Top 5 Money Management Tips

One of my readers has asked for advice on money management and as I am actually qualified in this area, I have decided to write a series on how to rule your money rather than it ruling you and offer some useful money management tips along the way!

Today we will start with a few easy suggestions to get you on the way to keeping more of your money in your pocket!

 

When you are looking to save money for an investment or a big expense like a vacation, car or home, you need to implement money management tips. Remember that managing your money doesn’t mean you have to give up your entire life, it just means that you have to be a little more mindful of your cash flow.

Here are some simple start ups for you…..

1. Map Out Your Expenses

For a month, write down everything you buy. Don’t worry about obsessively reviewing it every day, but take the time to make it accurate. You’ll find that there are plenty of unnecessary purchases you can eliminate from your budget without thinking twice.

* This is a great way to track your cash expenses, which includes all the times you stop for coffee, go out for lunch, or stop by the dry cleaners. Write down every penny spent and review it the end of each month.

2. Pay Your Bills on Time

This goes without saying, but keep in mind that missing your payments on your bills will make the late fees pile up. This should also be a reminder to make sure that you return your library books or DVD rentals on time.

* Set up automatic bill payments and you’ll never have to worry about late fees again.

3. Reduce Unnecessary Services

One of the most common money wasters is paying for services you really don’t need. For example, how many television channels do you really watch? Chances are good that there are a few dozen channels you simply never turn to. If you can get rid of some of your programming, you just may find that you’ll have some extra cash at the end of the month.


* Call your telephone, television, and wireless phone companies and ask if your plan is the most cost effective. If you don’t use call waiting or text messaging, don’t pay for it.

4. Reduce Driving

With the skyrocketing prices of gas, try alternate methods of transportation, especially for frequent or shorter trips. Get a bike, try the bus or train when you travel, or walk if you’re heading somewhere closer. Take some time and really analyze where your gas money is going.

* If you can’t use public transportation to get to work, consider carpooling with someone else in your company. This reduces the wear and tear on your car and will save you gas money, especially if three or four people share the ride. Also try grouping your errands all at once so you can get it all done in one trip.

5. Budget Your Eating Expenses

When you’re looking at where you spend your money, you might be surprised that so much of it is spent on take-out or restaurants. It all adds up!

* Limit the number of times you go out every week and start planning your menus when you cook at home. This will make a huge difference in your grocery bill.

Make Sure to Get Your Family Involved

Saving money and using these money management tips will be easier if you have your whole family on board, supporting the effort together. After all, these are good money lessons to teach children of all ages.

Don’t be intimidated with the idea of saving money. Just by implementing a few of these tips each month – and sticking with it – will help you keep more money in your bank account!

I have lots to share on this topic, but didn’t really consider this issue personal development until I was asked!

When you think about it though, it is definately a self improvement topic when you will be better off both financially and have a better attitude to life with more money to spend!

I will write regularly on money management and plan to offer money management tips and suggestions at least twice weekly from now on!

Tags: money, Money Management, money management tips

Brian Tracy and Kymmy Link on Success

Success is what we all want and my regular readers know how much I love Brian Tracy and his idea’s on Success.

Today I would like to share with you a nice little piece of wisdom from Brian Tracy and also give you access to a really great Brian Tracy book deal whilst im at it!

The Real Secret of Success. Make more money now, Work smarter not harder, Spend time with your family. Learn the secrets today.

First though, here is a few thoughts on Success…..

Success Leaves Tracks
By Brian Tracy

When I began searching for the secrets of success many years ago, I discovered an interesting principle: success leaves tracks.

In other words, if you want to be a big success in any area, find out what other successful people in that area are doing, and do the same things, until you get the same results. By learning from the experts, you will shorten your learning curve and accelerate your results.

That’s what I did. When I studied the interviews, speeches, biographies and autobiographies of successful men and women, I found that they all had one quality in common. They were all described as being “extremely well-organized.” They used their time very, very well. They were highly productive and they got vastly more done in the same period of time than the average person.

