& LINKS

“As a break,” I head over to twitter to see what’s going on. I retweet a few tweets and click through on a few more. Before I know it, 20 minutes has elapsed. What I hoped to accomplish was 3 fold:

Is social media worth it?

1. Take a break from what I was doing.

2. Work on building my online presence.

3. Drive more folks to my blog.

Did I accomplish any of those goals? Well, I took a break; check. Did I improve my online presence or drive more people to visit my blog? I’m not sure. Although I get a fair amount of traffic referrals from twitter and retweets from fellow bloggers, “Is it worth the amount of time spent on the twitter site?” Although I measure twitter referrals to my site, I don’t keep track of the amount of time I spend on twitter. So it’s difficult to determine whether the amount of time spent on twitter improves my blog in a substantial way or not.

The question, “Is it worth the time spent?” could be elaborated to include almost anything we do. Is the time spent on any activity worth the reward. Now, with your paid employment, the answer is quite clear. You do your job in exchange for a paycheck. Hobbies and part time activities raise different questions. Did I have enough fun at the movies to justify the $14.00 ticket, or was the movie and money spent a waste?

While watching the Giants-49ers playoff game, I decided to check the #Giants twitter feed. My family asked why I was going online when we were all watching the game and cheering together. Actually, I don’t have an answer to that question. What is the sociological explanation for tweeting during a football game?

Back to the initial question, “Is Twitter a Time Waster?”  I learned from Optify that you can actually build a Twitter Strategy. Does this stuff really work? I copied this tweet from my twitter feed;

Wondering how to build a #Twitter strategy for your business? Download The Ultimate Twitter for Business Guide. http:// blah blah blah / #b2b

Barb Recommends

 7 Financial Lies People Tell Their Spouses at Moneyrates.com. I just might have committed one of these, but I’m not telling.

FREE eBook, 6 Ways to Improve Your Wealth Right Now at Money Cactus. Who doesn’t like wealth and free?

What Buddhism Teaches us about Personal Finance at Prairie Eco Thrifter appeals to the Zen in me. I’m always trying to find that balance. What about you?

The Teacher Man wrote at Young and Thrifty, Germany and It’s European Family. It is an informative read about the ongoing economic trials and tribulations in Europe. I’m following the events with great interest. After all, we live in a globally interdependent world.

Krantcents gives you the Three Bs of Success. You can always count on great wisdom from Krantcents.

Real Estate Investing Resources from Family Money Values. Thinking about investing in real estate? Don’t miss this excellent read.

Get your free eBook, Student Loan Debt-Getting in Smart, Getting Out Painlessly from The College Investor. Read it or pass it along to someone who can use it!

Narrow Bridge disclosed some dirty secrets in How I Ripped People off With Store Credit Cards.

Everything Finance published a guest post by Newlyweds on a Budget entitled, How to Manage Money in a Marriage. Personally, I believe you and your partner have to decide what approach works for you. There’s no one size fits all!

Financial Highway hits on Extreme Penny Pinching. Personally, I consider these tips more practical than extreme. What do you think?

Are you nosey? Interested in how others spend? I certainly am. Check out Financial Samurai‘s latest credit card bill.

Young Adult Finances blogged about How to Write a Job Getting Resume. Excellent tips, if you are looking to update your resume, check out this article.

April Dykman wrote How to Negotiate your Salary at Get Rich Slowly. After you write an awesome resume, get a great job, read this one to up your pay! Lot’s of actionable tips.

 eMoneymakingonline offers some excellent blogging resources in 8 Plugins to Monetize Your Blog

Beating Broke writes how Frugality Will Change You. This article reminds you how practice makes permanent.

Canadian Finance Blog reminds readers to Upgrade Instead of Replace

Barb Across the Blogosphere

Be sure to visit these sites who published and promoted my work.

• Yakezie.com-Featured article, Patience and Persistence; The Path to Unlimited Success
• FindtheBest-PNC Cash Builder Visa, Is it For You?
• Are Facebook Ads a Fad or a Trend at Benzinga
• Family Money Values-Real estate investing resources
• Totally Money Blog Carnival at Family Money Values
• Self-directed Investing for Retirement Carnival; Ratings Downgrade Edition at Arbor Investment Planner
• Len Penzo.com Black Coffee; Why I Don’t Tweet Suze Orman or Have too Many Facebook Friends
• Yakezie Carnival-Credit Card Edition at Prairie eco Thrifter
• Carnival of Financial Camaraderie at My University Money
• Dividend Ninja-the Yakezie Challenge

What do you think, is twitter a time waster?

image credit; linkedmedia grp

Sign up on right to get free WEALTH TIP’s Newsletter, and FREE bonus eBook; 20 Minute Guide to Investing!

This article is a revision of a guest article I wrote last April at Everyday Tips and Thoughts

There’s a plethora of writing about how more stuff leads to more work. Get something new, first figure out how it works, then maintain it, and finally, fix it when it breaks.

Who wants more work?

In a previous article I wrote a controversial piece about Why I Don’t Want an IPad. In that article, I compared the

MORE TECHNOLOGY PLEASE?

functionality of my laptop with an IPad and proved how superior the laptop is for my purposes.

MY CONFESSION:

My phone is a cheap old LG model. My plan, a $20.00 per month, no annual contract, Virgin bare bones with 400 minutes per month. And guess what, I use my phone to make and receive calls and an occasional text. That’s it. No internet surfing, game playing, movie watching etc. In fact, my work and blogging requires an inordinate amount of time on-line. For blogging, portfolio management, and everything else, I have a laptop and a desktop. Additionally, I’ve got video and digital cameras. And that’s enough for me.

RECENT VISIT TO BIG BOX ELECTRONICS RETAILER

In preparation for a conference call with Jason, of LiveRealNow, I purchased a webcam and speakers for my “bottom of the line” desktop computer. While in the store, I decided to get behind the buzz on the Amazon Fire eReader and the tablet computers. I was toying with the idea of putting one on my holiday gift list.

Here’s my Synopsis

The Amazon Fire is reasonably priced and good if you want an eReader that can also surf the net. With no USB port or word processing software, it’s of no use to me as I wanted a tool to do a bit of online writing and editing. Additionally, I’m so old shool, I read actual magazines and books!

On to the tablet computers. I checked out an Acer, due to the low price and recommendation of the sales person. What do you expect from a personal finance geek? It had a USB port and the availability to do some word processing along with all the other content viewing, game playing, and internet surfing options. But when I went to type on the keyboard, the sales person said you really need to type with only one or two fingers. Now that’s some slow typing.

The games I play are usually actual games like scrabble, rummykub, and trivial pursuit! I watch a real television. My computer work is done on computers. And, I don’t need access to any more technology when I’m out and about.

I actually try to experience life through real not virtual experiences!

I don’t need to be on-line with my phone either. I don’t need to check my email when I’m away from the computer. NOTHING IS THAT IMPORTANT!

This is one area where I’m going to be behind the curve.

TIME VERSUS MONEY

Look, I like technology as much as the next; can you say 2 Facebook pages (please LIKE me), twitter, LinkedIn, Quora, and all the other social media accounts. But when it comes down to my time and money, I weigh my options.

TIME-As I said before, I’m online too much as it is. Don’t need a phone, eReader, or tablet for that!

MONEY-Why should I pay upwards of $75.00 a month or more for a phone service that isn’t ultimately of value to me? I don’t need to shell out several hundred bucks for one more electronic gadget, that won’t improve my life and may up my stress level.

What do you think? Am I just a dinosaur or am I missing something really valuable from the new technology offerings?

Should I buy an investment property now?

I’m wrestling with a decision about whether to take on another potential money making endeavor. With interest rates at all time lows and lots of inventory at exceptional prices (in some parts of the country), I am wracked with indecision. I have been turning these decisions over in my mind ever since we drove across the country and saw beautiful brand new condos for sale in the low $100Ks in the well maintained college town of Provo, Utah. Add to that the weekly emails from a real estate contact filled with screaming bargains in Arizona. And I am rattled with the “should I or shouldn’t I” pursue this possibility?

Background; My Current Obligations

My job/family responsibilities are:

• Portfolio management job managing all the financial responsibilities and investments of my company. We are in the process of divesting many of our assets and responsibilities are diminishing.
• College adjunct professor; teach one Investment class two times per week in a local university.
• Blogger; Work way too many hours for minimal compensation writing and managing Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance.
• Columnist for Benzinga.com, occasional writer for American Media Marketplace, and other sites.
• Writer; Writing a book on personal finance which hopefully will be a raging success and bring me boatloads of cash .
• Spouse and mom; El Carino just took a new job which is quite demanding and I do a lot of stuff around the house. Jr. Carino is home and in transition as she plans out her next step.
• Volunteer; Expect to give some community time in our new area.
• Home; Still putting together and unpacking our new home from our epic cross country move. Need to cook, tidy, and exercise most days.
• Family financial management; Responsible for all family finances, investments, and decision-making.

Some of these responsibilities yield immediate compensation, some offer delayed compensation, others offer ways to increase monetary net worth, and others offer intrinsic rewards.

How do you measure their individual value?

Google Results

A quick google search, “time v money” turned up 6.3 BILLION results. Obviously, I’m  not the only one thinking about this topic. In fact, it looks like billions of individuals are dealing with these same quandries. Think Simple Now talks about “The Greatest Tragedy Ever; Time versus Money”. In this article I am reminded about the finiteness of time as well as a unique view of indentured/working time versus free time. Although for some of us, the distinction is not as clear. Shatter the Untemplate Lifestyle by Untemplater at Yakezie.com speaks about her decisions to live life on her own terms. Wisebread‘s Sarah Winfrey had another article on the Time versus Money issue with some thought provoking questions at the end. Finally, Miss T from Prairie Eco Thrifter wrote about “How to Choose a Life That Benefits the Greater Good” at Yakezie.com. As one who wants to give back more to society, this one struck a chord with me.

What Should I do?

While writing this article, I thought to myself, “I must be absolutely crazy to want to put something else on my plate!”

Something I forgot to mention, I watch television for an hour or two every night with my family and I go to bed relatively early. Realistically, if I take on  something else, I’m going to have to give something up! There are not enough hours in the day to do a decent job with all of my current obligations. And, I don’t want to give anything up. But, it’s not that simple, as I hate to pass up a potential opportunity to grow our family’s wealth.

I’m going back to the old “PROs versus CONS” worksheet to make my decision.

ACTION STEPS:

Get a notebook and label it: “(your name) Personal Finance” and keep it by the computer. Use it to keep all of your personal finance goals, thoughts, activities, and plans.

Faced with a big decision?

1. Get feedback from your family.
2. Pull out the old paper and pencil and make a Pros vs. Cons chart to help with the decision making process.

For a quick overview of Investing Strategies, pick up my FREE eBook; 20 Minute Guide to Investing (top right of the page). If you like what you’re reading, sign up for my RSS feed or email subscription and follow me on twitter so you get the word immediately.

What would you do in my situation? How have you handled these types of time versus money decisions in your own life?

image credit; Marzky

For a quick overview of Investing Strategies, pick up my FREE eBook; 20 Minute Guide to Investing (top right of the page). If you like what you’re reading, sign up for my RSS feed or email subscription and follow me on twitter so you get the word immediately.

More Magazine has a great piece on the Kardashian’s rise to success, with tips for all!

“If someone says no, you’re asking the wrong person. Don’t get discouraged, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Get organized,” Kris Jenner

History

Kris Jenner, formerly Mrs. Kardashian, the wife of one of O.J. Simpson’s personal confidant’s and lawyer, is the muscle behind the incredible Kardashian Marketing machine. She accepted no alimony from Kardashian because she wanted to avoid a long court battle. Meanwhile, her next husband, Bruce Jenner, 1976 Olympic gold medalist was $500,000.00 in debt on their wedding day.

Her work experience consisted of being a mom to up to 10 kids, including the brood of Jenner’s, Kardashian’s, and the two between them.

Obviously, this is not a typical situation and most of you do not have wealthy famous ex’s or a debt ridden but famous new husband. Yet, the lessons to be learned from her smart business savvy apply to a multitude of marketing and wealth building strategies.

