MMM by Getting Smarter!

My brother named his first company "Tri M" (MMM). While he had real reasons for having there be three ms in the name (as one company facility was in Memphis), he told me (with a wink in his eye) that it really stood for "Make Mo Money!". *laugh*

I recall someone once telling me, "Shanon, stop telling yourself you can't afford something, and find a way to get it!" He was right, I was making excuses for myself and I was way too comfortable in my job- it was interesting, fun, had good benefits, and I got to be creative while meeting lots of people, but the pay was poor to say the least. I believe that many of us mentally go about our days wrong. We walk around whining and lamenting, "Dang! I can't afford to buy this." So, what's one way to MMM? Well, how about getting a better job? Ask yourself if you make a decent enough income to live the lifestyle you truly want. Then ask yourself, "Am I TOO comfortable in my job?" The bottom line is that most people get stagnant, stop growing, and fail to reach their income potential because they get "too comfy where they are".

With that said, one of the quickest, smartest (and most legal) way to MMM is to go back to school. For working people, online degrees offer one solution. However, that doesn't mean you should get a high school diploma or GED online; they are expensive and not worth the paper they are printed on. Not only that, there is NO way you can test online as they have no proof of who the tester is. Avoid online high school rip-off companies! Find a reputable adult education facility to study at through your local junior college, participating high school, or adult probation department. For more information on online studying, time management, and financial assistance check out this website.
http://www.oedb.org

Re-motivate and Ramp Up Your Savings!

The best time to rethink our budgets and savings IS the holidays. Think about that. When else do we tend to get "off base" more? I say it's not late to "Ramp your thinking up now!"

On MSN Money Central there was a great article posted today on how so many people whine about how hard it is to save. So many times we have all heard people complain that they don't make enough money to begin with; are you one of those people? It's time to get real folks because the stats are in! The findings on a large study done with various income level households has proven that low income families can save more than those in the middle income ranges. How? Best you read the article yourself; here is the link.

http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Savinganddebt/Savemoney/P36020.asp

Don't Let Christmas Break Your Wallet:

It's difficult to believe that it is that time of the year when people are breaking into piggy bank savings and charging up their cards: "Virginia, there is NO Christmas Fairy who will pay your rent when your card cards become due January of 2007." Here are some tips for not going overboard this year:

1. Draw names and exchange gifts with extended family and friends - they may be in the same boat as you, wanting to save money.
2. Make a list and then KEEP TO IT. Set limits and abide; organized buyers spend less.
3. Instead of buying some people gifts, make a contribution to a charity and send people notes early on in December explaining who you contributed to, and why. It's a tax deduction, and maybe they will even follow suit!
4. Set aside special time with your family and friends to make cookies, go for walks in the winter air, and generally spend more time with them. Everyone will feel less stress and you will enjoy discovering new things together. Make the holiday about giving from the heart and of your time, rather than from the pocketbook. Keep your gifts simple, or reduce the number of little things and get that person one special gift they will cherish longer.
5. Throw a potluck party for friends - encourage them to bring a gift for a needy child and meet them at the front door with a steaming mug of spiced cider. Put your collection basket up front, right by the tree, and enjoy watching their faces as they marvel at the gifts. Make up song sheets and then go caroling after dinner.
6. Ask people to donate unused gift cards; donate them to a charity, or go and buy gifts and make the donations yourself in their honor. Drop them a note telling them what you did with the money, or have them go with you!
7. Get your friends together, meet at a McDonalds near a park or shelter, and buy homeless people breakfast - it's cheap and you spread the cheer! Donate your time, make some cookies, and clean out your closets (job interview clothing) for a shelter in your area.
8. Compare gift prices online; some sites may have free shipping!
9. Go onto the Internet and find more useful tips; share them with your friends and family.
10. Make sure people know you are in the holiday spirit but are choosing to spend your money wisely this season.

Make a plan for enjoying this holiday season while not going for broke. Amaze yourself for sticking to it, smile everyday, and reward yourself with a cup of hot chocolate when you "do good". Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah....