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Casual Articles - Latest Money Saving Tips For the Over 50's
You're sitting in a room full of eager business owners at a networking event. One by one, everyone stands up and introduces themselves, hopefully gaining the opportunity to find one or two new prospects in the crowd.Unfortunately, most business people stink at Introductions.Take for instance the remarks made at a recent event I attended. A hotel sales rep introduced himself and stated that his hotel offered beds, meals and meeting rooms. Oh really? How many hundreds of hotels offer that, I thought. What he said was essentially the same introduction used by all the hotel sales people in the room that day.What if one of them had said something like this?"Hi, my name is Bob, sales manager with Big City Hotel. Sure, we have meals and beds and meeting rooms like all the other hotels. But they don't have Ruth, our front desk supervisor who's been serving our guests for more than 22 years. Her only responsibility is to help you have an extraordinary stay at our hotel."Which hotel has the best chance to get your business?
8.Are you still waiting for the lottery to come your way? Well, thinking of the 'odds' and not wanting to be too pessimistic, you'll probably have to wait for a long time! (Still, someone, somewhere, is going to be struck by lightening and someone is going to hit the jackpot - that's life, or otherwise - fortunately or unfortunately?) Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting next to a multi-millionaire. (The pleasure was in hoping that some of the wealth would rub off on me). During conversation, someone mentioned the lottery. My wealthy acquaintance also thought that the chance of winning was so remote that he chose to invest instead in premium bonds. Not only was there a better chance of winning, but because he had invested the maximum amount possible, his annual interest worked out at between 4%-5% TAX FREE and, of course, his original investment was intact. Now, not many of us can afford to invest the maximum amount allowed, but many of us, like myself, have had premium bonds since they were introduced in the l950's and not won a thing.
In other words, along with many others, my interest had been NIL. In fact, taking into account the original investment plus inflation, the result was NIL, NIL. However, on someone's suggestion that the computer seemed to favour recent numbers (which cannot be explained logically as it is a random selection), I withdrew all the bonds and re-invested them, and Hey, Presto! I won ?50! Unfortunate
HOW TO SAVE MONEY Saving money can be a very difficult task, especially for those that have a hard time making ends meet. Featured below are some simple suggestions on how to cut back on expenses, making it simpler for you and your family to put at least a few dollars into savings every month. Remember, a penny saved is a penny earned!- Never spend more than what you earn. This may entail you altering your existing way of life. - Look to generate more income by either getting a second job and/or by asking your existing employer for a raise. - Put together a budget and stick to it! - Resist the temptation of spending money just because you have it! This means no buying on impulse! Or, buying items that you don't need! - Limit your credit card use to emergencies only. - If you encompass significant credit card debt, think about seeking help from a Consumer Credit Counseling agency. - Are you still paying off your student loans? If you are, consider checking out a student loan conso
Christmas is over and as is usual at this time of the year we are left with an expanded waistline and a diminished bank balance. (Wouldn't it be great if, just for once, the situation was reversed and we could greet the New Year with a diminished waistline and an expanded bank balance?).
However, before we get down to juggling figures in an attempt to improve the financial situation, why not try the following simple maths test? IMPORTANT: THIS MUST BE DONE IN YOUR HEAD ONLY. DO NOT USE PAPER, PENCIL OR A CALCULATOR.
READY? Try it ........
Take 1000 and add 40 to it. Now add another 1000. Now add 30. Add another 1000. Now add 20. Now add another 1000. Now add 10. What is the total? Simple isn't it?
Did you get 5000? Sorry, WRONG. Quickly try again. Still 5000? Oh dear! You do need financial help. (Use your calculator for the correct answer - and for those without a calculator, the answer is at the end of this article)
Don't worry, it's only fun! Nothing to do with age - most adults get it wrong - particularly the 'Smart-Alecs'. This was sent to me by a clever friend. I don't need to mention names, as she knows who she is. I will pass on a couple more of her 'Dementia Tests' (as she calls them) in future articles. (Needless, to say, I got 5000 as well).
?????????????
Now to get back to the serious business of saving money, here are a few ideas.