BE A MARKETING MACHINE LIKE KRIS (KARDASHIAN) JENNER

1. Success takes time, patience, and hard work; Many folks give up just before the fruits of their efforts are realized. It looks like fame and fortune came easy and quickly to Kris Jenner. Not so! She was working nonstop for 20 years prior to her notoriety. Her background includes work as a flight attendant (before marriage), Brownie leader, soccer coach, room mom and car pool driver as part of her “full time mom” duties.
2. Build on your prior experiences, no matter what the job titles are; Kris’ multitasking and follow through as a mom gave her excellent organizational skills. Although Bruce Jenner was famous when they married, he lacked a press kit, business card, or any sort of marketing plan. Even the famous need a plan! Kris saw his tremendous potential and took his lack of an organized business plan and made him into a desirable commodity.
3. How to take a product and turn it into cash; Bruce Jenner, the Kardashian family, even her daughter’s “sex” tape were all products. When packaged correctly, they became desirable commodities.  Few of us are likely candidates for a “reality television show”, yet everyone has something they can market and sell for cash. (Even your own presentation to an employer in a job search needs a great marketing plan). Marketing is key in every aspect of life, it’s how you present and sell yourself, your ideas, and your products!
4. Have a plan; Her goal was to get Jenner into a prestigious country club where he could make important “contacts” and reignite his speaking career. She used her years of hostess experience as Kardashian’s wife and created beautiful portfolios of Jenner’s Olympic finish and press clippings to easily get him accepted into the club! Step one, complete.
5. Leverage Social Media; Use twitter, facebook, four square, and LinkedIn to promote yourself, your brand and to offer great information to your followers.

Further reading from outstanding personal finance bloggers

• Centisible Life; How to Approach a Social Media Person
• Invest with Passion; Social Media Marketing
• Everyday Tips and Thoughts; Market Yourself
• Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance; What Does Patience Have to do With Investing
• Cajun Finances; Patience Can Pay Well
• Budgeting in the Fun Stuff; Make Money Blogging
• PT Money; 52 Ways to Make Extra Money
• Free From Broke; Book Review, Blueprint for How to Make Money From Your Blog

What strategies have worked for your own success?

“A computer shall not waste your time or require you to do more work than is strictly necessary.” Jeff Raskin

Raskin, the scientist is accurate in his quote. Unfortunately, reality is quite different. How things “should be” is frequently not how they are. Consider how you want to spend your money and time before jumping in to buy something new.

MAIN TOPIC: In Theory, New Electronics are Great

After 7 years of solid use, my printer died. I definitely got my moneys worth! Oh, and my fax died too! And, don’t let me forget to mention that an awesome printer of my daughter’s which had scanning and copying ability didn’t seem to work with either of my computers.

Time to buy a new printer.

I hate spending $50 for new ink cartridges. It infuriates me. So began my hunt for the lowest cost per page printing, with a scanner and fax included. I found a Kodak with really affordable ink cartridges, scanning, and a fax for about $200.00.

Got the printer set up really fast and connected to the wireless network just fine. Here comes the hook…….my computer couldn’t find the printer. After about an hour and a half with the online help, I decided to call the customer support (abroad of course).

45 minutes on hold and I got a real live guy from half way across the world.

After another 45 minutes, he got the printer to work on my with my desktop computer. Next, he set up my laptop to connect to the printer.

WONDERFUL.

Just two and a half hours later, and I’m all set up; or so I thought.

Help, I can’t print from my desktop now. Well, at least I can print from the laptop, for awhile.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION; Everything Has a Cost

The printer is beautiful, has lots of capabilities, and so far has cost me almost a half day of work. This is not so unusual. Whenever I get a new camera, printer, phone, computer, I hope the set up will be easy and painless. IT NEVER IS.

Multiply these headaches with the number of new devices you purchase. Our family is probably on the lower end of electronic device consumption, or at least in the middle range. Yet, without fail, be it a new DVD player, Wii console or anything electronic, there is a large time commitment to getting and keeping it running. This is not my opinion, it is a fact.

So next time you are dying for the latest phone, game console, etc. take a moment. Ask yourself, are you ready to spend time getting the glitches worked out, maintaining it when it malfunctions, as well as disposing of the old electronics?

It’s fun to get new and better gadgets. But they don’t initially make our lives easier. In fact, they usually start out by causing us a lot of aggravation.

So next time you’re thinking of replacing a perfectly good electronic item, think twice about the real cost. Not just the dollar amount but the time you will spend getting it up and running.

By the way, the printer is not working wirelessly, again. I decided to use the cord to connect the computers with the printer. Problem solved!

ACTION STEPS:

 Get a notebook and label it: “(your name) Personal Finance” and keep it by the computer. Use it to keep all of your personal finance goals, thoughts, activities, and plans.

Think long and hard about the downside of buying something new. Everything requires upkeep. Look at the advantages and disadvantages first; then decide if you really want it.

If you like what you’re reading, pick up my RSS feed and follow me on twitter so you get the word immediately.

