Here are the links to the Carnivals in which My Wealth Builder participated from January 24-30, 2012:
Road to Financial Independence #39
For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.
This is not financial or wealth building advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
The Wealth Builder Carnival #64
Welcome to the sixty-fourth edition of The Wealth Builder Carnival. The purpose of this carnival is to collect articles from the blogosphere on building, preserving and keeping enough wealth for a comfortable retirement. For reference, I have tried to keep the carnival content tightly focused on wealth building and did not include submissions that were off topic. For reading convenience, the posts are listed with a brief summary or comment by the submitter and organized into seven categories: Earning, Insuring and Protecting, Investing, Living Frugally, Retiring, Saving and Taxes.
And now onto the Carnival:
Jon Elder presents How to Raise Kids to be Wise with Money posted at Free Money Wisdom, saying, "Today’s children still need to be taught good financial habits so that they end up more like Millennials and less like Millennials’ Gen X parents and Boomer grandparents. That’s why I’m sharing a few things you can do to teach your kids about good personal finances:"
Tim @ Faith and Finance presents 16 Great Jobs For 16 Year Olds posted at Faith and Finance, saying, "We’ve all known what’s it’s like to be a 16 year old looking for a good job. Here are 16 job ideas that any 16 year old can do to make some extra money."
Linsey B. Knerl presents Working from Home… With Toddlers posted at 1099 - Mom, saying, "I can imagine that for most Moms, there is at least one “high-needs” kid in the household. Working from home with one in your care, however, takes a delicate balance of being attentive and not allowing yourself to be completely run over."
Jason@LiveRealNow presents Insurance posted at Live Real, Now, saying, "Thankfully, I sock a bit of money away every month to cover things that break. It’s my warranty fund. That, combined with a good(hopefully) find on eBay, means that losing my phone, while irritating, isn’t going to break my budget. It won’t actually touch my budget in any way."
B.B. presents Sharebuilder Returns Update posted at Beating Broke, saying, "Overall, there really isn’t much comparison of the returns between the Lending Club and Sharebuilder accounts. Taken on their face, Lending Club wins hands down."
Jim Tolley (aka Kidgas) presents What Would I Do With $50,000? posted at Cash Flow Mantra, saying, "Recently, Joe over at Retireby40.org discussed his options for a $50,000 emergency fund, and I must confess that I thought they were rather poor. Now Joe has certain requirements, and I am not trying to change his mind regarding them. But he did ask the question posed in the title and since my answer was going to be longer than could be held in a comment, I thought I would write a post about it."
Lazy Man and Money presents Grading Men’s Health’s Tips to Build Wealth in Trouble Times posted at Lazy Man and Money, saying, "I was very surprised by the lack of useful information provided by these financial experts. I'm reminded by the people who are giving the advice, Wall Street economist types. As Abraham Maslow said, "It is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.""
passive family income presents What is the Best Source of Passive Income? posted at Passive Family Income, saying, "One income stream that does not require a lot of my time are dividend paying stocks. In my opinion, these investments offer the best source of passive income possible"
John presents Money Market Funds vs. Money Market Accounts posted at Wallet Blog, saying, "What’s the difference between Money Market Funds and Money Market Accounts? Determine which may be best for your individual financial needs."
Kevin presents 3 Frugal Ideas for a Romantic Valentine’s Day posted at Invest It Wisely, saying, "Remember, there’s no need to spend a fortune on Valentine’s Day. Sometimes, a bit of cheap fun is all you need."
Matt presents Home Buyers: Do you Feel the Power? posted at Living In Financial Excellence, saying, "Although sellers stand to lose a healthy chunk of money when they move out of their home, they also stand to gain a lot on the other end when they buy a different home. Home prices are really low, which means there are a lot of bargains out there."
Bucksome presents Delay Your Gratification and Grow Rich posted at Buck$ome Boomer's Journey to Retirement, saying, "The next time you’re tempted with a purchase (big or small), remember to think twice about it and consider what it might do to your future. Chances are, if you delay the purchase, your future will be much better off."
Lisa presents The Frugal Home Buyer’s Guide | posted at Thriftability, saying, "y taking a look at your financial situation, you can save money to reach this goal of a new home. Here is some advice on how to shoot for this goal, as well as knowing if it is the right time."
Jonathan from Debt Loans presents Seven Fun Hobbies that Won't Cost You a Cent posted at Wallet Watcher, saying, "Here’s a handful of hobbies that are sure to be entertaining, beneficial and basically free of charge."
Theresa Torres presents Guest Post: 6 Workout Tips for Moms on a Budget posted at Deal Finding Chik, saying, "This article shares some tips on how moms can get in shape without breaking the bank."
Dr. Dean presents A Million Bucks? In My 401K? Ya Gotta Be Kiddin’! posted at Dr. Dean's TheMillionaireNurse.com Blog, saying, "Retirement account millionaires don’t have to be market savvy investors. No, they are often not investing gurus at all. How do they grow millions in their retirement accounts? It’s not rocket science-read all about it!"
Investor Junkie presents Why Your Small Business Should Offer a 401K posted at Investor Junkie, saying, "The following are six reasons that your business should offer a 401K program to its employees."
Little House presents Stash Some Cash with Mind Bending Tricks posted at Little House in the Valley, saying, "Since I know saving money isn’t easy, I’ve concocted some mind bending tricks to make me save more of my money."
Robert Moore presents Important News On The 2012 Tax Deadline posted at 2011 Taxes, saying, "The IRS has kicked off the 2012 tax filing season by revealing that taxpayers can now file their taxes up until April 17."
Mark Roberts presents How To Choose The Right Filing Status posted at Tax Brackets, saying, "This blog post looks at how to choose the correct filing status for your situation."
Jessica Bird presents Taxing Your Car posted at CarTaxBands.org, saying, "If you need to pay tax on your car, this blog post will outline three important documents that you will need."
Al Peters presents Self Assessment Tax Return 2011 Deadline Approaching posted at TaxFix Feed Update, saying, "The tax return deadline is fast approaching. If you have earned income or had taxable gains in the UK then don't forget this important deadline."
That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of The Wealth Builder Carnival using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
Technorati tags: the wealth builder carnival, blog carnival.
For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.
This is not financial, earning, insuring, investing, living, retiring, saving, tax, or wealth building advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
And now onto the Carnival:
Earning
Jon Elder presents How to Raise Kids to be Wise with Money posted at Free Money Wisdom, saying, "Today’s children still need to be taught good financial habits so that they end up more like Millennials and less like Millennials’ Gen X parents and Boomer grandparents. That’s why I’m sharing a few things you can do to teach your kids about good personal finances:"
Tim @ Faith and Finance presents 16 Great Jobs For 16 Year Olds posted at Faith and Finance, saying, "We’ve all known what’s it’s like to be a 16 year old looking for a good job. Here are 16 job ideas that any 16 year old can do to make some extra money."
Linsey B. Knerl presents Working from Home… With Toddlers posted at 1099 - Mom, saying, "I can imagine that for most Moms, there is at least one “high-needs” kid in the household. Working from home with one in your care, however, takes a delicate balance of being attentive and not allowing yourself to be completely run over."
Insuring and Protecting
Jason@LiveRealNow presents Insurance posted at Live Real, Now, saying, "Thankfully, I sock a bit of money away every month to cover things that break. It’s my warranty fund. That, combined with a good(hopefully) find on eBay, means that losing my phone, while irritating, isn’t going to break my budget. It won’t actually touch my budget in any way."
Investing
B.B. presents Sharebuilder Returns Update posted at Beating Broke, saying, "Overall, there really isn’t much comparison of the returns between the Lending Club and Sharebuilder accounts. Taken on their face, Lending Club wins hands down."
Jim Tolley (aka Kidgas) presents What Would I Do With $50,000? posted at Cash Flow Mantra, saying, "Recently, Joe over at Retireby40.org discussed his options for a $50,000 emergency fund, and I must confess that I thought they were rather poor. Now Joe has certain requirements, and I am not trying to change his mind regarding them. But he did ask the question posed in the title and since my answer was going to be longer than could be held in a comment, I thought I would write a post about it."
Lazy Man and Money presents Grading Men’s Health’s Tips to Build Wealth in Trouble Times posted at Lazy Man and Money, saying, "I was very surprised by the lack of useful information provided by these financial experts. I'm reminded by the people who are giving the advice, Wall Street economist types. As Abraham Maslow said, "It is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.""
passive family income presents What is the Best Source of Passive Income? posted at Passive Family Income, saying, "One income stream that does not require a lot of my time are dividend paying stocks. In my opinion, these investments offer the best source of passive income possible"
John presents Money Market Funds vs. Money Market Accounts posted at Wallet Blog, saying, "What’s the difference between Money Market Funds and Money Market Accounts? Determine which may be best for your individual financial needs."
Living Frugally
Kevin presents 3 Frugal Ideas for a Romantic Valentine’s Day posted at Invest It Wisely, saying, "Remember, there’s no need to spend a fortune on Valentine’s Day. Sometimes, a bit of cheap fun is all you need."
Matt presents Home Buyers: Do you Feel the Power? posted at Living In Financial Excellence, saying, "Although sellers stand to lose a healthy chunk of money when they move out of their home, they also stand to gain a lot on the other end when they buy a different home. Home prices are really low, which means there are a lot of bargains out there."
Bucksome presents Delay Your Gratification and Grow Rich posted at Buck$ome Boomer's Journey to Retirement, saying, "The next time you’re tempted with a purchase (big or small), remember to think twice about it and consider what it might do to your future. Chances are, if you delay the purchase, your future will be much better off."
Lisa presents The Frugal Home Buyer’s Guide | posted at Thriftability, saying, "y taking a look at your financial situation, you can save money to reach this goal of a new home. Here is some advice on how to shoot for this goal, as well as knowing if it is the right time."
Jonathan from Debt Loans presents Seven Fun Hobbies that Won't Cost You a Cent posted at Wallet Watcher, saying, "Here’s a handful of hobbies that are sure to be entertaining, beneficial and basically free of charge."
Theresa Torres presents Guest Post: 6 Workout Tips for Moms on a Budget posted at Deal Finding Chik, saying, "This article shares some tips on how moms can get in shape without breaking the bank."
Retiring
Dr. Dean presents A Million Bucks? In My 401K? Ya Gotta Be Kiddin’! posted at Dr. Dean's TheMillionaireNurse.com Blog, saying, "Retirement account millionaires don’t have to be market savvy investors. No, they are often not investing gurus at all. How do they grow millions in their retirement accounts? It’s not rocket science-read all about it!"
Investor Junkie presents Why Your Small Business Should Offer a 401K posted at Investor Junkie, saying, "The following are six reasons that your business should offer a 401K program to its employees."
Saving
Little House presents Stash Some Cash with Mind Bending Tricks posted at Little House in the Valley, saying, "Since I know saving money isn’t easy, I’ve concocted some mind bending tricks to make me save more of my money."
