A very intriguging look at higher education costs vs. the quality of education, courtesy of TheBestColleges.org.
Humans Being Themselves-2013
A repost of sorts.
Does your organization (workplace, church, association) ask you to check your authentic self at the door? If you’re like many, the answer would be yes. Why do organizations value duplication and conformity? More than likely it’s because of insecurities gone wild.
Think about it, if you encounter someone who is different thinking or different looking, what is your fist inclination? Feel threatened? Humanly we feel better around those we think are like us. We look at it as a strange type of validation. Now look at the leaders of the corporations, churches and associations. More than likely these people suffer from the disease of insecurity…times ten.
I was that way.
The “story” has already been told regarding the impact of poor leadership, but now we’re getting the harvest from decades of bad influence. That harvest is manifesting itself in the form of a counter-genuine lifeforce. You know them, there the people who wear masks and “position” themselves in every conversation. These people really don’t know who they are. After years of working and living, it’s not surprising.
Lost and not sure of what to do.
Make your choice now, authenticity or a life of positioning. Remember, if you’re not authentic, you’re a fake. Long live the authentic.
The Week That Was
This past week was definitely the week that was. It started with a call from my mom needing to be taken to a emergency care facility. It turned out to be nothing major, but I'll confess I saw ghosts. Ghosts from four years ago, when my deceased father was making seemingly "no big deal" visits to the ER.
As I'm sitting the waiting area for my mom, my wife calls and tells me company has filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy and the entire company shutdown. To add measure to this, no severance, ho healthcare (the company disbanded the group health plan prior to entering the bankruptcy), no job.
Ok, I was a little disappointed!
The irony is on two fronts for me:
- I went though a similar experience in mid-December of last year. One of my entrepreneur pursuits was negatively impacted when a contract was terminated without warning. Again, game over! I have since regained footing with a local tech startup. You're probably thinking; "why take on more risk?" Part of my DNA.
- I have experienced sudden change/loss in such a way that when I got my wife's news, it didn't cause me to drive off the road. I think the magical formula set in after my second goodbye encounter with corporate America. I am thankful for this and it has made me a better man, husband and dad.
Just so you know, we're (my family and I) are taking a hit from this situation. Don't want you thinking I'm Superman. There are things we've got to figure out and adjust to. Here's a few of the issues we're working through:
- Thankfully, my wife got 2 job offers (in writing) in a matter of 48 hours. She'll be starting a new venture in the next week or so. The drawback is around healthcare. I've got to go without insurance for approx. 90 days, until the benefits kick-in again. As someone with Type I diabetes, I'm not thrilled, but I was able to secure coverage for my wife and kids during this interim period.
- Change. Enough said.
- Getting back money owed from a poster child organization for why sociopaths should only live in North Korea.
Stay tuned.
Culture
My daughter is not unlike other teens, she's fighting hard to establish her identity. I didn't always realize how much of a role I played in this. Culture at home, at school, at church, are the battlefields.
I only control the home front.
The implications can be daunting for the following:
- Business doesn't really care how my daughter deals with the fight my daughter faces. Business wants to be my daughter, if not my master. You get me, it wants to be the center of everything. I'm thankful that I had a tough conversation with business letting it know who was master. It's still not easy.
- American society is so full of it. On one hand it wants a good citizen, and on the other, it celebrates the very things that will lead to the opposite.
- The school system is in denial. It believes that a world that no longer exists, still does. Ignoring all facts in-order to protect a status quo.
- The American government is content with leaving my family and my daughter's future in financial ruin. Again, another form of denial in-order to protect a status quo.
- I fight my own ghosts from so many years ago, but I am fighting. Maybe that leaves her inspired and assured.
As I parent, it occurred to me how much she needs me to be REAL. Not some guy who believes that words are not needed or touch is for a baby only. My daughter needs an example of what a REAL man is and is not. She needs my love, my attention and my touch.
BTW, this is so foreign to my history. Change is a great thing.
5 Questions with Joe Messinger of Capstone Wealth Partners
The following is an interview I did with Joe Messinger of Capstone Wealth Partners. I wanted Joe's take on some financial stuff that was on my mind and probably yours too.
Why should someone consider engaging with a
financial advisor?
There
are 3 main reasons why people typically decide it is time to work with a
financial advisor 1. They take very little interest in financial matters and
they are intimidated by money 2. Their personal financial situation has become
more complex than they are comfortable with and they know
they are missing opportunities and 3. TIME!!! This is the biggest reason to
consider working with a financial advisor.
