Archive for the 'Productivity Tools' category
Financial Timeline
Sunday, January 14, 2007 2:57 pm
You’re finally at the coveted place known as “in the black,” which means you actually earn more than you spend. It’s taken hard work and discipline, but you’re well on your way to financial freedom. Because you bring in more than you pay out, you finally have the chance to do something positive with your money, like paying off your debts and building a successful future. But to do so, you’ll need to follow a financial timeline. Here are the areas you should focus on in order of importance.
1. Pay off high-interest debt
The longer you carry debt, the more money you’ll end up paying. Therefore, the first step in a successful financial timeline is paying off the money you owe. But not all debt is created equal, so it pays to pick and choose. The first thing that has to go is high-interest credit card debt. If you’ve been carrying a balance for a while, you could be paying 20% or more. Since you’ll probably never find an investment that provides you with more than that amount in interest, there’s no sense saving money until you’ve completely paid off this debt.
2. Pay off additional debts
Additional debts that should be paid off, but on a different timeline, include student loans and mortgages on first homes. Typically, these loans have two things in common. First, the interest on them is tax-deductible, so it can pay to have that deduction in April. Second, the interest, especially on student loans, tends to be lower than on credit cards. That means you have a choice to make. If you’re able to safely make more interest on a given investment than the amount of interest you’re being charged for your student loan, it could be wise to invest rather than pay off the debt. This way, the interest you generate will pay off the interest on the loan and eat away at the principal. And once you’ve paid off the entire loan, you’ll still have the principal from the investment to work with.
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Job Fairs - create a lasting impression at job fairs
Thursday, January 11, 2007 8:45 pm
Job fairs. Speed dating for job seekers and employers! Or like a cattle market.
Most Colleges and Universities organise job fairs round about graduation time to allow students to meet new employers - it’s a fairly common method of recruiting recent graduates.
Job seekers can use job fairs to find out a bit more information about employers, working life and general industry information. This is what most people use job fairs for.
However, the opportunity exists for job seekers to use the brief few minutes they have with employers to create a lasting impression (er, a “good” lasting impression!) and sell themselves, for job fairs are also an opportunity for the cream of the crop to rise to the top!
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Make Money by Investing in Real-Estate
Wednesday, January 10, 2007 12:54 am
You always hear about people who made their fortunes investing in the stock market, and you also hear about other investors who lost their shirts playing the same game. But you hardly ever hear about real-estate investors who go bankrupt, and that’s because it doesn’t happen often.
That’s right, those individuals who invested wisely in real estate many years ago are living a very comfortable lifestyle. Investing in real estate wisely can garner lots of money, so if you’re just getting started, or have considered investing in real estate, the information that follows is invaluable.
take the risk
No one hears about how much money one can make investing in real estate. That’s probably because it is a little well-kept secret. If everyone knew about it, everyone would be doing it, right?
Wrong. Much like starting your own business, investing in real estate requires entrepreneurial skills and a vision. Which is why not everyone is jumping on the real estate bandwagon.
Not everyone is willing to take the additional risk that real-estate investing entails. And these are the same people or renters that will make you rich. The little secret is that there are hundreds of individuals who choose to procrastinate for every one individual who has a vision and chooses to take the risk with investing in real-estate.
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The Truth About Bodybuilding Myths
Wednesday, January 3, 2007 10:20 pm
You might disagree, but hear me out on this; the vast majority of myths about weight gain are mostly passed down from “gym talk” and so-called experts who know nothing about the body’s workings.
Myths that lead to wasted time, frustration and if are taken blindly as truth, can really set back your progress in the gym. Don’t believe everything you hear when it comes to exercise and weight gain, do the research yourself.
Lets take a look at some of the most common weight gain myths:
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Hacking a Moleskine
Thursday, December 28, 2006 3:54 pm
Student and blogger Eston Bond describes in detail his methods for Getting Things Done with a Moleskine.
Intrigued by the cult of GTD, Eston tried many forms of GTD with little success. That’s when he decided to tweak GTD to his needs, the results of which he’s documented in detail. We’ve got a new year ahead of us, and if you’ve tried GTD before with no success - but you really want to get organized for ‘07 - you might want to check out Eston’s method to see if it sticks.
Christmas Eve Traditions & Ideas
Sunday, December 24, 2006 5:00 am
Traditions are a big part of the holidays and Christmas Eve is no exception. Every country has their own customs that make this a special holiday. Children are excited and full of anticipation. This is their favorite time of the year!
Nothing could be more perfect than a light dusting of snow falling on Christmas Eve to bring on the holiday spirit. Even if you’re not going to have a white Christmas, there are many things you can do to set the holiday mood.
Create a Holiday Environment
Enhance a cozy atmosphere with Christmas music and light some candles to welcome your guests. If you have a scrooge in your family, bribe him with some good food and shower him with love. He’ll be sure to lighten up. Whatever your traditions are, embrace them. They are part of your heritage!
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Hangover Cures
Friday, December 22, 2006 3:16 pm
A hangover is caused by a combination of the toxic by-product of alcohol metabolism (acetaldehyde), dehydration, and Vitamin A, B (particularly B6) and C depletion caused by the chemical action of alcohol on your system. The symptoms are usually a dry mouth, nausea, fatigue, dizziness and headache and are caused by a combination of these factors.
Apart from the obvious toxic effects, you should realise you’re suffering the effects of a mild overdose of a depressant drug and your nerves are reacting accordingly, and you have also flushed a signifnicant quantity of vitamins and nutrients from your system causing a degree of metabolic shock that your body is struggling to compensate against. This is why hangover symptoms often include disorientation and “the jitters”.
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Top 10: Cheap Date Ideas
Monday, December 18, 2006 11:06 pm
You’d love to whisk your girl away to the Swiss Alps on a Leer jet. With your budget, however, you can scarcely afford a rented gyrocopter ride to the nearest bunny slope!
How does one impress a lady without breaking the bank? How do you woo a girl on a budget?
The tips listed below should put you on the right track towards winning her heart without ending up destitute in the process.
Number 10
The coffee date
This scenario is only plausible for the initial date. Use it more frequently than this and the girl will think one (or more) of the following: 1) You’re just interested in being friends, 2) You’re cheap, or 3) You are a caffeine addict.
Cafes are great for first dates as they’re casual and you’ll likely only be footing the bill for a couple of lattes and biscotti. Unlike a bar, where one drink can easily escalate into many if things are going well, a coffee date will likely never evolve beyond a single refill. If you can, choose a caf that is part of a bookstore. The added benefit here is you can position yourself as literati.
Estimated cost: $5-$10. Price may vary depending upon the number of refills and inclusion of biscotti or savories.
Number 9
The hike or bike ride
If you’re really hard up, this may be your best bet. Granted, this is only a viable option if you live within close vicinity to a hiking trail. Hiking gives you an excellent opportunity to show off your rugged masculinity. Catch a wild rabbit with your bare hands and barbecue it for your soon-to-be betrothed while trekking through the backcountry.
In all seriousness, a walk through nature provides a wonderful opportunity to chat up your date, enjoy the outdoors and show her you’re a versatile guy. If a hiking trail is not in the cards, try a bike ride. Make sure to bring some refreshments.
Estimated cost: $5-$10. You’ll want to bring along some water, fruit and other snacks.
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