Taxes
Robert Moore presents Important News On The 2012 Tax Deadline posted at 2011 Taxes, saying, "The IRS has kicked off the 2012 tax filing season by revealing that taxpayers can now file their taxes up until April 17."
Mark Roberts presents How To Choose The Right Filing Status posted at Tax Brackets, saying, "This blog post looks at how to choose the correct filing status for your situation."
Jessica Bird presents Taxing Your Car posted at CarTaxBands.org, saying, "If you need to pay tax on your car, this blog post will outline three important documents that you will need."
Al Peters presents Self Assessment Tax Return 2011 Deadline Approaching posted at TaxFix Feed Update, saying, "The tax return deadline is fast approaching. If you have earned income or had taxable gains in the UK then don't forget this important deadline."
That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of The Wealth Builder Carnival using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
Technorati tags: the wealth builder carnival, blog carnival.
For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.
This is not financial, earning, insuring, investing, living, retiring, saving, tax, or wealth building advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Monday, January 30, 2012
Wealth Builder Ratios - Q4 2011 Update
Here is our Q4 2011 Wealth Builder Ratios update. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Dow, Nasdaq and S&P500 indices were up at 12.6%, 7.9% and 11.2% respectively. Our investment portfolio returns improved from -3.0% to 3.0% due to the overall market improvement and my company stock having a 6.4% return during Q4.
For more details on the relevance of these ratios, please see this How Much Is Needed To Be Wealthy - The NUMBER.
My financial goals for 2011 were:
1. Continue to maintain an Investment Income to Salary ratio > 0.8. (off track)
2. Maintain a Savings to Salary ratio of 20. (off track)
3. Maintain Debt to Salary Ratio at 0. (met final goal of 0)
(For reference, Salary refers to gross salary just prior to early retirement in October, 2007.)
Both #1 and #2 were directly correlated with how well our stock, bond, and CD investments returns. With the positive performance of my company stock and the high proportion of cash, our portfolio increased less than the indices in Q4.
It has been very challenging retiring at the beginning of a bear market. Our short term expenses (next 3-5 years) are invested in CDs, bonds and money markets. So we can wait for the stock market to continue an upward trend. I continue to be concerned about volatility of our investment portfolio, but believe there is more downside than upside potential going forward due to EU sovereign debt crisis and continued deleveraging.
I continue to have the same financial goals for 2012. At this point, I am pessimistic about the economy and the stock market.
For more on Strategies and Plans, check back every Monday for a new segment.
This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
For more details on the relevance of these ratios, please see this How Much Is Needed To Be Wealthy - The NUMBER.
Ratio and Target | Q3 2011 | Q4 2011 | |
Investment Income to Salary Target= 0.8 2007= 3.41 2008= -5.47 2009= -1.38 2010= 1.29 2011= 0.5 | 2011 has started out poorly due to a negative return for my company stock, but has recovered nicely in the fourth quarter, ending with a positive return for the year. I have sold all the company stock in our IRA, keeping only the low basis shares for a future NUA execution. As my company stock (hopefully) advances, we plan to continue execute the remaining stock options I own.. | ||
Savings to Salary Target>20 2007=23 2008=16.7 2009=15.3 2010=16.6 2011=17.1 | 16.1 | 17.1 | I sold most of our stock investments in June 2011, and kept my company stock and stock options. We avoided most of the volatility in the fourth quarter. So the change mainly reflects the positive change in my company stock and the contribution of the salary from my temporary full time job. |
Debt to Salary Target=0 2007=1.51 2008=1.46 2009=0 2010=0 2011=0 | 0 | We said bye-bye to our mortgage on May 20, 2009. Eliminating a mortgage payment has reduced our expenses by 24%. |
My financial goals for 2011 were:
1. Continue to maintain an Investment Income to Salary ratio > 0.8. (off track)
2. Maintain a Savings to Salary ratio of 20. (off track)
3. Maintain Debt to Salary Ratio at 0. (met final goal of 0)
(For reference, Salary refers to gross salary just prior to early retirement in October, 2007.)
Both #1 and #2 were directly correlated with how well our stock, bond, and CD investments returns. With the positive performance of my company stock and the high proportion of cash, our portfolio increased less than the indices in Q4.
It has been very challenging retiring at the beginning of a bear market. Our short term expenses (next 3-5 years) are invested in CDs, bonds and money markets. So we can wait for the stock market to continue an upward trend. I continue to be concerned about volatility of our investment portfolio, but believe there is more downside than upside potential going forward due to EU sovereign debt crisis and continued deleveraging.
I continue to have the same financial goals for 2012. At this point, I am pessimistic about the economy and the stock market.
For more on Strategies and Plans, check back every Monday for a new segment.
This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Working on my Terms in 2012
When I retired early a little over four years ago, I was a very good corporate employee. I understood and supported the corporate priorities. I put in a lot time on my career, working 60+ hours a week and investing time in professional and personal development. I was a very good corporate employee, doing what was needed and working on the company's terms.
I took that attitude with me to the part time jobs that I did after I retired. However, after four years, I've decided to change. I will continue to do great work for the companies. However, I will be doing on my terms, instead of the companies' terms.
Here is are my terms for working in 2012:
In 2012, I plan to fit work in when it's convenient for my schedule and I definitely will avoid being over committed as I was in 2010.
For more on New Beginnings, check back every Sunday for a new segment.
Photo Credit: morgueFile.com, Author Name
This is not financial, retirement or career advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
I took that attitude with me to the part time jobs that I did after I retired. However, after four years, I've decided to change. I will continue to do great work for the companies. However, I will be doing on my terms, instead of the companies' terms.
Here is are my terms for working in 2012:
In 2012, I plan to fit work in when it's convenient for my schedule and I definitely will avoid being over committed as I was in 2010.
For more on New Beginnings, check back every Sunday for a new segment.
Photo Credit: morgueFile.com, Author Name
This is not financial, retirement or career advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
Career,
New Beginnings,
Retirement
Saturday, January 28, 2012
A Humorous Perspective On Any Profession
The following three jokes help me as I listen to the "promises" being made by a professional who I don't think can keep them:
Put the targeted profession in the blank space and the joke is complete.
For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday for a new segment.
This is not financial or humor advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Put the targeted profession in the blank space and the joke is complete.
For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday for a new segment.
This is not financial or humor advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Labels:
Reflections and Musings
Friday, January 27, 2012
Focusing on Leveraging Strengths
When I was working full time, part of every performance review had a section on improvement areas, the weaknesses that needed to be addressed to advance. Working on weaknesses was always one of the toughest things for me to do. It was challenging to improve in areas I wasn't naturally good at doing. However, improving weakness was very important since I wanted to advance in my career.
One of the benefits of retirement is the ability to choose part time jobs that leverage my strengths. For example, I am very good at math, science, finances and test taking. Skills in these areas are very easy for me to learn and doing work in these areas sometimes feels effortless. Although I've tried a variety of different jobs, the one's like like best are teaching science in after school programs, tutoring for college entrance exams, and doing seasonal tax preparation. When I'm working, I often feel like I'm in "the zone." In the two jobs with performance appraisals, I scored well with no weaknesses identified.
For reference, none of these jobs are in the field of the career from which I retired. While I'm glad I majored in engineering and worked in R&D, I'm even more glad that I can fully leverage my strengths in the retirement part time jobs that I've found.
For more on Reaping the Rewards, check back every Friday.
This is not financial, retirement or career advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
One of the benefits of retirement is the ability to choose part time jobs that leverage my strengths. For example, I am very good at math, science, finances and test taking. Skills in these areas are very easy for me to learn and doing work in these areas sometimes feels effortless. Although I've tried a variety of different jobs, the one's like like best are teaching science in after school programs, tutoring for college entrance exams, and doing seasonal tax preparation. When I'm working, I often feel like I'm in "the zone." In the two jobs with performance appraisals, I scored well with no weaknesses identified.
For reference, none of these jobs are in the field of the career from which I retired. While I'm glad I majored in engineering and worked in R&D, I'm even more glad that I can fully leverage my strengths in the retirement part time jobs that I've found.
For more on Reaping the Rewards, check back every Friday.
This is not financial, retirement or career advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
Career,
Reaping the Rewards,
Retirement
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Addressing What Our Daughter Doesn't Know
How do you make good decisions? Good judgement. How do you develop good judgement? Experience. How do you get experience? Bad judgement. ~ my paraphrase of a discussion from a Salomon Brothers' new hire training session reported in Liars Poker.
Youth has many advantages: energy, enthusiasm, quick thinking, and resiliency are among them. I can no longer keep up with younger employees. In fact, sometimes I find it challenging to keep up with my daughter who is a first grader. However, youth does have one major disadvantage. A great challenge for youth is not knowing what one doesn't know.
There were times in my youth that I didn't have a clue, but I do now. Sometimes I think if I only knew what I know now when I was younger. However, since going back in time isn't an option, I recently shared with my seven year old daughter the by talking to mom and dad. We certainly don't have all the answers, but we definitely can help with lots are topics, especially those which she doesn't yet know she doesn't know.
For more on Crossing Generations, check back every Thursday for a new segment.
This is not financial or parenting advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Youth has many advantages: energy, enthusiasm, quick thinking, and resiliency are among them. I can no longer keep up with younger employees. In fact, sometimes I find it challenging to keep up with my daughter who is a first grader. However, youth does have one major disadvantage. A great challenge for youth is not knowing what one doesn't know.
There were times in my youth that I didn't have a clue, but I do now. Sometimes I think if I only knew what I know now when I was younger. However, since going back in time isn't an option, I recently shared with my seven year old daughter the by talking to mom and dad. We certainly don't have all the answers, but we definitely can help with lots are topics, especially those which she doesn't yet know she doesn't know.
For more on Crossing Generations, check back every Thursday for a new segment.
This is not financial or parenting advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
Children,
Crossing Generations,
Parenting
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wealth Building Activities
In my experience, I've learned there are several financial activities that helped build our wealth. Although the activities can be challenging to do, making them habits can be a great enabler. Here were the financial activities that I found helpful.
These activities worked for us. Despite the economic crises of the past decade, I still believe these activities are still important to building wealth.
For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.
This is not financial or wealth advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
These activities worked for us. Despite the economic crises of the past decade, I still believe these activities are still important to building wealth.
For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.
This is not financial or wealth advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
The Wealth Builder Carnival #63
Welcome to the sixty-third edition of The Wealth Builder Carnival. The purpose of this carnival is to collect articles from the blogosphere on building, preserving and keeping enough wealth for a comfortable retirement. For reference, I have tried to keep the carnival content tightly focused on wealth building and did not include submissions that were off topic. For reading convenience, the posts are listed with a brief summary or comment by the submitter and organized into seven categories: Earning, Insuring and Protecting, Investing, Living Frugally, Retiring, Saving and Taxes.
