10 Investing Habits of Rich People

Embody the habits of the rich to enrich your own wallet!

1. Tax-free: Contributing and trading within a tax-qualified brokerage account means that you could be earning up to 30% additional in returns (which you don’t give to the IRS for capital gains taxes). Compound that year in and year out and it could be worth millions.

2. Play it Safe: Always keep a percent equal to your age safe, i.e. out of the stock market. Certificates of Deposits, savings accounts, money markets, and bonds are less risky than stocks. (Bond funds should be counted as stocks, not bonds.)

3. Stocks on Steroids: Take a small percentage of your stock portfolio for trading. (Don’t trade the whole nest egg.) Subscribe to a great stock newsletter, which is tracked by an independent agency, to achieve superior returns.

4. Great Partners: Interview your financial partner (broker) as if your life depends upon it. Your lifestyle does!

5. Tithe: The first check you write each month should be to your financial freedom fund. 10% for investing, so that your money can make gains while you sleep! With this habit alone, you could be a millionaire in 31 years, even if you only made $14/hour.

6. Don’t be the Bank of Mom and Dad: You’re not qualified to, nor would you want to, establish the underwriting guidelines for loaning out money to relatives. If someone needs money, consider any gift you give to be a gift or charity. If someone wants you to go into business with him or her, consider whether or not you want to provide that widget or service to the world. In most cases, you’ll be better off considering your help to be charity or an investment, and not a loan.

7. Avoid Fair-Weather Friends: Whether it is a new broker, a new person you met by email or just new interest from someone who never cared much about you, if the new relationship is all about the money, make sure you are doing business with a monk! Do your due diligence and don’t be seduced by promises of guaranteed riches, guaranteed love or a fabulous lifestyle.

8. Switch-Hit: Do as much of your day trading as possible in a tax-qualified retirement plan, such as an IRA or even possibly a college fund or health savings account. That could help you are reduce the taxes you pay on capital gains.

9. Getty/Guggenheim Your Fab Self: Find out every tax-qualified account that exists and stock up your holdings in as many protected accounts as possible, including IRAs, 401 (k)s, health savings accounts, college funds and foundations!

10. Live the Rich Life: Wealth is not just money. Wealth is enjoying a happy, fulfilling rich life with people you care about, and investing in products and services that make the world a better place. Health is wealth, so get happy & exercise! Breathing is health, so invest in green! 

The Secrets to Making More Money

Who among us doesn’t want to make more? If we’re earning $50,000, we’d really like to be making $100,000. If we’re making $100,000, we feel we deserve to earn $200,000 – just like the boys. Perhaps you tell yourself that to make more you’d have to work longer hours, or that only doctors and lawyers really can achieve high incomes, or that you’ll need a degree from an Ivy league school to break through the glass ceiling. But what is really holding you back?

 

Barbara Stanny, author of “Secrets of Six Figure Women,” says the person holding most women back from becoming high earners is themselves. In her book, Stanny reveals that what you really need isn’t more education, longer hours or a different career – you just have to change your perspective.

 

“It’s entirely possible for any one of us, with average intelligence, to increase our income without selling our soul. No matter how difficult your circumstances or how discouraged you feel, climbing the salary scale is entirely within your grasp,” she writes.

 

Stanny should know. She interviewed more than 150 women who earn between $100,000 and $7 million. What she found was that these women didn’t share the same educational background, work experiences or professions. A couple women hadn’t finished high school, they started out in minimum wage jobs – yet somehow they overcame the obstacles and broke free from a life of under earning. In fact many of these six-figure women were once underearners. Stanny defines an underearner as someone who earns “less than they need or desire.”

 

Here are a couple of the secrets that Stanny discovered from six-figure women:

 

Education and Lack of Experience Doesn’t Have to Hold You Back.

One of the women that Stanny interviewed said, “I was destined for the trailer park.” While working as a meter maid in Beverly Hills she started meeting wealthy people – who first started talking to her to get out of their parking ticket. What she discovered is that knack for talking to people. Soon she was introducing the people she had meet to each other – mostly setting up dates. So, she put an ad in the paper, and now charges thousands as a matchmaker.

