Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow is not perfect — as a football player or as a human being. However, I know he can teach me a lot about leadership. I look forward to learning from him.

By: Mark Miller

Some of you are Tim Tebow fans and some of you are not — got it. Regardless of your feelings, let’s not miss the chance to learn something here about leadership. Here are a few things I’ve observed watching Tebow this season that may help you on your leadership journey.

Leadership Matters — Team sports require leadership. In the NFL, there is an expectation that the quarterback will provide that leadership. Business, ministry, government and academia are all TEAM SPORTS. If you are going to win, someone must lead. Tim provided leadership for the Broncos.

Passion Matters — The intensity of the team is always a reflection of their leadership. If the leader is not passionate the team won’t be either. Tim gets this. This was a critical ingredient in 6 fourth quarter or overtime victories this season! How high is your passion for what you lead?

No Style Points on the Scoreboard — Winning is the ultimate measuring stick in the NFL. Pretty or ugly, it doesn’t matter. Tim knew the goal was winning – not his QB rating. What does a win look like for your team? Is everyone on the same page?

Leadership is a Platform for Influence — When you and I lead well, our influence will grow. What we do with that influence matters. One of the things Tim does is host disabled young people to attend both home and away games. He says that it inspires HIM to see their courage and helps him keep the game in perspective. How will you steward your influence?

Skills Still Matter — Tim has a lot to learn as an NFL quarterback. His skills are not where they need to be.  Heart, passion and drive are huge — but insufficient over the long haul without the skills. Tim knows that. That’s why he’s so excited about the off-season. He plans to grow before next year. What’s your plan to grow this year?

Tim Tebow is not perfect — as a football player or as a human being. However, I know he can teach me a lot about leadership. I look forward to learning from him for years to come.

© 2012 Mark Miller, co-author of Great Leaders Grow: Becoming a Leader for Life

About the Author:
Mark Miller, co-author of Great Leaders Grow: Becoming a Leader for Life, is vice president, training and development, for Chick-fil-A. During his career he has served in corporate communications, restaurant operations, quality and customer satisfaction, and numerous other leadership positions. He began his Chick-fil-A career in 1977 working as an hourly team member. He is the author of The Secret of Teams and is the coauthor of The Secret: What Great Leaders Know and Do with Ken Blanchard.

Follow Mark Miller on Facebook and Twitter

For more information on the book please visit Great Leaders Grow.

Photo: Jordon

IRS Tax Form

Tax relief companies use radio, television and the Internet to advertise help for taxpayers in distress. The truth is that their companies don’t settle the tax debt.

“We’ve helped thousands of people settle their tax debts for a fraction of the amount owed.”

“We can stop wage garnishments, bank levies, tax levies, property seizures, and unbearable monthly payments.”

“We can significantly reduce your tax debt. Call for a free consultation.”

Fact or fiction?

Tax relief companies use the radio, television and the Internet to advertise help for taxpayers in distress. If you pay them an upfront fee, which can be thousands of dollars, these companies claim they can reduce or even eliminate your tax debts and stop back-tax collection by applying for legitimate IRS hardship programs. The truth is that most taxpayers don’t qualify for the programs these fraudsters hawk, their companies don’t settle the tax debt, and in many cases don’t even send the necessary paperwork to the IRS requesting participation in the programs that were mentioned. Adding insult to injury, some of these companies don’t provide refunds, and leave people even further in debt.

Some taxpayers who filed complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that, after signing up with some of these companies and paying thousands of dollars in upfront fees, the companies took even more of their money by making unauthorized charges to their credit cards or withdrawals from their bank accounts.

If you owe back taxes and don’t know how you’re going to pay the debt, the FTC, the nation’s consumer protection agency, says don’t panic, take a deep breath, and consider your options. If you are having trouble paying bills, it’s often better to try to work out a payment plan with the creditor yourself than to pay someone else to negotiate a plan for you. The same is true when you owe money to the IRS or your state comptroller.

IRS Help for Taxpayers

If you can’t pay your taxes or your payments are late, the IRS charges you penalties and interest. It also has several tax relief programs to help people who owe back taxes:

An Installment Agreement is generally available to people who can’t pay their tax debt in full at one time. The program allows people to make smaller monthly payments until the entire debt is satisfied.
An Offer in Compromise (OIC) lets taxpayers permanently settle their tax debt for less than the amount they owe. The OIC is an important tool to help taxpayers in limited circumstances; taxpayers are eligible only after other payment options have been exhausted and their ability to pay has been reviewed by the IRS.
In very limited circumstances, the IRS may offer a penalty abatement to people who haven’t paid their taxes because of a special hardship. If the taxpayer meets very narrow criteria, the IRS may agree to forgive the penalties. An interest abatement is even more limited and is rarely provided.

