Tag Archives: Spending Plan

Bring On The White Mocha

Ok, I’ve tightened my belt. Now what? Does the economy have you making different decisions today than last year? How about two years ago? Instead of the grande breve white mocha with extra whipping cream served up extra hot, you’ve cut back to the regular mocha sans white.

Perhaps you’ve hit rock bottom and only order the standard latte? Well there is always Folgers instant brew. No offense meant to the connoisseurs of hot drinks. At what point in time does your economic situation require drastic measures?

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Econ Update: August 2010

US Bonds continue to receive an enormous amount of money. Why? Because of the increasing fear of a global economic slowdown. This is not to say they don’t already recognize that things are tough, rather it means they don’t see it getting better for a long time.

The financial markets can’t figure out the Fed. The Feds don’t agree on a direction. Existing home sales were 27% lower than last month.

It appears the meddling from Washington academics has produced unintended consequences. This is not news to us. The problem lies in the fact that they think they are the solution.

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3 Steps to Eliminating Cash Flow Frustration

It’s 5:30 AM on a cold misty winter day and it’s another mind over mattress battle.  My blanket is tucked tightly under my chin. It’s warm inside my covers and cold outside.

Mike and Tim are going to be waiting for me at 6 AM for our run. If I don’t show up there will be heck to pay.

During my teenage years and even into my twenties I was nocturnal. As time went on I realized my productivity was a function of my sleeping habits. I wanted greater productivity more than I wanted to stay up at night so I agreed to fight the battle of mind over mattress.

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3 Things You can do with Money

There are only three things you can do with money.

  1. Spend it
  2. Save it
  3. Invest it

The media overflows with investment advice and commentary. TV pundits, talk radio, and news specialist discuss almost exclusively the stock market, mutual funds, bonds, real estate, and to some extent hedge funds and other esoteric opportunities.

Our world of communication is filled to the brim with investment advice. So how is the primary focus on investing working? Are you feeling better about your finances today than you did 2 years ago? How about 10 years ago?

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It's My Money

My wife and I attended a recent Bridal show at the Tacoma Dome to discuss our system for helping newlyweds improve the odds that their marriage will last. Some folks were very interested; others were kind but were not.

The most interesting were the very opinionated brides to be when asked, “Do you have a Spending Plan?” Their almost agitated responses proved insightful:

I have my money and he has his. He’ll never know how much. As long as he buys his socks and underwear, we’re fine.”

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Emergency Funds

 Market Update

More than 3 out of every 5 American adults (61%) do not have an emergency savings account equal to at least 3 months of living expenses (source: Money Magazine).

Although only 40% of American adults currently pay their outstanding credit card balances each month, 63% of Americans surveyed in early March are committed to eliminating any monthly credit card debt in the future (source: Consumer Education Services Inc., Money Magazine).

The average family is able to save over $300 a month using Wealth Tracker.  If you are not giving each dollar a rule your dollars will rule you.  Sign up for Wealth Tracker online by clicking here.

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