed into law, our friendly bankers will now be able to charge for not using your card in 12 months, for not carrying a minimum balance or even for not charging enough in a 12 month period!
This is outrageous! I think we don't really need the banks to tell us they want us broke anymore, do we? They have no interest in how you and I live as long as they can charge us for ridiculous and, in many ways, frivolous fees so they may make money.
Obviously, no amount of law-making is going to protect us from these guys so I think it's time we look to alternative ways to bank utilizing more local banks & credit unions since the top players are just going to keep abusing our relationship with them.
Let me know your feedback via email debtcure123@gmail.com
Who is "they"? The banking industry...you know, the ones who are also charging debit card users and online banking users astronomical account fees to cover purchases and payment. Take a moment to read this article, if you please; I think it's important you know what's happening: "5 Evil Things Credit Card Companies Can Still Do".
This is what's happening - there is legislation that limits some of the fees and rates charges on existing balances, protections for new account holders and how often increases on rates can occur on older accounts. There are still late payment fees that will apply and any other action a bank may have to take on delinquent accounts.
But, in light of the legislation that has been signed into law, our friendly bankers will now be able to charge for not using your card in 12 months, for not carrying a minimum balance or even for not charging enough in a 12 month period!
This is outrageous! I think we don't really need the banks to tell us they want us broke anymore, do we? They have no interest in how you and I live as long as they can charge us for ridiculous and, in many ways, frivolous fees so they may make money.
Obviously, no amount of law-making is going to protect us from these guys so I think it's time we look to alternative ways to bank utilizing more local banks & credit unions since the top players are just going to keep abusing our relationship with them.
Let me know your feedback via email debtcure123@gmail.com
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Making the right choice with your finances?
We've all heard the news and read the headlines so it does not bear repeating here. Now we all need to take action to make a few changes in how we think about money and how to use it.
As a financial professional , I've had people tell me that they are in good shape and have a plan for the future. "I've got a 401k for retirement and I have no debt! I'm good!" is what they generally mean which I also know not to be the case for most folks. A few minutes of conversation asking the right questions always reveals the actual situation. Most of us don't understand money, never mind what the options are or what they mean to us.
Now, what I mean to say is simply this - your financial choices may not be bad decisions but they may not be the right ones for you! Taking advice from a source not familiar with your personality and financial ability could take you to a place you had no intention of going.
Here's an article for you to illustrate this "6 Financial Moves That Sound Good But Aren't". The most important thing you must decide when you are faced with a financial choice is whether it will provide you with the result you desire.
Remember, there are things not within your control that may affect how things turn out. It is always best to maintain balance and, if you are unsure about what to do, consult your financial adviser to get an objective opinion.
Hope this helps and we'll post something soon for you with the holiday season just round the bend!
Ta~Jax
As a financial professional , I've had people tell me that they are in good shape and have a plan for the future. "I've got a 401k for retirement and I have no debt! I'm good!" is what they generally mean which I also know not to be the case for most folks. A few minutes of conversation asking the right questions always reveals the actual situation. Most of us don't understand money, never mind what the options are or what they mean to us.
Now, what I mean to say is simply this - your financial choices may not be bad decisions but they may not be the right ones for you! Taking advice from a source not familiar with your personality and financial ability could take you to a place you had no intention of going.
Here's an article for you to illustrate this "6 Financial Moves That Sound Good But Aren't". The most important thing you must decide when you are faced with a financial choice is whether it will provide you with the result you desire.
Remember, there are things not within your control that may affect how things turn out. It is always best to maintain balance and, if you are unsure about what to do, consult your financial adviser to get an objective opinion.
Hope this helps and we'll post something soon for you with the holiday season just round the bend!
Ta~Jax
Thursday, September 10, 2009
$38 Cup of Coffee?
Yep, you read that correctly...$38 for a cup of java! How does one pay $38 for a cup of coffee, you ask.
Remember the post a few weeks ago on "Are you a Joe Lunchbox"? Well, here's the 411 on the hidden and sinister fees that your bank and mine are sneaking into our budgets!
Imagine going into your favorite place to buy a cup of coffee and, as a responsible adult, you know you have cash in your checking account to cover your purchase. You use your debit card to help you keep track of your spending since it's harder to save receipts when you spend cash. So far, you're okay.
What you don't know is how your bank may process your transactions. They may decide to process your mortgage/rent payment first, car insurance next and lesser purchases after that. Because your timing and theirs may not be the same for your deposits vs. payments, you could end up paying $4 for a coffee with a $34 overdraft fee making your coffee purchase total $38! Not to mention, the overdraft fees because you didn't have the money available to process your mortgage/rent payment or your car insurance which is a result of the timing of the bank processing your transactions!