 

Another woman went from being a single mother working as a secretary to a graphic designer earning six figures.

 

What these women discovered is that the real secret is to set your sight on a goal and be committed to doing whatever it takes to achieve your goal.

Feel the Fear. Have the Doubts. Go for it Anyway.

Every woman Stanny spoke to admitted that at some point they had doubts, felt insecure or incompetent, but she says that’s just part of the game. You’ve got to be in it to win and winning means being uncomfortable.

 

“The process to getting there (earning six figures) was about going outside their comfort zone. You can have it all if you are willing to do what doesn’t feel comfortable,” Stanny says.

 

The key is to project confidence even if you don’t feel it.

 

Learn to Speak Up.

Part of being uncomfortable means you have to speak up. You have to be willing to demand a higher salary, charge your clients more and have the confidence to walk away when you feel you deserve more than you are getting.

 

One of the women Stanny interviewed pointed out that “You don’t get what you deserve. You get what you demand.”

 

For many women, getting outside of their comfort zone means they have to overcome their beliefs including the belief that women can’t be powerful or aggressive. And we don’t have to live in fear of being called a bitch.

 

“Being labeled a bitch is not a bad thing,” Stanny says. “That’s where our power is. When we are raising our children we are ferociously protective of them. We need to learn the same thing for ourselves.”

 

Instead of focusing on the needs of others, you need to find out what you want. Maybe a corner office isn’t what’s important to you. Maybe you’d really like to earn six-figures while working part-time.

 

Working Hard Doesn’t Mean Working All the Time.

Stanny found that many of the women she interviewed reached six figures after they took their destiny into their own hands.

 

One consultant Stanny interviewed decided that she wanted to make more money and work less. So she started raising her fees by a couple hundred dollars for each project. What she discovered was that her clients were willing to pay more. She learned that many women undervalue themselves and what they have to contribute. Consequently, they limit their true earning potential.

 

Each woman discovered her own unique balance. One woman opened a restaurant in her home. Many of the women began working out of the home and some even advance more slowly in their career in order to have more time for family, Stanny says. What these women learned is that earning six figures doesn’t mean work consumes your whole life.

 

“You don’t have to work 24/7. You can cut down your hours and make more money. It’s not how many hours you work; it’s the focus you have when you work,” Stanny explains. “Underearners tend to be scattered. High earners tend to be more focused. When they work they work. When they play, they play.”

How Do I Trust Him?

How Do I Trust Him?
The following quote shows that an inseparable part of loving someone is to trust them.
“I don’t pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me;
Love is knowing all about someone,
and still wanting to be with them more than any other person,
Love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself,
including the things you might be ashamed of,
Love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone,
but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you.”

Q . I do trust him when he says he won’t cheat on me, but there’s something inside of me saying that I need to continue to watch him. I will wear myself out if I try to keep watching his every move. How do I trust him that all it is is just talking?”

Ans. If I were you, I’d stay off his computer — that tends to put you in the role of a snooping parent. What I would do, is keep communication open. It sounds as though when you talk to him, he’s very honest about what he’s done and his intentions, whether he’s able to follow through or not. You could simply ask him from time to time how he’s doing with his resolve and is there anything the two of you need to talk about? And from your side, rather than make him wrong, you can just be clear about how it all makes you feel. Mostly, things tend to go wrong when we stop communicating, when we stop speaking our truth. And, of course, the bottom line is, suspicion can truly destroy a relationship so, I’d suggest talking and trusting.

I Can’t Find Jeans That Fit And Look Good… Can You Help?

I Can’t Find Jeans That Fit And Look Good… Can You Help?

For the first time in my life, I don’t own a single pair of jeans. I can’t find jeans that fit and look good. I’m 44 years old with an average build and I used to look great in jeans. Now, none of them seem to fit right. Also, I’m way out of touch with what’s age-appropriate (more like age-inappropriate) for me.

