Do you know the millionaire's secret?

Did you know that most millionaires have this one thing in common?
That this is the one thing they do that makes them so successful?

Most millionaires STAY AWAY FROM DEBT.


Some people believe that in order to get ahead or in order to make a million dollars you MUST get into debt, but in fact successful people like Dave Ramsey, stays away from debt and refuses to borrow to get ahead.

Want to be a millionaire? IF Yes, then do these 3 things below:

1) live within your means - don't spend more than you earn
2) Do Dave Ramsey's 7 baby steps - If I can do so can you!
3) Stay motivated by reading a success story everyday - don't underestimate the power of encouragement!

Enjoy your journey in getting out of debt! And hopefully I will hear some of your success stories soon!

PRICE CHECK!

Next time you’re in the grocery store shopping and you see a package deal - for example 3 soups for $5 - remember this. New Studies show that when the quantity is presented before the price, you're more like to assume that the deal is better than what it really is. This is because the brain cannot comprehend all the numbers at once and it focuses on the first number it sees. This makes you think that you are actually getting more for your money. To make sure you are getting the best deal check the price of the unit on the shelf and compare.

Is starting a business is today too easy?

It used to be that starting a business would require a lot more sacrifice, where many people would need to invest $100,000 and buy a building in order to start a business. But today, it's very possible to start a business with zero down! You could start by selling things on ebay, or even post your talent on youtube and start making money on ads. There was even a young man who started his own production company from the exposure he received from youtube. There are many success stories on youtube.

But is starting a business becoming too easy?

The simplicity of starting a business today has it's pros and cons. One pro is, you don't have to be rich in order to start a business! But on the other hand the simplicity of starting a business today is showing that some people are not as committed. People are just testing the waters to see if it works. It's definitely different from having sold everything you have, and borrowing money from family and friends- the investment is different mentally and emotionally. It's an all or nothing mentality! Where success or failure would impact your life greatly.

Studies show that when you've spent everything you have on something your instincts get sharper and you make better decisions. But when you have a safety net it's harder to commit to the business you've started. It may take your months or even years to get the business off the floor.

How do we step into our dream life? By jumping and not turning back.

Want to live your dream life? Maybe it's time to grab your parachute and jump out of the safety plane today.

Do You Want to Be a Millionaire?

Do you want to be a millionaire?

According to Forbes.com today there are about 8.4 Million millionaires and 413 billionaires in the united states.But back in the early 1900's there was only 5000 millionaires.

A lot of people think that in order to become  a millionaire you must become a famous singer or actor, but statistically those people are only in the 1% category.

Self-owned Business (74%)

People in this category as usually entrepeneurs, real estate agent etc. Nowadays starting a business can be done for less than a $1000 investment. Why not take a business that's already been done and try doing it 10% better?

Senior Executive Positions (10%)

Last year Tim Cook CEO of Apple was given a package that was valued at $378 million (U.S.). Many positions today are rewarded by the effort and the results that they produce, no longer by the amount of time committed to that company. Many jobs no longer provide the security that many people long for and most people could have more than four jobs in four years!


Doctors, Lawyers, and Other Professionals (10%)
These professionals make a lot of money but only a few of them end up becoming millionaires. Reason being is many of them spend more than they make. It's not about the amount of money you make but how you spend it, you must live within your means.

Sales People and Consultants (5%)
The great thing with sales is that many companies pay a base salary with commission, therefore there is no cap on the amount of money you can make. These people may not have degrees, licenses or certification but they are darn good at selling!

Stock Market, inventor, actors/actresses, singers/songwriters, authors, lottery winners, athletes (<1%)
People think that becoming a famous singer is the only way to make a million dollars but really this is in the less than 1% section. People like Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Madonna, and Lady gaga are in the lime light right now but this is certainly a very rare job that creates millionaires.

To be part of the 74% you truly don't need some new, crazy idea. You can even do something that's already been done and just do it a little better! Don't believe the lie that you need a lot of capital to start a successful business today, you can actually start with something as simple as a lawn mower and start mowing your way in to the 74% of millionaires.

Do What You Love

Do What You Love

Studies show that doing work that you love actually motivates you to go to “work” and get up on Monday mornings. In fact, you will see work in a different light.