And now onto the Carnival:
Super Saver presents Parenthood and Poverty posted at My Wealth Builder, saying, "I expected married parent households to be better off financially, but I didn't expect the differences to be as large as the data shows."
Jim Tolley (aka Kidgas) presents How to Start a Money Making Blog?Part 2 posted at Grand Per Month, saying, "You can make money with a blog, but that shouldn’t be the primary focus. I am suggesting plenty of other ways to make extra money on this site, so if you don’t think blogging is for you, then check out another way to make $1000 per month. However if you feel that these traits describe you, let’s move on to step 2 in “How to Start a Money Making Blog”. Here is a link to part 1 in case you missed it."
Jon Elder presents 8 Tips on How to Get Along With Your Boss posted at Free Money Wisdom, saying, "If you get into the all too common habit of seeing your boss as an enemy—or at least as an adversary—you will display that through your behavior and attitude. But see your boss as a friend in authority, and you might forge the kind of alliance that will advance your boss’s career and yours at the same time."
My Journey presents Most Readers Will Hate What I Did With Part of My Bonus posted at My Journey to Millions, saying, "My initial goal was to increase my term coverage with a 20 year term policy. I ultimately decided against this for two reasons, one my available income ratio would decrease which wouldn’t be good for getting that mortgage I mentioned earlier, and two, I got blood work back the other day and it wasn’t that great."
John presents Want Better Healthcare at a Lower Price? New Primary Care Models Are Gaining Traction posted at Wallet Blog, saying, "I think your reader’s will enjoy my submission this week because it talks about contemporary health care models that offer a lower cost to patients! Affordable healthcare? Now that’s a deal!"
misst presents Buying a Home With the Help of Mortgage Insurance posted at Prairie Eco-Thrifter, saying, "Today I want to share with you the top 20 foods you can eat for increased brain power. Eating these foods will increase your energy, provide clarity of thought and help sustain a good memory."
Dividend Growth Investor presents My Dividend Retirement Plan posted at Dividend Growth Investor, saying, "I invest in dividend stocks, in order to generate a sufficient income stream, that would meet and exceed my expenses in retirement. Retirement to me is the point where my dividend income exceeds my expenses, which means that I no longer have to work for money.I am a big proponent of value investing, which is why I would only consider myself financially independent whenever the dividend income stream generated by my portfolio exceeds 1.5 times my annual expenses. In order to get there, there are several simple, but crucial principles I need to follow."
MoneyCone presents 10 ETFs Cheaper Than Their Vanguard Peers posted at Money Cone, saying, "Here’s a list of the ten, commonly used ETFs that have an expense ratio lower than that of Vanguard’s."
Jim Tolley (aka Kidgas) presents Selling Covered Calls and Time Value posted at Cash Flow Mantra, saying, "I had a reader question last week about selling covered calls so I wanted to take the opportunity to offer up some practical tips regarding selling call options."
Dividends4Life presents Utilities Stock Funds Were 2011's Bright Star posted at Dividend Growth Stocks, saying, "Utility dividend stocks. When you hear those words what do you think of? Long considered the domain for "widows and orphans", utilities have developed a somewhat stodgy reputation. Why are utilities considered good for widows and orphans? Here a few reasons:"
Kanwal Sarai presents Learn Investing Online |Online Investing Course: Dividends posted at Simply Investing Blog, saying, "When considering a stock for purchase, don’t think of it as a piece of paper (a stock certificate), think of it as buying ownership in a company. If you had the money would you buy the entire company? If not, then reconsider why you are buy shares in this company."
Novel Investor presents Asset Allocation And The Benefits Of Rebalancing posted at Novel Investor, saying, "How your money is invested, its asset allocation and consistent rebalancing will be the most important decision you'll make as an investor."
B.B. presents Frugality Will Change You posted at Beating Broke, saying, "Drug habits, smoking habits, and coffee habits are all habits that are easy to pick up because they cause a pleasure response in you body. A savings habit is a bit harder to pick up. But, as Ninja will attest, it can be done.How? Repetition"
Jonathan from Debt Loans presents Party Tips for the Broke Young Professional posted at Frugal Living, saying, "How can you open your home and make your friends feel welcome without going broke in the process? Check out the frugal party tips below."
Theresa Torres presents Can You Afford Another Baby? Yes You Can! Seven Money-Saving Tips posted at Baby Development Milestones, saying, "Before you give in to the thought of having another rosy-cheeked angel, here are some things to consider so that you will be better prepared."
Peter presents The Future Value Of Your Roth IRA posted at Bible Money Matters, saying, "Maybe it’s time to reassess your retirement plan, and a self-directed Roth IRA presents you with a unique opportunity."
W presents Additive vs. Multiplicative Thinking About Money posted at Off-Road Finance, saying, "A look at two different ways of thinking about money, and some ideas about which is appropriate for a given problem."
Jackson presents Tips For Small Business Owners posted at 2009 Tax, saying, "For many sole traders or small businesses it can be difficult to find the time to maintain all paperwork on a regular basis, meaning a large amount of admin is left until it is absolutely necessary to sort out."
That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of The Wealth Builder Carnival using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
Technorati tags: the wealth builder carnival, blog carnival.
For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.
This is not financial, earning, insuring, investing, living, retiring, saving, tax, or wealth building advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
And now onto the Carnival:
Earning
Super Saver presents Parenthood and Poverty posted at My Wealth Builder, saying, "I expected married parent households to be better off financially, but I didn't expect the differences to be as large as the data shows."
Jim Tolley (aka Kidgas) presents How to Start a Money Making Blog?Part 2 posted at Grand Per Month, saying, "You can make money with a blog, but that shouldn’t be the primary focus. I am suggesting plenty of other ways to make extra money on this site, so if you don’t think blogging is for you, then check out another way to make $1000 per month. However if you feel that these traits describe you, let’s move on to step 2 in “How to Start a Money Making Blog”. Here is a link to part 1 in case you missed it."
Jon Elder presents 8 Tips on How to Get Along With Your Boss posted at Free Money Wisdom, saying, "If you get into the all too common habit of seeing your boss as an enemy—or at least as an adversary—you will display that through your behavior and attitude. But see your boss as a friend in authority, and you might forge the kind of alliance that will advance your boss’s career and yours at the same time."
Insuring and Protecting
My Journey presents Most Readers Will Hate What I Did With Part of My Bonus posted at My Journey to Millions, saying, "My initial goal was to increase my term coverage with a 20 year term policy. I ultimately decided against this for two reasons, one my available income ratio would decrease which wouldn’t be good for getting that mortgage I mentioned earlier, and two, I got blood work back the other day and it wasn’t that great."
John presents Want Better Healthcare at a Lower Price? New Primary Care Models Are Gaining Traction posted at Wallet Blog, saying, "I think your reader’s will enjoy my submission this week because it talks about contemporary health care models that offer a lower cost to patients! Affordable healthcare? Now that’s a deal!"
misst presents Buying a Home With the Help of Mortgage Insurance posted at Prairie Eco-Thrifter, saying, "Today I want to share with you the top 20 foods you can eat for increased brain power. Eating these foods will increase your energy, provide clarity of thought and help sustain a good memory."
Investing
Dividend Growth Investor presents My Dividend Retirement Plan posted at Dividend Growth Investor, saying, "I invest in dividend stocks, in order to generate a sufficient income stream, that would meet and exceed my expenses in retirement. Retirement to me is the point where my dividend income exceeds my expenses, which means that I no longer have to work for money.I am a big proponent of value investing, which is why I would only consider myself financially independent whenever the dividend income stream generated by my portfolio exceeds 1.5 times my annual expenses. In order to get there, there are several simple, but crucial principles I need to follow."
MoneyCone presents 10 ETFs Cheaper Than Their Vanguard Peers posted at Money Cone, saying, "Here’s a list of the ten, commonly used ETFs that have an expense ratio lower than that of Vanguard’s."
Jim Tolley (aka Kidgas) presents Selling Covered Calls and Time Value posted at Cash Flow Mantra, saying, "I had a reader question last week about selling covered calls so I wanted to take the opportunity to offer up some practical tips regarding selling call options."
Dividends4Life presents Utilities Stock Funds Were 2011's Bright Star posted at Dividend Growth Stocks, saying, "Utility dividend stocks. When you hear those words what do you think of? Long considered the domain for "widows and orphans", utilities have developed a somewhat stodgy reputation. Why are utilities considered good for widows and orphans? Here a few reasons:"
Kanwal Sarai presents Learn Investing Online |Online Investing Course: Dividends posted at Simply Investing Blog, saying, "When considering a stock for purchase, don’t think of it as a piece of paper (a stock certificate), think of it as buying ownership in a company. If you had the money would you buy the entire company? If not, then reconsider why you are buy shares in this company."
Novel Investor presents Asset Allocation And The Benefits Of Rebalancing posted at Novel Investor, saying, "How your money is invested, its asset allocation and consistent rebalancing will be the most important decision you'll make as an investor."
Living Frugally
B.B. presents Frugality Will Change You posted at Beating Broke, saying, "Drug habits, smoking habits, and coffee habits are all habits that are easy to pick up because they cause a pleasure response in you body. A savings habit is a bit harder to pick up. But, as Ninja will attest, it can be done.How? Repetition"
Jonathan from Debt Loans presents Party Tips for the Broke Young Professional posted at Frugal Living, saying, "How can you open your home and make your friends feel welcome without going broke in the process? Check out the frugal party tips below."
Theresa Torres presents Can You Afford Another Baby? Yes You Can! Seven Money-Saving Tips posted at Baby Development Milestones, saying, "Before you give in to the thought of having another rosy-cheeked angel, here are some things to consider so that you will be better prepared."
Retiring
Peter presents The Future Value Of Your Roth IRA posted at Bible Money Matters, saying, "Maybe it’s time to reassess your retirement plan, and a self-directed Roth IRA presents you with a unique opportunity."
Saving
W presents Additive vs. Multiplicative Thinking About Money posted at Off-Road Finance, saying, "A look at two different ways of thinking about money, and some ideas about which is appropriate for a given problem."
Taxes
Jackson presents Tips For Small Business Owners posted at 2009 Tax, saying, "For many sole traders or small businesses it can be difficult to find the time to maintain all paperwork on a regular basis, meaning a large amount of admin is left until it is absolutely necessary to sort out."
That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of The Wealth Builder Carnival using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
Technorati tags: the wealth builder carnival, blog carnival.
For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.
This is not financial, earning, insuring, investing, living, retiring, saving, tax, or wealth building advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Links to Carnivals from January 17 - 23, 2012
Here are the links to the Carnivals in which My Wealth Builder participated from January 17-23, 2012:
Carnival of Financial Planning #220
Fun For Your Friday
For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.
This is not financial or wealth building advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Carnival of Financial Planning #220
Fun For Your Friday
For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.
