In times of economic turmoil, it may be wise to live life on a budget. In fact, you may have a better time because you won’t be keeping up with ‘The Jones’ anymore; you’ll be more relaxed. If you’re scared to live life on a budget, take the fear out by jumping in without hesitation. The quicker you pay off your credit card debt the better. Let’s face it, being $25,000 or more in debt isn’t a way to live — it’s a heavy burden. Relieve yourself of your debts by living life on a budget.

Enjoy Life on a Budget

Enjoy local sports. Instead of paying $250 or more for a night out with the family at an MLB, NFL, or NHL game; attend a college, high school, or minor league event. Not only can your local teams use your support, they can save you a ton of money.

Take advantage of the local arts. If watching a high school’s orchestra isn’t for you, find out where the nearest conservatory is located. Perhaps the professional arts school opens performances to the public for free. Maybe you can find an ‘arts in the park’ festival.

Get organized. Believe it or not, organizing your home can help you organize your life. Clean out the basement, garage, junk room, great room, or your home office. Toss out anything that’s been hanging around for one year or more — donate or sell it. When in doubt, toss it out!

Reduce the cable bill. Do you really watch all of those cable stations? If not, get rid of them. You may want to get rid of cable all together. If you have the internet, you can watch your favorite shows online. Also, you can order DVDs online for as little as $10 per month and keep them for as long as you like. Isn’t it better to watch shows and movies that you want to see rather than having programming chosen for you?

Hold the reservations. Save money by cooking at home instead of going out to eat. Invite family and friends over a home-cooked meal. It will be fun to catch up with friends you haven’t seen in awhile. Cooking at home is healthier because you can use fresh, organic products and reduce the fat. There’s nothing like getting a meal ‘exactly’ the way you want it. Who knows, you may enjoy cooking and start a catering company. It could happen!

Say goodbye to the gym membership. Gyms won’t like this one but you can save money by taking advantage of parks and your neighborhood. Working out doesn’t have to be dull and boring. Run around the park and do chin-ups using the playground equipment. Go for a bike ride around the neighbor. Hike at the local mountain park. You may have to buy hiking shoes but you can always find them on sale. If you have kids, buy some chalk and make a ‘hopscotch board’ because hopping around will burn calories and improve your coordination. Buy a jump rope (doesn’t cost that much) and skip rope with your kids. Become a kid again and allow your imagination to come up with ‘fun’ ways to workout. Not only will you lose weight, you’ll have fun doing it.

Volunteer. Charitable organizations can always use your time. Become a dog walker at your local animal shelter. Be a mentor to kids. Call your favorite charity and ask how you can help.

Do you have a dream? Life takes over and before you know it you kiss your dreams goodbye. Rediscover your dreams and take steps to live them. If you’re laid off, it would be a great time to reconnect with your ‘inner’ painter. If you love to write, start a blog. You can use ‘free’ blogging platforms. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams.

My credit card company somehow got my mom’s phone number and keeps calling my mom. When the representative called again to speak with me, I took the phone call. I knew they were calling to sell me something because I pay my statement on time. I told her that she was calling my mom’s phone number and not mind. She apologized and gave me a 1-888 number to call. I called and had my mom’s phone number put on the Do Not Call list. Hopefully, this clears up the phone number snafu.

If you have credit card debt it could be an advantage. When financial representatives call you they’re calling to sell you something like identity protection or some other product. All you have to do is tell them that you have $5,000 or more in credit card debt and you’re not interested. They may try to press you but all you have to do is reiterate that you owe your credit card company money and you don’t think it’s a good idea to take on more credit card debt. Tell them your main priority is paying off your debt as soon as possible and signing up for a product that costs $30 or more per month is not feasible at this moment.

The next time a representative calls you, nip it in the bud! Tell them you can’t sign up for products right now but to contact you in a year or two. If you’re temporarily living with your parents and credit card companies call their phone number, make sure you call to have their phone number removed. There’s no reason for credit card companies to contact your parents, unless, of course, they co-signed a loan for you!