1.Do you feel that you deserve a reward after all the hard work over the Festive Season? Why not take advantage of the National Express current offer. THE OVER 60's CAN GO ANYWHERE FOR ?4.50 OR ?9 RETURN IF YOU TRAVEL BEFORE 31 MARCH. JUST BOOK 3 DAYS IN ADVANCE. Last year, when I took advantage of a similar offer, I met a lady who had made the most of it and had travelled from the South of England to Scotland in order to visit a friend and was in the process of doing likewise in the West Country. So why not choose a place or person you fancy visiting and then sit back and enjoy the scenery? Visit www.nationalexpress.com for route and times.
2.If you feel that you deserve a hair-do, massage, manicure, foot massage, etc., have you thought of trying your local college? The student may take a little longer to complete the procedure, but it will cost a fraction of the 'high street' charge. Also, it is worth bearing in mind that in a few months' time that same student will be joining the professional market and charging a 'high street' price.
3.When you feel in need of a new outfit, before you visit the usual fashion chain stores, why not peruse the charity shops en route? You'll possibly pick up something that is unique to you for the price equal to that of a coffee and sandwich. Also many Charity Shops now have a 'designer rail' where well-made outfits can be purchased at a fraction of the original price. This time of the year is a particularly good time to visit Charity Shops, as often the unwanted gifts make an appearance.
4.Have you visited your local Library lately? If not, you'll be surprised how they have changed. Libraries are not just about books. They provide DVDs, videos, CDs, language tapes, etc. So instead of buying DVDs and CDs why not borrow them from the Library? Also why not borrow an audio book or foreign language course and enjoy and learn whilst carrying out mundane household tasks. By the way, the internet service is free at Libraries.
5.I have just taken out RAC Membership for a year and it has not cost me a penny, and last year I purchased an item of furniture from MFI and that also didn't cost me a penny. How, you may ask??? .... Easy, just exchange the money vouchers issued by Tesco in respect of their Club Card points. www.tesco.com/clubcard As mentioned in a previous article - use their Visa card instead of cheques or cash (for any purchases anywhere, not just at Tesco's) and it's amazing how quickly the points accrue. HOWEVER, I MUST EMPHASISE, ONCE AGAIN, THAT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE COMPLETE VISA BALANCE IS CLEARED EACH MONTH, AND TO THIS END IT IS ADVISABLE TO SET UP THE DIRECT DEBIT METHOD WITH YOUR BANK YOU WILL CERTAINLY NOT SAVE MONEY IF YOU PAY ONLY THE MINIMUM BALANCE REQUESTED ON YOUR MONTHLY STATEMENT. THAT IS THE WAY THAT THE YOUNG GET INTO DEBT, AND WE KNOW BETTER DON'T WE? When we use a Visa card we must remember to use it for things we would NORMALLY BUY and treat it as though we were using cash. And talking of Tesco's or any other major supermarket for that matter . . .
6.Have you thought about ordering your groceries on the internet and enjoying the luxury of having them delivered to your door at a time convenient to you? If there is a charge for delivery, it will probably be outweighed by the amount of money we have saved through not 'impulse buying'. Isn't it amazing how we go into the supermarket in order to get a few essentials and stagger out with a trolley overflowing with bargains?? It is worth remembering when we are strolling around the supermarket that every aisle and every item has been strategically placed to increase sales.
7.Do you enjoy reading monthly magazines but think of them as an expensive indulgence? (Or perhaps the only chance you get of perusing the 'glossies' is in the doctor's waiting room, where your eye invariably zooms in on a tempting advert only to discover that the offer closed a couple of years previously). Well, one of the most unusual and welcomed gifts I received was a year's subscription to a favourite magazine - so much better than say a box of chocolates, which in this household disappears in a flash - and where I must admit I am the main culprit. Every month throughout the year that good feeling is regenerated as your favourite magazine plops through the letterbox. You feel like a kid with a favourite box of candy as you feverishly rip of the wrapping and devour the contents. I pass on my magazine to a friend and she and her friends do likewise. In that way we all get to enjoy about six magazines. So why not do the same? In fact, why not take time to also enjoy the monthly newsletter from www.Mabels.com Just click to join the mailing list.