What are your experiences with new electronics? Pure pleasure and fun, or a mixed bag?

MAIN TOPIC: Am I Over-committed, or Just Disorganized?

I never seem to get ahead. As soon as I complete one task, there are 3 more to take its place. Fortunately, I’ve simplified my finances by sticking to a solid index based asset allocation plan. But, the simplification in one area is counteracted in another……I may have added to my responsibilities by taking on another job (teaching Corporate Finance to MBA students) on top of my Portfolio Management job on top of my NUMBER 1 avocation: Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION: GET MORE DONE SOLUTION

I had a brainstorm this morning.

Typically, I write out a “to do” list that is fairly exhaustive. Today, I only put the 3 MOST IMPORTANT TASKS on my list.

Don’t tell anyone, but I frequently get sidetracked and end up spending too much time on less productive activities.

The premise of the 3 ITEM “to do” list is this; I will spend time on my HIGHEST PRIORITY activities.

Then, I’ll feel a sense of satisfaction because I spent most of my time on highest value activities; in lieu of feeling like “I didn’t do enough.”

It’s 4:30 PM and so far, I’ve got a lot more important work done today than I usually do. And I feel like I didn’t fritter away as much time as usual. 

Obviously, 9 hours is not enough of a trial to determine if my theory works, but so far it’s going well.  

ACTION STEP:

Get a notebook and label it: “(your name) Personal Finance” and keep it by the computer. Use it to keep all of your personal finance goals, thoughts, activities, and plans.

1. Streamline your “to do” list.
2.  Write in and let me know how it worked out.

If you like what you’re reading, pick up my RSS feed and follow me on twitter so you get the word immediately.  

What do you think? Have you ever tried the SHORT but HIGH PRIORITY “to do” list? What are your top efficiency tips?

image credit: Murakami.kenta

Welcome to another new feature at Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance, “Quick Personal Finance Tip.” This feature gives you access to quick tips to further your financial goals. Look for these tips periodically. Better yet, pick up my RSS feed and follow me on twitter so you get the word immediately.  

I have been reading the 31 Days to a Better Blog  for about 5 months now (obviously, I’m a bit behind schedule) and one of the assignments is to solve a problem for the reader.  Although, I of hope that my entire site solves your problems, I am taking the direct CHALLENGE with this article.

PROBLEM: How to Efficiently Manage Your Finances

Organization and time management are big issues today. I’m good at financial organization, so I thought I would give you a quick list of how to handle your finances with minimal effort. For most, these routine tasks aren’t fun, so the GOAL is to set up systems to pay the bills and organize the records FAST.

Step 1: Understand Personal Finance Categories

BILLS: Every month you have to pay bills.

CHECKING & SAVINGS: Maintain and track cash to make sure you have enough on-hand for current expenses, emergencies, and short term plans.

INVESTMENTS: Keep track to make sure you are on target with your financial goals.

TAXES: Almost everyone must complete a tax return or two each year. If you have any self employment income, rental properties, etc. keep good records.

Step 2: Complete Financial Record keeping FAST 

BILLS-30-45 minutes per month

1. When they come in the mail or your email in-box, put them in ONE PLACE. I use a small old file. For email, use a folder labeled bills to pay.
2. Once or twice a month, schedule on your calendar; pay the bills. My mom pays them as soon as they come in, but that is inefficient! Others recommend calling the company to synchronize all the due dates. Again, too much work. I pay two times per month.
3. Set up “free bill pay” at  your bank. Log on to the bank site, plug in the bill dates and amounts and pay. Time spent, 10 to 15 minutes. 
4. Throw the bills in a folder labeled “RECEIPTS” or “PAID BILLS.” If you have some taxable bills, place them in a folder labelled “TAXABLE EXPENSES” OR “SCHEDULE C.” 

INVESTMENTS-1-2 hours per quarter

1. I know I’m going to get some flack for this; especially from those of you who post Monthly Net Worth updates. But, I recommend updating your investments quarterly. Hopefully you are regularly contributing to your 401K, savings account, and/or investment accounts. These assets are for long term goals, college, retirement, big-ticket items so why obsess over their value every month?
2. Use a computerized system. I use Quicken, many use Mint.com and other programs. It does not matter which one you choose.
3. After every quarter, download your investment transactions, and update their values.
4. Keep a paper copy of every buy and sell transaction. You need this information for tax reporting when you sell.