I followed their paths and it made me who I am today.

Here are two things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action:

First, develop a study plan today to learn from the experts in your field. This can save you years of hard work.

Second, of all you’ve learned decide what is the most important thing to implement, and then decide how to do it. Then do it.

Simple – but profound, don’t you think?

This is one of Brian Tracy‘s most popular books. If you don’t have your own copy — you should!

Flight Plan Plus Bonuses sells itself — it is truly one of the best and most effective life and goal-planning programs in the world.

Everyone has heard of “The Secret.” Brian will explain that “The Secret” is missing some very fundamental points on success — it completely leaves out the word “work.”

In his book, Flight Plan, Brian Tracy explains that there is a specific methodology that successful people follow…

They make their “Flight Plan” — their goal list.

They “Take Off” — take chances with no guarantees toward their goals.

They make continual “Course Corrections” — they accept feedback and self-correct, learn from every experience.

In this book, Brian lays out a step-by-step, 12 chapter process that enables you to accomplish extraordinary things.

You can finally…
Become financially independent
Work smarter, not harder
Retire in style
Vacation and spend time with your family

Brian Tracy eminates Success! He has personally gone from rags to riches using these principles. He has taught them to 4 million people in 46 countries and become one of the top success teachers and gurus on personal performance in the world.

People who apply the formula in Flight Plan, experience immediate changes and long-term improvements in every area of life.

With this great Brian Tracy book you get Two Bonuses Included!

The Miracle of Self-Discipline -60 minute CD, Learn how to develop the master key to riches and success. Connect to your own personal greatness.

Goals! -60 minute CD, Learn a practical, proven series of steps you can take to get and achieve any goal. Resolve to achieve all of your goals today.

Learn Success from one of the masters – Brian Tracy! I am and very soon I will be able to bring you news of my most recent achievements and Success and most importantly my new business partnership with Brian Tracy!

Yes! I am very excited! My road to success just got alot shorter with Brian Tracy as my business partner! Stay tuned…..

Tags: Brian Tracy, Brian Tracy Book, Success

Making Healthy Food Choices In your Busy Life!

As you know – I have been on a health kick…so today I’ve got some tips for making healthy food chioces to help you on your road to a better life!

You’ll be pleased to discover that a hectic life doesn’t mean that every meal has to be fast food on the run! Sometimes it’s difficult to make healthy changes, but with a little planning and know-how, it can be done.

You already know how important it is to make healthy food choices for you and your family. But how can you fit the best choices into your busy life?

Here’s a Great Place to Learn about Health and Fitness – Click Me!

Here are some strategies to help you and your family make healthy choices:

1. Make dinner time a social experience.

Dinner should be about enjoying your company and taking pleasure in the foods you’re eating.

Dinner becomes a great experience when you’re able to enjoy healthy foods together. Take time to eat as a family and enjoy a real conversation with each other. Talking will naturally slow down your eating pace, while also reconnecting you with your family members.

When you begin to look at mealtime as a social experience, it becomes easier to make the right choices about healthy foods. Suddenly you aren’t so worried about rushing through and making it quick.

2. Avoid temptation.

It’s so easy to walk into the store with good intent, but walk out with bags full of unhealthy foods. Unfortunately, our wills are weak, especially if we’ve trained ourselves over the years to buy junk foods.

* Think of healthier alternatives to your family’s favorite unhealthy foods. Rather than high calorie chips, try trail mixes or rice cakes. Low calorie puddings or frozen yogurts are better alternatives to higher fat ice creams.

* Never shop when you’re hungry. This way you won’t pick out unhealthy choices because they look good at the moment.


* Get rid of the unhealthy foods in your home. If they aren’t around, you won’t be tempted to eat them.

3. Eat fast and healthy meals at home.

When you’re tired at the end of the day and you realize you still have to feed the family, it’s easy to go to a fast food chain and throw fast food on the table. It may save some time, but it won’t save your health – or your pocket book!