Do you ever wonder why people think that when you work you must hate it? And when you try to do something that you love they think you are crazy and taking too much of a risk? The fact is many people are just working to get by, and it’s understandable because it is scary to step into doing the work that you love because it might involve taking a leap of faith. Sometimes you have to do work that you are not passionate about at the moment to get to where you want to be. Just don’t get too comfortable, make sure you have a plan to move towards your dream job.

Suggested reading: 48 days to the work that you love by Dan Miller.

7 Survey sites that can help you financially

Doing surveys won't make you big cash but it sure can earn you extra income, or give you some freebies!

Here are some legitimate survey companies that are trusted and have good reputations.

1) Toluna
2) Inbox Dollars
3) My Points
4) Opinion Outpost
5) Survey Spot
6) Light Speed Research
7) Cash Crate

Give it a try and let me know how it goes!

3 True Things money cannot buy you!

"Money is a good indicator of someones heart."

Studies show that many people think purchasing material things can improve their quality of life. But that's not true at all, otherwise all celebrities and NFL stars would be the happiest group of people in the world. But how many times do you read an article about a huge celebrity who died of overdose? or a celebrity who committed suicide? There are truly things money can't buy you.

1) True friends Money can't buy you true friends. A true friend is someone who knows you but loves you all the same, it is someone who will be there through the good and the bad. True friends don't only come to you in times of money trouble but they share the good aspects of their life as well with you.

2) True Happiness You may have thought to yourself that, "some people have it all but they are still not happy," that's because they truly don't have it all. Money cannot buy you true happiness, it may buy a fleeting fading happiness but not one that lasts eternally. Material things will fade away but love, faith, hope is something that will never die with you. Check out the articles below for lottery winners who admit they are still not happy.

* 16 year old wins lottery and is still unhappy
* 10 lottery winners who lost it all

3) True Love Unlike a pre-nup true love cannot be bought. Have you ever heard of the term "gold digger"? Those are people who are after you for your money, that's why celebrities are surrounded by all these people who try and seduce them and use them for their money. That's why Kanye West's song says, "I ain't saying she's a gold digger but she ain't messing with no broke... brother", it goes something like that. This was a number one hit song.

So before you go and buy those new prada shoes to go and try to impress people you don't even know be very careful! You don't know what kind of people you will be attracting!

Remember money cannot buy you true friends, true happiness or true love.

Take care!

Don't work, Don't eat

"Early to bed, early to rise, keeps you healthy, wealthy and wise." - Benjamin Franklin

My mom used to tell me, "if you don't work, you don't eat!" That means you got to work! 

My friend was driving down the highway today and she saw a homeless person holding a sign by the side of the road that said, "now accepting master card and visa." When I heard this I couldn't help but laugh because the guy was holding the sign and he had a huge smile on his face and a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. I sometimes wonder how and where he got that cigarette?

Which led me to write this post. 

If you don't work, you don't eat. (2 Thessalonians 3:10) 

In order to achieve your dreams you must put in effort, time, and practice. Nothing good is gained by just sitting at home doing nothing and waiting for the world to hand you a piece of pie. Even athletes train for the olympics months and months before they compete! In order to get out of debt, or save money, we must be willing to roll up our sleeves and get to work! For some this may mean taking a second job, for some it may mean working overtime, or for some it may even mean GETTING A JOB.
Yes a J-O-B, JOB. 

Don't be afraid, just start by taking these three small steps below:

1) Write a resume: Need help? check out http://www.resume-help.org/

2) Get creative with applying: Go to the library and read "What colour is Your Parachute?"

3) Practice for interview: Check out this article for ten top interview questions 

Love, 

The Money Girl

29 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY!

Don't know how to save?

Well, it's springtime, why not try these 29 ways on how to save money this year?


