Interview with best selling author, Dr. Charles Richards, author of The Psychology of Wealth – Part 2

“For every problem, there has to be a solution.” Dr. Charles Richards

What specific strategies can one employ to stop the green monster of envy and jealousy?

Accept the idea that that there’s more than enough for everyone. You don’t have to feel that if I don’t get mine, there’s not going to be enough for me. By understanding the divergent archetypes of wealth you can conquer your inner envy.

The Archetypes of Wealth

There is both a positive and negative archetype of wealth.

The negative archetype is fear based and focuses on lack and insecurity. This viewpoint is highly competitive and constrictive. You always try to hold on to what you have. You believe that there is only so much to go around.

The positive expression of wealth is more creative, not competitive. You focus on creating what gives your life more value and more of what you want. This viewpoint employs the belief that there is more than enough to go around.

There’s not enough time to worry about beating the other guy or gal. Holding an expansive, empowering, generous, and helpful viewpoint can obviate the green monster of envy and jealousy.

This goes back to my former advice to have an ideal or goal that transcends self interest.

 What are the best 3 pieces of advice for someone who wants to be wealthy?

 Tip 1 to Become Wealthy

First, consider what you plan to do with your wealth. What is the value of the money, and how will it serve you and others?

Then, identify what you are good at and enjoy doing. Where do you excel?

Tap into your special strengths and immerse yourself in activities that are congruent with your strengths and passions. Join organizations and activities that will further your interests and contacts.

 Tip 2 to Become Wealthy

After identifying your personal areas of excellence, make a plan and write it down. It’s not enough to think about it in your mind. You must write out the steps you need to take and what you need to do to make it happen.

Review and revise your plan regularly.

Do this even if you’re not sure of how it will exactly play out.

 Tip 3 to Become Wealthy

Have the idea that ultimately you are going to be successful, if you persevere. Embrace the reality that failure is just a stepping stone to success, as long as you persevere.

For example, Steve jobs was kicked out of his company and persevered. He created Pixar, rejoined Apple, and propelled the company to amazing success, after being removed from his own company.

By making a plan, writing it down, and further revising and reviewing the plan every day, you are training yourself for success.

Wealth is doing what you love. Maintain the mindset that you will be successful. Persevere through adversity. Wealthy and successful individuals hold these attitudes.

What mental money strategies will help?

Maintain an optimistic, positive, and hopeful perspective. Know that you will find a way to make your life work and that you will find a way to bring into your life the wealth that you need.

Do not lose hope; you need to accept the challenge and find the solution. Dr. Richards reminds you that there are solutions for every problem.

Barb Recommends; Personal Finance Reading

• Money Crashers continues on the topic by explaining How to Feel Wealthy.
• Thad’s Thoughts on Decluttering-Thad has a gift for saying a lot in a few words. Check out his site.
• Wealth Informatics had me laughing out loud with her fall into internet oblivion article; Want to be More Productive? Create a Not to do List
• Hope to Prosper asks “Is Gasoline Busting Your Budget?” My response is, YES.
• Krantcents asks, Do You Want to Earn More?
• On Target Coach is echoing a concern of mine and asks you to Prepare for High Inflation.
• Miranda Marquite, at Bargaineering writes about 10 Side Businesses You Can Start from a Hobby.
• Wise Bread inspires with 9 DIY Projects from the Dollar Store.
• KNS Financial explains How to Start a Blog.

Barb Across the Blogosphere

• Findthebest Blog, Expert Blogger article-Do You Need an Investment Advisor?
• Findthebest Blog, Expert Blogger article- Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bank
• Busy Executive Blog published How to Handle a Tax Audit
• Carnival of Personal Finance at My Personal Finance Journey-Selected for Editors Pick
• Carnival of Financial Camraderie at 101 Centavos featured  58 Habits to Increase Wealth
• Carnival of Wealth at Control Your Cash featured 58 Habits to Increase Wealth
• Festival of Frugality at This That and the MBA

 How do you cope with the green monster of envy?

Don’t miss the book review (The Psychology of Wealth) and author interview-Part 1. 

image credit; google images_ chicagosean.com

How can someone who doesn’t even have the old iPad make such a bold claim? Because I am interested in your net worth and want you to get wealthy!