This is not financial or wealth building advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
Carnivals,
Ideas You Can Use
Monday, January 23, 2012
Think Positive Thoughts When Going to Sleep
One day I was half watching a personal development speaker on TV and he offered a tip that resonated with me: Think positive thoughts when going sleep. I don't recall all the reasons since I wasn't paying full attention, but it seemed to be related to not having negative thoughts during time spent sleeping, which could be 6-9 hours a day. It would be better to have positive thoughts during that larger portion of the day.
I like the idea so much that I started using it right away. So now I go to bed thinking positive thoughts. Since starting, I've been going to bed earlier most nights and been getting up early each morning motivated to take on the day's challenges.
Hopefully, I can make this positive thinking strategy a habit and continue to get the benefits over a long period of time :-)
For more on Strategies and Plans, check back every Monday for a new segment.
This is not financial or positive thinking advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
I like the idea so much that I started using it right away. So now I go to bed thinking positive thoughts. Since starting, I've been going to bed earlier most nights and been getting up early each morning motivated to take on the day's challenges.
Hopefully, I can make this positive thinking strategy a habit and continue to get the benefits over a long period of time :-)
For more on Strategies and Plans, check back every Monday for a new segment.
This is not financial or positive thinking advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
Strategies and Plans
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Working Through My Clutter
In 2009, I started reducing the clutter in our house. Although I had a good start, I didn't get very far. Then I came up with the idea of working on the task for one hour a day but then I got too busy by accepting a temporary full time job for a non-profit. So once again, I didn't get very far.
However, my replacement has been hired and the job is winding down as I do the transition. So I now have time to work on my projects again. I've been getting up early before everyone and using the time for my "alone" projects, of which decluttering is one.
I've started in my den, which is a great beginning point since I wholly responsible for the clutter. I'm trying to invest about an hour a day on decluttering and cleaning up that room. I've been working on it about a week now and there is already a big difference. Hopefully, it won't take more than 30 hours, so I should be able to wrap up by mid-February. Then I can move on to my next declutter project, the garage or basement storage area. By the end of 2012, I hope to complete the decluttering of our house. Surely, I'll be able to do that with 365 hours of invested effort at one hour a day.
For more on New Beginnings, check back every Sunday for a new segment.
This is not financial, or organization advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
However, my replacement has been hired and the job is winding down as I do the transition. So I now have time to work on my projects again. I've been getting up early before everyone and using the time for my "alone" projects, of which decluttering is one.
I've started in my den, which is a great beginning point since I wholly responsible for the clutter. I'm trying to invest about an hour a day on decluttering and cleaning up that room. I've been working on it about a week now and there is already a big difference. Hopefully, it won't take more than 30 hours, so I should be able to wrap up by mid-February. Then I can move on to my next declutter project, the garage or basement storage area. By the end of 2012, I hope to complete the decluttering of our house. Surely, I'll be able to do that with 365 hours of invested effort at one hour a day.
For more on New Beginnings, check back every Sunday for a new segment.
This is not financial, or organization advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
Getting Older,
New Beginnings
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Excellent Customer Service Surprises
It may be my imagination, but I seem to be getting surprisingly excellent customer service from companies which manufacturer toys. I don't know if the reason is because of the great recession, or if toy companies just have better customer service in general. Here are some my experiences:
In all three cases, the customer service exceeded my expectations. I was very satisfied with how my comments and requests were handled. I would buy these companies' products again.
For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday for a new segment.
This is not financial or toy repair advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
In all three cases, the customer service exceeded my expectations. I was very satisfied with how my comments and requests were handled. I would buy these companies' products again.
For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday for a new segment.
This is not financial or toy repair advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
Children,
Reflections and Musings
Friday, January 20, 2012
My Golf Confession
I'm retired and I don't love golf. In fact, I don't even like golf all that much. However, I do enjoy golf when I play. To Love Golf, Just Play Once a Year from The Wall Street Journal summarizes how I feel about golf. I bought a nice set used clubs eight years ago at a rummage sale when we were living in Japan for about $40, bag included. (I didn't take my clubs to Japan and then decided I had to play golf at least once in Japan.) Prior to 2010, I played about two to three times maximum a year. I didn't practice, take lessons or invest in new equipment to get better. I was in control, not golf.
In 2010, I accepted a volunteer job of playing golf with a handicapped person. We play on an the same executive nine hole course on a weekly basis. On good days, I'll get the rare birdie or the occasional par. I only have three or four good golf days in a year.
Even though I've played more golf in the past two years than my entire previous life, I am still in control. I still don't practice, take lessons or invest in new equipment. So even I don't expect to be better than a hacker, I am still enjoying golf.
If golf ever stops being fun, I just won't play any more. Or so I think for now :-)
For more on Reaping the Rewards, check back every Friday for a new segment.
This is not financial, retirement or golf advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
In 2010, I accepted a volunteer job of playing golf with a handicapped person. We play on an the same executive nine hole course on a weekly basis. On good days, I'll get the rare birdie or the occasional par. I only have three or four good golf days in a year.
Even though I've played more golf in the past two years than my entire previous life, I am still in control. I still don't practice, take lessons or invest in new equipment. So even I don't expect to be better than a hacker, I am still enjoying golf.
If golf ever stops being fun, I just won't play any more. Or so I think for now :-)
For more on Reaping the Rewards, check back every Friday for a new segment.
This is not financial, retirement or golf advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
Reaping the Rewards,
Retirement
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Dealing with Unfinished Meals
Our seven year old daughter has always been a picky eater. For example, she doesn't like brown bananas, egg yolks and a number of other foods. Sometimes, she won't know she doesn't like something until she sees it or tastes it. Then, even if she does like the food, she often doesn't finish the serviing.
Her food actions used to irk me a bit. When I was a child, I ate whatever my mom placed in front of me and I always cleared my plate. We didn't have the luxury of choosing which food we liked and which food didn't. The choice was to eat or go hungry. Also, we were always reminded that there were children in some third world country who would be glad to eat our food.
However, I've come up with a solution to our daughter not finishing her meal 90% of the time. I now assume that she will leave some food and I save some room to finish her leftovers. So now there is less waste and I am less annoyed and more full.
For more on Crossing Generations, check back every Thursday for a new segment.
This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Her food actions used to irk me a bit. When I was a child, I ate whatever my mom placed in front of me and I always cleared my plate. We didn't have the luxury of choosing which food we liked and which food didn't. The choice was to eat or go hungry. Also, we were always reminded that there were children in some third world country who would be glad to eat our food.
However, I've come up with a solution to our daughter not finishing her meal 90% of the time. I now assume that she will leave some food and I save some room to finish her leftovers. So now there is less waste and I am less annoyed and more full.
For more on Crossing Generations, check back every Thursday for a new segment.
This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
Children,
Crossing Generations
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Surviving the Great Recession
What doesn't kill us makes us stronger." ~ Friedrich Nietzsche
The past few years have been the toughest economic times through which I have lived as an adult. The Great Recession has truly been a test of economic survival capability. Here are some of the actions we took and how they helped us survive so far.
While the economy has not yet recovered to pre-2008, it appears to be stabilized. For now, we are not taking any additional actions. However, given the situation in Europe may get worse, we are prepared to do another round of significant actions for financial survival.
For more on The Practice of Personal, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.
This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
The past few years have been the toughest economic times through which I have lived as an adult. The Great Recession has truly been a test of economic survival capability. Here are some of the actions we took and how they helped us survive so far.
While the economy has not yet recovered to pre-2008, it appears to be stabilized. For now, we are not taking any additional actions. However, given the situation in Europe may get worse, we are prepared to do another round of significant actions for financial survival.
For more on The Practice of Personal, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.
This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
The Practice of Personal Finance
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Links to Carnivals from January 3 - 16, 2012
Here are the links to the Carnivals in which My Wealth Builder participated from January 3 -16, 2012:
Carnival of Financial Planning #219
Top Personal Finance Posts of the Week
Baby Boomer's Blog Carnival #126
For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.
This is not financial or wealth building advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Carnival of Financial Planning #219
Top Personal Finance Posts of the Week
Baby Boomer's Blog Carnival #126
For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.
This is not financial or wealth building advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
Carnivals,
Ideas You Can Use
The Wealth Builder Carnival #62
Welcome to the sixty-second edition of The Wealth Builder Carnival. The purpose of this carnival is to collect articles from the blogosphere on building, preserving and keeping enough wealth for a comfortable retirement. For reference, I have tried to keep the carnival content tightly focused on wealth building and did not include submissions that were off topic. For reading convenience, the posts are listed with a brief summary or comment by the submitter and organized into seven categories: Earning, Insuring and Protecting, Investing, Living Frugally, Retiring, Saving and Taxes.
And now onto the Carnival:
Jon Elder presents Use your Personal Brand to Make More Money posted at Free Money Wisdom, saying, "If you’ve branded yourself as an expert, clients are less likely to micromanage and second-guess your decisions, which helps you retain clients when they don’t get the results they want. This is because they see you as a trust agent, somebody whose knowledge gives them credibility so that people take what they say about their area of expertise to be true. You can then use this to market yourself as an expert in your field and charge expert rates."
Sunil presents How Multiple Streams of Income Work & Why It Is Important to Have Them posted at The Extra Money Blog, saying, "The effect of multiple streams of income works just like a snow ball that is rolling down a snow hill. The longer it rolls, the more momentum it gains and picks up more snow (income in our case) along the way."
Jonathan from Debt Loans presents Top Five Ways to Boost Your Income Online posted at Wallet Watcher, saying, "The following is a list of the five best ways to help you boost your income from the Internet and reach your working goals."
Shamelle presents 8 Ways To Use YouTube Videos To Promote Your Products On Your Website posted at Promote Youtube Videos, saying, "Many marketers and entrepreneurs alike use YouTube to create inspiring videos to promote either themselves, their products and services or their websites even.
Here are a few ideas on how you can create videos for your company/website."
Rachel Cleary presents Insuring a Teenage Driver: Mitigating the Cost posted at Auto Insurance Quotes, saying, "Insuring a teen driver is extremely expensive. Depending on the age of the driver, the type of vehicle driven and applicable state restrictions, adding a teen driver can increase insurance rates as much as 100 percent or more. With the cost of insuring young drivers so high, it’s surprising that parents are even willing to license their teens."
Evan presents Can you eliminate PMI? posted at Smart Wealth, saying, "Until recently, I always thought that you had to get to 80% loan to value by either paying down your mortgage, or hoping that your home’s value rises and then refinance to eliminate PMI. However, there is another program you may want to consider instead."
Peter presents Lending Club Returns At 11.23% Despite My First Charged Off Loan posted at Bible Money Matters, saying, "While Lending Club had a good year, the returns I saw last year were good as well, better than I saw in my retirement or savings accounts. I think Lending Club and social lending in general are a great way to diversify your savings and investments especially in turbulent times like we’re going through right now."