BANK CHECKING & SAVINGS-15-20 minutes per week

1. Download banking transactions once or twice per week to check accuracy and balance. If you don’t use a debit card much or make a lot of withdrawals, check lesss frequently.  
2. Quicken reconciles the account on-line in seconds. Do this once per month.

TAXES-time commitment varies

1. When tax related items, W-2′s, 1099′s etc. come in during the beginning of the year, place them in an envelope.
2. If you do your own taxes like I do, pull out the information in March and input (or import from Quicken) into a tax preparation program such as Turbo Tax. Depending on the complexity, of your situation this could take anywhere from a couple of hours to a few days.
3. If you hire a tax preparer. Take your file to your tax preparer and go over it with her/him. Make sure to check the preparer’s work for accuracy.

  The set up takes some time, but once the on-line bill pay, Quicken program and approprate folders are organized, the maintenance is simple. And one last suggestion, make sure that you simplify your finances and keep your significant other aware of financial matters.

How do you maintain your personal finance record keeping? Am I missing anything?

ACTION STEP:

 Get a notebook and label it: “(your name) Personal Finance” and keep it by the computer. Use it to keep all of your personal finance goals, thoughts, activities, and plans. 

Feeling super motivated? Why not go for 31 days to a better bank balance at Money Crush?

& Link Round up

“Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me, it is a kind of order that sets me free to fly.” Julie Andrews

 
The discipline to avoid distraction and keep on task is a never ending challenge. 

Multiple distractions cause our minds to flitter from one thing to the next in rapid succession. Couple that with abundant information at the punch of a computer key and the result is INFORMATION OVERLOAD.  A colleague mentioned that we read in an “F” format. That is, our eyes move across the top line, move down the left margin, read a line or two in the middle and then finish off down the left side. I don’t know if this is true or not, but what I am sure of is that there is too much information and too many distractions. In fact, if you don’t watch out, you’ll sit down to check your email and still be on-line an hour and a half later doing who knows what! 

Last February, Steve Mollman over at CNN.com wrote, How Can we Cope with Information Overload?  His first paragraph reiterated that there actually is too much information available! Not exactly a huge revelation. The article recommended a new remedy, an iphone ap which would select content for you to read based on your history. Until the ap is out, here’s a more “hands on” method to try.

 Get Rid of Information Overload with these 4 Questions:

 Before you sit down at the computer, evaluate whether your internet activity fulfills at least one of the following criteria.

 IS IT EDUCATIONAL? 

• Does your on-line reading teach you something? When buying a new video camera, read the convenient on-line reviews. Read personal finance blogs and main stream newspapers to further your financial and general awareness.
• Guide: While surfing the net, keep focused on your personal “educational mission” and set a time limit. When you hit the limit, you’re done, get off the computer!

 IS IT FUN?

• That could include anything; Mafia wars, on-line poker, and Farmville are fun. For El Carino, Broadway clips and sports are his passions (on and off-line). Fun is an important part of life and worthwhile in and of itself.    
• Guide: Limit your “fun” surfing to 30-60 minutes at a time. With fun internet time, it’s easy to turn 45 minutes into 3 hours. Save “fun” activities for the time when your brain’s a bit too tired for deep concentration.

 IS IT MOTIVATIONAL OR INSPIRATIONAL?

•  Researching charities, volunteer activities, or spiritual activities can fulfill and bolster wealth in life. Some of my favorite blogs, like KNS Financial have an inspirational component. Visit the “Biggest Loser” site and get tips and inspiration to get healthier. Watching “Undercover Boss” can inspire towards more excellence in your job.
• Guide: Determine your internet “purpose” before hitting the power button. Keep aware of your focus.

 ARE YOU ACCOMPLISHING WORK/HOBBY RELATED TASKS?

• Updating your blog or doing job-related research goes in this category. As with the other on-line perusing, be mindful of your internet time.
• Guide:  Stop before the exhaustion point. After a bit, get involved in an off-line conversation or activity.

Remember there’s a world off-line as well as on-line. In fact, interacting with actual humans can offer life satisfaction and fun!

How would you categorize these PERSONAL FINANCE READS FROM AROUND THE BLOGOSPHERE?

I benefitted from each article!

 Weekly favorite: PF STOCK-Pay the Early Withdrawal Penalty – If you want to increase the return on your cash, you must read this one.