You simply don’t have time to stay up to date on all of the aspects of
your personal financial plan, and it is much more valuable to delegate those
matters to someone else that you trust to consolidate, coordinate and simplify
your financial life. Pay someone else to
worry about your financial matters so you can spend your TIME doing what you
are best at, and doing the things you love to do with the people you love to do
them with.
What are a few of the most common financial
mistakes people make with their money?
They wing it. People don’t
plan to fail, they fail to plan. A good financial plan should act as a guiding
document to help you make smart choices with your money so you can achieve YOUR
goals for the reasons that are important to you. An Easy exercise for planning retirement is
to ask yourself 3 questions; By when would I like to retire? What amount of net spendable money do I need
each month to fund a comfortable retirement?
Now that I am there, what are 3 words that describe what I am thinking
and how I am feeling now that I am there?
They procrastinate – everyone today knows they should be saving to fund
retirement and/or college. Don’t
wait! Get empowered and take action
now.
They don’t seek advice when they know they
need it. It is hard to know who to trust, so make sure
to ask people that you trust who they work with and if they are loyal to them. If things sound to good to be true, they
probably are. Use your spider man sense!
They don’t pay attention to interest rates. An interest rate
is simply a lender telling you how much you need to pay them to use their money
for a period of time. Obtaining a lower
interest rate on your mortgage for example could mean tens of thousands of
dollars over the life of the loan, and increase your current cash flow at the
same time.
They don’t think it through. People often
times get in over their heads with a payment, or run a massive amount of credit
card debt. If they just thought it
through and asked themselves “Can I really afford this? Do I really NEED
this?” they would be much better
off. Buy with your brain, not your
heart.
It seems like we’ve got some major fiscal
hurdles (higher taxes, inflationary pressures, market ups and downs, etc.) in
front of us here in the U.S., what are some ways to protect and preserve the
money we make?
So many
families today are living paycheck to paycheck.
One of the most important things you can do is set aside 6 months of
your house hold expenses in an emergency cash reserves account. FYI – the family vacation to Florida is not
an emergency! When times are good is the
best time to plan for the uncertainty that will indefinitely come. Another important thing is to make sure that
you are properly insured in case the unthinkable happens. Work with a professional to determine the
proper amount and type of insurance for you and your family. The market will always have ups and downs and
the most important thing with investing is to make sure that you are in a
diversified portfolio that is appropriate for your age and time horizon. Understand the risks associated with
investing and don’t let emotions drive your decisions for long term
investing.
Saving and paying for college is getting a
lot of attention right now. What are some practical things a person can do to
brighten up this part of their financial picture?
The
cost of a 4 year education at a state school has doubled in the last 10 years,
and the costs continue to rise. There
are 2 parts of the equation; 1. Saving
for College and 2. Paying for college
Every little bit helps in saving for college. I would recommend that you start saving at
least something into a 529 college savings plan, even if it is $25 a
month. Also, ask grandparents to
contribute to the plan. Perhaps instead
of giving the kids money to blow, ask them to split it 50/50. Half they can see them enjoy now, and half
can go to help fund college. As far as paying for college understand that
there are a lot of ways to pay for college.
Work to create a proactive plan, not
a reactive plan to pay for college.
Before you even apply to colleges, predetermine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as
determined by the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Also, determine
your family’s college funding philosophy; How much of college will you pay for,
for each child. For example “we are
committed to paying for up to 50% of what an in state school would cost
regardless where you go to college” or
“we will pay for $10,000 per year for each of our kids”. Federal Financial aid, Education Tax
incentives, Private Scholarships, scholarships and grants from the colleges and
universities, and student loans will likely all contribute to paying for
college. It is an elaborate process with
a lot of moving parts, so start early and be an informed buyer of a college
education.
Do you have a strategy you recommend for
people that may have never put a dime into a mutual fund or a 401K?
START! Get educated on your options and go. If you work at a company with a 401(k) or
other retirement plan, that is a great place to start. Request a meeting with a representative from
the plan so that you are aware of your options.