Dividends4Life presents Dividend Growth Stocks: 9 Dividend Stocks Trading at a 20%+ Discount posted at Dividend Growth Stocks, saying, "Fair value is really a simple concept. Given some select information such as dividends, dividend growth, holding period, discount rate and few other inputs, one can easily calculate the fair value of a stock. As with most simple things, the devil is in the details - the inputs must be correct to calculate a reasonable fair value, otherwise, garbage in, garbage out."
Mike Piper presents REITs Are Stocks posted at The Oblivious Investor, saying, "Despite misconceptions to the contrary, REITs are simply a type of stock. And they're already included in most broad index funds."
Investor Junkie presents 2011 WTF Fund Update posted at Investor Junkie, saying, "As of January 5th 2012 I am up 14.5% from my initial $10,000 investment, mostly because of owning Apple (AAPL)."
misst presents How to Save Money on Food Costs posted at Prairie Eco-Thrifter, saying, "If your finances are tight and you already have several credit cards with high balances, it is time to change your shopping behavior to save as much as possible. One of the first places you can start is on groceries."
DJ presents {Save Money} – Brand Names Versus Store Brands posted at The Family Wallet, saying, "If you just concentrate on food products to save money, you will find out that most store brands are very similar to brand names and usually are made from the same ingredients. The only thing that is different is the name."
Marie presents Getting The New Year Off To A Good Financial Start posted at Money Spending Mommy, saying, "Here are a few tips for improving your financial health this year:"
Lazy Man and Money presents Top 10 Couponing Tips from the Lazy Couponer posted at Lazy Man and Money, saying, "Last month I was in the bookstore and I happened across a book called The Lazy Couponer by Jamie Chase. Chase's approach is novel in that you can get the results, free stuff, without all the hours and hours of planning."
Lisa presents Living on a Budget and Your Pet’s Last Days | posted at Thriftability, saying, "Becoming aware of your pet’s condition can give you both the peace and insight to make such a decision – if it is right for the pet. It may not be: you might have a good treatment option available, or your pet might be best living out his or her final days. In other cases, putting your pet to sleep can put a peaceful and calming end to his or her life, and can be best."
SavingMentor presents The Best Price Comparison Sites In Canada posted at HowToSaveMoney.ca, saying, "Using price comparison websites is one of the easiest ways to save money when shopping online. They also come in handy when shopping offline because prices are usually identical for stores that have both an online and an offline presence"
Nick presents 5 ways to slowly but surely become a millionaire posted at Step Away from the Mall, saying, "Five things you can do to retire a millionaire assuming you only mirror what the Dow Jones Industrial Average has done over the last twenty years."
Judy Blackburn presents How To Get Out Of Debt-The Smart & Quick Guide posted at Debt Consolidation, saying, "The holiday season is just about behind us and what lies ahead for many is the mounting piles of bills left over from the spending- and over spending- that frequently goes on this time of year."
Andy Boyd presents How to Save Money as the Cost of Living Keeps Rising: 10 Tips posted at Credit Cave, saying, "A post listing 10 tips to keep your costs down, even as the cost of living is rising."
Theresa Torres presents Jan 4, How Granny's Beauty Tricks Can Save You Money posted at Look Great, Lose Weight, Save Money, saying, "With the high cost of beauty products these days, we have to be wise and look for affordable ways to help us look great. Here are some tips and tricks from Grandma."
Will presents Control Your Spending Without Making A Budget posted at Former Banker, saying, "How to keep track of your money even if you hate making a budget"
Mr. Money Smarts presents Double Check Your Employer’s Retirement Plan posted at Smart On Money, saying, "When you work for an employer, you might have access to benefits, including a retirement plan. Your company’s retirement plan — usually a 401(k) — can be a way to help you build your nest egg through the power of investing and compound interest. However, you want to double check to make sure that your employer’s retirement plan is what you want to be devoting your resources to."
B.B. presents Start 2012 Off Right - Beating Broke posted at Beating Broke, saying, "Setting specific goals and being diligent about tracking and saving towards those goals is a great way to improve your financial situation. Even if you’re not sure that you can do it, I encourage you to give it a try with a few small goals."
Robert Moore presents Should I File A Tax Return This Year? posted at 2011 Tax, saying, "The law requires you to complete a tax return when you have income above a designated amount."
Tushar presents Can You Deduct Moving Expenses When You File Your Taxes? posted at Everything Finance, saying, "Like many people, you may have moved last year to start a new job. If you did, you may qualify to deduct any moving expenses your employer does not reimburse on your taxes this year. However, there are a few requirements you must meet to be eligible to deduct moving expenses."
Tim @ Faith and Finance presents States With No Income Tax posted at Faith and Finance, saying, "Looking to eliminate state income tax from your vocabulary? You're in luck! Seven states don't have state income tax - do you know which ones they are?."
Steve presents House Republicans Agree On Short-Term Renewal Of Payroll Tax Cuts And Other Benefits posted at FastSwings, saying, "Republicans in the House of Delegates caved on Thursday to the President's, congressional Left wingers ', and fellow Republicans ' demands for a renewing of payroll tax cuts for employees."
That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of The Wealth Builder Carnival using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
Technorati tags: the wealth builder carnival, blog carnival.
For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.
This is not financial, earning, insuring, investing, living, retiring, saving, tax, or wealth building advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
And now onto the Carnival:
Earning
Jon Elder presents Use your Personal Brand to Make More Money posted at Free Money Wisdom, saying, "If you’ve branded yourself as an expert, clients are less likely to micromanage and second-guess your decisions, which helps you retain clients when they don’t get the results they want. This is because they see you as a trust agent, somebody whose knowledge gives them credibility so that people take what they say about their area of expertise to be true. You can then use this to market yourself as an expert in your field and charge expert rates."
Sunil presents How Multiple Streams of Income Work & Why It Is Important to Have Them posted at The Extra Money Blog, saying, "The effect of multiple streams of income works just like a snow ball that is rolling down a snow hill. The longer it rolls, the more momentum it gains and picks up more snow (income in our case) along the way."
Jonathan from Debt Loans presents Top Five Ways to Boost Your Income Online posted at Wallet Watcher, saying, "The following is a list of the five best ways to help you boost your income from the Internet and reach your working goals."
Shamelle presents 8 Ways To Use YouTube Videos To Promote Your Products On Your Website posted at Promote Youtube Videos, saying, "Many marketers and entrepreneurs alike use YouTube to create inspiring videos to promote either themselves, their products and services or their websites even.
Here are a few ideas on how you can create videos for your company/website."
Insuring and Protecting
Rachel Cleary presents Insuring a Teenage Driver: Mitigating the Cost posted at Auto Insurance Quotes, saying, "Insuring a teen driver is extremely expensive. Depending on the age of the driver, the type of vehicle driven and applicable state restrictions, adding a teen driver can increase insurance rates as much as 100 percent or more. With the cost of insuring young drivers so high, it’s surprising that parents are even willing to license their teens."
Evan presents Can you eliminate PMI? posted at Smart Wealth, saying, "Until recently, I always thought that you had to get to 80% loan to value by either paying down your mortgage, or hoping that your home’s value rises and then refinance to eliminate PMI. However, there is another program you may want to consider instead."
Investing
Peter presents Lending Club Returns At 11.23% Despite My First Charged Off Loan posted at Bible Money Matters, saying, "While Lending Club had a good year, the returns I saw last year were good as well, better than I saw in my retirement or savings accounts. I think Lending Club and social lending in general are a great way to diversify your savings and investments especially in turbulent times like we’re going through right now."
Dividends4Life presents Dividend Growth Stocks: 9 Dividend Stocks Trading at a 20%+ Discount posted at Dividend Growth Stocks, saying, "Fair value is really a simple concept. Given some select information such as dividends, dividend growth, holding period, discount rate and few other inputs, one can easily calculate the fair value of a stock. As with most simple things, the devil is in the details - the inputs must be correct to calculate a reasonable fair value, otherwise, garbage in, garbage out."
Mike Piper presents REITs Are Stocks posted at The Oblivious Investor, saying, "Despite misconceptions to the contrary, REITs are simply a type of stock. And they're already included in most broad index funds."
Investor Junkie presents 2011 WTF Fund Update posted at Investor Junkie, saying, "As of January 5th 2012 I am up 14.5% from my initial $10,000 investment, mostly because of owning Apple (AAPL)."
Living Frugally
misst presents How to Save Money on Food Costs posted at Prairie Eco-Thrifter, saying, "If your finances are tight and you already have several credit cards with high balances, it is time to change your shopping behavior to save as much as possible. One of the first places you can start is on groceries."
DJ presents {Save Money} – Brand Names Versus Store Brands posted at The Family Wallet, saying, "If you just concentrate on food products to save money, you will find out that most store brands are very similar to brand names and usually are made from the same ingredients. The only thing that is different is the name."
Marie presents Getting The New Year Off To A Good Financial Start posted at Money Spending Mommy, saying, "Here are a few tips for improving your financial health this year:"
Lazy Man and Money presents Top 10 Couponing Tips from the Lazy Couponer posted at Lazy Man and Money, saying, "Last month I was in the bookstore and I happened across a book called The Lazy Couponer by Jamie Chase. Chase's approach is novel in that you can get the results, free stuff, without all the hours and hours of planning."
Lisa presents Living on a Budget and Your Pet’s Last Days | posted at Thriftability, saying, "Becoming aware of your pet’s condition can give you both the peace and insight to make such a decision – if it is right for the pet. It may not be: you might have a good treatment option available, or your pet might be best living out his or her final days. In other cases, putting your pet to sleep can put a peaceful and calming end to his or her life, and can be best."
SavingMentor presents The Best Price Comparison Sites In Canada posted at HowToSaveMoney.ca, saying, "Using price comparison websites is one of the easiest ways to save money when shopping online. They also come in handy when shopping offline because prices are usually identical for stores that have both an online and an offline presence"
Nick presents 5 ways to slowly but surely become a millionaire posted at Step Away from the Mall, saying, "Five things you can do to retire a millionaire assuming you only mirror what the Dow Jones Industrial Average has done over the last twenty years."
Judy Blackburn presents How To Get Out Of Debt-The Smart & Quick Guide posted at Debt Consolidation, saying, "The holiday season is just about behind us and what lies ahead for many is the mounting piles of bills left over from the spending- and over spending- that frequently goes on this time of year."
Andy Boyd presents How to Save Money as the Cost of Living Keeps Rising: 10 Tips posted at Credit Cave, saying, "A post listing 10 tips to keep your costs down, even as the cost of living is rising."
Theresa Torres presents Jan 4, How Granny's Beauty Tricks Can Save You Money posted at Look Great, Lose Weight, Save Money, saying, "With the high cost of beauty products these days, we have to be wise and look for affordable ways to help us look great. Here are some tips and tricks from Grandma."
Will presents Control Your Spending Without Making A Budget posted at Former Banker, saying, "How to keep track of your money even if you hate making a budget"
Retiring
Mr. Money Smarts presents Double Check Your Employer’s Retirement Plan posted at Smart On Money, saying, "When you work for an employer, you might have access to benefits, including a retirement plan. Your company’s retirement plan — usually a 401(k) — can be a way to help you build your nest egg through the power of investing and compound interest. However, you want to double check to make sure that your employer’s retirement plan is what you want to be devoting your resources to."
