I wanted to post this article several weeks ago after I and two of my associates had experienced this painful episode. I ended up closing an account that seemed to only keep adding fees on top of fees no matter what was deposited into the account. How do you get "insufficient funds" charges when there is cash in excess of the debit on the account?
If you have been experiencing a cash drain through your bank account, you might want to read this very carefully and pass it onto a friend!
You might be a "Joe Lunchbox" if..."Are you a Joe Lunchbox?"
As always, if you have questions, comments, concerns or suggestions, just email me at debtcure123@gmail.com. I always want to hear what others are saying!
Ta~
Jax
Monday, August 31, 2009
Are You in the Right Business?
We get emails everyday from someone hyping a business online or we hear all about the great returns of starting your own business using a franchise system.
Don't get me wrong...I believe if you choose the right business you will be successful no matter the system or the media you use to promote your services or products. What does concern me is if someone is just exchanging one job for another and calling it a "business".
I just read an article which addresses some challenges to picking the right business or exchanging your old job for a new one,"The 7 Most Overrated Businesses". It has some very valid points we can all take a moment to ponder to see if we are, in fact, in the right business for our strengths, skills and passions.
You may be in one of these businesses and you may be extremely happy and successful, so it isn't an affront to anyone who is enjoying the benefits of small business ownership in these categories.
This is kind of a public service announcement to those who are feeling the pain of job loss and need to create an income. I just want you to carefully consider who you are and how your chosen small business will match up. Each will require investment of your, money, time and effort not to mention the support of your family.
So the more carefully you consider the business and look into yourself to see whether it's a commitment you can make for the long-term, the better your chances of success!
As always, if you have any suggestions or comments, please let me know what you think!
Ta~
Jax
Don't get me wrong...I believe if you choose the right business you will be successful no matter the system or the media you use to promote your services or products. What does concern me is if someone is just exchanging one job for another and calling it a "business".
I just read an article which addresses some challenges to picking the right business or exchanging your old job for a new one,"The 7 Most Overrated Businesses". It has some very valid points we can all take a moment to ponder to see if we are, in fact, in the right business for our strengths, skills and passions.
You may be in one of these businesses and you may be extremely happy and successful, so it isn't an affront to anyone who is enjoying the benefits of small business ownership in these categories.
This is kind of a public service announcement to those who are feeling the pain of job loss and need to create an income. I just want you to carefully consider who you are and how your chosen small business will match up. Each will require investment of your, money, time and effort not to mention the support of your family.
So the more carefully you consider the business and look into yourself to see whether it's a commitment you can make for the long-term, the better your chances of success!
As always, if you have any suggestions or comments, please let me know what you think!
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 16, 2009
Are You Getting Enough Sleep?
We all have heard the saying "you'll get plenty of sleep later when you're dead", right? Means you're not working or you're just lazy and doesn't leave you with the warm fuzzies if you just want to get a good night's sleep...
The lack of sleep is taking a toll on our bodies' health and ability to perform at peak levels so we might want to forget that old maxim and catch up on a few zzzz's to make our lives better!
It costs more than just short-changing ourselves on rest: it increases the cost of health care, the ability to make money, quality of life with our families, just to name a few big things.
If you're a chronic sufferer from indigestion, colds, fatigue, stress, you may not be getting enough sleep and not resting while you do sleep.
I came across this article in the Wall Street Journal that I believe gives us great insight into the topic and truly worth the read: "When Sleep Leaves You Tired" (June 9, 2009).
You might want to alter some of your activities to just simply allow yourself some snooze time and enjoy the time you have now!
TTFN~Jax
The lack of sleep is taking a toll on our bodies' health and ability to perform at peak levels so we might want to forget that old maxim and catch up on a few zzzz's to make our lives better!
It costs more than just short-changing ourselves on rest: it increases the cost of health care, the ability to make money, quality of life with our families, just to name a few big things.
If you're a chronic sufferer from indigestion, colds, fatigue, stress, you may not be getting enough sleep and not resting while you do sleep.
I came across this article in the Wall Street Journal that I believe gives us great insight into the topic and truly worth the read: "When Sleep Leaves You Tired" (June 9, 2009).
You might want to alter some of your activities to just simply allow yourself some snooze time and enjoy the time you have now!
TTFN~Jax
The Forgotten Art of Networking
Ever attend a networking event?
Ever walk away with a bunch of business cards and nothing ever transpires from your collection?
Ever hand out your business cards but you never get a call?
If you're able to answer "yes" to any of those questions, then you're in the "Land of the Lost Networker".
There is a difference in handing out a business card and making a connection. In my own experience, the "art" of networking has been sacrificed for being able to amass the largest collection of business cards. And all those cards become useless since there is no face or connection to provide a motivating reason for the receiver of the card to connect with the giver.