Rebecca

Is this video fact or fiction? Is the material fact or fiction? You decide. The falcon makes a good point, do what you can to protect yourself. In fact, it may be a good idea to start paying with cash whenever you can and pay off your credit cards now! Credit isn’t a bad idea but when you depend on it day after day then it becomes a crutch that may not support you any longer!

Rebecca

What do you think? Is this fact or fiction? Share your thoughts.

My thoughts on the Millionaire Mind Intensive…

The weekend of December 4 – December 6, 2009, I attended T. Harv Eker’s Millionaire Mind Intensive. Harv is the author of the #1 Best Selling book Secrets of the Millionaire Mind. His company is Peak Potentials “one of the fastest growing business and personal success training companies in North America.”

I was invited to the event by the organizer of my Master Mind group. I was very skeptical because I’ve been invited to these types of events before and have been disappointed. Most events are nothing but “glorified” sales and marketing pitches. The Millionaire Mind Intensive was different. I was blown away by the event and it was FREE to attend if you were invited by someone. The event is usually priced at $1,295.

The Millionaire Mind Intensive is for those who are “sick and tired of being sick and tired.” You’re tired of having financial setbacks, living in mediocrity, and not knowing why you haven’t been successful in life. You will receive the answers to your questions.

Attending a Millionaire Mind Intensive requires an open mind. There was a lot of “hi-fiving,” clapping, and dancing — mostly by people who went up on the stage. It may seem a little hokey (I thought this), but keep an open mind and you’ll have a good time.

For those who are familiar with Think and Grow Rich, The Secret, The Master Key System, and the Science of Getting Rich will enjoy the Millionaire Mind Intensive. People at the MMI event are familiar with these books and other self-help books. They constantly work on changing their mindset around money and attend the Millionaire Mind Intensive as a stepping stone to the other courses offered by Peak Potentials.

All of us promised that what happened at the Millionaire Mind Intensive would stay at the Millionaire Mind Intensive, kind of like “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Again, I was very skeptical going into the seminar, but my mind was changed by Sunday night. I highly recommend you attend a Millionaire Mind Intensive if you’re fortunate enough to receive a FREE certificate. Not only will you learn the secrets of the rich, you will learn what is holding you back in life and business!

Rebecca

What’s stopping your from having a Millionaire Mind?

I’d like to share my story about my credit card company. I’m with Bank of America and they sent me a notice on October 27, 2009 that my credit card limits were reduced. Receiving this notification was like receiving a sucker punch to the gut. Never in my life did I ever dream that I would be in this situation. How the hell did I create this for my life? Mark my words…this is my first and will be my only time to deal with this situation. Here’s my story…

I always enjoyed a very high credit limit and was able to pay my bills with ease when I worked as a Property Analyst for a real estate and development company in Cleveland, OH. Accounting wasn’t my passion, but I made a great living. When my father died, I decided to pursue my love of art and went back to school for a graphic design certification. I quit my accounting job, sold my townhouse, moved in with my mom, and landed a job as a graphic designer. I still was miserable. I managed to create the same situations in my life just with different people. Something had to change because I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.

I graduated in May 2007 with a Master of Science, Management degree. I researched some states and decided I would move to Arizona. I sent out resume after resume without receiving any responses. I went to the UK in August 2007 and when I got back, I finally spoke with someone about moving to Arizona. I was told that Arizona employers like to see Arizona residency BEFORE they will hire a person. So…In September 2007, I drove from Ohio to Arizona. It was my first “real” road trip and first time I drove cross country — no one was with me. When I arrived in Arizona, I decided to move there. I found an apartment, parked my car in the garage, flew back home, packed up, and flew back out. I was confident that I would find full-time or part-time employment utilizing my accounting degrees along with my Master of Science, Management degree. I was wrong!