Saving
B.B. presents Start 2012 Off Right - Beating Broke posted at Beating Broke, saying, "Setting specific goals and being diligent about tracking and saving towards those goals is a great way to improve your financial situation. Even if you’re not sure that you can do it, I encourage you to give it a try with a few small goals."
Taxes
Robert Moore presents Should I File A Tax Return This Year? posted at 2011 Tax, saying, "The law requires you to complete a tax return when you have income above a designated amount."
Tushar presents Can You Deduct Moving Expenses When You File Your Taxes? posted at Everything Finance, saying, "Like many people, you may have moved last year to start a new job. If you did, you may qualify to deduct any moving expenses your employer does not reimburse on your taxes this year. However, there are a few requirements you must meet to be eligible to deduct moving expenses."
Tim @ Faith and Finance presents States With No Income Tax posted at Faith and Finance, saying, "Looking to eliminate state income tax from your vocabulary? You're in luck! Seven states don't have state income tax - do you know which ones they are?."
Steve presents House Republicans Agree On Short-Term Renewal Of Payroll Tax Cuts And Other Benefits posted at FastSwings, saying, "Republicans in the House of Delegates caved on Thursday to the President's, congressional Left wingers ', and fellow Republicans ' demands for a renewing of payroll tax cuts for employees."
That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of The Wealth Builder Carnival using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
Technorati tags: the wealth builder carnival, blog carnival.
For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.
This is not financial, earning, insuring, investing, living, retiring, saving, tax, or wealth building advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Monday, January 16, 2012
Successful Problem Solving
"Bring me solutions, not problems." ~ supervisor comment to employee
In a recent workshop, the presenter shared with attendees a great principle for getting ahead. Don't just identify problems for your company or your boss. Solve the problem. Great advice, but usually not easy to do :-)
From my experience in R&D, here's a process that I've seen successful problem solvers use:
For more on Strategies and Plans, check back every Monday for a new segment.
This is not financial or career advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
In a recent workshop, the presenter shared with attendees a great principle for getting ahead. Don't just identify problems for your company or your boss. Solve the problem. Great advice, but usually not easy to do :-)
From my experience in R&D, here's a process that I've seen successful problem solvers use:
- Define the problem. The first step is to define the problem in a way to maximize the possibility of a good solution. Too often the problem is defined too narrowly or already with a specific solution in mind.
- Do research and get knowledgeable input for ideas. Often a solution or variation a solution already exists. Rather than create a solution from scratch, investigate what's been done before from reputable resources.
- Evaluate options. Look at the pros and cons of each idea and identify the ones with the highest probability to work.
- Choose an approach and test. Do a small experiment to test the selected solution. If it works, go to the next step. If it doesn't work, try the next solution.
- Expand. Once a solution demonstrates success, roll it out to the rest of the organization.
For more on Strategies and Plans, check back every Monday for a new segment.
This is not financial or career advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
Strategies and Plans
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Renaissance Man II
In the post Renaissance Man, I wrote how I was taking a variety of continuing education courses at 1-1/2 years after retiring. I was taking courses in a variety of skills that I didn't have time to develop while working: Masonry, Electrical Wiring, Gourmet Cooking and Residential Landscaping. I learened enough to be able to do minor work around the house in each area.
Since then, I have also worked in a number of different part time jobs unrelated to the career from which I retired: Census Clerk, Park Staff, Tutor, Tax Preparer, Teacher, and non-profit Executive Director. I've also done a little work in my field of expertise as an R&D consultant.
For most of my working career, I was mostly focused on one product and one major skill. Retirement has provide me the opportunity to learn a variety of new skills and work a variety of new jobs, which I very much enjoy doing.
For more on New Beginnings, check back every Sunday for a new segment.
This is not financial or retirement advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Since then, I have also worked in a number of different part time jobs unrelated to the career from which I retired: Census Clerk, Park Staff, Tutor, Tax Preparer, Teacher, and non-profit Executive Director. I've also done a little work in my field of expertise as an R&D consultant.
For most of my working career, I was mostly focused on one product and one major skill. Retirement has provide me the opportunity to learn a variety of new skills and work a variety of new jobs, which I very much enjoy doing.
For more on New Beginnings, check back every Sunday for a new segment.
This is not financial or retirement advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
New Beginnings,
Retirement
Saturday, January 14, 2012
My Career Turning Point
The first twelve years of my career were mediocre at best. I was doing good work and I had advanced the required one level to maintain employment. I was definitely a journeyman. I liked what I did and could do the work my entire career at the company. Or so I thought.
I did a mental test of my hypothesis. I imagined being 55 and doing the exact same work I was doing in my thirties. Although, I liked my work at the time, I couldn't imagine doing it for another 20 years. In addition, if I continued to do the same job, I would likely be reporting to someone in their thirties when I was in my fifties. I definitely didn't want to be training new managers to whom I reported when I was in my fifties.
So I decided to change my approach to working. Here's what I did:
For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday for a new segment.
This is not financial or career advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
I did a mental test of my hypothesis. I imagined being 55 and doing the exact same work I was doing in my thirties. Although, I liked my work at the time, I couldn't imagine doing it for another 20 years. In addition, if I continued to do the same job, I would likely be reporting to someone in their thirties when I was in my fifties. I definitely didn't want to be training new managers to whom I reported when I was in my fifties.
So I decided to change my approach to working. Here's what I did:
- Communicated my goal. Previously, my approach had been to work hard and hope to be recognized and rewarded. It wasn't working. I had a conversation with my department manager and shared my goal of promotion. Management now knew my career goals.
- Focused on results. I realized my job was more than showing up and doing the work. My job was to commit to and deliver outstanding business results. My supervisors needed workers that developed and executed solutions to the issues that were identified. With the attitude change, I delivered more projects successfully.
- Accepted tough assignments. Management's confidence in me grew and they gave me more responsibility. I received several tough (and undesirable) assignments. Although these assignments were always presented to me as a choice, I knew that the right answer was an unqualified "yes."
- Expanded influence. As my credibility grew, I began to expand my influence beyond the are of my direct control. I effectively began to do the work of the level to which I wanted to be promoted.
For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday for a new segment.
This is not financial or career advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
Career,
Reflections and Musings
Friday, January 13, 2012
Retiree Workers Clash with Corporate Culture
A year ago, I noted how the company for which I did seasonal part time work was changing and how it wasn't what I signed up for. However, last year the office still had the same office manager we always had. So the office did the minimum needed to comply, which kept the long time staff happy. However, this year the office manager was demoted to staff and replaced by a hand picked employee. The new office manager is seriously talking and walking the company line and it isn't going over well with the staff, most of which are retired from much larger companies, are near retirement or are part time working parents. None of the staff is interested in the corporate bureaucracy the change will bring.
Although I am an experienced staff person, I am not usually part of the controversial discussions in our office. However, I overheard the new office manager discussing a mild confrontational interaction she had when directing a staff to do a task (I think). I've been told one of the mid seniority staff may leave at the end of this month. Another of the more senior staff complained to me that a requested task being done was "ridiculous."
I expect the new office manager to continue to implement the company plan, which will be good for the company. I also expect that many experienced staff people will decide this isn't what they signed up for. I hope the company figures out one of its valuable assets is its part time season retiree work force that likes the work but wants to avoid the bureaucracy, which should be left to the career full time workers to handle.
For more on Reaping the Rewards, check back every Friday for a new segment.
This is not financial, retirement or career advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Although I am an experienced staff person, I am not usually part of the controversial discussions in our office. However, I overheard the new office manager discussing a mild confrontational interaction she had when directing a staff to do a task (I think). I've been told one of the mid seniority staff may leave at the end of this month. Another of the more senior staff complained to me that a requested task being done was "ridiculous."
I expect the new office manager to continue to implement the company plan, which will be good for the company. I also expect that many experienced staff people will decide this isn't what they signed up for. I hope the company figures out one of its valuable assets is its part time season retiree work force that likes the work but wants to avoid the bureaucracy, which should be left to the career full time workers to handle.
For more on Reaping the Rewards, check back every Friday for a new segment.
This is not financial, retirement or career advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
Career,
Reaping the Rewards,
Retirement
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Wisdom on Longevity
I like to learn from the experience of others . Often, the experience of those who were successful and unsuccessful can help me think through the challenges I'm facing. One my recent concerns is the quality of life as I get older. Since I play golf with someone in his eighties, I quizzed him on his advice on longevity and being so active at his age.
He had a simple answer: don't smoke, stay thin and exercise. Here's how I'm doing in those categories.
For more on Crossing Generations, check back every Thursday for a new segment.
This is not financial or aging advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
He had a simple answer: don't smoke, stay thin and exercise. Here's how I'm doing in those categories.
- Don't smoke. Fortunately, I do not smoke, except for an occasional cigar, which occurs about once every five years. I don't expect to take up smoking either.
- Stay thin. He clarified this statement as, "Don't eat too much." My corollary is that there are not many fat men in their eighties. While I eat much less than I did in my youth, I'm still about 7% above the maximum of the weight range. I need to get back to below my weight in high school to be within the ideal weight range. I've been close since retiring, but I haven't been able to hold the weight for more than a month yet.
- Exercise. While I do get exercise, it's probably not enough. I've started jogging again about three times a week. I also play tennis a couple times a month, down from once a week. I'll also probably do some light weight lifting.
For more on Crossing Generations, check back every Thursday for a new segment.
This is not financial or aging advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
Crossing Generations,
Getting Older
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Emergency Funds Can Augment Retirement Funds
With relatively low use, an emergency can become a retirement fund. The idea of a one to six month emergency fund is well known. Some advisors are even recommending larger emergency funds of one year or longer. Emergency funds with enough money to cover long periods of time can eventually become part of an retirement.
Looking back, once I got into the habit of saving for an emergency fund, it became easy just to keep saving after meeting my goal. First, I saved one month, six months, one year and then five years of gross income. Since my gross income was 35% higher than my net income and my net income was 50% higher than our expenses, our "emergency" fund was actually enough for 10 years. To save this much, we did two things: lived below our means and saved the majority of my raises.
Although we did use the emergency funds, the funds were never fully depleted. Our major uses of the emergency funds were for buying our cars for cash and replacing a roof. We were fortunate that we didn't need to use the emergency funds for everyday living expenses..
Thus, when we retired, our emergency funds rolled over into being retirement accounts, providing another 10 years of living expenses.
For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.
This is not financial, saving, or retirement advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Looking back, once I got into the habit of saving for an emergency fund, it became easy just to keep saving after meeting my goal. First, I saved one month, six months, one year and then five years of gross income. Since my gross income was 35% higher than my net income and my net income was 50% higher than our expenses, our "emergency" fund was actually enough for 10 years. To save this much, we did two things: lived below our means and saved the majority of my raises.