According to the IRS, you can apply for an Installment Agreement, OIC, or a penalty or interest abatement without the help of a third party. If you prefer third-party assistance in negotiating with the IRS, only certain tax professionals — Enrolled Agents (federally-authorized tax practitioners who can represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the IRS), Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), and attorneys — have the authority to represent you. Their services should involve a face to face meeting where they explain your options and their fee structure.

You can contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent organization within the IRS that provides free help to people who are experiencing financial difficulties or who need help resolving a problem with the IRS. Call 1-877-777-4778 or visit irs.gov/advocate.

State Tax Relief Programs

The process for tax settlements with the states is very similar to the process with the IRS, although it varies from state to state. In some states, for instance, a taxpayer’s penalties can be waived, but interest can’t. In other states, interest can be waived, but penalties can’t. And in some states, legitimate tax debt can’t be reduced at all. For more information, contact your state comptroller. For a state-by-state listing, visit the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers (NASACT) at nasact.org.

Taxpayer Tips

If you owe back taxes and you are having trouble meeting your tax obligation:

* Read your notices from the IRS or your state comptroller. Ask about collection alternatives.
* Save yourself some aggravation by ignoring promises from companies that say you are “qualified” or “eligible” for a tax relief program to resolve your tax debt. Only the IRS or your state comptroller can make that determination.
*Walk away if a company requires a fee in advance for tax relief services. Check them out with the IRS.

For More Information

The FTC has free materials about dealing with debt and other money management issues at ftc.gov/moneymatters.

The IRS has information on the collection process and payment options at irs.gov.

Photo: John-Morgan

Women Networking

People think about you for a variety of reasons and you are effectively staying in the front of their minds. Keep doing what’s working.

By: Michelle Tillis Lederman

1. When you are in a group at a networking event and someone says something that you relate to, what do you do?
a. Say nothing.
b. Say nothing but make a mental note or jot it down on the back of their card.
c. Look for your opportunity to interject the thought into the conversation.
d. Interrupt with enthusiasm over the fact that you have something in common.

2. When a new person wanders over to the group your are speaking with, what do you do?
a. Nothing.
b. Shift your body to give them room in the circle, make eye contact or smile.
c. Wait for an opportunity to ask them their opinion and bring them into the conversation.
d. Stop the conversation and welcome him/her in.

3. How often do you eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a different person per week?
a. 0 times per week
b. 1 – 3 times per week
c. 4 – 6 times per week
d. > 7 times per week

4. How many different organizations, groups, or clubs are you an active member in?
a. None
b. 1 – 2 organizations
c. 3 – 5 organizations
d. > 6 organizations

5. What percent of the new people you meet do you follow up with?
a. < 25%
b. 26% – 49%
c. 50% – 74%
d. > 75%

6. How quickly do you follow up with a new contact?
a. Within a month, if ever
b. Over a week
c. Within 2 – 4 days
d. Same or next day

7. Which is the most common way you meet new people?
a. They find me.
b. Someone offers to introduce me.
c. I ask friends for warm introductions.
d. I search people out and contact them directly.

8. When are you most likely to reach out to your network?
a. I don’t.
b. When they reach out to me.
c. On a regular basis when there is a reason (i.e. Birthday, job opportunity, change in situation, etc.)
d. On daily basis.

9. You end a conversation with someone when . . .
a. They end it with me
b. The conversation becomes stilted or I think they don’t want to talk anymore.
c. When I know how I will follow up.
d. When I am ready to talk to someone else or see someone I want to talk to.

10. People regularly reach out to you (check all that apply)
a. For a contact
b. For an introduction
c. To ask for a favor
d. To request you speak to a friend
e. To ask for advice
f. To request you or your services on a project
g. To say hello and catch up
h. To invite you to something

Scoring: For questions 1 — 9, score as follows:
A answers — 1 point
B answers — 2 points
C answers — 3 points
D answers — 4 points
For question 10, give yourself 1 point for every answer you circled. Total up your score and read your Networking style below.