More important than age, I think, is body type. And no matter how old you are, no one wants to see pants that are too tight. Not saying that yours would be, I’m just throwing it out there. I think the trend in denim is starting to go back to dark denim. However, there are new treatments and washes available that give us a really great dark (not faded) denim but a light-weight fabric so we can escape some of the stiffness that we got the first time around with this style. My favorite jeans right now are this great pair of Paper Denim & Cloth. Solid jeans, dark denim, and a light-weight material that’s even great for summertime. Obviously, skinny jeans are a hot item right now. So, if you feel comfortable wearing them and your body type permits… I say go for it.

1. Probably the trendiest denim style for fall, wide leg jeans are a fresh change from last year’s skinny jean obsession. Wide leg jeans and pants will rule for Fall and Winter 2008-2009. I must say this will be the hottest trend in denim for this season. And this is a good thing, wear them with heels and your legs will look super-long! High or low waist – both are in. I love the look of wide leg jeans with low waist only.
2. Skinny jeans lovers have nothing to worry about! Skinny jeans definitely stay in for fall-winter 2008-2009. Designers love it, girls look sexy wearing them, and the number of fresh super hot fashion ideas that involve skinny jeans is enormous! Skinny leather pants are also seen in many many collections for fall-winter 2008-2009.
3. Also go for dark wash jeans for Fall 2008! They are so versatile and classy!
The new season is here!

Top 10 Reasons Relationships Work

Top 10 Reasons Relationships Work

10. “Our relationship is first… not third or fourth…”
9. “We’re able to compromise…”
8. “He acknowledges and validates me…”
7. “Humor… we know how to have fun…”
6. “We’re friends…”
5. “We accept each other’s strengths and weaknesses…”
4. “Everybody’s responsible and no one is to blame…”
3. “We have a healthy dependence/mutuality in our relationship…”
2. “We can disagree without attacking…”
1. “We’re able to really listen and communicate with each other…”

Top 10 Reasons Relationships Fail

Top 10 Reasons Relationships Fail

10. “We’ve just grown apart…”
9. “We’re just not in love anymore…”
8. “He’ll never change…”
7. “I don’t have any emotions/feelings left…”
6. “All we do is fight…”
5. “There’s just too much resentment built up…”
4. “We can’t work out problems with children…”
3. “There’s no intimacy or ‘fire’…”
2. “I just can’t trust him…”
1. “We just don’t communicate…”

Eight common myths about dating

Dating is never easy. You’re excited about the fun opportunity ahead but at the same time, nervous about messing it up. Unfortunately, there aren’t set rules for a successful date — even though your friends will imply there are.

Here are eight common myths about dating “rules” and why they are not true:

1. Because you are shy, guys need to ask you out or make the first move.

When you want something to eat, you go out and get it. Being shy doesn’t hold you back from eating and it shouldn’t hold you back from dating. Don’t confuse being shy with being scared of rejection — and you are not alone in this fear.

Dating is a risk. It could work out or it couldn’t. The only way to know is to give it a chance. Don’t be afraid to take action. If you don’t speak up, you won’t get a date. If you do speak up, you now have the chance of him or her saying yes.

2. If you pay for dinner, you should get sex.

Unless you are dating an escort, sex does not come with the meal. A date is an opportunity to get to know each other and see if there is chemistry. Paying for dinner doesn’t even guarantee you a second date.

3. Taking phone calls and answering text messages is OK on a date.

It is 2008 and we are all well connected to the world. We receive phone calls, text messages pictures, email and can surf the web all on our phones. It does not mean we are allowed to do it on a date. It is just plain rude.

You can give up all the technology for a few hours to enjoy a date and have a real conversation in person. Be respectful and present in your date; you at least owe your date that.

4. You should wait three days before you call for a second date.

Do you wait three days to tell an employer you are going to accept the job? No, because the job may not be available if you wait. It’s the same thing with dating.

If you want a second date, call and plan it out. You can even mention it at the end of the first date. Simply let him know you had a good time and that you’re free this weekend to hang out again. It’s a lot better than spending your weekend alone because you didn’t ask.

