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"Low Tech Time Management"
I think someone said that "time is money' so every now and then, I post something about time management. This article is called "Low Tech Time Management" by Helena Bouchez.
18th century English writer Charles Caleb Colton said, "Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time which every day produces, and which most men throw away." Human nature sure hasn't changed much over the centuries! It is still easy to while away the time and find nothing much accomplished at the end of a day.
But how can those of us who wish to retain the simplicity of centuries past recapture and repurpose those lost shreds and patches without being enslaved by fancy PDA's and electronic organizers? For those who prefer a low-tech solution, the answer may lie in the use of a simple kitchen gadget. A two-dollar plastic timer can help you weave those little shreds and patches of time together and transform them into a bolt-load of finished projects.
The first step is to identify the activities you have a tendency to "fall into" that are not the best use of your time. For many people, it's watching TV or surfing the Internet. Whenever you're tempted to start doing one of those things, grab your trusty timer and your to-do list. Set the timer for 15 minutes and start working toward completion of the first item on your list even if you don't believe 15 minutes is enough time to make any progress. Bear in mind that the part of you that would rather zone out with TV or online really wants you to believe it's not worth it.
Where do you find yourself "zoning" out? Don't say "squeaking"...this is money management!?!
(see the rest of the article in the frst reply)
18th century English writer Charles Caleb Colton said, "Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time which every day produces, and which most men throw away." Human nature sure hasn't changed much over the centuries! It is still easy to while away the time and find nothing much accomplished at the end of a day.
But how can those of us who wish to retain the simplicity of centuries past recapture and repurpose those lost shreds and patches without being enslaved by fancy PDA's and electronic organizers? For those who prefer a low-tech solution, the answer may lie in the use of a simple kitchen gadget. A two-dollar plastic timer can help you weave those little shreds and patches of time together and transform them into a bolt-load of finished projects.
The first step is to identify the activities you have a tendency to "fall into" that are not the best use of your time. For many people, it's watching TV or surfing the Internet. Whenever you're tempted to start doing one of those things, grab your trusty timer and your to-do list. Set the timer for 15 minutes and start working toward completion of the first item on your list even if you don't believe 15 minutes is enough time to make any progress. Bear in mind that the part of you that would rather zone out with TV or online really wants you to believe it's not worth it.
Where do you find yourself "zoning" out? Don't say "squeaking"...this is money management!?!
(see the rest of the article in the frst reply)
New Income from Ordinary Skills
On fixed income, but still able and highly mobile, retiree, Joan Johnson, is thriving in a "new" job that brings in extra money and pays about 60% of her living costs.
When she gave up her administrative secretarial position for a large California university, she "hung out her shingle" as a house-sitter for vacationers. In a number of instances, pets (from cats to parrots) were involved on the premises. After a year of fruitful experience, she moved to Arizona to be within call of family needs. Again, she let it be known that she was available for house and pet sitting. She also does meal preparation in their homes for people temporarily disabled. Advertising was mainly through church friends and relatives.
Her house and pet sitting has evolved into a year-round business in Sedona, the affluent community where she now lives, and the money she earns is being put aside for her eventual retirement. Most of her customers are retired and have loved and pampered pets. Joan is affable and outgoing, and the animals seem to sense her compatibility instantly, as do their owners. Word of mouth has booked her for job after job, with one satisfied pet owner recommending her to another.
"Customers vie for my time," she says. "One couple schedules vacations for when I'm available. Some want only house-sitting. All provide a lovely guest room and a well-stocked pantry, asking only that I gather the paper from the driveway in the morning, and be responsible to make the house look 'lived in.'"
With her jobs as a live-in taking so much of her time, Joan soon came to realize that she rarely stayed in her own apartment that was costing her $800 a month. Steadily supplied with "a home away from home," she gave up her apartment, which was a major savings. If she has a couple of days between jobs she stays with friends or relatives who always welcome her as a willing errand runner, part-time cook, or baby sitter.