9 – 14 points: The Observer.
You tend to hang back in a crowd. You watch what is going on, but don’t get involved. You never initiate and rarely follow up on making new connections. The result, your network is small and you are not in the front of people’s minds as a resource. If you are uncomfortable, make slight changes. Consider making the follow up via email or through social media. If you prefer one on one — invite someone to lunch. If the group is easier at first, then tag along or ask to join a group that has room for one more at the table. Look for situations that match your style and comfort until you get used to joining in.

15 – 24 points: The Reactor.
You are interested in making those new connections but feel more comfortable when someone else takes the lead. You can get stuck keeping a conversation flowing. You are responsive to other’s attempts to connect and follow up more frequently when in response to something specific. You take a subtle approach though sometimes your comfort and confidence may get in your way. You are on the right track. Stretch a little more and you will gain comfort. Set a goal to initiate a conversation once a week and to find a reason to reach out to a new contact. Don’t doubt they want you to — you are not the type that comes on too strong so don’t worry about feeling like a nuisance.

25 – 37 points: The Initiator.
You are actively networking and taking a balanced approach. You seek opportunities, include others in the conversation, and follow up regularly. People think about you for a variety of reasons and you are effectively staying in the front of their minds. Keep doing what’s working.

38 – 44 points: The Director.
You are strategic and methodical about networking. It is high on your priority list and you take a numbers approach. You are involved in many organizations which increases your familiarity since you or your name pops up everywhere. Your approach may feel insincere or over the top for some. Give people some breathing room and use a lighter touch when reaching out. Seek to connect beyond the surface topics that come up in business. Make sure people feel you value the time you are spending with them and not looking for the next or more interesting contact in the room. Don’t pull back too much, simply consider your timing, frequency, and depth of conversation.

© 2011 Michelle Tillis Lederman, author of The 11 Laws of Likability: Relationship Networking . . . Because People Do Business with People They Like

About the Author:
Michelle Tillis Lederman, author of The 11 Laws of Likability: Relationship Networking . . . Because People Do Business with People They Like, is founder and CEO of Executive Essentials, which provides customized communication and leadership programs. She is an adjunct professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business and a faculty member of the American Management Association. In keeping with her belief that real relationships lead to real results, Lederman specializes in teaching people how to communicate to connect. She has delivered seminars internationally for Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and universities. She is a graduate of Lehigh University and Columbia Business School and lives in South Orange, New Jersey.

For more information please visit Michelle Tillis Lederman, and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter

Photo: xorcompbx

Steve Jobs

You need to follow your gut and do something you are passionate about — doing what you love is Steve Jobs’ first principle for breakthrough success.

By: Carmine Gallo

The global recession has forced many people to reconsider their careers and life choices. In these turbulent times, where does one turn for career advice? As I was researching the material for my new book, The Innovation Secrets of Steve Jobs I realized that many of the principles behind Jobs’ breakthrough success at Apple apply equally to the management of one’s career. Jobs has had his share of setbacks and skeptics. He started what would become a multi-billion dollar brand by sharing his parents’ kitchen table, he was fired from the company he started, and he rebounded from two near-death experiences to become one of the most iconic business leaders in corporate history. He’s learned a lot along the way and he has a lot to teach the rest of us. Here are just a few ways Jobs can teach you to ‘think differently’ about professional and career success.

Put a dent in the universe. Steve Jobs has never underestimated the power of vision to move a brand forward. Vision inspires new ideas and attracts evangelists to your cause. In 1976, Steve Wozniak was captivated by Jobs’ vision to “put a computer in the hands of everyday people.” Wozniak was the engineering genius behind the Apple I and the Apple II, but it was Jobs’ vision that inspired Wozniak to focus his skills on building a computer for the masses. Jobs’ vision was intoxicating because it had four components that all inspiring visions share: It was 1) bold, 2) specific, 3) concise and 4) consistently communicated.

In 1979, Jobs took a tour of the Xerox research facility in Palo Alto, California. There he saw a new technology that let users interact with the computer via graphical icons on the screen instead of entering complex line commands. It was called a “graphical user interface.” In that moment, Jobs knew that this technology would allow him to fulfill his vision of putting a computer in the hands of everyday people. He went back to Apple and refocused his team’s effort on building the computer that would eventually become the Macintosh and forever change the way we talked to computers. Jobs later said that Xerox could have “dominated” the computer industry but instead its ‘vision’ was limited to building another copier.

Innovation — the kind with a big “I” that moves society forward — doesn’t happen without a bold vision. Just as Jobs had a vision for his brand, you must have a vision for the most important brand of all — yourself. What vision do you have for your company or your career? Yes, you need to follow your gut and do something you are passionate about — doing what you love is Steve Jobs’ first principle for breakthrough success — but while passion gives you energy to overcome skeptics and obstacles, vision points you in the ultimate direction.