8.Are you still waiting for the lottery to come your way? Well, thinking of the 'odds' and not wanting to be too pessimistic, you'll probably have to wait for a long time! (Still, someone, somewhere, is going to be struck by lightening and someone is going to hit the jackpot - that's life, or otherwise - fortunately or unfortunately?) Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting next to a multi-millionaire. (The pleasure was in hoping that some of the wealth would rub off on me). During conversation, someone mentioned the lottery. My wealthy acquaintance also thought that the chance of winning was so remote that he chose to invest instead in premium bonds. Not only was there a better chance of winning, but because he had invested the maximum amount possible, his annual interest worked out at between 4%-5% TAX FREE and, of course, his original investment was intact. Now, not many of us can afford to invest the maximum amount allowed, but many of us, like myself, have had premium bonds since they were introduced in the l950's and not won a thing.
In other words, along with many others, my interest had been NIL. In fact, taking into account the original investment plus inflation, the result was NIL, NIL. However, on someone's suggestion that the computer seemed to favour recent numbers (which cannot be explained logically as it is a random selection), I withdrew all the bonds and re-invested them, and Hey, Presto! I won ?50! Unfortunatel
Are you tired of living paycheck to paycheck?Are you paid less than your worth?Need a job?Follow these proven success strategies and you will be on your way to securing a new job!The 3 Keys to Success:1. NetworkingSteps:· Contact previous employers and ask for recommendations and leads · Contact friends and ask them to pass along your resume · Contact HR departments in the companies you would like to work · Arrange an informational interview with HR to discuss what Talents, Skills, and Abilities are needed to be competitive in the marketplace · Search trade papers in your area to identify career fairs and workshops2. Positive Self-esteemSteps:· Take a good look at your values and your character · How has your previous work experience affected your last employment experience? · What kind of attitude did you have at your previous job? · Was your behavior reflective of a professional? · Did you seek to improve for the benefit of the compa
2.If you feel that you deserve a hair-do, massage, manicure, foot massage, etc., have you thought of trying your local college? The student may take a little longer to complete the procedure, but it will cost a fraction of the 'high street' charge. Also, it is worth bearing in mind that in a few months' time that same student will be joining the professional market and charging a 'high street' price.
3.When you feel in need of a new outfit, before you visit the usual fashion chain stores, why not peruse the charity shops en route? You'll possibly pick up something that is unique to you for the price equal to that of a coffee and sandwich. Also many Charity Shops now have a 'designer rail' where well-made outfits can be purchased at a fraction of the original price. This time of the year is a particularly good time to visit Charity Shops, as often the unwanted gifts make an appearance.
4.Have you visited your local Library lately? If not, you'll be surprised how they have changed. Libraries are not just about books. They provide DVDs, videos, CDs, language tapes, etc. So instead of buying DVDs and CDs why not borrow them from the Library? Also why not borrow an audio book or foreign language course and enjoy and learn whilst carrying out mundane household tasks. By the way, the internet service is free at Libraries.
5.I have just taken out RAC Membership for a year and it has not cost me a penny, and last year I purchased an item of furniture from MFI and that also didn't cost me a penny. How, you may ask??? .... Easy, just exchange the money vouchers issued by Tesco in respect of their Club Card points. www.tesco.com/clubcard As mentioned in a previous article - use their Visa card instead of cheques or cash (for any purchases anywhere, not just at Tesco's) and it's amazing how quickly the points accrue. HOWEVER, I MUST EMPHASISE, ONCE AGAIN, THAT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE COMPLETE VISA BALANCE IS CLEARED EACH MONTH, AND TO THIS END IT IS ADVISABLE TO SET UP THE DIRECT DEBIT METHOD WITH YOUR BANK YOU WILL CERTAINLY NOT SAVE MONEY IF YOU PAY ONLY THE MINIMUM BALANCE REQUESTED ON YOUR MONTHLY STATEMENT. THAT IS THE WAY THAT THE YOUNG GET INTO DEBT, AND WE KNOW BETTER DON'T WE? When we use a Visa card we must remember to use it for things we would NORMALLY BUY and treat it as though we were using cash. And talking of Tesco's or any other major supermarket for that matter . . .
