The weather outside may be frightful, but here are a few ways to keep the inside delightful and not break the bank. With just a few changes in your lifestyle you can save the planet by cutting down on your energy use and save a little pocket change.
Energy Saving Tips for the Winter Ahead:
Close up rooms that are not used on a regular basis, like a guest bedroom. Close the vents, turn down the thermostat, and close the door. There is no sense heating a room that is not occupied
Turn down the thermostat and use space heaters in frequently used spaces. Turning down your thermostat even 1 degree can save you 3% on your energy bill!
Minimize the use of ventilation fans. A bathroom fan can suck all the heated air out of the average home in little more than an hour.
Keep your furnace, heat pump, or other heating equipment maintained and running as efficiently as possible. Look into purchasing a maintenance agreement. In the long run it could save your family lots of money.
Ceiling fans do more than keep you cool during the summer; they can warm during the winter. It’s as simple as flipping a switch to change the direction of the blades, which pushes warm air down.
Keep the water heater temperature at 120 degrees or cooler.
When washing clothes always wash full loads and use cold water whenever possible.
We all love those long hot showers in the winter, but by cutting your shower time in half you can save 33% on hot water costs.
Let Mother Nature lend a warm hand. Open up the curtains and blinds on all South facing windows during the day and let the sunlight heat the house naturally. But be sure to close them before the sun goes down to keep the heat within the house.
Gracie Mohr
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Practical Prosperity
November 2010
If you feel that 2010 has breezed by quickly, you are not alone. Many Americans have had an exciting year of ups and downs in their financial lives. We soared into the year with a rising stock market and signs that housing and unemployment were on the verge of being on much better footing.
Spring and summer however began to instill doubt in many investors. As incentives expired, home sales once again became tepid and unemployment seemed stuck as census jobs began to diminish. Thankfully this fall has brought on a newfound sense of optimism and markets are moving again, housing prices are stabilizing (in many regions), and slowly but surely jobs are being created.
It is only appropriate in this season of thanks that we be thankful for the things that the stock market can’t take away from us. We can also be mindful of ways we can have a great season without compromising the savings we have set aside for our future goals and dreams.
Let’s take a trip to your local auto showroom. If your car needs to be replaced, year end is a great time. If you don’t need “2011” on the sticker, there are deals galore to be had. Many dealers are “advertizing” the invoice price (their price to purchase from the manufacturer) as the sale price. This is where negotiations start, as dealers take losses to clear the lot. If you can swallow some pride, your wallet will swallow more car.
With home sales still crawling out of the deepest of doldrums, now is still a time to buy. Government incentives may be over; however sellers are eager to do just that, sell. Consider this. Its January, its 20 degrees, streets are slushy, and the sky is gray. Homes look awful, buyers aren’t out, and some people have taken their home off the market until the weather improves. Find your new home now, before this happens. It might make for hectic holidays, but sellers do not want a house on the market through the depths of the winter. A house on the market in December is often doomed until at least April. Deals are to be had!
It is also a great time to be shopping for home items, clothing, and gift items. Sales are in abundance as demand to clear inventory increases. If your accounts can handle it, consider some of your need expenses, not just holiday gifts. If you have some less than fresh suits in the closet, a threadbare sofa, or a television that won’t tune, this is a great time to find your replacement. Prices are marked down; coupon deals are available by the thousands online; shipping is being touted as free. Take advantage of this! You might be able to replace your worn out microwave by purchasing one on sale, with an additional 25% off, shipped to your door for free. How is that for savings and convenience?
It is about being smart, not cheap. The time and money saved means more resources for what is really important. You will spend more time with family, save for that dream vacation, and have an overall sense of prosperity. If you have taken advantage of the concepts mentioned, or found others, let us know. We would love to share your stories of abundance no matter how they manifest. Your efforts might also empower confident action in your friends and family to do the same.
Here’s to you and your family for a very warm, enjoyable, and prosperous season of thanks!
Andy Pulsfort
If you feel that 2010 has breezed by quickly, you are not alone. Many Americans have had an exciting year of ups and downs in their financial lives. We soared into the year with a rising stock market and signs that housing and unemployment were on the verge of being on much better footing.
Spring and summer however began to instill doubt in many investors. As incentives expired, home sales once again became tepid and unemployment seemed stuck as census jobs began to diminish. Thankfully this fall has brought on a newfound sense of optimism and markets are moving again, housing prices are stabilizing (in many regions), and slowly but surely jobs are being created.