 Hope to Prosper-Raising a Family on a Single Income

Eventual Millionaire-My Process of Finding Enjoyable Work

Invest it Wisely-Improve Economics and Help the Poor at the Same Time

Erica.biz-There is no Savior

The Saved Quarter-Thank Goodness for the Emergency Fund – INSPIRING

Money Crashers –The Fifty Best Jobs in America

Yakezie.com-Member Post: Personal finance Journey

Len Penzo dot com- Comparing Dollar Stores and WalMart- This one has a few surprises!

Five Cent Nickel- The Value of keeping it Simple

 Ask Liz Weston-It’s catalogue Season, Here’s How to Get Rid of Them 

 Personal Dividends-5 Items for Your November Financial Checklist

Narrow Bridge-War on Your Inbox: Now, if only Eric would come over and do it for me!

Retire by 40-Investing Fundamentals: The Low Down on 401K’s

Get Organized Wizard-How to be More Productive Even When You’re Not Working

image credit: blakespot

BarbaraFriedbergPersonalFinance across the blogosphere:

My work was showcased this week at these carnivals and round ups. Why not stop by and check out the excellent articles?

• Carnival of Wealth at Personal Dividends-The 20 Minute Guide to Investing is Here
•  Yakezie Carnival at The Saved Quarter– Personal Finance Luminaries – Flexo of Consumerism Commentary
• KNS Financial-Financial Satisfaction Now and Later, guest post, Helen Fabe 
• Money Crashers-How to Cope with Failure; Personal Finance Persistence
• The Kitchen Sink- Personal Finance Luminaries-Flexo, Consumerism Commentary
• Mighty Bargain Hunters-Are your Values Money Makers or Money Losers?
• Len Penzo dot Com -How to Cope with Failure and Personal Finance Persistence

GUEST POST by Mr. Credit Card 

Today, Mr. Credit Card from Ask Mr. Credit Card  is going to share some thoughts about the importance of improving yourself  and learning new skills as an employee. Mr Credit Card has recently compiled a review of identity identity theft protection services, which you might want to check out.

If you hang around the blogosphere enough, you will notice a recurring theme; the desire of many to get out of their JOBS’ and work for themselves. Very often, the reasons cited include:

• Poor job fit
• Spend more time with family
• Hate answering to a boss
• Lack of job security in corporate America

Most the reasons cited above are true to a certain extent. But instead of  drooling about the prospect of starting your own business, why not use your time as a corporate employee to improve yourself and acquire new skills? You might actually find that doing so may get your a promotion or  a leg up when you strike out on your own. Check out these skills to further your career.

1. Learn to delegate – One of the things employees must learn as they progress up the organization is to delegate. We’ve all seen this again and again. The best salesperson on the team is a terrible manager or the smartest programmer stinks as the boss.  There is a transition from team member to manager. Very often, the person who is successful at a specific task fails when he or she gets promoted because they never learn to delegate.

Learning to delegate is a very important skill to learn. You frequently hear successful entrepreneurs talk about working ON their business, not IN the business. If you fail to delegate, you may find it difficult to grow your own business.

2. Learn to be productive – I guess in certain corporate jobs, it is easy to just coast along. But if you want to rise to the top, you have to be productive. That means getting your most important task done first. And not being overly distracted by things that do not really matter.

3. Polish up on presentation skills - Demonstrating good presentation skills is crucial in the corporate world. But they are also very important if you have your own business. After all, you have to pitch to venture capitalists, vendors, and other organizations if you are seeking any partnerships. If you lack presentation shills in a corporate setting,  likely you will be poor at promoting your own business too.

4. Enhance your people skills – Some folks do not succeed in the corporate world because they have poor people skills. You could make the argument that perhaps this is an impetus to strike out on one’s own. And there are many professions where you can get away with poor people skills. For example, a freelance computer programmer or writer may not need these as much as someone in other professions. Still brushing up interpersonal skills can go a long way towards advancing your career or even growing our own business. A business owner needs people skill to deal with employees or his/her business partners.

5. Build relationships – Very often, folks who are shy of promoting themselves view others who are “close” to their bosses as brown nosers. I used to think that way too. However, having become my own boss, I actually appreciate employees who update me,  ask my opinion, and  ask questions when they are unsure. I enjoy a close relationship with my employees. Here is the truth. In the real world, you will only be promoted if you have the trust of your superior and this only happens when you build a strong relationship with him or her. Furthermore, you can only get things done with peers if you’ve built sound relationships.