Of course, we all want to have people call us who are interested in our business and who truly want to do business with us. So, what could the challenge be?
The point of networking is to meet people with whom we can share our stories and our services so we can continue to reach our personal goals. Handing out your business card only shares a name and, occasionally, it scares some people from actually calling you even if they have the greatest need for what you do because of the impersonal feel.
What we need to remember is we are all doing the same thing and the networking party has now become a "me" event. That is, the only reason you have the card is for you to call them and benefit from their service and not the other way around!
The "art" of networking should be about what we all bring to the table, for what we can do for someone and also for what they may be able to do for you. When I network, my goal is to build goodwill; I want to know about your business, your ideal customer, how I may help you. My expectation is to build a solid relationship to help you reach your audience, and, let you get to know me so you feel comfortable referring me to people you know.
By the way, "goodwill" is an asset on your balance sheet which improves your net worth especially in the marketplace. If large organizations can use good will to increase their value, why shouldn't small businesses?
Granted, it isn't the fastest way of making money but it gives you more credibility. Our reputation is more more valuable than our business card collection! The next time you attend a networking event, spend time speaking with a few people and getting to know about them rather than trying to be the one to collect the most cards.
For more information, there is an awesome resource of material from Bob Burg, a renowned author and speaker on the subject of networking.
Let's bring more success to the Art of Networking for all us!
TTFN~Jax
Ever walk away with a bunch of business cards and nothing ever transpires from your collection?
Ever hand out your business cards but you never get a call?
If you're able to answer "yes" to any of those questions, then you're in the "Land of the Lost Networker".
There is a difference in handing out a business card and making a connection. In my own experience, the "art" of networking has been sacrificed for being able to amass the largest collection of business cards. And all those cards become useless since there is no face or connection to provide a motivating reason for the receiver of the card to connect with the giver.
Of course, we all want to have people call us who are interested in our business and who truly want to do business with us. So, what could the challenge be?
The point of networking is to meet people with whom we can share our stories and our services so we can continue to reach our personal goals. Handing out your business card only shares a name and, occasionally, it scares some people from actually calling you even if they have the greatest need for what you do because of the impersonal feel.
What we need to remember is we are all doing the same thing and the networking party has now become a "me" event. That is, the only reason you have the card is for you to call them and benefit from their service and not the other way around!
The "art" of networking should be about what we all bring to the table, for what we can do for someone and also for what they may be able to do for you. When I network, my goal is to build goodwill; I want to know about your business, your ideal customer, how I may help you. My expectation is to build a solid relationship to help you reach your audience, and, let you get to know me so you feel comfortable referring me to people you know.
By the way, "goodwill" is an asset on your balance sheet which improves your net worth especially in the marketplace. If large organizations can use good will to increase their value, why shouldn't small businesses?
Granted, it isn't the fastest way of making money but it gives you more credibility. Our reputation is more more valuable than our business card collection! The next time you attend a networking event, spend time speaking with a few people and getting to know about them rather than trying to be the one to collect the most cards.
For more information, there is an awesome resource of material from Bob Burg, a renowned author and speaker on the subject of networking.
Let's bring more success to the Art of Networking for all us!
TTFN~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
How Prepared Are You?
Have you seriously checked your preparedness to weather financial challenges for you and your family?
It's truly easier than you think and I know many people put off taking a good hard look at that part of their life because it's scary. Who really wants to think about the negative things that can occur in your life?
Here are some really easy tips you can use as a guide to test your family's financial fitness in this article, "8 Things To Do Before You Invest Your Money". Many of these tips are truly common sense like developing your emergency fund once you know what your budget limits are monthly.
I don't agree with several points in the article such as dropping your broker once you think you're up on the financial news. Unless you have lots of time to devote to scouring the sources of financial information, you should always have a professional adviser to help you make the best decision for you.
Take a few moments to give it your attention and give yourself a chance to have peace of mind, personal control over your future and the path to hit those goals you have for your family.
If you have any questions or comments, please let me know your thoughts. I'd love to hear them.
TTFN ~ Jax
It's truly easier than you think and I know many people put off taking a good hard look at that part of their life because it's scary. Who really wants to think about the negative things that can occur in your life?
Here are some really easy tips you can use as a guide to test your family's financial fitness in this article, "8 Things To Do Before You Invest Your Money". Many of these tips are truly common sense like developing your emergency fund once you know what your budget limits are monthly.
I don't agree with several points in the article such as dropping your broker once you think you're up on the financial news. Unless you have lots of time to devote to scouring the sources of financial information, you should always have a professional adviser to help you make the best decision for you.
Take a few moments to give it your attention and give yourself a chance to have peace of mind, personal control over your future and the path to hit those goals you have for your family.
If you have any questions or comments, please let me know your thoughts. I'd love to hear them.
TTFN ~ Jax
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