How to decide which to spend, and on what
You have so much to do, and so little time to do it. So you hire someone to clean your house, wash your car, run your errands, etc. That is, until you realize that you have spent all your so-called disposable income and now no longer have time OR money. Now what?
Let’s look into our crystal ball. It’s a while from now. A week, month, year. Suddenly you find yourself not making that extra commission money you were counting on. You haven’t had a raise in awhile and that Adjustable Rate Mortgage that sounded so good while you were buying your house is rearing its ugly head. I’m not trying to look at the bad side, only point out “what if’s.”
It’s time to make the tough decisions. We are going through a hard time in our economy. Even if you are making enough money to keep the Housekeeper and Personal Assistant, should you? After all, they need the money too, and they have the time to do these things. But we’re not talking about other, just you.
Make a list of things you pay other people to do. Everything from dry cleaning to changing the oil in your car. You notice, those are both things probably done better by an expert, but put them on the list anyway.
Next to these, put the time it would take you to do that task. It would take me three days to change the oil on my car, so that is what I put. But I found a product that I can use in my dryer to do basic dry cleaning, so I do some of that myself. Catching on? Write a long list. Next to these items, write down how much it costs to have someone else do it.
Now write a list of everything you do in a day yourself. Driving to work, answering emails, etc. How long does each take?
Put the two lists together. How much is your time worth? $10/hr? $50/hr? Are you spending your valuable time doing un-valuable things and your valuable money having cheap things done for you?
Quick example:
Done for me: Their Price: To do it myself:
Oil Change $30 $300
Dry Cleaning $45 $10
Housecleaning $75 $50
Can you see which you should decide to do yourself and which you should let someone else do?
Time is money, but so is cash.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
How to survive Lay-Off rumors
Every couple of decades our economy goes through adjustments. We are starting a new one at this time. Companies are not replacing employees that leave. Many large companies are abandoning plans to open new branches. Rumors of layoffs are rampant.
Here are 7 steps you can start taking immediately to make sure that you and your family will be all right, even if those rumors turn out to be true.
1. Remember it is just a rumor
The only thing in an office faster than Broadband Internet is the office rumor. You were told that your co-worker heard that the Janitor was told by the boss’ cousin that ... Well, you get the picture. Take it all with a grain of salt until you hear something official by someone official. Your Manager, the Owner of the company, or someone else in authority.
2. Talk to your boss
The “someone else in authority” is usually your direct supervisor. They may be able to tell you flat out what is going on. If they sidestep the issue, this may give you the answer that you need. If they don’t know, ask them to find out so that you can be ready.
3. Start putting something away
It may be time to start tightening your belt. Are you paying a monthly storage on things you will never need again (things you can possibly sell)? Are you stopping for expensive coffees on the way to work, when you can bring one from home? Could you trade in bottled water for a purifier? Know what things are and are not essential to your life. Put the non-essentials away for now.
4. Research what is out there for you “just in case”
Look online, check with your contacts in other companies, start looking into a new career. Know that if you are no longer in the same position, you can go to a better job in a new place. Make sure that your resume is completely up to date and saved in both a professional looking format and text-only for online applications.
5. Know how to apply for unemployment and what you can get
Unemployment is not a bad thing. You have been paying into it just in case you ever need to draw from it. Wrap yourself around that fact and be prepared. Find out what paperwork you need in your state to apply for unemployment and where you need to go. Then find out just how much you are eligible for. This ties back in to knowing what you can live without.
6. Talk to your family
Don’t try to save your family from worry. Be upfront and simple with them. Let them know that rumors are going around and that they are just that – rumors. Make them feel like they can be of help to you and each other by letting them think of ways to start saving. Rather than tear a family apart, this can bring you closer together.
7. Relax
Once you know that you are ready “just in case” you can now go back to enjoying your job, knowing that even if the worst happens, you’re ready for the next step in your career.
Here are 7 steps you can start taking immediately to make sure that you and your family will be all right, even if those rumors turn out to be true.
1. Remember it is just a rumor
The only thing in an office faster than Broadband Internet is the office rumor. You were told that your co-worker heard that the Janitor was told by the boss’ cousin that ... Well, you get the picture. Take it all with a grain of salt until you hear something official by someone official. Your Manager, the Owner of the company, or someone else in authority.
2. Talk to your boss
The “someone else in authority” is usually your direct supervisor. They may be able to tell you flat out what is going on. If they sidestep the issue, this may give you the answer that you need. If they don’t know, ask them to find out so that you can be ready.
3. Start putting something away
It may be time to start tightening your belt. Are you paying a monthly storage on things you will never need again (things you can possibly sell)? Are you stopping for expensive coffees on the way to work, when you can bring one from home? Could you trade in bottled water for a purifier? Know what things are and are not essential to your life. Put the non-essentials away for now.
4. Research what is out there for you “just in case”
Look online, check with your contacts in other companies, start looking into a new career. Know that if you are no longer in the same position, you can go to a better job in a new place. Make sure that your resume is completely up to date and saved in both a professional looking format and text-only for online applications.
