Managing My Personal Budget

Filed under: Internet Finance, Self Improvement Parlor — admin at 3:43 pm on Friday, November 27, 2009

If you’re reading this article, you are probably looking for a way to take control of your finances. Preparing and sticking to a monthly budget has always been one of the ideal ways to do this. A sound budget is a fundamental tool for managing money, one that has allowed me to survive even on limited funds. Monitoring my monthly budget is one of the most important things I do every month, this has allowed me to systematically meet all expenditures, grow my savings, and reduce debt.

I map out my budget for the upcoming month on about the 20th of the current month. That gives me a heads up about what’s down the road. It’s not a good idea to produce a budget after getting paid because, too often, that flush feeling of receiving a paycheck results to uneccessary and impulsive spending before the paycheck ever reaches the bank.

Managing my personal budget includes outlining all the things that must be paid that month like mortgage/rent, utilities, and other essentials like insurance, car loan repayment, transportation costs, and phone. The main idea is to allocate a budget for the affairs that I must pay to keep a comfortable roof over my head and carry on earning money. I like to pad these requirements to make “money back” after paying the bills and, if costs increase out of the blue, I’m always covered.

Next, my budget is subjected to a list of discretionary things I need to cover but could live without if absolutely unavoidable. For example, donations, credit card repayments and monthly sving deposits. Don’t get me wrong, some of these things are also essential, but in case of emergency they can be excluded. By giving credit card companies the maximum instead of the minimum, I keep my credit score high and my debt low.

My budget does not include the cost of living such as food and entertainment. Ultimately, these items get covered by what’s left in the budget. Some months involve lots of beans and rice, slow-cooker meals, free or cheap entertainment, and only one inexpensive piece of clothing . This strategy of handling my monthly budget has worked out very well over the long term as long as I observe it conscientiously.

Regained Hair & My Confidence!

Filed under: House Of Health, Self Improvement Parlor — admin at 9:35 pm on Tuesday, October 6, 2009

My hair loss treatment journey began the day I started to find myself balding. I would spend hours and hours looking for styles to comb my hair a certain manner to cover my hair loss. I started to wear more and more hats on the weekends as I went out with my wife, friends or family. Walking in to work every morning without my hat was an unpleasant experience. Your mind will do that to you when you are suffering from hair loss. It is so true that you never know what you have until you lose it. That can be true about your hair loss.

As I looked in the mirror I began to treasure every one of the hair strands I had left. It was as if with each individual hair I lost, so was a small part of my self-confidence gone as well. I was not alone, a acquaintance of mine had been having from the same problem as me. Yet recently he seemed so much more relaxed and I observed that it was as if his hair was growing back. I never wanted to bring it up but after a while I decided to ask. It was then that he recommended to me Advanced Hair Studio. With just a few treatments my friend Jimmy had not only regrown his hair, but his confidence as well. After seeing what Josh has achieved from Advanced Hair, I decided to pay them a visit.

I was a little skeptical at first. But within a few weeks the outcomes were obvious. Not only on my head, but in my behaviour. I started to lose the caps on the weekends and I quickly began to feel better about myself. My wife who has been unhappy about my lack of interest in our relationship began to notice the change in that department as well. It is amazing how just a few treatments to the Advanced Hair Studio had begun to change my life as a whole. I have always been shy about people discovering my bald spot. Now, I am not terrified to look people in the eyes again as I have my full set of self esteem back.

Advance Hair Studio has not only given me back my hair little by little, but a big piece of my confidence as well. If you are experiencing hair loss I highly recommend them as it has done so much for me in just a few months of treatments. Don’t let your self-assurance continue to be lost with your hair.

Dallas Cosmetic Dentist, Football Mouthguard, Hockey Mouthguard

Filed under: House Of Health, Medical Parlor, Self Improvement Parlor — admin at 5:53 pm on Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Dallas cosmetic dentist - If you have problems with your smile, you know how embarrassing it can cause. You may find that you are becoming extremely self-concious as you laugh or smile. You may even discover yourself not smiling or laughing at all.

Fortunately, there is a fast, safe, and easy way to get the smile you want. It’s called cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry is a special type of dentistry, it uses processes such as accelerated orthodonics, porcelain veeneers, crowns, bridges, tooth whitening, and even smile makeovers.

Note that however, since cosmetic dentistry is a special form of dentistry, a very special type of dentist is needed to perform it. You must have a dentist who who is highly trained in cosmetic dentistry.

A cosmetic dentist in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Steven Taylor is a highly skilled graduate of LVI and clinical instructor. As one of Dallas’ leading cosmetic dentists, he provides a complete range of Dallas, Tx cosmetic dentistry services, as well as affordable financing options.

A beautiful new smile can be yours in less than a month. If you need a Dallas, Texas cosmetic dentist, get in contact with Dr. Taylor today to schedule your initial consultation. There’s simply absolutely no need to feel uncomfortable with your smile anymore. Also, get the best football mouthguard and hockey mouthguard from Dr. Taylor.