It is only appropriate in this season of thanks that we be thankful for the things that the stock market can’t take away from us. We can also be mindful of ways we can have a great season without compromising the savings we have set aside for our future goals and dreams.
Let’s take a trip to your local auto showroom. If your car needs to be replaced, year end is a great time. If you don’t need “2011” on the sticker, there are deals galore to be had. Many dealers are “advertizing” the invoice price (their price to purchase from the manufacturer) as the sale price. This is where negotiations start, as dealers take losses to clear the lot. If you can swallow some pride, your wallet will swallow more car.
With home sales still crawling out of the deepest of doldrums, now is still a time to buy. Government incentives may be over; however sellers are eager to do just that, sell. Consider this. Its January, its 20 degrees, streets are slushy, and the sky is gray. Homes look awful, buyers aren’t out, and some people have taken their home off the market until the weather improves. Find your new home now, before this happens. It might make for hectic holidays, but sellers do not want a house on the market through the depths of the winter. A house on the market in December is often doomed until at least April. Deals are to be had!
It is also a great time to be shopping for home items, clothing, and gift items. Sales are in abundance as demand to clear inventory increases. If your accounts can handle it, consider some of your need expenses, not just holiday gifts. If you have some less than fresh suits in the closet, a threadbare sofa, or a television that won’t tune, this is a great time to find your replacement. Prices are marked down; coupon deals are available by the thousands online; shipping is being touted as free. Take advantage of this! You might be able to replace your worn out microwave by purchasing one on sale, with an additional 25% off, shipped to your door for free. How is that for savings and convenience?
It is about being smart, not cheap. The time and money saved means more resources for what is really important. You will spend more time with family, save for that dream vacation, and have an overall sense of prosperity. If you have taken advantage of the concepts mentioned, or found others, let us know. We would love to share your stories of abundance no matter how they manifest. Your efforts might also empower confident action in your friends and family to do the same.
Here’s to you and your family for a very warm, enjoyable, and prosperous season of thanks!
Andy Pulsfort
Getting Naked
I would never have purchased the book Getting Naked: A Business Fable About Shedding The Three Fears That Sabotage Client Loyalty by Patrick Lencioni, as the title does not speak to me and I was not familiar with Mr. Lencioni’s previous work. However in early November, I had the pleasure of hearing him speak. As I listened, I found myself challenged, aligned and ready to read anything Mr. Lencioni had written.
The essence of the book is about being vulnerable. Sounds simple enough. I certainly think of myself as an authentic person, willing to be real and vulnerable. Yet in business and in life, being vulnerable can be challenging for many people. Sometimes it requires that we admit to our lack of knowledge and our mistakes. It might also mean we have to tell the truth when a white lie would be much easier. It can also mean turning a client away when you are not the right fit.
In Getting Naked, Mr. Lencioni describes three fears we must walk through to deliver naked service:
Fear of Losing the Business - Worrying about losing a client's business may cause service providers and consultants to avoid the very things that ultimately engender trust and loyalty.
Fear of Being Embarrassed - Rooted in pride, this fear can lead service providers to withhold their best ideas from clients.
Fear of Feeling Inferior - To avoid feeling irrelevant or being overlooked, consultants try to achieve and preserve a high level of importance in clients' minds.
As he spoke about the fear of losing the business, I remembered my own experience:
An acquaintance called and asked me if I would work with her mother. I agreed. Both mother and daughter came to the appointment. After only fifteen minutes, I was clear that the daughter really wanted me to help her mother. And I was equally clear that what her mother really needed was to work with her local banker, someone she dearly trusted and with whom she felt safe.
At the end of our conversation, I looked at the mother, who had been sitting next to me with her arms crossed and with a scowling look on her face the entire meeting, and said, “I hear that the money you have is really important to you as a safety net. I also understand you want to use this money for special things in life, and you do not need it for everyday living. As you have spoken, it seems clear that you really trust your local banker, so I am curious as to why you would not continue to work with your banker.” Surprised, she relaxed, smiled and said, “Do you really think I should work with my banker?” “Yes,” I replied.
She told me how much she appreciated our meeting and gave me a big hug. She left my office with a clear plan on how to work with her banker. As she was leaving, she asked me what she owed me for our time today. “No charge” I replied.