Steps I took to finding employment

• Sent out a ton of resumes before and after my move to Arizona in September 2007.
• Started networking to make connections — hoping to gain referrals.
• Contacted and met with several different representatives from employment agencies none of which helped me find employment.
• Put ads on Craigslist.
• Put resumes on Craigslist.
• Put resumes on Jobing.com and CareerBuilder.
• Informed people that I was a writer looking for work, but would be interested in accounting work as well.
• Signed up with Guru.com and bid on jobs.
• Tried my hand at Google AdSense and spent more than I earned.
• Obtained not 1, not 2, but 3 degrees, including a Master of Science.
• Received a graphic design certification.
• Started reading books like Think and Grow Rich, The Secret, The Science of Getting Rich, Quantum Success, and other books to change my thoughts around abundance, money, and wealth.

Fast forward to October 28, 2009, and I am living, correction, surviving in Arizona by the skin of my teeth! According to all of the “spiritual gurus” out there, you can do what you love (writing for me) and make money from it. I’m grateful for my writing job and the writing jobs I had, but it’s not enough to live on. Let’s face it, we need and use money, that’s how it is. Anyone that says they don’t like money is lying!

I hope all of the CEOs of the credit card companies can sleep at night. I’m glad as an American taxpayer that I was able to help bail out the banks and credit card companies when they needed it. I sleep better at night knowing that employees and CEOs receive their BIG bonuses on time and enjoy spa days. I couldn’t live with myself if they missed a bonus check!

BONUS

CLICK HERE to read the letter I sent to Bank of America.

Rebecca

How have you been screwed over by a credit card company?

Many people are not amused by the Comedy Central cartoon South Park. They find it offensive for one reason or another. However, if you watch this hit cartoon, you may learn something. Somehow, some way the writers “weave” a “moral” into the story lines. Maybe the creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone wouldn’t agree with this or maybe they would.

For example, the episode titled Margaritaville involved Randy (Stan’s dad) teaching him about saving his money by taking him to a bank and making him deposit his $100 check that he received from his grandma. Unfortunately, Stan loses his money he deposited at the bank. Randy then steps forward with a plan to save the desperate economy. He informs everyone that it’s their fault because they got greedy and bought things that they couldn’t afford. “No more needless spending!”

Kyle (Stan’s friend) says that, “…people were being stupid and lost their faith in the economy. The economy was made up by people thousands of years ago. It’s not real, yet it is real.” It’s us to us to FIX IT now in order to secure our future. We need to have FAITH in it and treat it with respect.

Kyle EXPLAINS what credit cards and money really are. They’re meaningless. It has NO VALUE whatsoever. Stan explains that credit cards are nothing but “pieces of plastic.” We are the ones putting a value on plastic cards. Money is nothing but paper. We are the ones putting a value on colored, paper money! Until we put our faith in it, the economy is meaningless.

This may be farfetched, but it made sense to me. Many people believe that money is nothing but energy. Read Napoleon Hill or Bob Proctor and you’ll find this out. If you have a “poor mentality,” you’ll attract poverty into your life. Cultivate a “wealth mentality,” and you’ll see the fruits of your labor pay off. Which one do you have?

If you want to earn extra cash, visit Examiner.com. The extra cash you earn can be used to pay-off your credit card debt or put into a savings account. Start saving today and you’ll have a nice nest egg for that rainy day or retirement!

CLICK HERE if you want to make money online with Examiner.com. Tell them Rebecca Sebek (ID is 4847), sent you.

If you’re a writer, writing for Examiner.com can be a good way to earn extra income. If you’re a new freelance writer, you could use Examiner.com as a stepping stone for your writing career. The articles you write can be used as portfolio pieces. It’s a win-win situation!

Anything that you can do to make money online is a good thing. We could all use some extra cash in our pockets these days. If you are a former writer or would like to begin writing, check out Examiner.com and see what happens. You may find that you have a knack for writing.

Making money online is something you could do on a part-time basis. Even if you have a full-time job you could still write for Examiner.com. You must submit a minimum of four articles per week. You could write ahead of time and then post your articles each day.

Give Examiner.com a try. If it does not work out, you can always stop writing for them. But, you’ll never know unless you try. CLICK HERE if you want to make money online with Examiner.com. Tell them Rebecca Sebek (ID is 4847), sent you. Good luck!