Kick-start your brain. There’s no dispute that Steve Jobs thinks differently than the rest of us. His creative ideas have transformed not one industry, but four — computing, music, entertainment, and telecommunications. Innovation — in products or careers — requires creativity and creativity requires that you think differently about…the way you think. Scientists who study the way the brain works have discovered that innovators like Steve Jobs do think differently but they use a technique available to all of us — they seek out “diverse experiences.” This reminds me of the story behind Apple’s name. The idea fell from a tree, literally. Steve Jobs had returned from visiting a commune-like place in Oregon located in an apple orchard. Apple co-founder and Jobs’ pal, Steve Wozniak, picked him up from the airport. On the drive home, Jobs simply said, “I came up with a name for our company — Apple.” Wozniak said they could have tried to come up with more technical sounding names but their vision was to make computers approachable. Apple fit nicely.

Steve Jobs creates new ideas precisely because he has spent a lifetime exploring new and unrelated things — seeking out diverse experiences. Jobs hired people from outside the computing profession, he studied the art of calligraphy in college (a study that found its way into the first Macintosh), meditated in an Indian ashram, studied the fine details of a Mercedes-Benz, and evaluated The Four Seasons hotel chain as he developed the customer service model for the Apple Stores. Look outside your industry for inspiration. Bombard the brain with new experiences. Remove the shackles of past experiences.

Say no to 1,000 things. Steve Jobs once said the secret to innovation comes from “saying no to 1,000 things.” Steve Jobs is as proud of what Apple chooses not to do as he is about what Apple chooses to focus on. The lesson — don’t spread yourself too thin. Find the career that intersects your passion, skill and the ability to make money doing it. Once you find it, focus on it, work at it, and dedicate yourself to excellence in that area. Say “no” to anything else that will distract you from pursuing that career. If you are looking for a work or frustrated with your current job, there will be plenty of friends, families and colleagues who offer unsolicited advice on what’s best for you. Filter out the ideas that might derail you from the career best matching your strengths and passion.

Master presentation skills. Steve Jobs is considered one of the greatest corporate storytellers in the world. His presentations inform, educate and entertain. By giving extraordinary presentations, Steve Jobs stands out as a leader and communicator. You are being judged to a large degree on your ability to communicate what you do. The big difference between extraordinary communicators like Steve Jobs and the average leader is that people like Jobs use presentations to complement the message. The speaker is the storyteller; PowerPoint slides serve as a backdrop to the story. That means you must learn to avoid bullet points and to think visually about bringing a story to life. Read The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs, for tips and techniques to create a presentation that would make Steve Jobs proud.

Don’t let bozos get you down. Steve Jobs knew he had the skills to build a computer that would be simple enough for the average person to enjoy. Few others shared his vision. Ken Olsen, the founder of Digital Equipment, once told Jobs “There is no reason why anyone would want a computer in their home.” Thank goodness Jobs didn’t listen. When Jobs returned to Apple in 1997 after a 12-year absence from the company he started, Apple was close to bankruptcy but Jobs rallied his employees, customers, and investors with the vision of what Apple could become. Millions of Apple fans have Jobs to thank for not listening to critics who believed Apple was destined to fail. If he had, consumers would not be enjoying Macs, iPods, iPads, and iPhones which popularized touch-screen technology. Many people around you think they know what’s best for you. Only you can be true to your own heart and intuition.

Innovation sits in a lonely place because very, very few people have their courage of their convictions and the self-confidence to tune out negative voices. Perhaps the greatest lesson Steve Jobs teaches us is that risk-taking requires courage. Believe in yourself and your vision and be prepared to constantly defend those beliefs. Only then will you be able to lead an “insanely great” life and career.

© 2010 Carmine Gallo, author of The Innovation Secrets of Steve Jobs: Insanely Different Principles for Breakthrough Success

About the Author:
Carmine Gallo, author of The Innovation Secrets of Steve Jobs: Insanely Different Principles for Breakthrough Success, is a presentation, media-training, and communication-skills coach for the world’s most admired brands. He is an author and columnist for Businessweek.com and and a keynote speaker and seminar leader who has appeared on CNBC, NBC, CBS, MSNBC.com, BNET, RedBook, Forbes.com, and in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and Investor’s Business Daily, as well as many other media outlets. Gallo lives in the San Francisco Bay area and is a former vice president for a global, top-ten public relations firm.