The mother came to see me to make her daughter happy. I know that we could have done a great job for the mother, except that she wanted something else: to work with her banker. This meeting did not earn me any new business or revenue. Yet what I gained was priceless. I went to sleep that night knowing I had done the right thing. I had been willing to listen, to be vulnerable and say, “We are not the best fit for your needs.”
Being vulnerable does not mean throwing caution to the wind and dismissing the wisdom we have gained throughout our lifetime. But it does mean having an open mind, and speaking the truth when the truth is what serves the highest good of everyone. That is how strong, trusting relationships develop between us.
To continue learning about Mr. Lencioni’s book and to download his model, visit his web site at:
http://www.tablegroup.com/books/gettingnaked
One of the things I most love about being a successful CEO is being vulnerable enough to say “I don’t know it all”, which means I am open to the teachings and wisdom of others. That creates a world of endless possibilities! I hope you enjoy learning about Getting Naked much as I did!
Mackey McNeill
The essence of the book is about being vulnerable. Sounds simple enough. I certainly think of myself as an authentic person, willing to be real and vulnerable. Yet in business and in life, being vulnerable can be challenging for many people. Sometimes it requires that we admit to our lack of knowledge and our mistakes. It might also mean we have to tell the truth when a white lie would be much easier. It can also mean turning a client away when you are not the right fit.
In Getting Naked, Mr. Lencioni describes three fears we must walk through to deliver naked service:
Fear of Losing the Business - Worrying about losing a client's business may cause service providers and consultants to avoid the very things that ultimately engender trust and loyalty.
Fear of Being Embarrassed - Rooted in pride, this fear can lead service providers to withhold their best ideas from clients.
Fear of Feeling Inferior - To avoid feeling irrelevant or being overlooked, consultants try to achieve and preserve a high level of importance in clients' minds.
As he spoke about the fear of losing the business, I remembered my own experience:
An acquaintance called and asked me if I would work with her mother. I agreed. Both mother and daughter came to the appointment. After only fifteen minutes, I was clear that the daughter really wanted me to help her mother. And I was equally clear that what her mother really needed was to work with her local banker, someone she dearly trusted and with whom she felt safe.
At the end of our conversation, I looked at the mother, who had been sitting next to me with her arms crossed and with a scowling look on her face the entire meeting, and said, “I hear that the money you have is really important to you as a safety net. I also understand you want to use this money for special things in life, and you do not need it for everyday living. As you have spoken, it seems clear that you really trust your local banker, so I am curious as to why you would not continue to work with your banker.” Surprised, she relaxed, smiled and said, “Do you really think I should work with my banker?” “Yes,” I replied.
She told me how much she appreciated our meeting and gave me a big hug. She left my office with a clear plan on how to work with her banker. As she was leaving, she asked me what she owed me for our time today. “No charge” I replied.
The mother came to see me to make her daughter happy. I know that we could have done a great job for the mother, except that she wanted something else: to work with her banker. This meeting did not earn me any new business or revenue. Yet what I gained was priceless. I went to sleep that night knowing I had done the right thing. I had been willing to listen, to be vulnerable and say, “We are not the best fit for your needs.”
Being vulnerable does not mean throwing caution to the wind and dismissing the wisdom we have gained throughout our lifetime. But it does mean having an open mind, and speaking the truth when the truth is what serves the highest good of everyone. That is how strong, trusting relationships develop between us.
To continue learning about Mr. Lencioni’s book and to download his model, visit his web site at:
http://www.tablegroup.com/books/gettingnaked
One of the things I most love about being a successful CEO is being vulnerable enough to say “I don’t know it all”, which means I am open to the teachings and wisdom of others. That creates a world of endless possibilities! I hope you enjoy learning about Getting Naked much as I did!
Mackey McNeill
Monday, November 8, 2010
College Board Releases New College Cost Figures
On October 28, 2010, the College Board released college cost figures for the 2010/2011 academic year in its annual Trends in College Pricing report.
Here are a few highlight from the reports:
Four-year public colleges (in-state students):
Tuition and fees increased an average of 7.9% to $7,605
Room and board increased an average of 4.6% to $8,535
Total average cost* for 2010/2011: $20,339
Four-year public colleges (out-of-state students):
Tuition and fees increased an average of 6.0% to $19,595
Room and board increased an average of 4.6% to $8,535
Total average cost* for 2010/2011: $32,329
Four-year private colleges:
Tuition and fees increased an average of 4.5% to $27,293
Room and board increased an average of 3.9% to $9,700
Total average cost* for 2009/2010: $40,476
*"Total average cost" includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and other miscellaneous costs.