5. Know how to apply for unemployment and what you can get
Unemployment is not a bad thing. You have been paying into it just in case you ever need to draw from it. Wrap yourself around that fact and be prepared. Find out what paperwork you need in your state to apply for unemployment and where you need to go. Then find out just how much you are eligible for. This ties back in to knowing what you can live without.
6. Talk to your family
Don’t try to save your family from worry. Be upfront and simple with them. Let them know that rumors are going around and that they are just that – rumors. Make them feel like they can be of help to you and each other by letting them think of ways to start saving. Rather than tear a family apart, this can bring you closer together.
7. Relax
Once you know that you are ready “just in case” you can now go back to enjoying your job, knowing that even if the worst happens, you’re ready for the next step in your career.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
7 Generics That Work - (And No One Will Know But You)
I have nothing against Brand Names. I will use them in this article with respect and admiration. These brands did the research, branding and marketing to become very successful. I am only going to give you alternatives to these, so that you can decide for yourself which is worth more to you, savings or labels. No one will know but you.
1. Prescription meds. The price difference, even with medical insurance, is staggering. I do NOT, however, recommend going outside the US for medication. For every legitimate company selling you real prescriptions, there are four or five that are selling you knock-offs that do not have what your doctor wants you to take.
2. Pain relievers. Over the counter pain relievers are a necessity in most households. What many people don’t understand are the ingredients. I will go through them briefly here. The next time you go to pick up a pain reliever, look at the two bottles – brand and generic – and compare ingredients. **Be sure to look at milligrams** You will be pleasantly surprised to find the same ingredients in both:
a. Tylenol – Acetaminophen – comes in regular, extra strength and PM
b. Advil and Motrin – Ibuprofen – comes in regular and extra strength
c. Aleve – Naproxen – check milligrams
d. Excedrin Migraine – Combination of Acetaminophen and Caffiene. I use the generic at the first sign of a migraine and take a couple throughout the day and it works great for me.
3. Pet food. If you are buying your dog and cat food at a pet specialty store, you can save a lot of money and keep your pets just as happy and healthy by buying at the grocery or discount store. I don’t buy generic cat food, but found that the major brands put good products in regular shopping stores.
4. Phone service. DSL lines, cable hook-ups, etc., have come a long way and have almost non-existent down time. You can have effective, cheap phone service with unlimited long distance. Check with your cable TV provider or go online and find out more about Vonage or MagicJack.
5. Food. Everyone’s tastes are different, so you will need to find good generic foods through trial and error. Read the labels and find out which of the major companies is producing that generic. Then buy what you and your family will eat.
6. Decorating Services. You want your home to look good. But you are not sure that a designer and designer materials are in your budget. Every major hardware store (Home Depot, Lowes, etc) has Professional Decorators on hand to help you pick out all of the best pieces and materials. They have free classes to teach you how to do it yourself, giving you even more pride in your home. They also do installation. Learn and grow and make your home beautiful.
7. Clothing. Spend a small amount of money on a Personal Image Consultant. Find out exactly what makes YOU look your best. Then you can shop sales, last season’s styles and some discount stores. And you will always look stylish, knowing what looks good on you, and not on some magazine model.
1. Prescription meds. The price difference, even with medical insurance, is staggering. I do NOT, however, recommend going outside the US for medication. For every legitimate company selling you real prescriptions, there are four or five that are selling you knock-offs that do not have what your doctor wants you to take.
2. Pain relievers. Over the counter pain relievers are a necessity in most households. What many people don’t understand are the ingredients. I will go through them briefly here. The next time you go to pick up a pain reliever, look at the two bottles – brand and generic – and compare ingredients. **Be sure to look at milligrams** You will be pleasantly surprised to find the same ingredients in both:
a. Tylenol – Acetaminophen – comes in regular, extra strength and PM
b. Advil and Motrin – Ibuprofen – comes in regular and extra strength
c. Aleve – Naproxen – check milligrams
d. Excedrin Migraine – Combination of Acetaminophen and Caffiene. I use the generic at the first sign of a migraine and take a couple throughout the day and it works great for me.
3. Pet food. If you are buying your dog and cat food at a pet specialty store, you can save a lot of money and keep your pets just as happy and healthy by buying at the grocery or discount store. I don’t buy generic cat food, but found that the major brands put good products in regular shopping stores.
4. Phone service. DSL lines, cable hook-ups, etc., have come a long way and have almost non-existent down time. You can have effective, cheap phone service with unlimited long distance. Check with your cable TV provider or go online and find out more about Vonage or MagicJack.
5. Food. Everyone’s tastes are different, so you will need to find good generic foods through trial and error. Read the labels and find out which of the major companies is producing that generic. Then buy what you and your family will eat.
6. Decorating Services. You want your home to look good. But you are not sure that a designer and designer materials are in your budget. Every major hardware store (Home Depot, Lowes, etc) has Professional Decorators on hand to help you pick out all of the best pieces and materials. They have free classes to teach you how to do it yourself, giving you even more pride in your home. They also do installation. Learn and grow and make your home beautiful.
7. Clothing. Spend a small amount of money on a Personal Image Consultant. Find out exactly what makes YOU look your best. Then you can shop sales, last season’s styles and some discount stores. And you will always look stylish, knowing what looks good on you, and not on some magazine model.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