6.Have you thought about ordering your groceries on the internet and enjoying the luxury of having them delivered to your door at a time convenient to you? If there is a charge for delivery, it will probably be outweighed by the amount of money we have saved through not 'impulse buying'. Isn't it amazing how we go into the supermarket in order to get a few essentials and stagger out with a trolley overflowing with bargains?? It is worth remembering when we are strolling around the supermarket that every aisle and every item has been strategically placed to increase sales.
7.Do you enjoy reading monthly magazines but think of them as an expensive indulgence? (Or perhaps the only chance you get of perusing the 'glossies' is in the doctor's waiting room, where your eye invariably zooms in on a tempting advert only to discover that the offer closed a couple of years previously). Well, one of the most unusual and welcomed gifts I received was a year's subscription to a favourite magazine - so much better than say a box of chocolates, which in this household disappears in a flash - and where I must admit I am the main culprit. Every month throughout the year that good feeling is regenerated as your favourite magazine plops through the letterbox. You feel like a kid with a favourite box of candy as you feverishly rip of the wrapping and devour the contents. I pass on my magazine to a friend and she and her friends do likewise. In that way we all get to enjoy about six magazines. So why not do the same? In fact, why not take time to also enjoy the monthly newsletter from www.Mabels.com Just click to join the mailing list.
8.Are you still waiting for the lottery to come your way? Well, thinking of the 'odds' and not wanting to be too pessimistic, you'll probably have to wait for a long time! (Still, someone, somewhere, is going to be struck by lightening and someone is going to hit the jackpot - that's life, or otherwise - fortunately or unfortunately?) Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting next to a multi-millionaire. (The pleasure was in hoping that some of the wealth would rub off on me). During conversation, someone mentioned the lottery. My wealthy acquaintance also thought that the chance of winning was so remote that he chose to invest instead in premium bonds. Not only was there a better chance of winning, but because he had invested the maximum amount possible, his annual interest worked out at between 4%-5% TAX FREE and, of course, his original investment was intact. Now, not many of us can afford to invest the maximum amount allowed, but many of us, like myself, have had premium bonds since they were introduced in the l950's and not won a thing.
In other words, along with many others, my interest had been NIL. In fact, taking into account the original investment plus inflation, the result was NIL, NIL. However, on someone's suggestion that the computer seemed to favour recent numbers (which cannot be explained logically as it is a random selection), I withdrew all the bonds and re-invested them, and Hey, Presto! I won ?50! Unfortunate
Need to expand your non-US firm in order to exit gracefully with a large nest egg?For most entrepreneurs and business owners, there is a desire to expand their company to some point of success, then retire. Or move on to another business.The Usual SolutionsThere are generally two solutions: (1) Sell out directly or (2) do an IPO - the traditional Initial Public Offering - hope you raise some capital, wait a few years, then sell your stock... if it’s worth anything.Selling out a privately held company usually results in a price 150%+ of profits. If you’ve been doing $1 million, look for about $1.5-4 million for your golden parachute. Minus taxes, of course. Not a terribly exciting prospect after all those years of work.Solution #2 is daunting as well. You’ll spend close to $3 million doing an IPO. Much of your time, up to a year actually, will be spent doing “dog and pony” shows for prospective market makers and institutional buyers, often ignoring your business in the process. Your chances of raising
5.I have just taken out RAC Membership for a year and it has not cost me a penny, and last year I purchased an item of furniture from MFI and that also didn't cost me a penny. How, you may ask??? .... Easy, just exchange the money vouchers issued by Tesco in respect of their Club Card points. www.tesco.com/clubcard As mentioned in a previous article - use their Visa card instead of cheques or cash (for any purchases anywhere, not just at Tesco's) and it's amazing how quickly the points accrue. HOWEVER, I MUST EMPHASISE, ONCE AGAIN, THAT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE COMPLETE VISA BALANCE IS CLEARED EACH MONTH, AND TO THIS END IT IS ADVISABLE TO SET UP THE DIRECT DEBIT METHOD WITH YOUR BANK YOU WILL CERTAINLY NOT SAVE MONEY IF YOU PAY ONLY THE MINIMUM BALANCE REQUESTED ON YOUR MONTHLY STATEMENT. THAT IS THE WAY THAT THE YOUNG GET INTO DEBT, AND WE KNOW BETTER DON'T WE? When we use a Visa card we must remember to use it for things we would NORMALLY BUY and treat it as though we were using cash. And talking of Tesco's or any other major supermarket for that matter . . .