The report also notes the estimated average amount of grant aid and federal education tax benefits that full-time college students received for the 2010/2011 year: $6,100 for students attending public colleges and $16,000 for students at private colleges.
Here are a few highlight from the reports:
Four-year public colleges (in-state students):
Tuition and fees increased an average of 7.9% to $7,605
Room and board increased an average of 4.6% to $8,535
Total average cost* for 2010/2011: $20,339
Four-year public colleges (out-of-state students):
Tuition and fees increased an average of 6.0% to $19,595
Room and board increased an average of 4.6% to $8,535
Total average cost* for 2010/2011: $32,329
Four-year private colleges:
Tuition and fees increased an average of 4.5% to $27,293
Room and board increased an average of 3.9% to $9,700
Total average cost* for 2009/2010: $40,476
*"Total average cost" includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and other miscellaneous costs.
The report also notes the estimated average amount of grant aid and federal education tax benefits that full-time college students received for the 2010/2011 year: $6,100 for students attending public colleges and $16,000 for students at private colleges.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Smart Holiday Shopping
Smart Holiday Shopping
Many people tend to forget or forgo their financial plans during the holiday season for the sake of their loved ones. However, there are a few simple financial rules that can help you get the most bang for your holiday buck.
- Set your budget before you turn the computer on! It is very easy to get carried away. Try to make a list of exactly what you are looking for before shopping. Know your limit.
- Google offers a “Google Product Search.” This search is designed to find a particular item at the lowest price, taking a variety of retailers into account. Don’t forget to factor in shipping! Sometimes a low price on an item may end up being offset by a costly shipping fee.
- Websites like http://www.retailmenot.com list coupons and web deals for thousands of retailers. You can simply search for an item or a specific store.
- Keep an eye out for “free shipping” specials. Sometimes buying two of an item and receiving free shipping will result in a lower total cost.
- Check Facebook and other social media. Smaller and local retailers often post specials and coupons that can be used to save money.
- Don’t inadvertently blow your budget by purchasing things for yourself! If you find items you want, add them to your own holiday list.
- When shopping online for out of town relatives, it is generally more cost effective to have the item shipped to them. The alternative of having it shipped to you and repackaging it results in paying shipping costs twice. Plus you can usually have it shipped wrapped as a gift with a gift receipt.
- Shop early so you have plenty of time to use the lowest cost shipping. Waiting until the last minute can cause you to need express shipping, which can be very expensive.
- Keep your recipient in mind. Check the return/restocking policy and be sure to include a gift receipt.
-And as Jody Robinson puts it, "...shop local independent businesses where your money reinvests in
the community!"
Above all, Try to remember that the holiday season isn’t all about exorbitant consumerism. Focus on family, and don’t forget your budget!
Many people tend to forget or forgo their financial plans during the holiday season for the sake of their loved ones. However, there are a few simple financial rules that can help you get the most bang for your holiday buck.
- Set your budget before you turn the computer on! It is very easy to get carried away. Try to make a list of exactly what you are looking for before shopping. Know your limit.
- Google offers a “Google Product Search.” This search is designed to find a particular item at the lowest price, taking a variety of retailers into account. Don’t forget to factor in shipping! Sometimes a low price on an item may end up being offset by a costly shipping fee.
- Websites like http://www.retailmenot.com list coupons and web deals for thousands of retailers. You can simply search for an item or a specific store.
- Keep an eye out for “free shipping” specials. Sometimes buying two of an item and receiving free shipping will result in a lower total cost.
- Check Facebook and other social media. Smaller and local retailers often post specials and coupons that can be used to save money.
- Don’t inadvertently blow your budget by purchasing things for yourself! If you find items you want, add them to your own holiday list.
- When shopping online for out of town relatives, it is generally more cost effective to have the item shipped to them. The alternative of having it shipped to you and repackaging it results in paying shipping costs twice. Plus you can usually have it shipped wrapped as a gift with a gift receipt.
- Shop early so you have plenty of time to use the lowest cost shipping. Waiting until the last minute can cause you to need express shipping, which can be very expensive.
- Keep your recipient in mind. Check the return/restocking policy and be sure to include a gift receipt.
-And as Jody Robinson puts it, "...shop local independent businesses where your money reinvests in
the community!"
Above all, Try to remember that the holiday season isn’t all about exorbitant consumerism. Focus on family, and don’t forget your budget!
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