This truly is a conspiracy for banks to make up for the profits they are not making by overcharging customers and, so far, we have very little government protection to keep them from charging us for this "protection". Sounds to me, using banking online and debit cards need a little scrutiny and we need to go back to paper checks for some payments.
Here's the entire article for your perusal: "Overspending on Debit Cards is a Boon for Banks". I know there aren't many choices available to us when it comes to using debit cards vs credit but at least they're working on the credit card issues...maybe we can look at prepaid debit cards as a serious alternative to this insane world of fees. Try this link "Free Prepaid Credit/Debit Cards" for a post on how they work and a few can help you build a credit history.
If you have any questions or comments, I am always happy to hear from you!
Ta~
Jax
Remember the post a few weeks ago on "Are you a Joe Lunchbox"? Well, here's the 411 on the hidden and sinister fees that your bank and mine are sneaking into our budgets!
Imagine going into your favorite place to buy a cup of coffee and, as a responsible adult, you know you have cash in your checking account to cover your purchase. You use your debit card to help you keep track of your spending since it's harder to save receipts when you spend cash. So far, you're okay.
What you don't know is how your bank may process your transactions. They may decide to process your mortgage/rent payment first, car insurance next and lesser purchases after that. Because your timing and theirs may not be the same for your deposits vs. payments, you could end up paying $4 for a coffee with a $34 overdraft fee making your coffee purchase total $38! Not to mention, the overdraft fees because you didn't have the money available to process your mortgage/rent payment or your car insurance which is a result of the timing of the bank processing your transactions!
This truly is a conspiracy for banks to make up for the profits they are not making by overcharging customers and, so far, we have very little government protection to keep them from charging us for this "protection". Sounds to me, using banking online and debit cards need a little scrutiny and we need to go back to paper checks for some payments.
Here's the entire article for your perusal: "Overspending on Debit Cards is a Boon for Banks". I know there aren't many choices available to us when it comes to using debit cards vs credit but at least they're working on the credit card issues...maybe we can look at prepaid debit cards as a serious alternative to this insane world of fees. Try this link "Free Prepaid Credit/Debit Cards" for a post on how they work and a few can help you build a credit history.
If you have any questions or comments, I am always happy to hear from you!
Ta~
Jax
Monday, August 24, 2009
Make the Recession Your Friend
Aren't you tired of hearing about the doom and gloom of the economy? Friends, there is
an exciting upside to the new economy and we can write some new rules for ourselves
because of the recession!
What an opportunity to discover your passion right now! Look for ways you can
monetize your dream of owing your own business or maybe doing something you really
love instead. Aren't you tired of dragging yourself to a job you don't like for an income
you can't live on?
Your product or service may be more affordable, and, sometimes, price is not even the
real issue. If you can deliver superb customer service, you can build a pretty solid
business no matter the fees you charge. How often have you been frustrated by the
automated call center? I often press '0' searching for the real person on the other end to
answer my concerns!
Next, while you are in your full-time current position, create a company on a part-time
basis instead of a part-time job. Build it to an income-producing venture – do I need to
remind you to save part & reinvest part into the business? Taking this route provides you
with a spare tire in case you are downsized and a way to boost your finances for the
future!
Another way the recession can be your friend is by investing in the market. I am not
going to advocate one thing over another here – you need to speak with a financial
adviser to decide what is right for your situation and your risk tolerance. Remember, the
old show, "The Price is Right"? Well, that's Wall Street right now. Before prices shoot
back upwards, as they inevitably will, take advantage of the fact prices are low and create
your wealth accumulation plan or add to the one you have in place. Just like you would
buy certain items on sale, think of Wall Street in the same way! Why pay more for it
later?
So, even though, there are some scary things about the recession happening all around us,
there is another side to it, which is completely in your control. Take advantage of the free
small business seminars and workshops in your community college, recreation centers or
those hosted by local banks. They will help you with ideas, drafting a business plan or
even funding your dream! Make an appointment with a good financial adviser and set up
a personal and a business financial game-plan for you and your family to see what you
need to do make the recession work for you.
If anyone has any other suggestions that can lead to a happier and financially rewarding
lifestyle, please email me at debtcure123@gmail.com. I would love to post your ideas
and share them!
Ta! ~ Jax
an exciting upside to the new economy and we can write some new rules for ourselves
because of the recession!
What an opportunity to discover your passion right now! Look for ways you can
monetize your dream of owing your own business or maybe doing something you really
love instead. Aren't you tired of dragging yourself to a job you don't like for an income
you can't live on?
Your product or service may be more affordable, and, sometimes, price is not even the
real issue. If you can deliver superb customer service, you can build a pretty solid
business no matter the fees you charge. How often have you been frustrated by the
automated call center? I often press '0' searching for the real person on the other end to
answer my concerns!