6.Have you thought about ordering your groceries on the internet and enjoying the luxury of having them delivered to your door at a time convenient to you? If there is a charge for delivery, it will probably be outweighed by the amount of money we have saved through not 'impulse buying'. Isn't it amazing how we go into the supermarket in order to get a few essentials and stagger out with a trolley overflowing with bargains?? It is worth remembering when we are strolling around the supermarket that every aisle and every item has been strategically placed to increase sales.
7.Do you enjoy reading monthly magazines but think of them as an expensive indulgence? (Or perhaps the only chance you get of perusing the 'glossies' is in the doctor's waiting room, where your eye invariably zooms in on a tempting advert only to discover that the offer closed a couple of years previously). Well, one of the most unusual and welcomed gifts I received was a year's subscription to a favourite magazine - so much better than say a box of chocolates, which in this household disappears in a flash - and where I must admit I am the main culprit. Every month throughout the year that good feeling is regenerated as your favourite magazine plops through the letterbox. You feel like a kid with a favourite box of candy as you feverishly rip of the wrapping and devour the contents. I pass on my magazine to a friend and she and her friends do likewise. In that way we all get to enjoy about six magazines. So why not do the same? In fact, why not take time to also enjoy the monthly newsletter from www.Mabels.com Just click to join the mailing list.
8.Are you still waiting for the lottery to come your way? Well, thinking of the 'odds' and not wanting to be too pessimistic, you'll probably have to wait for a long time! (Still, someone, somewhere, is going to be struck by lightening and someone is going to hit the jackpot - that's life, or otherwise - fortunately or unfortunately?) Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting next to a multi-millionaire. (The pleasure was in hoping that some of the wealth would rub off on me). During conversation, someone mentioned the lottery. My wealthy acquaintance also thought that the chance of winning was so remote that he chose to invest instead in premium bonds. Not only was there a better chance of winning, but because he had invested the maximum amount possible, his annual interest worked out at between 4%-5% TAX FREE and, of course, his original investment was intact. Now, not many of us can afford to invest the maximum amount allowed, but many of us, like myself, have had premium bonds since they were introduced in the l950's and not won a thing.
In other words, along with many others, my interest had been NIL. In fact, taking into account the original investment plus inflation, the result was NIL, NIL. However, on someone's suggestion that the computer seemed to favour recent numbers (which cannot be explained logically as it is a random selection), I withdrew all the bonds and re-invested them, and Hey, Presto! I won ?50! Unfortunate
The explosion of Internet video distribution websites now allows anybody to market, upload, create and leverage themselves and their business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Distribution sites such as YouTube, Revver, Lasoo, Google Video, Yahoo Video, Brightcove and many others are now popping up everywhere.These video distribution sites are rapidly changing the way people and businesses are marketing themselves and their businesses. If you are a lone ranger and want to be the star of your own video or program, you now have the power to do so. All it takes is a decent digital video recorder and some creativity on your part and presto, you now have with the help of these wonderful video distribution sites the ability and power to be known to the world.I recently read an article about the relatively unknown band called OK Go who created their own music video with one camera and uploaded it on the popular video site YouTube. Their music video was viewed more than 1 million times per week! 1 million times! What could that do for your
7.Do you enjoy reading monthly magazines but think of them as an expensive indulgence? (Or perhaps the only chance you get of perusing the 'glossies' is in the doctor's waiting room, where your eye invariably zooms in on a tempting advert only to discover that the offer closed a couple of years previously). Well, one of the most unusual and welcomed gifts I received was a year's subscription to a favourite magazine - so much better than say a box of chocolates, which in this household disappears in a flash - and where I must admit I am the main culprit. Every month throughout the year that good feeling is regenerated as your favourite magazine plops through the letterbox. You feel like a kid with a favourite box of candy as you feverishly rip of the wrapping and devour the contents. I pass on my magazine to a friend and she and her friends do likewise. In that way we all get to enjoy about six magazines. So why not do the same? In fact, why not take time to also enjoy the monthly newsletter from www.Mabels.com Just click to join the mailing list.