If money is no object in your life and you are loaded, you can stop reading NOW. Or if your planned splurge is the new iPad, who am I to judge?

The iPad is Here! Now, when will the next iPad arrive?

For the rest of you, here is why you do not need a new iPad.

They are really expensive and less functional than a much cheaper laptop.

 According to Computerworld, “the Wi-Fi models run $499, $599 and $699 for the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB tablets, respectively; the 4G device is priced at $629, $729 and $829.”

I was happy to read in the comments section of the Computerworld article other readers echoing my thoughts. Here’s a paraphrase of one of many similar remarks;

“For the spec Hounds that want USB, Full Size HDMI, etc etc. there’s a great product on the market it’s called a…………………………Laptop, Pick up 2 along with Your choice of an Android Tablet, you will get all the ports, software and an Open OS. GOOD LUCK”

This commenter at Computerworld had the same take that I did. Maybe there is something to the idea of delaying the push for the newest and most popular gadget.

Be Strong and Don’t Let Advertisers Define You

I know what it’s like being swayed by advertisers. After watching an episode of Shark Tank, the reality show where wealthy business people help struggling entrepreneurs with an infusion of cash in exchange for equity in their company, I started to feel like I wasn’t doing enough. After all, I’m not a billionaire on television bidding for a piece of new companies. I don’t even have a fabulous niche product that could benefit from a financial partnership with Barbara Corcoran or Mark Cuban.

So what!

But that is the power of advertising, television, and the internet. Watch out for the influences that are omnipresent in your world.

Take the time to evaluate who and what is causing you to feel as if you do not have enough.

If you have a computer and a television and a phone, do you need more ways to connect? Okay, I get it, some people travel all the time and their jobs require constant access, and a laptop is too heavy and a phone too limiting. If this is your situation, then I’m not talking to you.

For the rest of you out there, force yourself out of the world of “comparisons.” There will always be someone with more than you. As soon as you buy the newest iPad, within a few months there will be a newer and better one.

Attitude Adjustment

Here’s my favorite trick for coping with the “Poor me, I don’t have the coolest of everything syndrome.” Switch your attention from what you lack to what you have. I suspect that if you spent a few minutes listing all the wonderful technology within your grasp, you’ll realize you have abundance.

Most of you have access to these technologies:

• Computer
• Phone
• Television
• MP3 player
• Camera
• Video camera
• Gaming System
• Incredible software and applications to go along with the gadgets

Actually, I have almost (oops, I lost the MP3 player) all of the above, plus an extra desktop computer. So, am I a hypocrite telling you not to get the new iPad? Most of my technology items would be considered by the experts as “obsolete.” None of the above are in any way “new” and the video camera and television must be more than five years old. My theory, if it still works, why replace it?

Action Steps

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

Make a conscious decision before running after the latest and greatest gadget. Is it worth sacrificing your long term financial goals; college, family, retirement, vacations, home ownership and more? Most folks don’t have enough money to buy everything they want.

Be deliberate in how you allocate your precious financial resources.

1. Make a pros and cons list next time you feel you must have some new item or tech treat.
2. Analyze whether the reward of purchase exceeds the cost.

 What Others are Saying

Do I Need an IPad? at Wealth Informatics

The “Wow Factor,” Do You Overpay for it? at Money Crashers

Apple IPhone and Google Android; Who’s Winning Market Share at Financial Success for Young Adults

I Didn’t Buy and IPad and I’m Proud of it at Prairie Eco Thrifter

Barb Across the Web

• Best of Money Carnival at Fiscal Phoenix (selected 1 of 10 out of 82 submissions)
• Carnival of Financial Camraderie at My University Money
•  Self Directed Investing for Retirement Carnival at Arbor Investment Planner
•  101 Centavos; a Fistful of Links
• Meal Plan Rescue Round up
•  My Care One; Straight Talk on Debt

Do you really need the new ipad?

image credit; znet.com

Random Musings about Happiness

When you’re done here, stop by  The Digerati Life and read my article, Buying Bonds? Effect of Interest Rates on Bond Value and Yield

I talk about money too much. First, I teach an Investments Class at a local university, main topic; investing to make more money. Next, I am a professional portfolio manager, main duties; managing investments to make more money. Finally, I’m a personal finance blogger, goal; to teach wealth building strategies.