5. The top pays for dinner.

Seriously? I have heard this many times from clients and friends. I’m telling you it’s not true. Your sexual position has nothing to do with who pays. Dating manners say the person who planned the date is supposed to pay. I think it is always polite to offer to pay. It’s just good manners.

6. We’re not even locked into the typical dinner-and-movie date. Think unconventionally when setting up your date. Why not take a cooking class together? How about going to zoo or aquarium? Not only do unconventional dates create better experiences, but they help reduce the awkwardness a candlelight dinner can cause.

7. You shouldn’t have sex on the first date.

You are both adults and can choose what to do on your date. There is no proof that waiting to have sex or jumping right into bed with body paints creates successful couples. It’s up to the both of you and your comfort level.

I’ll just warn you: Sex on a first date does not guarantee you a second date and, as I said before, it doesn’t come with a free meal.

8. Because you are both guys, you shouldn’t open the door for him.

Chivalry is not dead. You still want to be polite and have manners. Saying “please” and “thank you,” opening doors and saying “bless you” when your date sneezes are just ways to show you’re a gentleman and respectful. Plus you will make Mom very proud of your behavior.

There isn’t a guaranteed solution to a successful date. A major part of dating is just plain chemistry. Stop trying to play by your friends’ “rules” and make your own as you go along. You know what is best for you.

I would love to hear your dating “rule” myths. Add your personal myths and why they are not true to the comments section. We can work together to make dating a lot easier for everyone.

Tips for finding Mr. Right

There is one thing that most women have in common and that is their passion for finding Mr. Right. We all have the image of the man of our dreams on who is and how he should be but how do we go about finding him? Well finally there is hope.
By following a few tips you will be well on your way to finding that perfect man.

• Meeting Mr. Right takes careful planning and preparation; it’s typically not always a spontaneous, out-of-the-blue experience. Know yourself and what you believe in and stand for, as well as what you’re looking for. Ensure that you’re emotionally available and ready for a possible relationship.
• Be friendly, open, receptive, and assertive when socializing. Your life partner could be anywhere, so don’t limit yourself exclusively to certain meeting places. Expand your horizons and be open to new possibilities.
• Avoid expecting every encounter to lead somewhere. Not every hot guy you meet is Mr. Right. Use your screening skills and assess true goodness-of-fit.
• Don’t let dating consume your life. Live your life in a balanced and fulfilling way. Be happily single.
• Defeat negative thinking that could undermine your confidence in social situations. Be affirming towards yourself and let each experience be a new learning opportunity to help you improve yourself and your approaches.

Top 10 Reasons Relationships Work

10. “Our relationship is first… not third or fourth…”
9. “We’re able to compromise…”
8. “He acknowledges and validates me…”
7. “Humor… we know how to have fun…”
6. “We’re friends…”
5. “We accept each other’s strengths and weaknesses…”
4. “Everybody’s responsible and no one is to blame…”
3. “We have a healthy dependence/mutuality in our relationship…”
2. “We can disagree without attacking…”
1. “We’re able to really listen and communicate with each other…”

52 PROVEN STRESS REDUCERS

52 PROVEN STRESS REDUCERS

1.Get up fifteen minutes earlier in the morning. The inevitable morning mishaps will be less stressful.

2. Prepare for the morning the evening before. Set the breakfast table. Make lunches. Put out the clothes you plan to wear, etc.

3. Don’t rely on your memory. Write down appointment times, when to pick up the laundry, when library books are due, etc. (”The palest ink is better than the most retentive memory.”- Old Chinese Proverb)

4. Do nothing you have to lie about later.

5. Make copies of all keys. Bury a house key in a secret spot in the garden. Carry a duplicate car key in your wallet, apart from your key ring.

6. Practice preventive maintenance. Your car, appliances, home and relationships will be less likely to break down “at the worst possible moment.”

7. Be prepared to wait. A paperback book can make a wait in a post office line almost pleasant.

8. Procrastination is stressful. Whatever you want to do tomorrow, do today; whatever you want to do today, do it now.

9. Plan ahead. Don’t let the gas tank get below onequarter full, keep a well- stocked “emergency shelf” of home staples, don’t wait until you’re down to your last bus token or postage stamp to buy more, etc.