For more information please visit Carmine Gallo

Shopping Mall

After a shopping trip last week, I made a guide of my own. This includes some back to school tips that I gathered over the time while shopping for my daughter.

By: Claudia Lyttle

For having a daughter who goes to school which require uniforms, I am quite a lucky mom. This makes school shopping trips much easier for me, especially the clothes. During a shopping trip last week, all I had to do was pick some new shirts and pants for her school uniform, and a major part of back to school shopping was done!

But as far as others things required, the list was pretty long. Thankfully, her friend had already identified the stores with sales on them which made it almost a budget friendly trip. Walgreens had quite a few good deals because of which we could get all her school gear including necessities like pencils, rulers, notebooks, towels for $ 85.

Long gone are the days when school used to provide with all these things! But this shopping trip did make me wonder what do parents with 3-4 children do when it comes to back to school shopping? So I made a guide of my own. This includes some back to school tips that I gathered over the time while shopping for my daughter:

1. Look out for tax free stores: Try shopping from places which do not calculate tax with the purchase. This can help you save at least 6-8 percent of your billing amount. We don’t realize but at least 25% of our bill is comprised of tax. So, if you get a chance to skip paying this extra amount, you should go for it. But this also depends on the rate of tax in your state. Supposing you live in Florida, you get tax free weekends which make quite a good deal. You can get the list of tax free holidays from the internet.
2. Shop from thrift stores: Don’t throw your clothes which get small or when you begin to dislike a certain item. The best way to put them to use is to recycle them or give it to other people. Money can be saved this way because an inventory is formed from the reusable stuff which is then made buyable. It is like shopping from thrift stores for a school purpose! Children may dislike this idea, but they can be convinced.
3. Look out for clip coupons: Search on some local search engines for those clip coupons. You can get some great discounts if you put in some effort into finding those coupons. Most of the times they are easy to find and loaded with great sales. So, before you set your foot out for back to school shopping, carry one of these with you!
4. Stick to your budget: Satisfaction of the kids is also important but so is drawing a line somewhere. Assign a limited budget to your kids and see what they pick up. This way, the kids will have a sense of freedom and since they are on a budget, they will end up picking important items only. Show a little trust with them and they sure will amaze you!
5. Use reward credit card: Using a rewards credit card is also a good way to go while shopping for school. These cards entitle you to get your cash back, travel and also many other benefits. If you have to get a new card made, you might as well do that before the school opens to get the best deals. Getting a reward card proves to be really helpful when shopping for kids and the perk to get while using it is just an additional advantage.

These 5 tips are surely a great help for parents to complete this taxing job without much of inconvenience.

About the Author:
Claudia Lyttle is a financial consultant and a member of many financial communities. Lyttle insists that apart from the annual government credit report, you must also access your free credit reports monthly to stay alert and avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.

Photo: pix.plz

Home Improvements

Picking the right home improvements will enable a homeowner to get back the money spent on the improvements and increase their profit when they come to sell.

By: Katherine Watkins

With the new housing market continuing to struggle, the home improvement market is likely to continue to see increases. Baby boomers are expected to lead the way since they generally have lived in their homes the longest and so have built up a great deal of equity. As that generation continues to age and move toward retirement, many will look to continue to improve their houses with an eye toward increasing their value. Knowing which projects add the most value to a home is important to recouping some of the expense.

The Right Projects:
While long-time home owners tend to regularly invest in their homes, the money tends to be spent more on upkeep and needed repairs rather than on improvements that will increase the value of the home. At some point, it may become necessary to include projects that will add to the home. Not all home improvements are equal so choose wisely.

Green Projects – Whether the home is going to be sold to younger buyers or the current owner is going to stay, it is a good idea to improve the efficiency of the house. Replacing windows with modern versions can help lower heating bills in the winter, while installing low flow toilets will save money on water usage.

Decks – Installing a deck can be a relatively inexpensive way to add square footage to a house, increasing saleability and adding value.

Kitchen – There are a variety of ways to update a kitchen, from simple to extravagant, and nearly all of them have will provide excellent returns on the investment. Modest projects include changing the hardware on cabinets, painting walls and changing the flooring. More extreme steps could include laying tile on the walls and installing new countertops. Opening up the living space by combining the kitchen and dining area into one can also help.

Bathroom – After the kitchen, bathrooms are the rooms that are most important to buyers. Remodeling a dated bathroom is a good way to add value to a home. Try to choose a timeless style with a broad appeal and focus on functionality by maximising storage space.