When Money Talk isn’t Enough

I pepper my financial topics with values, life, and leisure and focus on “wealth in life“, which is not about money. Life is so much broader and richer than amassing dollars (euros, GB pounds etc.). So for today, I’m going to ramble about other things in that make life richer which have little to do with money. Included in this ramble is breaking research about how your emotions and feelings impact your life.

Work Less

My family has accused me of working too much, and they are right. The interesting dichotomy is that sometimes working less, yields greater productivity. Take a break, go for a walk, and come back totally inspired. Go to the mall, a park, or a coffee shop and free your mind. For me, the results are a certain calm and renewal. (Okay, the mall might be a bit of a stretch ).

Improve Your Emotional Well Being

A recent Newsweek article, The New Science of Feelings, explains “Research finds the neural basis of your responses to life-and how you can change them.”  

The takeaway from this article was that emotional style comes from certain regions of the brain. The elements of emotional style including resilience, outlook, self-awareness, social intuition, attention, and sensitivity to context can determine how quickly you bounce back from advertisity, your overall outlook on life, how successful you are and your overall level of happiness. And these emotional tendancies are not stable, but can be changed. That is the shocker. Apparently, mindfulness meditation can help improve your emotional style and even help one recover from depression.

Focus totally and completely on the task at hand, and your emotional state can improve. Is this the secret to happiness? Probably not, but it is a start. Consider the research on resilience stating that those who bounce back from setbacks are better equipped to deal with life than those who don’t. One of my personal strategies is to pull my waundering mind back to the task at hand! This helps control the worries and what ifs.

Prioritize Pleasurable Activities

Don’t be afraid to have some fun, devote yourself to a hobby or pleasure. I gain tremendous satisfaction from art and design. A years subscription to a design magazine weighs in at about twenty bucks, for literally hours of enjoyment. I am still reading 5 year old magazines and enjoying them as much as the first time I opened the cover.

Stop Thinking About Yourself and Do Something for Someone Else

Think about giving back. It is really true that service offers the giver as much or more than the receiver. Don’t think in grand gestures, the smallest act of generosity can make a difference in your life and others. I’m usually uncomfortable talking about my commitment to service (does it make me sound self richeous?). Yet, I look for opportunities to brighten others’ days. Even a smile, an offer to help a neighbor, a few hours volunteering, or even just opening up your wallet can make a big difference.

One day when I was feeling down, I was at a new employee work mixer. Instead of focusing on “poor me and my insignificant problems”, I decided to reach out to the new employees and make them feel welcome. I pushed myself to reach out and focus on others. My outward attention totally twarted the “poor me” feeling I came in with.

Barb Across the Blogosphere

• Meal Plan Rescue- Reads of the Week
• 101 Centavos- Chain Posts and Post Links

What makes your life fuller?

image credit; Ayham Al-Hawi

Superbowl Party Tips & Links

El Carino and I were visiting San Francisco the day of the division playoffs between the New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers. We ventured into a Marriott and were caught off guard by the abundance of NY Giants fans. This gaggle of folks spawned an interesting conversation about the finances of football fans. First, a little background, we are die hard football fans and have watched every single NY Giants game for years, on

SUPERBOWL PARTY - GO GIANTS

television. We have never been to a live game, although we did venture up to Albany, New York one summer to check out Giants training camp.

In the hotel lobby, we struck up a conversation with a girl dressed head to toe in Giants attire in town to see the game with her dad. They have season tickets and planned to go to the super bowl as well. El Carino and I decided to figure out how middle income folks can afford to attend live football games. We understand how the wealthy and corporations can afford the tickets, but what about those fans who are middle class. How do they do it?

How to Afford Live Football on a Middle Class Income

This is all conjecture, as we don’t know anyone personally who has season tickets to the NY Giants. Although my uncle did have tickets to the Bengals, but he was wealthy, so that doesn’t count. But for arguments sake, I have to believe the middle class can afford to attend live football.