Many retirement plans now have what is called a target date fund option. These funds are a great way to get
started. They essentially ask when you
plan to retire, and professional money managers do all of the heavy lifting to
select a portfolio of investments that is appropriate for you based on your
time horizon and your risk profile. These types of funds are also available in
self-directed Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA). If you are looking for one on one help, ask
people that you trust if they work with an advisor that they are loyal to. Don’t be afraid to meet with 2 or 3 advisors
to find one that is a good fit for you.
Joe Messinger began his financial planning
career in 2001, and worked with industry-leading financial services firms. His successes as a financial advisor lead him
to senior leadership roles where he had an opportunity to coach and mentor some
of the top financial advisors in the country.
After nearly a decade of working for some of the largest firms in the
industry, Joe concluded; “The only way to deliver truly comprehensive,
unbiased advice with no conflicts of interest is to operate as an independent
fee only Registered Investment Advisor.” In 2009 Joe co-founded Capstone Wealth
Partners to do just that
The Time Issue
Time doesn't fly by and we don't have a "time issue." Time has been moving at the same pace as it always has and your time issue is more than likely an excuse.
As I write, I must plead guilty. Many times I've written those worn out cliches of:
- Time goes by so quickly
- Life is brief
- Don't blink
I could go on, but I've slowly been coming to an awakening.
The reason we in America (maybe in other parts of the world too) feel like time goes so fast, is we are always:
- Chasing after something
- Wanting something
- Afraid of losing something
- Getting involved in something
- Worrying about something
That group above will make you feel like your driving a high performance car on the Audubon-in all waking hours. Why not find your moment instead? Why not take the road less travelled? Why not take a risk and say no?
Being in the moment is not a worn out statement. I wish it were, then it might be an indicator that we've stopped the madness. Being in the moment is essential and everyone can do it, if they want. The scary part is many will wait to the end before they realize how much time they've burned.
America is in trouble for a number of reasons. Our abuse of time in the pursuit of "all of the above" is insuring a troublesome outcome. I'm convinced there is a desire, but as in many things, desire is not enough. I've moved to the place where I purposely, every day, find my moment. I have to.
Find your moment and turn around.
5 Easy Ways for Small Businesses to Cut Costs
Every penny counts, so get lean and mean.
Every small business owner knows that costs are easier to
control than revenue—and that’s especially important for startups, who can run
up quite a bill while they’re waiting for things to take off. Here are a few
ways you can boost profits and power through lean times, no matter what niche
you serve.
1. Think used
Depending on the type of business you operate, you might be
able to incorporate used items into your office or store to save money. Light
fixtures, furniture, art, desks, computers and more can all be had for
significantly less than retail if you do some Craigslist hunting. Don’t be
afraid to repurpose industrial equipment that local companies might want to throw
away, as it comes cheap and you get that cool ‘industrial’ design
to your business. Be sure to test used electronics before purchasing—but a
little extra time can save you a lot of money, particularly in the beginning
when it matters most.
2. Move to the
cloud
How much are you spending on printing out and distributing
office memos? How often do you upgrade your version of Office or the Adobe
Master Collection? Google offers great ways for companies to share ideas and
create documents for free with their Google Docs collection. Adobe and many of
software distributors offer low cost cloud-based services that require a very
low monthly fee which can save you from having to spend hundreds on upgrades
every year. Cloud storage solutions are also becoming more affordable and
reliable; Google Drive, Drop Box and Microsoft all have
great solutions which are all cheaper than buying multiple hard drives.
3. Be energy efficient
You don’t need to be moving into a new space to enjoy the
savings from implementing energy efficient devices into your office. Start by
considering new lighting solutions like CFL’s LED’s or even energy efficient
tungsten bulbs. Unblock windows and utilize skylights if available. Not only do
windows help save on lighting costs all that natural light can help make your
employees happier. Instead of turning on the heater for the whole office,
invest in some energy efficient electric heaters
for the areas where it gets coldest. Hook up all electronics to smart power
strips that automatically shut off all power once the day is over and everyone
is gone.
4. Shop around
Let your office supply vendors know that you will be
shopping around to find the best deals and prices on the products you use the
most. Then do it. Online retailers like Amazon and Wal-Mart
offer great prices on bulk items and often will ship free to your store or
office. If you really like your vendors, offer them the option to price match or
to offer you other services to make up the difference in cost. Do this with
your internet, cable/satellite, and phone services yearly to ensure you’re
receiving the best rates available in your area.