* Look online for quick and easy recipes made with all natural ingredients. Many recipes can be made in 30 minutes or less and only have 5 ingredients. Taking the time to do some recipe research will save your sanity in the long run. Then once you find a “hit” with the family, store the recipe in a book or on your computer.


This Book will Help You in Your Healthy Food Choices – Click Me!

* The great thing is that there are many easy, fast, and healthy foods you can make at home. This takes some planning, but you’ll be more satisfied, save money, and be healthier as well.

* When you cook, make large batches and freeze the leftovers. This way, you’ll already have meals in the freezer that you can just thaw, heat, and serve. No mess, no fuss! This is the opportune way to enjoy “fast” food at home.

4. Eat Slower.

Since the brain takes about 20 minutes to get the signal that the stomach is full, if you eat too fast you’ll pack in a lot more food than you need. When you’re still thinking you’re hungry, it’s easy to make the wrong choices about food. If you slow down while you’re eating, you’ll eat less and you’ll still feel full.

* Set a calming mood before sitting down for a meal. Avoid having the television on or eating as you’re rushing the kids out the door to another activity. Sitting calmly at the table will allow everyone to relax and enjoy their meal.

Using these techniques will bring all kinds of healthy benefits to your family and teach your children a healthy lifestyle. Healthy food choices are a possibility in your busy life if you take the time to plan ahead and make dinner time a priority in your home.

I’ll keep you up to dat on my health kick and the benefits I am receiving for making the effort to chooses healthy food.

I would love to hear about what you are doing to improve your health and how you are going with your efforts in making healthy food choices – let me know

Tags: healthy food, healthy food choices, Making Healthy Food Choices In your Busy Life

What is Visualization Really?

Your mind has an amazing ability to create your reality, and visualization is a key to creating the reality you desire. Our thoughts, like everything, are made up of energy, and that energy sends a certain vibration into the universe.

Many people use visualization to inspire and motivate them. More than just thinking about what you want, visualization is an effective tool that harnesses the power of your subconscious mind to help you achieve your wildest dreams.

 

There are many tools you can use to help you live the life of your dreams. Opening your mind to different techniques can help you make big changes in how you approach your future and reach your goals.

As vibrations are sent out, they attract similar energetic vibrations and draw them to us. The more positive energy you put out, the more positive energy you’ll receive.

This universal law of attraction is at work in your life, whether you believe in it or not.

By understanding how universal laws work, you can choose to work with them and manifest great changes in your world.

Read how the Experts do it – Click Here!

Follow these steps to effective visualization:

1. Make sure you’re in a quiet environment without distractions.

2. Close your eyes and breathe deeply.
Breathe in slowly through your nose to a count of five, then exhale through your mouth to a count of five or more. As you breathe in, your diaphragm should expand, and as you exhale, it should flatten.

* Take at least three to five breaths like this to slow your heart rate and calm your mind.

3. Picture a clear mental image of what you desire.
Focus on the details. Notice the colors, textures, sounds and smells within your vision. See yourself touching the things in your vision and tasting the air.

* See yourself accomplishing your goals with ease.

* Picture yourself already doing or having the things you want to manifest.

* Let it play like a movie in your mind, with you as the director and leading star.

4. Practice visualizing the thing you want at least twice each day.
In order for visualization to work to its highest potential, you must be consistent with your new habit and use the practice every day.

* If you start to experience negative thoughts during your day, stop them and replace them with your vision and the positive thoughts connected to it.

Don’t rush through your visualization. Allow yourself enough time to experience the vision fully; about ten minutes or so is usually sufficient.

Follow each step of the process through to completion. Let yourself feel the emotions connected to achieving your goal. Avoid any feelings of doubt or questioning. Visualize the outcome as though it has already happened.

Visualization can be very powerful in helping clarify your desires. However, it’s important to remember that you may not receive the answers you’re seeking in the way you expect. Remain open minded to different manifestations of your desires.

You may find your desires answered immediately or they may come to pass gradually. By keeping an open mind, you’re more likely to see opportunities that can bring your visualizations to fruition.