Season Football Tickets (estimated)

NY Giants Season Tickets: $850.00 to $7,000.00

Parking: $200.00

Food: $300.00

Playoff game (including travel, hotel, tickets): $1,500.00

Total: $2,850.00 on Up

I am pleasantly surprised at the results of this calculation. For a single guy, making $55,000.00 per year, it is certainly possible to afford $2,850.00 for a season of football fun. (I’m not counting a superbowl visit) Granted, it’s 5%  of your gross pay. But if football is really important to you and you prioritize going to live games, it’s doable.

I’ve talked a lot about spending on what matters. In short, living in accord with your personal values. For a die hard fan, the majority of your entertainment spending can go towards football.  Skimp on other expenses, and it can work! Forgo an annual vacation and eating at expensive restaurants and a football fan could afford season tickets.

For the rest of us, here are some tips and thoughts for celebrating the Superbowl on the cheap.

Barb Recommends

Gambling, Taxes, and the Superbowl at Bargaineering

How to Host a Superbowl Party on the Cheap at Personal Finance Journey

Superbowl Party Trays; Can You Save Money by Making Your Own? at Frugal Confessions

5 Ideas to Save on Superbowl Party Food, Recipes, and Supplies at Money Crashers

50 Party Recipes for the Big Game at iVillage

Superbowl and the Stock Market at Squirrelers

Score Big with a Superbowl Party at Blogging for Change

 Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Across the Blogosphere

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

• Free Money Finance-Star Money Articles
• Young Adult Finance-What are Your Goals for 2012?
• My University Money-Carnival of Financial Camraderie
• Control Your Cash-Carnival of Wealth
• Carnival of Passive Investing-Afford Anything
• Totally Money Blog Carnival-Canadian Personal Finance
• Yakezie Carnival-Amateur Financier

image credit; xboxaddict80

 & 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

Money Leaks Update talks about plugging those spending leaks at Step Away From the Mall. He’s doing quite well, what about you?

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

a version of this article was published in March, 2010

Enjoy Life First

“Buy what thou hast no need of and ‘ere long thou shalt sell thy necessities.” Benjamin Franklin

There is a ton of junk online and in print. I spent a good part of this morning reading a book called Millionaire Fastlane which proclaimed that the traditional “get rich slowly advice” is false and that anyone can get rich fast.

Get Rich Quick is a Fallacy

I’ve had the good fortune to know many very wealthy individuals. They include large real estate developers, business owners, even the CEO of a fortune 500 company. I’ve also read extensively of others experiences and it is the rare individual that gets rich fast. Sure, it can happen, you make a groundbreaking invention, you sell your company to google, you hit the lottery, you become a professional athelete; it is possible to get rich fast. But it is rare.

If you are interested in developing financial wealth, it will take some time. If you want to get rich overnight, you can stop reading right now, because I don’t have a clue about getting rich fast!

Pure Fun

That said, I have some ideas about how to get wealthy over time, and how to enjoy the journey. My personal experience is that the process is more fun than the outcome!

A Dilemma and A Solution

One of the great challenges today is balancing your present needs and wants with those of the future. It requires quite a bit of introspection.  While almost every Ben Franklin quote oozes wisdom, this one in particular, speaks to the reality that if you go overboard consuming recklessly, you will run out of money, fall into debt, and end up in a bad way!

There is much said about saving for this and saving for that and a lot about sacrificing and giving up something today so you have money for tomorrow. And of course, you all know that in order to have money to buy stuff later, a car, a home, a vacation, etc.; you have to save. But, who has actually sat down and figured out; EXACTLY what you will want in the future and just how much IT WILL COST?

Before you even think about how much money you need later, there is an important step to take first.

Life is Uncertain; What to do?

Figure out what makes you happy.

Simply put, spending time and money on things that improve your life is the way to have a better life!

Trent, from The Simple Dollar site wrote a fascinating post on February 5, 2010 about change called, “What’s Coming Next?” He surveyed his life over the past several years and compared his LIFE EXPECTATIONS (take some college classes and work in a factory; work at Microsoft; remain in debt, unmarried, and childless) with his REALITY (work in a genetics lab, a non-profit, become a full time writer, get some books published, get married, get out of debt, and have 3 kids). His post reminded me that life is uncertain. And this two year old article still holds important wisdom. Trent has gone on to grow his website and work on writing fiction as well. He certainly was not an overnight success yet he is an inspiration to those who want to follow their dreams.