Although we did use the emergency funds, the funds were never fully depleted. Our major uses of the emergency funds were for buying our cars for cash and replacing a roof. We were fortunate that we didn't need to use the emergency funds for everyday living expenses..
Thus, when we retired, our emergency funds rolled over into being retirement accounts, providing another 10 years of living expenses.
For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.
This is not financial, saving, or retirement advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
The Practice of Personal Finance
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
The Wealth Builder Carnival #61
Welcome to the sixty-first edition of The Wealth Builder Carnival. The purpose of this carnival is to collect articles from the blogosphere on building, preserving and keeping enough wealth for a comfortable retirement. For reference, I have tried to keep the carnival content tightly focused on wealth building and did not include submissions that were off topic. For reading convenience, the posts are listed with a brief summary or comment by the submitter and organized into seven categories: Earning, Insuring and Protecting, Investing, Living Frugally, Retiring, Saving and Taxes.
And now onto the Carnival:
My Journey presents Analyzing the Perception of the “1 Percent” posted at My Journey to Millions, saying, "One of the reasons we are having Occupy Wall Street protests and backlash towards the “1 percent” is because the public doesn’t understand what it is like to have money."
Jim Tolley (aka Kidgas) presents How To Make $1000 Per Month as a Blogger posted at Grand Per Month, saying, "This is the name of the game when it comes to online ventures. If you want to make money by starting a blog, you need to make sure that it’s (1) interesting/useful for the readers and (2) marketable for advertisements."
Lazy Man and Money presents Robert Kiyosaki and Multi-Level Marketing Exposed! posted at Lazy Man and Money, saying, "Today, I'd like to share some thoughts on the business of MLM and pair that with well-known personality Robert Kiyosaki, co-author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad. As you can tell from the title, this is going to be a little harsh on Kiyosaki, but keep in mind that Rich Dad, Poor Dad was major motivation for me to begin this blog."
Kyle Berks presents Why Is Https:// Important When Submitting Your Financial Information Online? posted at Online Payday Loan Companies Reviewed For Your Safety, saying, "Knowing that your social security number is secure between your web browser and the website you are submitting your information on is extremely important. Identity theft is one of America’s most common crimes. If victimized, one will have to jump through many hoops and you will encounter many headaches along the way in putting your life back together."
Marie presents How to Find Cheap Dental Insurance posted at Money Spending Mommy, saying, "Finding cheap dental insurance often seems like an impossible task, but it can be done. While you might not find a plan that covers all of your dental needs in full, most people can find one that will save them some money."
presents The Basics of Bonds--Why Do Bond Prices Change? posted at Money Counselor, saying, "Bond investors have generally done well in recent years. Before you dive in with the hope of earning more than your bank’s 1% CD rate, take the time to understand what drives bond prices."
Jim Tolley (aka Kidgas) presents Dividend Income for Fourth Quarter 2011 posted at Cash Flow Mantra, saying, "I have a multifaceted approach to setting myself up for retirement. Dividends play one part in this plan."
Dividends4Life presents 6 High-Dividend, Low P/E Value Stocks posted at Dividend Growth Stocks, saying, "Before the Internet and even before computers, critical financial information was printed daily in newspapers. Though many newspaper still print this information, most people find it easier (and faster) to get information on their stocks from financial websites. So back when financial information was a tedious and manual process what was considered relevant enough to warrant inclusion?"
Kanwal Sarai presents What are dividends? Why should you care? posted at Simply Investing Blog, saying, "Dividends aren’t just something rich people talk about, or a Community Chest card in Monopoly. They are the most consistent and easiest way to gain passive income as an investor."
W presents In Defense of Technical Trading posted at Off-Road Finance, saying, "A look at the advantages of technical trading."
Hemant Beniwal presents Best Mutual Funds to Invest in 2012 in India posted at The Financial Literates, saying, "Indian Government has allowed foreign individual investors to invest in India. India is an emerging economy & everyone can divert some part of their portfolio in Indian Mutual Funds."
Dr. Dean presents Football and Personal Finance-14 Corollaries! posted at Dr. Dean's TheMillionaireNurse.com Blog, saying, "Financially speaking, it’s been a tough year, but then, every year can be. Need a ‘pat on the butt’ locker room pep talk? Get one here and then be ready to ‘get back in the game’"
Kevin presents Book Review and Giveaway Part Two: Millionaire Teacher: The Nine Rules of Wealth You Should Have Learned in School posted at Invest It Wisely, saying, "Welcome to part 2 of my review of “Millionaire Teacher: The Nine Rules of Wealth You Should Have Learned in School“!"
DJ presents Cheap Birthday Gifts for Every Budget posted at The Family Wallet, saying, "Birthday gifts do not have to cost an arm and a leg to be special. Thoughtful items such as handmade crafts or supplies mean more and cost less. Putting an effort into the gift is the important part, as these gifts will remain valuable many years from now."
Lisa presents Budgeting and Your Car Loan posted at Thriftability, saying, "Considering an auto loan should be carefully weighed against your budget and financial situation. While there are some general rules which should be taken into account, your financial status, plans, and other personal elements play a large role."
Jon Elder presents Keeping the Doctor Away with Quality Food posted at Free Money Wisdom, saying, "Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring and it doesn’t have to be expensive. I am here as a testament to say that I felt better than ever on this healthy lifestyle change and spent less."
Jonathan from Debt Loans presents How to Get Your Kids to Stop Treating You Like an ATM posted at Wallet Watcher, saying, "When raising children, no one sets out to raise a brat. No parent thinks to themselves, “I want my child to be irrational and demanding.” No one purposely fosters unreasonable expectations. And yet many parents reach an unpleasant day when they look at their child and realize that somehow, they have."
Jonathan from Debt Loans presents Do-It-Yourself Baby Food posted at Money Mum, saying, "Making baby food from home is the healthiest, most cost-effective way to give babies exactly what they need as they begin solid foods. Read on for some basic tips to get started."
That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of The Wealth Builder Carnival using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
Technorati tags: the wealth builder carnival, blog carnival.
For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.
This is not financial, earning, insuring, investing, living, retiring, saving, tax, or wealth building advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
And now onto the Carnival:
Earning
My Journey presents Analyzing the Perception of the “1 Percent” posted at My Journey to Millions, saying, "One of the reasons we are having Occupy Wall Street protests and backlash towards the “1 percent” is because the public doesn’t understand what it is like to have money."
Jim Tolley (aka Kidgas) presents How To Make $1000 Per Month as a Blogger posted at Grand Per Month, saying, "This is the name of the game when it comes to online ventures. If you want to make money by starting a blog, you need to make sure that it’s (1) interesting/useful for the readers and (2) marketable for advertisements."
Lazy Man and Money presents Robert Kiyosaki and Multi-Level Marketing Exposed! posted at Lazy Man and Money, saying, "Today, I'd like to share some thoughts on the business of MLM and pair that with well-known personality Robert Kiyosaki, co-author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad. As you can tell from the title, this is going to be a little harsh on Kiyosaki, but keep in mind that Rich Dad, Poor Dad was major motivation for me to begin this blog."
Insuring and Protecting
Kyle Berks presents Why Is Https:// Important When Submitting Your Financial Information Online? posted at Online Payday Loan Companies Reviewed For Your Safety, saying, "Knowing that your social security number is secure between your web browser and the website you are submitting your information on is extremely important. Identity theft is one of America’s most common crimes. If victimized, one will have to jump through many hoops and you will encounter many headaches along the way in putting your life back together."
Marie presents How to Find Cheap Dental Insurance posted at Money Spending Mommy, saying, "Finding cheap dental insurance often seems like an impossible task, but it can be done. While you might not find a plan that covers all of your dental needs in full, most people can find one that will save them some money."
Investing
presents The Basics of Bonds--Why Do Bond Prices Change? posted at Money Counselor, saying, "Bond investors have generally done well in recent years. Before you dive in with the hope of earning more than your bank’s 1% CD rate, take the time to understand what drives bond prices."
Jim Tolley (aka Kidgas) presents Dividend Income for Fourth Quarter 2011 posted at Cash Flow Mantra, saying, "I have a multifaceted approach to setting myself up for retirement. Dividends play one part in this plan."
Dividends4Life presents 6 High-Dividend, Low P/E Value Stocks posted at Dividend Growth Stocks, saying, "Before the Internet and even before computers, critical financial information was printed daily in newspapers. Though many newspaper still print this information, most people find it easier (and faster) to get information on their stocks from financial websites. So back when financial information was a tedious and manual process what was considered relevant enough to warrant inclusion?"
Kanwal Sarai presents What are dividends? Why should you care? posted at Simply Investing Blog, saying, "Dividends aren’t just something rich people talk about, or a Community Chest card in Monopoly. They are the most consistent and easiest way to gain passive income as an investor."
W presents In Defense of Technical Trading posted at Off-Road Finance, saying, "A look at the advantages of technical trading."
Hemant Beniwal presents Best Mutual Funds to Invest in 2012 in India posted at The Financial Literates, saying, "Indian Government has allowed foreign individual investors to invest in India. India is an emerging economy & everyone can divert some part of their portfolio in Indian Mutual Funds."
Dr. Dean presents Football and Personal Finance-14 Corollaries! posted at Dr. Dean's TheMillionaireNurse.com Blog, saying, "Financially speaking, it’s been a tough year, but then, every year can be. Need a ‘pat on the butt’ locker room pep talk? Get one here and then be ready to ‘get back in the game’"
Kevin presents Book Review and Giveaway Part Two: Millionaire Teacher: The Nine Rules of Wealth You Should Have Learned in School posted at Invest It Wisely, saying, "Welcome to part 2 of my review of “Millionaire Teacher: The Nine Rules of Wealth You Should Have Learned in School“!"
Living Frugally
DJ presents Cheap Birthday Gifts for Every Budget posted at The Family Wallet, saying, "Birthday gifts do not have to cost an arm and a leg to be special. Thoughtful items such as handmade crafts or supplies mean more and cost less. Putting an effort into the gift is the important part, as these gifts will remain valuable many years from now."
Lisa presents Budgeting and Your Car Loan posted at Thriftability, saying, "Considering an auto loan should be carefully weighed against your budget and financial situation. While there are some general rules which should be taken into account, your financial status, plans, and other personal elements play a large role."
Jon Elder presents Keeping the Doctor Away with Quality Food posted at Free Money Wisdom, saying, "Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring and it doesn’t have to be expensive. I am here as a testament to say that I felt better than ever on this healthy lifestyle change and spent less."
Jonathan from Debt Loans presents How to Get Your Kids to Stop Treating You Like an ATM posted at Wallet Watcher, saying, "When raising children, no one sets out to raise a brat. No parent thinks to themselves, “I want my child to be irrational and demanding.” No one purposely fosters unreasonable expectations. And yet many parents reach an unpleasant day when they look at their child and realize that somehow, they have."
