The Hunger Games

It seems like there's a new breakout artist quite often.  Recently I read about one that is truly going to break out (Though she has already made her mark as an Oscar nominee) as of Friday March 23rd.  This would be Jennifer Lawrence starring in The Hunger Games.  This young accomplished actress has also made her mark on her costars.  And if that's not enough she shows a compassion and strength that is very refreshing.  For example here is what she says about the Kardashian divorce:  "I was watching the Kardashian girl getting divorced, and that's a tragedy for anyone.  But they're [the media] using it for entertainment, and we're watching it.  The books [Hunger Games] hold up a terrible kind of mirror: This is what our society could be like if we became desensitized to trauma and to each others pain."

Either way the movie sounds awesome and I'll be there.  You?

Bad Advice Free

Have you ever said something you wish you hadn't?

I remember a long time ago my friend Heidi asked me if I thought she could make it as a flight attendant. Even today I cringe at what I said to her. If I could go back in time, this would be one of those times. Instead of saying "You can be whatever you want to be, don't let anyone stop you." I said something about 'well if you did this and maybe you can... oh and of course there's this other thing you need to fix'....

The whole time I was certain I was being helpful. I wasn't. I've since learned that people should be whatever they want to be and not listen to anyone who tries to stop them. I hope Heidi went and did it anyway and ignored the hell out of me.

Steve Jobs Inspires Us Mere Mortals

Lately I've been reading Steve Jobs biography.  When I first started I was reading it at a rapid clip.  Then I slowed down reading it one or two pages a day.   I've had the book since it was released so that shows you it's taking me a long time to read.  I've concluded I don't want the book to end. 

I've learned a lot about Steve Jobs, not all of it is pleasant but all of it is definitely fascinating.  I don't think I've ever learned about anyone who seemed so fearless and yet so weak at the same time.  The man definitely had his genius and he changed the world along with another handful of people.  Here's a youtube clip I found of him trying to inspire the rest of us.

Legal Forms

At one time or another we've all needed some kind of legal form, like a will, a power of attorney, etc.  And usually we need this "yesterday".  It's very expensive to visit an attorney each time you need some kind of legal document. 

Last week I was looking for a form that would allow me to transfer all my assets to my husband in the event of my death, and vice-versa.  You can imagine what I was thinking in terms of what it would cost me just to have a "consultation" with an attorney.  So it was very fortuitous that I came across U.S. Legal Forms.  They not only have documents like: Bankruptcy, Bill of Sale, Living Trust, Power of Attorney, they also have Legal Guides and Home Sale packages.

Click on this link if you want to check them out: U.S. Legal Forms

Total Money Makeover

Dave Ramsey's Total Makeover

The following are the baby steps to financial freedom by Dave Ramsey:

1. $1,000 to start an Emergency Fund
2. Pay off all debt using the Debt Snowball
3. Three to six months of expenses in savings
4. Invest 15 percent of household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement
5. College funding for children
6. Pay off home early
7. Build wealth and give!

The concept is good, though I think not all the steps are workable 100% for all people.  For me step #6 doesn't work because I own a mobile home and have no plans of selling it to buy a home which in my neighborhood would cost me more than $500,000.  I've done the math several times and it just doesn't make sense to buy a home.  My mobile home is paid for.  I live in a 5 star park in a beautiful neighborhood and my rent is only $700.  Though it sounds good step # 6 just doesn't work for me.

I don't have much debt and I save 30% through my IRA at my job.  How do I save so much?  Well, one of my secrets is following the Zen of Attraction.

Moolanomy has an excellent article on Dave Ramsey's steps and have really fleshed out the steps.  Check it out and tell us what you think.

One really strange thing; these gurus say don't spend money, don't have debt, BUT you have to pay to get their products........hmmm........

Secrets Of The Millionaire Mind

In his book - Secrets of the Millionaire Mind, Eker lists seventeen ways in which the financial blueprints of the rich differ from those of the poor and the middle-class. According to him:

1. Rich people believe: “I create my life.” Poor people believe: “Life happens to me.”
2. Rich people play the money game to win. Poor people play the money game to not lose.
3. Rich people are committed to being rich. Poor people want to be rich.
4. Rich people think big. Poor people think small.
5. Rich people focus on opportunities. Poor people focus on obstacles.
6. Rich people admire other rich and successful people. Poor people resent rich and successful people.
7. Rich people associate with positive, successful people. Poor people associate with negative or unsuccessful people.
8. Rich people are willing to promote themselves and their value. Poor people think negatively about selling and promotion.
9. Rich people are bigger than their problems. Poor people are smaller than their problems.
10. Rich people are excellent receivers. Poor people are poor receivers.
11. Rich people choose to get paid based on results. Poor people choose to get paid based on time.
12. Rich people think “both”. Poor people think “either/or”.
13. Rich people focus on their net worth. Poor people focus on their working income.
14. Rich people manage their money well. Poor people mismanage their money well.
15. Rich people have their money work hard for them. Poor people work hard for their money.
16. Rich people act in spite of fear. Poor people let fear stop them.
17. Rich people constantly learn and grow. Poor people think they already know.

I'm in no way promoting Mr. Eker's courses (cost: thousands), but I do think this list is interesting, and can make one think about how it applies to their own situation.

The Zen of Attraction

The Zen of Attraction was written by  Thomas Leonard.  I hope you enjoy this and find it useful.

~Eva

 

The Zen of Attraction by Thomas Leonard

1. Promise nothing. Just do what you most enjoy doing.
2. Sign nothing. Just do what doesn’t require a signature of any kind.
3. Offer nothing. Just share what you have with those who express an interest.
4. Expect nothing. Just enjoy what you already have; it’s plenty.
5. Need nothing. Just build up your reserves and your needs will disappear.
6. Create nothing. Just respond well to what comes to you.
7. Seduce no one. Just enjoy them.
8. Adrenalize nothing. Just add value and get excited about that.
9. Hype nothing. Just let quality sell by itself.
10. Fix nothing. Just heal yourself.
11. Plan nothing. Just take the path of least resistance.
12. Learn nothing. Just let your body absorb it all on your behalf.
13. Become no one. Just be more of yourself.
14. Change nothing. Just tell the truth and things will change by themselves.