Plan for the Unexpected

Yet, in spite of this uncertainty, it is important to plan and set some goals.

Because, if you don’t figure out what you enjoy, and make some effort to get more of those pleasurable activities in your life, it just won’t happen.

Realize that stuff happens. Keep your personal information protected and check out the ID theft blog for safety tips to combat the “what ifs.”

Life is best led striving to do what you love.

By becoming a full time writer and published author, Trent turned his passion into cash. And that is a life lesson for all!

Figure Out What Fulfills You        

If you don’t already know what you are passionate about, take some action to figure it out! Life is much better when you spend time on activities which are important to you. Having a job you like is fabulous, because it doesn’t feel so much like work! So if you aren’t sure what you are passionate about, check out What Color is Your Parachute by Richard Bolles. Also, think about the times in life when you lost yourself in what you were doing? Ask yourself, “Can I do more of those types of activities?”

Spending more time on satisfying activities equals more pleasure!

You may discover that some of your passions cost money or even more schooling or training. Maybe you want to transition into another career, learn to sky dive, take an art class, or explore Asia. And of course, most of us realize that we want the option to have some cash when we retire to enjoy our potential longevity. But if you don’t consciously explore your passions and set some goals, you are left with little possibility of achieving them.

I went back to graduate school in my 40′s and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It set the stage for my life today.

Wealth is an Attitude

There are those with millions, unsatisfied with their lot and looking at those who have more. Turn your glance inside for a minute or two. Take some time to determine what you value, and then set on a course to get what you want. After you know what direction to head, figure out the dollars and cents of your aspirations.

In part 2 of Enjoy Life and Make Money, learn about the abundant ways to increase your income and net worth. But, while you are pursuing your financial  goals, remember to drink in the enjoyment of the wealth and good fortune you already have.

Action Steps:

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

1. List 25 activities you enjoy.

2. Practice one from the list daily.

 Which activities give you the most wealth in your life?

]]> http://barbarafriedbergpersonalfinance.com/enjoy-life-make-money-pt/feed/ 0 http://barbarafriedbergpersonalfinance.com/why-i-dont-want-smart-phone-tablet-or-ereader/ http://barbarafriedbergpersonalfinance.com/why-i-dont-want-smart-phone-tablet-or-ereader/#comments Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:07:58 +0000 Barb http://barbarafriedbergpersonalfinance.com/?p=1396

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?

Sign up on right to get free WEALTH TIP’s Newsletter, and FREE bonus eBook; 20 Minute Guide to Investing! And be sure to pick up my RSS feed or email subscription and follow me on twitter so you get the word immediately.

Don’t miss Part 2 of this series; How to Live Well if You Work in a Low Paying Field

and Part 3; How You Turned Your Passion Into Cash

The money question that got me thinking…..

A regular reader has been asking me why I do freelance personal finance writing since the pay is not as lucrative as my work as a Portfolio Manager or Investment Professor.

If the sites that hire you for freelance writing are paying x dollars for an article, and you make more money offline for that same hour my next logical question would be; Why do it?

 Here’s how I responded:

It’s certainly logical to wonder why I do freelance personal finance writing for what is clearly less money than I make “in my day jobs.”

Wow, this philosophical and practical question got me thinking.

I am passionate about sharing sound money solutions and wealth building strategies.

 My blogging goals are to educate others in personal finance, investing, and wealthy living. I have amassed plenty of wealth and want to share what has worked in my life along with tips and strategies for others.

Over time my blogging activities cost more time than initially expected, I want to be compensated for my on line efforts. I also seek to grow my readers so that more folks can learn to be financially successful. Teaching others personal finance strategies through freelance writing helps others and yields a bit of financial return for my work.

I like trying new activities and expanding my life options. Blogging is a perfect example of this preference.

If it was only about the money, I probably wouldn’t blog at all since the hourly rate of pay is low.

Do you participate in “work type” activities which provide personal satisfaction and low pay?