Jonathan from Debt Loans presents Do-It-Yourself Baby Food posted at Money Mum, saying, "Making baby food from home is the healthiest, most cost-effective way to give babies exactly what they need as they begin solid foods. Read on for some basic tips to get started."
That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of The Wealth Builder Carnival using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
Technorati tags: the wealth builder carnival, blog carnival.
For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.
This is not financial, earning, insuring, investing, living, retiring, saving, tax, or wealth building advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Monday, January 09, 2012
Early to Rise
Now that I've acknowledge my mortality, I have a much greater sense of urgency. The last couple of days, I've been getting up early, really early since I've been retired.. This morning I was up by 6:30 AM. I used the two hours for "me" time: decluttering, exercise, investment reading, working on a couple projects and planning my day. It was exhilarating.
I'll see how long I can keep this up. Right now, I can't wait to get going in the morning. Maybe it's because the days are getting longer or the unseasonably warm winter days. Hopefully, I'll get into the zone and getting up early will become a norm again.
For more on Strategies and Plans, check back every Monday for a new segment.
This is not financial or retirement advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
I'll see how long I can keep this up. Right now, I can't wait to get going in the morning. Maybe it's because the days are getting longer or the unseasonably warm winter days. Hopefully, I'll get into the zone and getting up early will become a norm again.
For more on Strategies and Plans, check back every Monday for a new segment.
This is not financial or retirement advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
Strategies and Plans
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Looking for Fifteen More Good Years
“The funny thing about facing imminent death is that it really snaps everything else into perspective.” ― James Patterson, The Angel Experiment
I've come to the realization that my remaining time is relative short. My parents were very health and pretty active until a little after 70. After 70, their physical capabilities noticeably declined and there was also a slight decrease in their mental capabilities, but nothing debilitating. So I estimate that I have fifteen good years left.
Until now, I've never felt a great urgency to get my life priorities complete. I always felt I had time and let life unfold. Things have always seemed to work out . Although I don't have a life list, I am feeling more anxiety about beginning work on personal and family priorities. I don't want to look back fifteen years from now and regret not having done something. When I'm 70, it may be likely be too late to do something that I missed earlier.
So no more procrastination :-) I'm going to make sure I don't regret missing doing something when I turn 70.
For more on New Beginnings, check back every Sunday for a new segment.
This is not financial or retirement advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
I've come to the realization that my remaining time is relative short. My parents were very health and pretty active until a little after 70. After 70, their physical capabilities noticeably declined and there was also a slight decrease in their mental capabilities, but nothing debilitating. So I estimate that I have fifteen good years left.
Until now, I've never felt a great urgency to get my life priorities complete. I always felt I had time and let life unfold. Things have always seemed to work out . Although I don't have a life list, I am feeling more anxiety about beginning work on personal and family priorities. I don't want to look back fifteen years from now and regret not having done something. When I'm 70, it may be likely be too late to do something that I missed earlier.
So no more procrastination :-) I'm going to make sure I don't regret missing doing something when I turn 70.
For more on New Beginnings, check back every Sunday for a new segment.
This is not financial or retirement advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
New Beginnings,
Retirement
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Five Outrageous Predictions for 2012
"It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future." ~ Yogi Berra
This is the time of the year to make predictions about 2012.
Obama starts governing. President Obama wakes up one morning and realizes that he is the incumbent and that campaigning for hope and change won't work again. Instead of blaming others, he adopts Harry Truman's desk sign of "The buck stops here." Obama begins working a bipartisan economic solution for passage in the summer of 2012.
Michele Bachmann poses in Playboy. Scott Brown, the junior senator from Massachusetts, posed in Cosmopolitan before his career as a politician. After a poor finish in Iowa, Ms. Bachmann evaluates her options to become a viable candidate in the Republican primary. When Ms. Bachmann successfully reinvigorates her campaign, Ron Paul decides to try same strategy.
Stock market hits record high. In anticipation of a government that supports opportunity over entitlement, the stock market surges to an all time high for the Dow. Stocks become the preferred vehicle for savings and investments. IPOs, e.g. Facebook, jump 100-200% on the first day. Traders and investors are euphoric once again.
Republicans take Presidency, Senate and House. The Republican Presidential candidate (no prediction on who) does a pivot. Instead of supporting entitlements for business and the wealthy, he runs on an "opportunity" platform which resonates with the American public. The Republicans win in a landslide victory.
End of the world in 2012. In late November 2012, the end of the world forecast by Harold Camping Family Radio network happens. All conservatives around the world are taken from earth leaving only liberals who decide all remaining people are entitled to $1 million a year in government support. The Occupy movement loses momentum since they are now the 100%.
So there are the My Wealth Builder predictions for 2012. In December 2012, I'll review the percentage I got right.
For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday for a new segment.
This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
This is the time of the year to make predictions about 2012.
Obama starts governing. President Obama wakes up one morning and realizes that he is the incumbent and that campaigning for hope and change won't work again. Instead of blaming others, he adopts Harry Truman's desk sign of "The buck stops here." Obama begins working a bipartisan economic solution for passage in the summer of 2012.
Michele Bachmann poses in Playboy. Scott Brown, the junior senator from Massachusetts, posed in Cosmopolitan before his career as a politician. After a poor finish in Iowa, Ms. Bachmann evaluates her options to become a viable candidate in the Republican primary. When Ms. Bachmann successfully reinvigorates her campaign, Ron Paul decides to try same strategy.
Stock market hits record high. In anticipation of a government that supports opportunity over entitlement, the stock market surges to an all time high for the Dow. Stocks become the preferred vehicle for savings and investments. IPOs, e.g. Facebook, jump 100-200% on the first day. Traders and investors are euphoric once again.
Republicans take Presidency, Senate and House. The Republican Presidential candidate (no prediction on who) does a pivot. Instead of supporting entitlements for business and the wealthy, he runs on an "opportunity" platform which resonates with the American public. The Republicans win in a landslide victory.
End of the world in 2012. In late November 2012, the end of the world forecast by Harold Camping Family Radio network happens. All conservatives around the world are taken from earth leaving only liberals who decide all remaining people are entitled to $1 million a year in government support. The Occupy movement loses momentum since they are now the 100%.
So there are the My Wealth Builder predictions for 2012. In December 2012, I'll review the percentage I got right.
For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday for a new segment.
This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
Reflections and Musings
Friday, January 06, 2012
How Did I Have Time to Work?
One day in December, I had a dental appointment, our daughter's class holiday party, a friend's annual holiday gathering at a local restaurant, and a funeral. I managed to get in a couple hours of work to wrap up my temporary full time job. Earlier that week, I scheduled a couple appointments for a home repair and a home improvement estimate. This was in addition to a do-it-yourself repair on our outdoor hot tub. I also had lunch once with my daughter at school. Finally, I've been working on an investment strategy to minimize the volatility on our investments.
At the holiday gathering, I commented to a fellow busy retiree, "How did we have time to work?" Recently, he has moved to his retirement home and joined the board of a local non-profit. He knowingly nodded and agreed.
As I complete the transition of my temporary full time job, I'm starting work on the projects that were put on hold so that I could do the work. Projects that I didn't have time to do while working. The list is long and it got longer while I was working. I look forward to getting back to my home improvement, investment, exercise and family projects.
I've learned my lesson from the past two years. I've significantly cut back on my hours in my part time jobs to avoid over commitment and to make sure I have the summer of 2012 off.
For more on Reaping the Rewards, check back every Friday for a new segment.
This is not financial or retirement advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
At the holiday gathering, I commented to a fellow busy retiree, "How did we have time to work?" Recently, he has moved to his retirement home and joined the board of a local non-profit. He knowingly nodded and agreed.
As I complete the transition of my temporary full time job, I'm starting work on the projects that were put on hold so that I could do the work. Projects that I didn't have time to do while working. The list is long and it got longer while I was working. I look forward to getting back to my home improvement, investment, exercise and family projects.
I've learned my lesson from the past two years. I've significantly cut back on my hours in my part time jobs to avoid over commitment and to make sure I have the summer of 2012 off.
For more on Reaping the Rewards, check back every Friday for a new segment.
This is not financial or retirement advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
Reaping the Rewards,
Retirement
Thursday, January 05, 2012
The End of an Era
My parents have always been there for me. Then six years ago, my dad passed away after six months of complications from pneumonia. Over the holidays, my mom passed away after an extended time in a nursing home. I never expected to be without them.
It seems like yesterday that I was a child going to elementary school, high school and then college. Twenty-seven years at work passed by quickly also. The time went by too fast.
Now, I will need to carry on without their counsel and guidance. Fortunately, my parent's values and guidance helped me develop a strong foundation of life and financial skills. Through my parents, I learned to live below my means, increase my earnings through higher education, and save for retirement as they did successfully. .
I am thankful they were my parents and will miss them very, very much.
For more on Crossing Generations, check back every Thursday for a new segment.
This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
It seems like yesterday that I was a child going to elementary school, high school and then college. Twenty-seven years at work passed by quickly also. The time went by too fast.
Now, I will need to carry on without their counsel and guidance. Fortunately, my parent's values and guidance helped me develop a strong foundation of life and financial skills. Through my parents, I learned to live below my means, increase my earnings through higher education, and save for retirement as they did successfully. .
I am thankful they were my parents and will miss them very, very much.
For more on Crossing Generations, check back every Thursday for a new segment.
This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
Aging Parents,
Crossing Generations,
Parenting
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
Parenthood and Poverty
Getting married was one of the best financial decisions I made.
According to Census data, being married statistically decreases the likelihood of being below the poverty threshold. For households with children under 18, 26% of single father households and 42% of single mother households are below the poverty threshold. Only 10% of married parent households with children under 18 are below the poverty threshold. For reference, the poverty threshold counts any government assistance (e.g. housing, food stamps or EIC) that may be received.
I expected married parent households to be better off financially, but I didn't expect the differences to be as large as the data shows.
According to Census data, being married statistically decreases the likelihood of being below the poverty threshold. For households with children under 18, 26% of single father households and 42% of single mother households are below the poverty threshold. Only 10% of married parent households with children under 18 are below the poverty threshold. For reference, the poverty threshold counts any government assistance (e.g. housing, food stamps or EIC) that may be received.
I expected married parent households to be better off financially, but I didn't expect the differences to be as large as the data shows.
For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.
This is not financial, lifestyle or parenting advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
This is not financial, lifestyle or parenting advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Links to Carnivals from December 20, 2011 to January 2, 2012
Here are the links to the Carnivals in which My Wealth Builder participated from December 20, 2011 - January 2, 2012:
Carnival of Financial Planning #216
Tax Carnival #94
For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.
This is not financial or wealth building advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Carnival of Financial Planning #216
Tax Carnival #94
For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.
This is not financial or wealth building advice. Please consult a professional advisor.
Copyright © 2012 Achievement Catalyst, LLC
Labels:
Carnivals,
Ideas You Can Use
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