Next, while you are in your full-time current position, create a company on a part-time
basis instead of a part-time job. Build it to an income-producing venture – do I need to
remind you to save part & reinvest part into the business? Taking this route provides you
with a spare tire in case you are downsized and a way to boost your finances for the
future!
Another way the recession can be your friend is by investing in the market. I am not
going to advocate one thing over another here – you need to speak with a financial
adviser to decide what is right for your situation and your risk tolerance. Remember, the
old show, "The Price is Right"? Well, that's Wall Street right now. Before prices shoot
back upwards, as they inevitably will, take advantage of the fact prices are low and create
your wealth accumulation plan or add to the one you have in place. Just like you would
buy certain items on sale, think of Wall Street in the same way! Why pay more for it
later?
So, even though, there are some scary things about the recession happening all around us,
there is another side to it, which is completely in your control. Take advantage of the free
small business seminars and workshops in your community college, recreation centers or
those hosted by local banks. They will help you with ideas, drafting a business plan or
even funding your dream! Make an appointment with a good financial adviser and set up
a personal and a business financial game-plan for you and your family to see what you
need to do make the recession work for you.
If anyone has any other suggestions that can lead to a happier and financially rewarding
lifestyle, please email me at debtcure123@gmail.com. I would love to post your ideas
and share them!
Ta! ~ Jax
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
So You Don't Think You Can Save?
I had a very interesting conversation with a friend last week about saving money. We were discussing ways in which I might be able to help her save some cash and what she actually thought I said was to take extra money out of her pocket and save it for her.
This seems to be a common leap for most people when asked "what if you could save more money?" Communication is funny that way...what you say and what people hear are two different things but I'll save that conversation for another day.
So, the real question is this, "what if you were able to save money on something you already spend money on, part of your monthly budget, and put that savings to a better use?"
The reason I was asking her is a program I have available (in certain states) that may be able to help people get a better monthly cost for their auto & home insurance.
If you could, for instance save hundreds of dollars per year (let's say the equivalent of half a cell phone bill) and put it towards other necessary items in your budget, do you think it would be worth making a quick, free phone call?
In any case, I think most people are tapped in their budgets and it is difficult to find a way to save money out of pocket to fund your emergency savings account, retirement, or put college tuition plans in place.
This is just one idea, of a few, I know about to truly help others and would love to share with you on a personal basis depending upon your state of residence.
TTFN ~ Jax
This seems to be a common leap for most people when asked "what if you could save more money?" Communication is funny that way...what you say and what people hear are two different things but I'll save that conversation for another day.
So, the real question is this, "what if you were able to save money on something you already spend money on, part of your monthly budget, and put that savings to a better use?"
The reason I was asking her is a program I have available (in certain states) that may be able to help people get a better monthly cost for their auto & home insurance.
If you could, for instance save hundreds of dollars per year (let's say the equivalent of half a cell phone bill) and put it towards other necessary items in your budget, do you think it would be worth making a quick, free phone call?
In any case, I think most people are tapped in their budgets and it is difficult to find a way to save money out of pocket to fund your emergency savings account, retirement, or put college tuition plans in place.
This is just one idea, of a few, I know about to truly help others and would love to share with you on a personal basis depending upon your state of residence.
TTFN ~ Jax
Monday, April 27, 2009
Small Business Benefits: Retirement Accounts
Some things are guaranteed never to change and one of them is life!
No matter what we do, life continues to change and challenge our ability to keep up. I saw this news snippet last night & thought I would share it since I thought it would apply to many of us in the "Boomer" generation as well as those who have decided to create our own businesses: "Small Biz Owners Worry"
Not a lot of info nor any solutions; just enough to throw people into a panic: Don't panic! You've actually taken the best step towards being on track by having your own business. Thing is, there is no reason to panic at all. The economy and the marketplace always adjusts to the changes and challenges life poses for us.
I've been in the business of helping people, for a number of years, to resolve the challenge of whether you're on track for your retirement goals. By the way, one other thing that never changes is the ability of the business owner to reap some tax benefits!
So read the article with the understanding many small biz owners have the same concerns as you about the future while knowing all you need to do is reach out for the help!
You are the expert in your field, so, let the experts in retirement planning assist you with the proper tools to keep you at peak performance!
Thanks for sharing this moment! I look forward to any comments you'd like to share...TTFN!
Jax
No matter what we do, life continues to change and challenge our ability to keep up. I saw this news snippet last night & thought I would share it since I thought it would apply to many of us in the "Boomer" generation as well as those who have decided to create our own businesses: "Small Biz Owners Worry"
Not a lot of info nor any solutions; just enough to throw people into a panic: Don't panic! You've actually taken the best step towards being on track by having your own business. Thing is, there is no reason to panic at all. The economy and the marketplace always adjusts to the changes and challenges life poses for us.