"I am not a collector of 'things,'" Joan says. "My clothing and my computer fit into my car. My brother provides a locked storage cupboard in his garage for my family albums and books. Why do I need more space?"
See the rest at view link
Two or things about this article...this person no longer has her own house...could you do that?
Second, I bet that there are plenty of other work that one could do as an "ordinary skill" in addition to house or pet sitting. Any ideas out there?
When she gave up her administrative secretarial position for a large California university, she "hung out her shingle" as a house-sitter for vacationers. In a number of instances, pets (from cats to parrots) were involved on the premises. After a year of fruitful experience, she moved to Arizona to be within call of family needs. Again, she let it be known that she was available for house and pet sitting. She also does meal preparation in their homes for people temporarily disabled. Advertising was mainly through church friends and relatives.
Her house and pet sitting has evolved into a year-round business in Sedona, the affluent community where she now lives, and the money she earns is being put aside for her eventual retirement. Most of her customers are retired and have loved and pampered pets. Joan is affable and outgoing, and the animals seem to sense her compatibility instantly, as do their owners. Word of mouth has booked her for job after job, with one satisfied pet owner recommending her to another.
"Customers vie for my time," she says. "One couple schedules vacations for when I'm available. Some want only house-sitting. All provide a lovely guest room and a well-stocked pantry, asking only that I gather the paper from the driveway in the morning, and be responsible to make the house look 'lived in.'"
With her jobs as a live-in taking so much of her time, Joan soon came to realize that she rarely stayed in her own apartment that was costing her $800 a month. Steadily supplied with "a home away from home," she gave up her apartment, which was a major savings. If she has a couple of days between jobs she stays with friends or relatives who always welcome her as a willing errand runner, part-time cook, or baby sitter.
"I am not a collector of 'things,'" Joan says. "My clothing and my computer fit into my car. My brother provides a locked storage cupboard in his garage for my family albums and books. Why do I need more space?"
See the rest at view link
Two or things about this article...this person no longer has her own house...could you do that?
Second, I bet that there are plenty of other work that one could do as an "ordinary skill" in addition to house or pet sitting. Any ideas out there?
4 Ways to make cash on line
If today's economy has left you in need of more cash, consider this emerging trend: Millions are using the Internet -- and a minimal amount of time -- to bring home extra bacon.
Whether delving into e-commerce or selling ad space on a blog, Internet sellers often benefit from a rock-bottom initial investment, the convenience of working wherever and whenever they please, and the freedom of being their own boss.
However, before you quit your day job, it's important to consider the potential pitfalls of selling on the Internet. These include startup time, extenuating costs and stiff competition.
"There are a lot of people trying to do the same thing," says Robert Spector, author of the book "Amazon.com: Get Big Fast," a book covering the history and development of the Web giant.
"What's going to differentiate the book I get from you versus the book I get from your competitor?"
Following are four ideas for turning the Internet into your own personal cash cow, and suggestions for staying ahead of the competition.
Making cash online
1. Blogging
2. Selling books, music and other products
3. Marketing your hobbies
4. Contributing to a Web site
See the rest at view link
Have you ever thought of doing this? I have sold some ebay but not gone in and marketed any books or products? What is your experience?
Whether delving into e-commerce or selling ad space on a blog, Internet sellers often benefit from a rock-bottom initial investment, the convenience of working wherever and whenever they please, and the freedom of being their own boss.
However, before you quit your day job, it's important to consider the potential pitfalls of selling on the Internet. These include startup time, extenuating costs and stiff competition.
"There are a lot of people trying to do the same thing," says Robert Spector, author of the book "Amazon.com: Get Big Fast," a book covering the history and development of the Web giant.
"What's going to differentiate the book I get from you versus the book I get from your competitor?"
Following are four ideas for turning the Internet into your own personal cash cow, and suggestions for staying ahead of the competition.
Making cash online
1. Blogging
2. Selling books, music and other products
3. Marketing your hobbies
4. Contributing to a Web site
See the rest at view link
Have you ever thought of doing this? I have sold some ebay but not gone in and marketed any books or products? What is your experience?