10. Don’t put up with something that doesn’t work right. If your alarm clock wallet, shoe laces, windshield wipers-whatever-are a constant aggravation, get them fixed or get new ones.

11. Allow 15 minutes of extra time to get to appointments. Plan to arrive at an airport one hour before domestic departures.

12. Eliminate (or restrict) the amount of caffeine in your diet.

13. Always set up contingency plans, “just in case.” (”If for some reason either of us is delayed, here’s what we’ll do…” Or, “If we get split up in the shopping center, here’s where we’ll meet.”)

14. Relax your standards. The world will not end if the grass doesn’t get mowed this weekend.

15. Pollyanna-Power! For every one thing that goes wrong, there are probably 10 or 50 or 100 blessings. Count ‘em!

16. Ask questions. Taking a few moments to repeat back the directions that someone expects of you, etc., can save hours. (The old “the hurrieder I go, the behinder I get” idea.)

17. Say “No!” Saying no to extra projects, social activities and invitations you know you don’t have the time or energy for takes practice, self-respect and a belief that everyone, everyday, needs quiet time to relax and to be alone.

18. Unplug your phone. Want to take a long bath, meditate, sleep or read without interruption? Drum up the courage to temporarily disconnect.

(The possibility of there being a terrible emergency in the next hour or so is almost nil.)

19. Turn “needs” into preferences. Our basic physical needs translate into food, water, and keeping warm. Everything else is a preference. Don’t get attached to preferences.

20. Simplify, simplify, simplify.

21. Make friends with nonworriers. Chronic worrywarts are contagious.

22. Take many stretch breaks when you sit a lot.

23. If you can’t find quiet at home, wear earplugs.

24. Get enough sleep. Set your alarm for bedtime.

25. Organize! A place for everything and everything in its place. Losing things is stressful.

26. Monitor your body for stress signs. If your stomach muscles are knotted and your breathing is shallow, relax your muscles and take some deep, slow breaths.

27. Write your thoughts and feelings down on paper. It can help you clarify and give you a renewed perspective.

28. Do this yoga exercise when you need to relax: Inhale through your nose to the count of eight. Pucker your lips and exhale slowly to the count of 16. Concentrate on the long sighing sound and feel the tension dissolve. Repeat 10 times.

29. Visualize success before any experience you fear. Take time to go over every part of the event in your mind. Imagine how great you will look, and how well you will present yourself.

30. If the stress of deadlines gets in the way of doing a job, use diversion. Take your mind off the task and you will focus better when you’re on task.

31. Talk out your problems with a friend. It helps to relieve confusion.

32. Avoid people and places that don’t fit your personal needs and desires. If you hate politics, don’t spend time with politically excited people.

33. Learn to live one day at a time.

34. Everyday, do something you really enjoy.

35. Add an ounce of love to everything you do.

36. Take a bath or shower to relieve tension.

37. Do a favor for someone every day.

38. Focus on understanding rather than on being under stood, on loving rather than on being loved.

39. Looking good makes you feel better.

40. Take more time between tasks to relax. Schedule a realistic day.

41. Be flexible. Some things are not worth perfection.

42. Stop negative self-talk: “I’m too fat, too old, etc…”

43. Change pace on weekends. If your week was slow, be active. If you felt nothing was accomplished during the week, do a weekend project.

44. “Worry about the pennies, and the dollars will take care of themselves.” Pay attention to the details in front of you.

45. Do one thing at a time. When you are working on one thing, don’t think about everything else you have to do.

46. Allow time every day for privacy, quiet and thinking.

47. Do unpleasant tasks early and enjoy the rest of the day.

48. Delegate responsibility to capable people.

49. Take lunch breaks. Get away from your work in body and in mind.

50. Count to 1,000, not 10, before you say something that could make matters worse.

51. Forgive people and events. Accept that we live in an imperfect world.

52. Have an optimistic view of the world. Most people do the best they can.

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