If you have your own business, the ability to build relationships is even more important. Business owners who lack this skill are at a disadvantage because strong business relationships relate to future success.

6. Get things done – There are many folks who simply do not get things done on time or properly when given a project to do. There are plentiful reasons and excuses. But to be truly successful in whatever you do, you must develop the habit of  getting things done by hook or by crook.

 A key attribute of successful executives and business owners is the ability to get things accomplished on time.

Summary 

 There are many folks who are unhappy with their present jobs for a variety of reasons and want to eventually “start their own business” or “earn passive income”. But I would suggest that even if you are unhappy with your present corporate job situation, there are skills to learn that could earn you a promotion, increase your  job fulfillment and even a higher salary. At the very worst, improving yourself will give you a better shot at success when you do strike out on your own.

So do not moan and groan about your present situation. Instead, make use of your time now to improve yourself (and obviously plan your next venture). You will  be much better off with an action-oriented  attitude no matter what the future holds.

“I feel like this is something I’ve been capable of doing. I felt like if I put in the hard work and committed to the journey eventually it was going to yield some fruit.” R.A. Dickey

After toiling 12 years in the minors, this 35 year old NY Mets knuckleball pitching sensation is 6-0 this season.  Called up from the minors on May 19^th, Dickey never gave up believing in himself. He is the epitome of determination, optimism, and perseverance.

MAIN TOPIC: Stress Happens

When I was growing up, one of the saddest times for my dad was when he lost his mother prematurely, to an illness which could have been prevented. He got through the pain of losing his mother by distracting himself and throwing all of his energy into his work.

And whenever I balked at some responsibility or task, saying “No, I don’t want to do this.” My mom would reply, “It does not matter, PUSH YOURSELF to do it.”

Over the years, I adopted these action oriented coping styles. Although being solution-oriented and prolific do not get rid of stress or pain, these traits yield a positive outcome.

Stress and anxiety leads to productivity and success!

PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Use Stress to your Benefit

Through investing over a long time, my husband and I have amassed a sizeable net worth. That wealth comes from regular investing and compounding of the interest and dividends, combined with modest lifestyle choices. Additionally, we are very optimistic and solution oriented.

Every setback has a way out!

This disciplined and optimistic way of living has led to financial, personal and career success. Simply, success is culled from some smart habits practiced regularly. But don’t think I don’t know what it’s like to be lazy and unproductive; growing up, I was probably the most undisciplined, complaining procrastinator around!

Read on and find out how an optimistic approach and practicing strong habits combats stress and contributes to success.

 Martin Seligman, PhD, author of Learn Optimism and founder of the Center for Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania describes two traits of the optimistic; permanence and pervasiveness.  Optimists believe bad events are temporary and limited. Optimistic people tend to be more successful and productive. The optimist will find a way out of a difficult situation.

We have some additional stress in our lives right now. My instinct is to grab a box of candy, get under the covers, turn on the TV and never get out!

Instead of giving in to the pull to binge and hide, I fall back on the habits that have made me wealthy and strong.

Stress fighting success habits:

1. Recognize and acknowledge that you are in a stressful situation.
2. Give yourself a bit of time to feel the discomfort and map out an action plan.
3. Don’t avoid the stressful event-figure out what you need to do to handle the unpleasant situation(s).
4. Practice a positive determined attitude. Act as if you can handle the difficulty, even if you are depressed and scared.
5.  Persevere, towards your goals in spite of the discomfort and stress.
6. If you have discretionary time, determine the most personally productive use of your time. Is it, revising the budget to find more cash to save, doing a home repair, or following up with a responsibility you’ve been avoiding.
7. NOW, it is time to get on with your activities. Put ALL OF YOUR ATTENTION into doing the best job you can right now. If you are at work, focus, put in 100%, do not get distracted.

Does this sound simplistic? Actually, it is not complicated to develop success habits. Be optimistic, goal oriented, solution focused every day and success will follow. 

ACTION STEPS:

Get a notebook and label it: “(your name) Personal Finance” and keep it by the computer. Use it to keep all of your personal finance goals, thoughts, activities, and plans.

1. Right this minute-do one thing you have been avoiding.
2. Jot down how it worked out for you.

How do you handle stress? What are your keys to success in money and life?

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