If you would like to learn how to make money online, check out CPA Hot Spot! You’ll receive a FREE 89 page report will teach you how you can make money online. You do not have to be a “techie” to make money online. It’s simple and easy!

Many people make money online. You could earn additional income. Even though the economy is not in the best shape right now, people are still making money online.

Let’s face it, most people shop online or through catalogs. You may as well grab your piece of the action. You do not want to pass up this opportunity! You could bring in extra income for you and your family. Who does not want to make extra cash?

Check out the FREE 89 page report if you desire financial freedom, multiple streams of income and peace of mind. You could begin today, tomorrow watch your savings account increase. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

CLICK HERE to receive your free 89 page report from CPA Hot Spot.

Who would like to make extra cash? Not only does extra cash come in handy for the holidays, it’s just good to have all-year-round. Please note that earning extra cash is the key. You will be working. If you are prone to whining and complaining, you may want to close this blog and find something else to read!

Many people think that because some jobs are fun (being an extra in a movie), they do not have to abide by the rules and regulations that are established. This is the furthest thing from the truth. A job is a job. You must adhere to the dress code, hours, and code of conduct established by the organization.

5 Ways to Make Extra Cash

1. Be an extra in a movie. This can be fun and exciting. You may be cast as a “principal extra” and make more money than the “average” extra. Follow the rules such as no taking pictures or speaking to the actors.
2. Work seasonal jobs. Many retailers look for seasonal employers. Hours are usually at night and on the weekends. If you can give up some nights and weekends, you can be rolling in the money!
3. Freelance blogger or writer. Become a freelance blogger or writer. Some writing jobs pay as much as $20 per blog or $100 per article.
4. Sell health and wellness products. The health and wellness industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. You could become part of a network-marketing group of an organization that sells health and wellness products. You could make hundreds and thousands of dollar each month.
5. Affiliate marketing. If you have a blog, this is a great way to make extra cash. The drawback to affiliate marketing is that it can take some time to build up the income before it’s released to you.

You would be surprised how many people complain about being an “extra” in a movie. When you are cast as an extra, expect to wait around for the day. Filming a movie is not a speedy process! Instead of complaining about sitting and waiting, be grateful for being cast in the film. You never know what may come of it. And — you could be in the presence of “A-list” actors. How cool would it be to see these actors do what they do best? Think of the story you will have to tell family and friends!

Finally, these are some ways you can make extra cash. No matter what you do, remember that you will be working. Drop your problems at the door and pick them up when you leave. Your employer does not want to hear you complain and whine. Be grateful you found a job and that you will earn extra cash.

Many people do not use coupons; they think it’s a waste of time. Yet, their savings account and 401(K) are becoming lighter by the hour. The time is now to use coupons. Did you know that Fry’s grocery store is giving consumers double and triple coupons? Like most grocery stores, they have a V.I.P. card that will save consumers money. The bonus is that they are accepting competitor’s coupons.

True, many people will not give up such items such as health and beauty items no matter their financial circumstance. If you’re a woman who uses Oil of Olay products, visit their website for money saving coupons. That’s right, you can get coupons for Oil of Olay’s Definity and Regenerist product lines. The coupons take 6-8 weeks to arrive by mail, but it will be worth it in the end. Visit Oil of Olay for more information.

How many people are familiar with General Mills? If you visit their website, check out all of their brands. Furthermore, if you click on Coupons and Promotions, it will take you to pages upon pages of money saving coupons. All you have to do is sign up and become a member of the Pillsbury Community. It’s that simple and easy. Sign up today and start saving tomorrow!

For those that receive the Sunday paper, it’s usually jammed pack with coupons. Instead of throwing the coupons out or using them to the line bird cage, grab the scissors and start saving at the grocery store.

Another way to save is via direct mail. The ValPak and direct mail magazines you throw away each week, is like opening a window and tossing out money! You never know what’s in that direct mail magazine — are you overlooking a “Buy One Gelato, Get One Free” coupon? Now, that’s a sin!

Quit throwing away money saving coupons. The money that you save on coupons can be put into a savings accounts. Before you know it, you’ll have enough money in the bank and rest easy at night.