If you desire money, for example, don’t expect to win the lottery or receive a check in the mail. Instead, you may be offered a new job, a promotion, or some other opportunity to earn extra money.

Don’t Just Visualize though – Learn HOW to get the Ultimate Life – Click Here!

Visualization can lead you to greater peace of mind, serenity and contentment. Begin using visualization techniques today to help you achieve your goals and desires, and reap the rewards!

Well I think that pretty well sums up the question about “What is Visualization“? do you have anything to add?

Tags: visualization

What’s the Bad News about Affirmations?

 

I write about affirmations a fair bit because, the good news is that I believe that positive affirmations can make a big difference to your life if you use them properly.

 

So, what’s the bad news about affirmations?
If you use them the wrong way – it backfires!

 

Find Good News here about your best chance at Total Life Success!

Negative thinking reinforces an internal belief that we’ll never be able to change ourselves and that we’re destined to continue repeating our self-destructive behaviors. When we re-affirm our negative thoughts, we enter into a vicious cycle that leads to even more negative thinking.

How many times in a day do you tell yourself how stupid you are for forgetting something or how fat you are when your favorite jeans feel tight?

As you go through life, you’re constantly affirming your own thoughts and beliefs. Throughout each day, you consciously and unconsciously tell yourself things based on your belief system.

The problem is, much of the time you may actually be re-affirming negative thoughts rather than positive ones. This is bad news. After all, if your affirmations are negative, you can expect only negative outcomes!

Imagine how different your life would be if you began using positive affirmations to reinforce the positive!

Your subconscious mind accepts things on a very literal basis, so for affirmations to work effectively, you need to follow a simple formula.

Affirmations work wonders if you use them properly. By making a few simple adjustments in the way you phrase your inner dialog, you can begin using this powerful technique to change your thinking and change your life.

Here is some great help with Affirmations – Click Me!

Follow these tips to create positive affirmations that can change your life for the better:

1. Your subconscious mind is very literal.
It can’t process the concept of “not.” The statement, “I am not going to lie on the couch watching TV when I should be exercising” won’t do anything other than re-affirm how you should lay on the couch in front of the television.


* “I enjoy exercising in my spare time” is more likely to motivate you to get up and go to the gym, instead of reaching for the remote control and a bag of chips.


Form your intention in a positive way, even if you haven’t made the behavior change yet.


2. Your subconscious needs to know you’re doing something now.
Not in the future. For example, if you state an affirmation as something you want to change, such as “I will quit smoking,” your subconscious cannot distinguish what you mean by “I will.”


* “I am free from the desire to smoke” is an effective affirmation and will begin to program your subconscious mind into thinking as a non-smoker, even before you put down the cigarettes.


It has no sense of planning for the future. In fact, your subconscious mind will accept what you tell it, even if the behavior has not yet happened, that’s why you should state your affirmation as if it’s already a fact.


3. An affirmation must be personal for your subconscious to accept it.
Saying, “You need to eat healthy” won’t help you change your diet. When your subconscious hears the word “you,” it doesn’t interpret it as a statement directed at yourself.


* “I enjoy eating healthy foods” is a positive, first person affirmation that will help you begin making better choices when you reach for a meal or snack.


Instead, phrase your positvie affirmation in the first person. Stick to “I” in your affirmations and you’ll soon notice a strong positive effect on your behaviors.


Make an effort to stop reinforcing your old, negative thinking that keeps you caught in a rut. Try using these three simple techniques today to create affirmations that can change your subconscious programming, your actions, and your life for the better.

Positive, personal, present tense affirmations are extremely powerful in changing how your subconscious affects your behavior.

So, it’s not bad news after all! Now that you know how to use affirmations properly you are on the way to enjoying a much better state of mind!

As a gift from me to you, here is a great (and free!) affirmations handbook for you to download and enjoy!

I have these gorgeous little positive affirmations printed out and stuck up around my office – you can too! – Enjoy!

Tags: Affirmations, Positive Affirmations