Paying for the Projects:
Since baby boomers tend to have more equity built into their homes, using a home equity line of credit can be a good way of funding one or more home improvement projects. The credit is based on the equity built up in a home and is basically a pot of money from which a home owner can draw to pay for just about any expense. The interest from the loan is also tax deductible.

Another option is to use credit cards pay for the materials. Many of the large home improvement stores will offer discounts on purchases if their card is used and the total reaches a certain dollar amount.

In order to add value to a home certain projects are better than others. Picking the right ones will enable a homeowner to get back the money spent on the improvements and increase their profit when they come to sell.

About the Author:
Guest author Katherine Watkins recently gave her bathroom a makeover by re-tiling and adding extra storage cabinets. She writes for a site that provides an online equity loan calculator to help homeowners find out how much they could borrow to pay for home improvements.

Photo: James.thomson

Mobile Phones

When it comes to mobile news, one thing which unites all of these smartphones and tablets is the fact that they will be running the Android operating system.

The next generation of smartphones are currently in development and the big news is that they are going to feature quad-core processors which increase the number crunching power available on individual handsets by a significant margin.

Chip manufacture Nvidia recently launched its Tegra 3 processor and this is the quad core CPU which will be helping to fuel the growth of next-gen mobiles. At the moment it is not known which company will bring the first quad core handset to the market, but there are a number of contenders.

The HTC Edge is thought to be the handset to watch because early leaked images suggest that it is already relatively advanced in the development process. It will reportedly have four physical cores on its processor, each one running at 1.5GHz. This may not mean much to you without some context, but in essence this is twice the number of cores as is currently available on market-leading models like the Samsung Galaxy S2. This is not going to directly translate into twice the power, but it is definitely a step in the right direction.

To go with its new processor the HTC Edge will feature a 4.7 inch touchscreen display that will have a native high definition resolution. It will also have 1GB of RAM to let the processor stretch itself, although more RAM might make an appearance so as not to act as the bottleneck within the system itself.

Industry insiders are confident that there is going to be a bit of an arms race amongst rival manufacturers in order to see who can get their quad core smartphone onto store shelves ahead of the pack. Amongst the frontrunners are Samsung, LG, Motorola and PC manufacturer Asus, which actually had its tablet computer the Eee Pad Transformer Prime make its debut alongside the Tegra 3 chip in November.

One thing which unites all of these smartphones and tablets is the fact that they will be running the Android operating system. It is clear that Google`s platform is the most conducive to technological advancement because it is open to manipulation by individual manufacturers and there are no restrictions on the type of hardware you can use to power it. On the other hand Microsoft`s Windows Phone 7 has strict guidelines which means there are not even any dual core powered handset running it on the horizon at the moment. Apple has only recently gone dual core with the iPhone 4S, although like its predecessors the company has chosen to keep the clock speed lower than you might expect, so it is not trying to directly compete with Android.

It looks like the best Android phones of 2012 will likely have quad core processors. All that the manufacturers need to do is convince the public that this extra power is going to be put to good use in enhancing their mobile experience.

Photo: jjj

Invest With Love

When you start investing in things that you know and love, your life will change immediately, and this world will become a much more beautiful place.

By: Natalie Pace

You are a creator of our world. Your retirement dollars are invested in the corporations that define our existence. When you realize the power of your money and investments as tools to make you rich and to also enrich our world, you will start aligning yourself with other creative and motivated people who are invested in your success, the success of the companies you choose to support with your investment dollars and the world at large.

That is why I use such a provocative title for this foreword – Make Love with Your Money. I am touching pleasure points in your brain when I talk about money intentionally — to spark your endorphins. Most people still believe the old myths about money, and they carry around a lot of anger, worry, doubt, fear and loathing about wealth. “Why is that person rich? I’d make a much better rich person! I’m the one who deserves to be rich. Why wasn’t I born as lucky as her?”

Being the CEO of Your Own Success

What does any of this have to do with trading stocks? Once you come to understand that you are, right now, the creator of your world — your home, your neighborhood and by the money you invest in your retirement plan, even the world at large — you will start thinking like a rich person instead of a victim. Victims fear money, worry about money, think that they are owed money, think they deserve money more than the next guy, and spend all their time gambling or trying to win the lottery, instead of embracing healthy money habits that lead to lasting wealth.

Too many people have fear around money. I call it “investing with stomach acid” instead of your intellect. When you trade with fear, the odds are that you will buy high and sell low. That is what fear does, even though it is the exact opposite thing that everyone knows with their brain to do.