Cheap Supper Night: Hacking One Meal a Week
from the article:
- Basically, McCoy’s argument is this: if you have one supper per week that’s intentionally as cheap as you can possibly make it, you’ll save a lot of money over the long run. And, since it’s only one meal a week, one can easily just focus on the cheap and not worry that much about taste
view link
steve
- Basically, McCoy’s argument is this: if you have one supper per week that’s intentionally as cheap as you can possibly make it, you’ll save a lot of money over the long run. And, since it’s only one meal a week, one can easily just focus on the cheap and not worry that much about taste
view link
steve
Leaving on a jet plane
getting ready to go...
I will try to find a cyber cafe near our apartment and send messages if possible, perhaps photos
if not...be back online (if not too tired) on Friday Sept 12 evening
steve
I will try to find a cyber cafe near our apartment and send messages if possible, perhaps photos
if not...be back online (if not too tired) on Friday Sept 12 evening
steve
Old Time Savings
view link
I was looking for new ideas for saving money, and found this 1998 article! It seems that all the "new" ideas are not that new anymore.
I should get the Michele Singletary e-mail newsletter today and hope to get that published. She is the Washington Post Money person who concentrates on helping people get out of credit card debt and save money. She was influential in my own credit card mess, and I admire her greatly.
Squeaking by is really a daily motivational guide. Our mindset keeps us on the path, thus, I know when I go shopping today that I won't splurge on a new wardrobe, but I might stop by the thrift store just to get the feel of walking around a store!!!
Keep the faith.....TL
PS -- If there are spelling errors, I'm sorry. I edited this earlir, and what happened was I erased the whole message. All thumbs today.
I was looking for new ideas for saving money, and found this 1998 article! It seems that all the "new" ideas are not that new anymore.
I should get the Michele Singletary e-mail newsletter today and hope to get that published. She is the Washington Post Money person who concentrates on helping people get out of credit card debt and save money. She was influential in my own credit card mess, and I admire her greatly.
Squeaking by is really a daily motivational guide. Our mindset keeps us on the path, thus, I know when I go shopping today that I won't splurge on a new wardrobe, but I might stop by the thrift store just to get the feel of walking around a store!!!
Keep the faith.....TL
PS -- If there are spelling errors, I'm sorry. I edited this earlir, and what happened was I erased the whole message. All thumbs today.
Marketing of products
The other day - I went in my guest room to iron and turned on the TV that was tuned to QVC and they had some Dr. on there selling products and her big revelation was how women look old because their necks look old.
I am usually pretty savvy about marketing and I thought - I wonder how many men give a rats bum about how their necks look? How many of us get hooked into buying beauty products - when really if we regularly use a little sunscreen and moisturizer - we'd be okay.
What always surprises me is how easily people who sell things can bring your attention to something you never knew was a problem and get you to open your wallet.
Will you share an instance where you got "hooked" into buying some useless thing or product?
I am usually pretty savvy about marketing and I thought - I wonder how many men give a rats bum about how their necks look? How many of us get hooked into buying beauty products - when really if we regularly use a little sunscreen and moisturizer - we'd be okay.
What always surprises me is how easily people who sell things can bring your attention to something you never knew was a problem and get you to open your wallet.
Will you share an instance where you got "hooked" into buying some useless thing or product?
Frugal vs. Cheap
I am pretty sure that all know the difference between frugal and cheap, but, it is my duty as moderator to post info
from the article:
- The secret is simple. If you try and save money and cut corners when spending on yourself, you are being frugal. If you try and save money and cut corners when spending on others, you are being cheap.
view link
steve
from the article:
- The secret is simple. If you try and save money and cut corners when spending on yourself, you are being frugal. If you try and save money and cut corners when spending on others, you are being cheap.
view link
steve
MIND IF I ASK A PERSONAL QUESTION?
Hey folks.... for those that don't mind sharing such information... Did you retire WITH a mortgage? or WITHOUT?