8.Are you still waiting for the lottery to come your way? Well, thinking of the 'odds' and not wanting to be too pessimistic, you'll probably have to wait for a long time! (Still, someone, somewhere, is going to be struck by lightening and someone is going to hit the jackpot - that's life, or otherwise - fortunately or unfortunately?) Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting next to a multi-millionaire. (The pleasure was in hoping that some of the wealth would rub off on me). During conversation, someone mentioned the lottery. My wealthy acquaintance also thought that the chance of winning was so remote that he chose to invest instead in premium bonds. Not only was there a better chance of winning, but because he had invested the maximum amount possible, his annual interest worked out at between 4%-5% TAX FREE and, of course, his original investment was intact. Now, not many of us can afford to invest the maximum amount allowed, but many of us, like myself, have had premium bonds since they were introduced in the l950's and not won a thing.
In other words, along with many others, my interest had been NIL. In fact, taking into account the original investment plus inflation, the result was NIL, NIL. However, on someone's suggestion that the computer seemed to favour recent numbers (which cannot be explained logically as it is a random selection), I withdrew all the bonds and re-invested them, and Hey, Presto! I won ?50! Unfortunate
CRM application is an essential software tool for all small businesses. Big and small businesses aim for profit maximization. This can be realized by providing excellent customer-centric services. CRM application helps in achieving the same in an efficient cost-effective manner.The need for CRM Application for small business:Collection and analysis of customer information. Integration and availability of mission critical data, for all the employees on demand any where any time. Automated sales, to facilitate faster provision of product-centric services synchronizing with the changing trends. In order to plan your marketing strategies, which in-turn will ensures quicker turn-around time to product-centric services. Using a CRM application to plan your marketing strategies, ensures quicker turn-around time to product-centric services.. Fully scalable web-based feature-rich streamlined approach. Secure as well as low risk data base. In order to sel
8.Are you still waiting for the lottery to come your way? Well, thinking of the 'odds' and not wanting to be too pessimistic, you'll probably have to wait for a long time! (Still, someone, somewhere, is going to be struck by lightening and someone is going to hit the jackpot - that's life, or otherwise - fortunately or unfortunately?) Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting next to a multi-millionaire. (The pleasure was in hoping that some of the wealth would rub off on me). During conversation, someone mentioned the lottery. My wealthy acquaintance also thought that the chance of winning was so remote that he chose to invest instead in premium bonds. Not only was there a better chance of winning, but because he had invested the maximum amount possible, his annual interest worked out at between 4%-5% TAX FREE and, of course, his original investment was intact. Now, not many of us can afford to invest the maximum amount allowed, but many of us, like myself, have had premium bonds since they were introduced in the l950's and not won a thing.
In other words, along with many others, my interest had been NIL. In fact, taking into account the original investment plus inflation, the result was NIL, NIL. However, on someone's suggestion that the computer seemed to favour recent numbers (which cannot be explained logically as it is a random selection), I withdrew all the bonds and re-invested them, and Hey, Presto! I won ?50! Unfortunately, I have not won since that great day, so I think the interest gained is still NIL, NIL However, if you have premium bonds it might be worth considering withdrawing and re-investing, bearing in mind that you will miss out on draws until the process of reinvesting is completed. If you have never subscribed to premium bonds, why not give it a go? I suggest that for every pound you contribute to the lottery, you contribute a similar amount to premium bonds. If you now buy lottery tickets twice a week, at the end of the year you will have ?100 for premium bonds. You will not only have 100 chances of winning but you have still retained the ?100 - - GOOD LUCK!
By the way, the answer to the maths test is 4100. If you got this answer and you did it in you head WELL DONE!
. . . MORE TIPS AND TESTS COMING UP IN THE NEXT "JO'S JOTTINGS" . . . . .
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