Believing you have to make money fast before the world ends or the bank takes back your home is the kind of vulnerability that scam artists and shysters feed upon. When you secretly believe that you are going to lose money on your investments, you don’t drink in the education and research you need in order to make a successful purchase in the first place. When you make wise, informed investments in companies that you believe are creating the best products and services on the planet, then you believe that you are going to make a fortune in the markets, not that you are going to lose.When you invest in what you know and love, your wisdom as a shopper and your passion about the product will immobilize fear, and that’s when you can really start making confident and correct choices that will payoff for you. You know how to place a value on what you own and are less likely to sell it on the cheap. Imagine now how it would feel to own Google at the Initial Public Offering (IPO). Or Microsoft. Or Suntech Power Holdings (a solar energy manufacturer). Or Starbucks. Or Toyota.

Become The Best You

Some authors make investing too complicated. Others make it too boring. Some have cookie-cutter investment strategies, like cutting out coffee or using fancy software, that frankly don’t work because no two people have the same talents, passions, goals, time or intelligence. I am asking you to think about the power of your money to transform and enrich your own life and the world at large and to apply my strategies to become the best you. My investment recipe works because yousupply the ingredients. The Billionaire Game works because you decide what’s charity, what’s education, what’s fun and what to invest in, and the fact that you are invested in achieving your own success — instead of relying on someone else to do it or drowning in basic needs — is the fuel that drives prosperity.

Choosing Faith Over Fear

It’s not that hard to switch your thinking from fear that you’re going to lose everything to faith that you can become wise and rich. It’s not more time spent. If you think of all the time you spend worrying about money, you know that getting smart about investing is actually going to take less time. Becoming a successful investor who earns gains while you sleep costs less than being a fear-based investor who loses money every time the economy hits a recession. It’s simply investing the same money you put in your 401(k) or IRA more effectively.

If you can shop, you can pick stocks. If you tithe, you can become a millionaire. If you can pick a great life partner, then you can select the second most important person in your life: your certified financial planner. If you know your age, then you know what percent of your retirement plan you should keep safe, i.e. not invested in stocks. Once you discover how the dollars you invest create our world, you can start investing in the products, goods and services that will make our planet a great place to live.

How would you live if you had all the money in the world? What companies would you invest in? The beauty of the stock market is that with very little money, you can create that life now. You can become not just a rich person and a great investor, but someone who does all that by putting her money where her heart is — by making love with money. When people start investing with heart and soul and wisdom, instead of fear, blind faith and greed, this world will become a very, very beautiful place. There is no end to the problems that can be solved when we move trillions out of the old industries of oil, gas and cigarettes and invest it in clean energy, goods and services that contribute to a healthy, sustainable world.

Make Love With Your Money

That is how I went from a Copper Miner’s Daughter to Wall Street Golden Girl; it’s how I went from Divorced and Desperate to my dream-come-true life. When you start investing in things that you know and love, instead of with fear and greed, your life will change immediately, and this world will become a much more beautiful place. A life like this increases in value every single day and becomes more valuable not just to you but to those around you as well.

About the Author:
In 2006, Natalie Pace was the host of her own series of CEO Q&As on the Forbes.com Video Network. She has been named the #1 stock picker in the United States from TipsTraders.com. Natalie publishes articles and interviews on business leaders, CEOs, policymakers and government officials for NataliePace.com and other media and is a regular guest on national media, specializing in business, finance and investing. Repeat guest appearances include: Fox News, Forbes on Fox, Your World with Neil Cavuto, Cavuto on Business, Good Morning America,Time magazine, More magazine, USA Today, NPR, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, KNX radio, BizRadio, Forbes.com Video Network, Sohu.com and other global financial news media.

Natalie graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California with a degree in English literature. She currently lives in Santa Monica, California. Visit Natalie Pace at www.nataliepace.com

Photo: Real Estate Investing Guru

Saving for Retirement

Here are five tips for saving a little extra for retirement. Even the smallest amounts will work overtime for you in an interest-bearing retirement account.

By: Patty Kleen

Benjamin Franklin once said that a penny saved is a penny earned. He did have a valid point . . . even if, today, we’re more concerned with saving thousands than cents. Every little bit counts, especially when you consider the fact that even the smallest amounts will work overtime for you in an interest-bearing retirement account. Your retirement plan is in place; you’ve been building it for, perhaps, years now. What, then, can you do outside of what you are already doing to contribute to your future finances? Here are five tips for saving a little extra for retirement.