Don’t miss Part 2 of this series; How to Live Well if You Work in a Low Paying Field

and Part 3; How You Turned Your Passion Into Cash

image credit; xorsyst

Wealth in Life

Sign up on right to get free WEALTH TIP’s Newsletter, and FREE bonus eBook; 20 Minute Guide to Investing! And be sure to pick up my RSS feed or email subscription and follow me on twitter so you get the word immediately.

Do you regularly feel worried and stressed? Does depression visit more than you’d like to admit?

There’s a free solution to this modern day malaise. According to Andrew Weil, MD, author of Spontaneous
Happiness, certain aspects of modern life create disharmony and depression. Weil posits that we weren’t designed for a modern, sedentary, internet surfing, TV watching, processed food eating life. And this contemporary lifestyle causes higher levels of depression in industrialized nations. According to Weil, the hard working Amish, who live a life of simplicity experience more contentment than their “modern” neighbors.

Here are a few factors Dr. Weil believes contribute to modern day depression:

• Inactivity
• Lack of human contact
• Excess processed food
• Excessive distraction and stimuli

What is Nature Deficit Disorder?

Apparently, our disconnect from nature and physical labor, coupled with the processed modern diet is creating a spiritual and mental void. Not yet a “clinical” diagnosis, it makes sense on an intuitive level. This condition struck me on a deep personal level. Not because I’m depressed, but because I spend a lot of time online and yet relish time in nature. Recently, a service project of apple picking for the hungry and a nature hike with my family were fantastic. Rich beyond money.

Wealth

Research finds and personal experience confirms that wealth in life goes way beyond money. A recent article admonished consumers for being consumed with financial excess and materialism at unaware of true worth. This got me thinking, what is the actual worth of my time with family or the plants I bought for our garden yesterday. Family time has no monetary price, yet time together bestows ultimate riches. In contrast, the joy that I’ll receive from a beautiful garden is also difficult to quantify.

Do not get me wrong, you need enough money to provide for basic needs and occasional splurges. But do not underestimate the importance of the following “contentment basics.” Free and readily available , incorporate these mood boosters into your life and become wealthier.

1. Be mindful in act and deed. Pay full attention to the task at hand. Enjoy the Zen of living.

2. Keep your circadian rhythms in sync by getting sleep at night in a dark room and some bright sunlight during the day. We’re built to thrive in these conditions without which our mood and energy level suffers. If there’s not much light where you live, consider an artificial light.

3. Strive for balance. Take the time to enjoy nature. Moderate your phone and internet use.

4. Get off your butt and be active; play with the kids, go for a walk, do some housework, go bowling or karaoke with friends. Think of early tribal cultures. Weil espouses that depression was not in their experience.

5. Give to others; it’s remarkable how helping someone out improves your well being. Think big, not small, even a smile or holding the door for someone can make you feel connected.

Try a bit more natural living and a bit less synthetic.  Build your wealth in life and appreciate the free gifts at your disposal.

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.

• Make a commitment to spend some time in nature this weekend.
• Allow relaxation and fun to be a part of every week.

What are some of your tips for a wealthy life?

image credit; Dani Ayu

Jerry Sandusky (former Penn State Defensive Coordinator) Abuse Allegations

ESPN is filled with coverage of the suspicions that Sandusky sexually molested defenseless boys over many years. An abuse of a 10 year old boy, was viewed by an assistant coach in the Penn State Locker room and reported to Joe Paterno, the illustrious coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions. Paterno reported this charge to the athletic director.

There was no follow through.

That’s right, abuse was viewed, and no one followed up nor reported the incident to the police.

WHY THE ABUSE WAS IGNORED

There are few that value the capitalistic system more than I do. I certainly do not fault anyone or any organization for trying to make a buck. But superceding this profit motive must be integrity and character. Furthermore, when it comes to abused children, there is no excuse to ignore any charges of harm to children.

How could this go unaddressed for so many years?

• Penn State is a Top 10 College Football Program.
• The football team brings in millions of dollars per year.
• Recruiting the top players is  key to maintaining the status and profitability of the football program.
• If sexual abuse by a key coach is uncovered, recruiting dries up, the program is shamed, and the money goes away!

What does this say about our society that the revenues of a football program supersedes the heinous abuse of children?

image credit; livelaughlove826