Creative ways to save money

1) Read books: Did you know that studies show that watching TV makes you want to spend more?
2) Go to the Library: Why pay when you can get it free?
3) Get In Shape! Getting in shape means spending less money for doctors bills!
4) Go for a jog or workout at home by watching youtube: Stop spending money on gym fees
5) Use the jar or envelope system: studies show when you spend with cash you actually spend less.
6) Invite friends over to watch a movie or play games: No need to go to the movies when you can watch movies at home!
7) Buy groceries: make lunch at home instead of always paying McDonalds to make it for you.
8) Shop after season: When it's winter start buying summer clothes, when it's summer invest in winter clothing! (You'll save a ton of money!)
9) Carpool: save money on Gas.
10) Read my blog daily! to help you stay on track. =)


Basic ways to save money

1) Cut your cellphone bill: call your cellphone company ans ask to lower your bill
2) Buy a used car: Cars can lose as much as 35% in value in it's first year alone
3) Use coupons: My mom saves tons of money this way
4) Make dinner at home: try not to eat out more than twice a month
5) Find travel deals: compare prices on travel websites like Bing Travel, Kayak, and Fare Compare.
6) Do it Yourself: Cut your dogs hair, do your own nails - try using youtube to teach you how.
7) Buy Open Boxes: I saved around $200 on buying my IMAC using this method, ask for an OPEN BOX.
8) Haggle: Always ask for a discount, We did this at future shop and they were throwing in deals for us.
9) Stop Paying Interest: Get rid of those plastic cards! 
10) Buy within your means: Don't buy something you can't afford.Save on interest.

 Weird and Crazy ways to save

1) Just add water: I add water to my juice because it's too sweet, but it also lasts longer!
2) Stock up on condiments: don't throw out that extra ketchup packet! Save it for next time!
3) Pick up stray golf balls: A mother started collecting stray golf balls in the field while with her son was golfing, and she never had to pay for golf balls again! She even started selling the golf balls she collected and made profit.
4) Stop smoking: you'll be surprised how much money you will save each day doing this. One couple even took a trip that cost more than a thousand dollars by putting away the money they would use to buy cigarettes everyday.
5) Cut your shower time: could you shower in a minute?
6) Flush less: If it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown flush it down!
7) Sell your car! and buy one that doesn't require monthly payments!
8) Unplug everything: not using the fan? unplug it. Not using the TV, unplug it! Not using the fridge, unplug it!
9) Grow your own ingredients: Start your own vegetable garden in your backyard! or grow your own ingredients at home, like parsley.

What are some crazy, creative, cool, interesting, basic ways you saved money before? Add a comment by clicking the comment link below!

PAY BY CASH = LOSER?

PAY BY CASH = LOSER?

What do you think of this commercial? Is it true? Do you agree with it?

I personally still pay by cash! I guess I would be that guy who stops the world from moving from my old ancient ways! HAHA! But seriously, I think it's actually quite incredible how good visa is at advertising, to make you think that you are an actual loser if you pay by cash. Visa here gives you an identity, without debt, without plastic you are not accepted. 

Thank you emergency fund!

Proverbs 6:6-8

Go to the ant, sluggard; consider her ways and be wise; who, having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provides her food in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest.

What's an emergency fund you may ask? An emergency fund is money kept aside for EMERGENCIES. Meaning you don't touch it to buy clothes or you don't use that money to buy pizza! It's money meant for life's surprises! I have an emergency fund worth 3-6 months of living expenses.

Why emergency fund comes in handy

So yesterday as I was driving on the highway I was hit with one of life's curve balls, my car heated up and I had to stop on the side of the road. My cell phone was dying and I called my parents to come and find me on the highway. Thankfully after ten minutes there was a tow truck that stopped, and drove me to the garage!

Before when this incident would happen I would turn to plastic (mr.credit card) or start wondering where I would get the money to pay for the repairs. But now I was calm and serene and realized that I had my "emergency fund" and it was going to be okay. Thank God that he has taught me the art of saving and taught me how not to live pay check to pay check.

Proverbs 27:12

A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them. The simpleton never looks, and suffers the consequences.

Proverbs 22:3

A prudent one foresees the evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished.

Some people may call you faithless for having a savings account, but God calls you wise! God even has storehouses (savings), he has storehouses of water... it says there in the bible.(Psalm 33:7). So my challenge to you today is to start an emergency fund! By doing this you will teach your spirit discipline and hopefully break free from the credit card addiction! 

Love,

The Money Girl