Recycle

Sure, recycling your garbage won’t contribute to your retirement savings, but recycling your clothing will. Consider how much money you spend on clothing each year. Now consider how much that money would grow over the course of ten years in an investment account. Skip the shopping spree and, instead, pack up the clothing you no longer wear and trade them out for new-to-you finds at a clothing exchange store.

Cut Costs on the Home Front

Take some time to seriously evaluate your monthly bills, and find ways to trim them. It may be easier than you think. Do you really need a home phone AND a cell phone? Is it necessary that you have cable boxes in every room of the house? Could you still be comfortable in your house if you lower (or raise) the thermostat by a couple degrees?

Take a Second Job

This doesn’t mean your life has to center on work, but earning just a few extra hundred dollars a month that you can apply to your retirement plan can make a big difference in the long run. In addition to the extra money, a second, part-time job can also be a great way to increase your social circle or practice a hobby or interest.

Add One Percent

Contribute an extra one-percent of your paycheck to a 401K or work retirement plan. Because this amount is taken out before taxes, it will equate to less than one-percent of your take-home pay and, chances are, you won’t even know it’s missing. However, that small percentage can seriously fatten up your retirement account in the long run.

Cancel Unnecessary Subscriptions

Chances are you have a magazine subscription (or two) that you don’t need. You may even have a gym membership that you don’t use. If you can catch up on the latest news online, and work out at home, then you can save hundreds per year that can be added to your retirement account.

You don’t have to change your whole life around in order to boost your retirement savings. There are some small life changes you can make that will yield big returns down the line if you commit to saving just a little extra each month for your future financial well-being.

About the Author:
Patty Kleen is a full-time writer with a passion for personal finance. She enjoys writing about money saving tips, saving for retirement, and helping those with poor credit obtain bad credit loans so that they can improve their financial futures.

Photo: Millionaire Mindset Secrets

Buying a New Car

Having a plan in place before going to purchase a car will help you get the best value for your money and the car that best suits your needs.

By: Jane Simpson

Buying a car is a very big step that women often dread, partly because of the expense, and partly because it is not something they purchase every day, so they are not sure how to get the best deal. Wouldn’t the whole car buying experience be more enjoyable if you knew how to get more bang for your buck or at least make your money go further? The tips listed below should help you.

Monthly Payments

All too often someone negotiating for a car will make the mistake of focusing on monthly payments. It’s easy to do, since that’s likely how it will be financed and because one of the first questions the sales staff will ask is how much a customer can afford on a monthly basis. Here are some ways to avoid paying more than necessary:

*Financing – Keep the focus of the negotiations on the price of the car and the rate that is available, not how much can be afforded per month. Doing otherwise allows the dealer to extend financing or adjust rates to meet that payment. Even a few points on the interest rate or an extra year or two on the loan could add thousands of dollars to the total price.

*Use a calculator – Find an online car loan calculator to determine what price and interest rate is right. This will help locate a vehicle that fits your budget and will allow negotiations to keep on track. The calculator allows you to change the variables of a possible loan, including the monthly payment, interest and length of time.

Avoid Extras

Especially when rates are low, dealers may try to take advantage of the situation to sell a customer additional services they may not necessarily need.

*Packages – Be wary of package deals, especially those billed as protection deals. Often, these “specials” will include unnecessary items, such as rustproofing, environmental preparation or VIN etching.

*Paint and Fabric Protections – These may be offered but are not usually needed. Similar services can either be done by the consumer or taken to a detail shop for a much lower price.

*Extended Warranty – This won’t kick in until after the original warranty expires but it likely will be rolled into the monthly payment. An extended warranty only makes sense if the car will be owned well after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.

Other Considerations

*New or Used? – Buying a new-to-you vehicle doesn’t have to mean purchasing a brand new car. There are many used options these days and they frequently come with warranties similar to new models.

*The Right Car – Think about how the car will be used. If it’s just to get to and from work, or run a few errands, a smaller, more fuel-efficient model will work. Don’t spend money on more vehicle than is needed.

Having a plan in place before going to purchase a car will help you get the best value for your money and the car that best suits your needs. The plan will keep negotiations on track for a quality vehicle and make sure no unwanted services or extras are included.

About the Author:
Jane Simpson has recently been through the process of purchasing a new car and knows how daunting it can be. She hopes the tips above will help other women get a better deal when shopping for a new vehicle.

Photo: MarazziMotors