I've been in the business of helping people, for a number of years, to resolve the challenge of whether you're on track for your retirement goals. By the way, one other thing that never changes is the ability of the business owner to reap some tax benefits!
So read the article with the understanding many small biz owners have the same concerns as you about the future while knowing all you need to do is reach out for the help!
You are the expert in your field, so, let the experts in retirement planning assist you with the proper tools to keep you at peak performance!
Thanks for sharing this moment! I look forward to any comments you'd like to share...TTFN!
Jax
Monday, March 9, 2009
What We See Depends Mainly On What We Look For
Getting the Best Financial Coach on Your Team!
"What we see depends mainly on what we look for." M. Sloane, PhD
Yes, it is a strange way to start a blog post laying out some basics for finding your financial adviser, however, pretty appropriate when you take a look at what you want to change in your present. If your primary business is not financial services, you can better leverage your time by utilizing someone trained to coach you in your finances while you do what is most necessary to earn income. Sort of like going to the gym and trying to figure out where to start...You need a personal trainer to help you get the best results!
Just what do you need to know to make sure you have the right financial coach? A note here: the right person is a coach helping you and supporting to achieve the best result based on your needs, expectations and goals for your future!
You are a team working for you to help make the right decisions. You must be part of the process since it is your future we're talking about, ok?
The basics you look for should be on the following list, however, there are other more specific areas you should address when you sit down with them.
6 Basics for Choosing Your Financial Adviser
1 - The best way to determine the right person for you is on a referral from people you trust. The financial adviser's credibility relies upon the work they have done with someone who is influential in your life.
2 - Ask questions! If you don't ask questions, it is more difficult for them to fit the solution to your needs. If they don't understand your needs and goals, interview another until you do.
3 - Will they prepare a comprehensive plan for you, how much will it cost you and what is the process to implement the recommendations? It could cost you to obtain the plan, to implement the recommendations or to even to consult with the adviser.
4 - What is the level of transparency of the financial adviser? Do they give you full disclosure of all the services and products they offer you? Can you do due diligence of the company and check their track record through independent sources?
You want to be comfortable that the company has a reputation of note and you are able to contact someone to verify accounts.
5 - Make sure their specialty and your needs are the same! Every adviser doesn't have services in every area - ie, insurance, investments, mortgages, trust planning, etc. Get one that can serve as many of your needs as possible.
6 - Are you willing to take advice from this person whose job it is to coach you on your finances? No financial adviser can coach you well if you are not ready to take action or are resistant to change. We want our clients to be our friends and trust that we have your best interest at heart.
So these are just a few ideas to start off your search for the right person and right results.
I am always available to answer your questions if you need more help!
TTFN~
Jax
"What we see depends mainly on what we look for." M. Sloane, PhD
Yes, it is a strange way to start a blog post laying out some basics for finding your financial adviser, however, pretty appropriate when you take a look at what you want to change in your present. If your primary business is not financial services, you can better leverage your time by utilizing someone trained to coach you in your finances while you do what is most necessary to earn income. Sort of like going to the gym and trying to figure out where to start...You need a personal trainer to help you get the best results!
Just what do you need to know to make sure you have the right financial coach? A note here: the right person is a coach helping you and supporting to achieve the best result based on your needs, expectations and goals for your future!
You are a team working for you to help make the right decisions. You must be part of the process since it is your future we're talking about, ok?
The basics you look for should be on the following list, however, there are other more specific areas you should address when you sit down with them.
6 Basics for Choosing Your Financial Adviser
1 - The best way to determine the right person for you is on a referral from people you trust. The financial adviser's credibility relies upon the work they have done with someone who is influential in your life.
2 - Ask questions! If you don't ask questions, it is more difficult for them to fit the solution to your needs. If they don't understand your needs and goals, interview another until you do.
3 - Will they prepare a comprehensive plan for you, how much will it cost you and what is the process to implement the recommendations? It could cost you to obtain the plan, to implement the recommendations or to even to consult with the adviser.
4 - What is the level of transparency of the financial adviser? Do they give you full disclosure of all the services and products they offer you? Can you do due diligence of the company and check their track record through independent sources?
You want to be comfortable that the company has a reputation of note and you are able to contact someone to verify accounts.
5 - Make sure their specialty and your needs are the same! Every adviser doesn't have services in every area - ie, insurance, investments, mortgages, trust planning, etc. Get one that can serve as many of your needs as possible.
6 - Are you willing to take advice from this person whose job it is to coach you on your finances? No financial adviser can coach you well if you are not ready to take action or are resistant to change. We want our clients to be our friends and trust that we have your best interest at heart.
So these are just a few ideas to start off your search for the right person and right results.
I am always available to answer your questions if you need more help!
TTFN~
Jax
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