5. Rethink your location
Are you absolutely sure your location is best suited to your
needs? Restaurants and some stores might be hard-pressed to move elsewhere, but
you should still consider the cost benefits especially if you have a loyal
clientele willing to go to another location. While you’re at it, you should
consider allowing as many of your employees as possible to telecommute. By
doing this and utilizing free Google services like Google Voice/Talk, Docs and
Drive you can reduce the amount of space you need in an office, how much energy
you have to pay for, and how much you have to spend on electronics.
Aimee Watts is a staff
writer for Mobile Moo. She has spent
ten years telecommuting full-time, and loves spreading tips and advice for
fellow work-at-home parents. She loves gadgets, new ideas, and skiing with her
two favorite people: her husband and teenage son. They live in Evergreen,
Colorado.
The Price of Fame
The price of fame could be summed up in the following statement:
Everybody loves you when your famous…not really. It's just that many flock to whatever is the "new. This too shall pass."
In many parts of the world, being or getting famous is not difficult to do. If you strike certain notes you may even take off like a rocket. You can thank social media for this.
The reality is fame is a cost of doing what you do. It should never be a pursuit. If it is a pursuit then more than likely you're looking for something or some people to fill you up. The end of this road is often addiction.
In some of the roles I've played, I garnered much applause. The inevitable end always led to an empty auditoruim. It really felt quite embarassing. Think of unrequited love here. Thankfully, I found solid ground getting over it. I've learned the importance of just creating the best work you can.
Everything else is mostly distraction.
The Eighth Called Family
I thought this would a post worth repeating, considering Monday's post on parenting.
Ask almost anyone you know about how important family is and I'm sure you'll get a unanimous "very." Obviously, not everyone's family looks or acts the same. Nor does the importance factor apply to all assoicated. But one thing's for sure, whether it's a mother, a child or a wife, family is very important to most. It's a heart thing like no other.
Then why is it so ignored and why is it a struggle to manage?
My experience says we live in an age of what we feel versus what we do. It's a dangerous yet romantic exercise. On one hand we think and feel the emotional high of family, and on the other we trample them under the foot of our pursuits. I haven't even mentioned the hard work that is found in family relationships. Not many a newlywed is interested in hearing that the man lying next them will often leave the toilet seat up or have a serious problem with resolving conflict.
So all of this leads us to the question of; is there a way to manage and nurture family and still be able to have all the other stuff of life balance out? Absolutely! But you'd best do this before they (employer, business partners, schooling) start passing around the kool-aid. Very difficult to turn around if you've sold your soul. That said, it's never too late. It's never too late to properly order your life around the 8 areas of life. It takes courage and commitment, but it's never too late start the journey. I'm always fascinated by the trickery we play in our heads. For example, "I'm not smart enough" or "I'm too old." If you truly want this life to be well, then the excuses have to stop. And with all the obstacles I believe.
So what's this "properly ordered life look like? Quite simply, you integrate the 8 areas of life into your daily existence. You won't be perfect and it is tough work. However, there is one result I know you'll appreciate; a life well-lived. And for the sake of this post, your family will be as healthy as your career, your money, etc.
The Impact of Parenting
I've been married for almost twenty-two years, fourteen of that as a parent. I am in the camp that can't believe that much time has gone by. It really feels like yesterday for all of the roles-husband and father.
Maybe like you, you have a child that participates in an activity or two. My two, are into dance and basketball. It's in those environments that I observe much. What has struck me in this new year is the impact of parenting. Specifically, when it fails and damages the child. No psych analysis here, just observations that are vivid if you look close enough.
Many children are trying to thrive in the midst of chaos and pain.
We here in America place a lot of pressure on children. From education to athletics, we want them to succeed. Even though most adults have a difficult time defining what true success is. Just the same, we put a lot of pressure on them.
Now add a broken family to the insanity.
For the life of me, I have no idea how we will survive this. I pray often on this. Most cultures don't survive what we've laid at our children's feet. A thirteen or 16 year-old is supposed to be able to handle divorce, grades, hormones, and the list goes on? And as you know, many of these children are alone in the management of the list.
Here's what I'm doing with my children:
- Pissing off a business partner when I have to take my son to basketball practice
- Sending myself a note via my iPhone everyday that reminds me to affirm
- Showing them how much I love their mother
- Laughter and humor
- Pray everyday for their needs
By the way, the above list used to be very alien to me. It took serious change in my life to move me forward. I am thankful.