Learn to Manage Your Monthly Budget

Filed under: Internet Finance, Self Improvement Parlor — admin at 12:07 am on Sunday, August 2, 2009

People oftentimes get disturbed about their monthly budget, not handling your monthly budget can contribute to placing you further in debt if you are not mindful. The benefits that come from overseeing your budget properly not only saves you money but help ease some of your tension over debt. Always keep in mind that a budget is principally a plan for your monthly spending. Your budget, like any program, requires some degree of management to make it work for you. The manner I manage my budget, for example, is by focussing on maintaining information organized and controlling my expenditure.

My main focus is on organising the information in my budget. I keep an eye on recurring expenses like utilities, automobile and loan repayments, insurance, and the like, for example. Consider that without monitoring my budget, I can very easily lose track of my spending. By being conscious of what expenses repeat every month, I have an imminent hold on the minimum amount of money I have to put aside each month before I spend on other things I can monitor a little more such as entertainment, apparel, and vacations.

To make a financial progression, I make sure that I watch my spending in my budget. A strong measure of progression is putting money into a savings account or paying down debt. However, if I over spend, the opposite is true because instead of saving money I will use debt to help me cover the monthly expenses in my budget. Clearly, giving in to the stresses of budgeting can have costly outcomes for my finances, especially if I am not capable to pay down my debt.

There are two benefits for moderating and organising my budget: First, I save money by avoiding redundant expenses. Second, my finances are headed at accomplishing financial goals. Essentially, by not buying things I do not need, I am actually freeing up money that I can either use for something else or save. The extra money can also be useful in paying off debt or saving it for a holiday. In addition to having extra money, it will also allow me to establish longer term financial goals like saving and investing for retirement or paying off my mortgage or student loans. With my budget being organized and moderated, not only does my financial position become more healthy but successfully managing my budget reduces the stress that often comes with being in debt.

Finely Drawn Advice to Flirt by, for Milwaukee Singles

Filed under: Advice, Dating Online, Self Improvement Parlor — admin at 12:15 am on Wednesday, July 8, 2009

People characterize me as Miss Matchmaker, for the obvious reason that playing cupid is my second nature. I fully recommend holding Great Expectations. No escaping it, matchmaking happens when you’re not looking. Reliable matchmakers, like this dating service called Great Expectations Milwaukee with a long-history of dating expertise, know singles well. They orchestrate promising introductions among shared friends, for a personalized dating experience. It’s a hidden profession delivering significant return by changing working marriages for eternity.

I’ve offered more than my share of advice online and for as long as I can remember. What you’re reading is not the usual tips. You’ve heard them all, I’m sure. Pay attention to your date, dispaly some sense of style, don’t be self-obsorbed, be frank and (this is key) steer clear of grading the people you date on a rubric. Relate to your date and take your time! Welcome a relationship if you like. Obviously, keep it real and don’t complicate things needlessly, attempting to pretend you are anything is not you. What if the acquaintance becomes deep, then you have no choice but to come to terms. But here’s the secret to dating, it always helps to have Great Expectations Singles. timely introductions is a gift I honed and worked on since grade-school. Couples I matched from singles who have come to me created my brand of sorts. My coupled-up friends are everywhere.

There’s Stacy and Juan now toting about their 4 kids. Guess who introduced the couple together at the Kentucky dreby in college, and their success is evident. Gregory and Stephanie also hit it right off because I introduced them at a wedding a few summers back. Let’s not forget my soririty sister Andrea and her match made in Heaven. It’s no secret this adorable pair get hitched in Minneapolis this November. These two love birds found eachother through Great Expectations, at my recommendation.

Wow, I have kept busy and quite efficient too! Tho I also regret it a little, as I’ve been graciously matching up the single people of the world (hah) to understand the attitude needed to build companionship, I paid little attention to my own dating health. Do you imagine anxieties present when the dating expert needs an arrow shot her way? I turn to Great Expectations Milwaukee, ’cause being highly knowledgable with something makes you a perfectionist. Perhaps this is the feeling that has kept me from really getting serious about dating. Of all people, I should realize that you can’t walk life by yourself. So that’s where I’m at, listening to my own tips by signing up at.

Wendy Noe

Expert Cupid

Relationships Created to Be Great

Filed under: Advice, Dating Online, Self Improvement Parlor — admin at 9:02 pm on Thursday, May 28, 2009

Now, I cannot say I’m exactly happy being picky and remain an honest woman. Even then, I’m not unsatisfied in that way, either. I merely bring it up here as an ear-catching little tidbit introducing what I am prepared to discuss honestly.

Last Monday yours truly was talking to Corey, considering signing up for a Dallas Singles dating service. You prolly couldn’t guess that, I sit to you as a delightfully single member of the singles network. No kidding, it’s true. I like it! If you’ve been paying attention, you may be wondering, “You totally owe me an explanation.”

Well, I noticed these Great Expectations Reviews and felt encouraged. They’re for the honest singles who know dating should mean something.

Because I’d never been a fan of this silly social phenomenon serial daters (ie: everyone I know) have named “The Dating Experience.” I faced it more than you know. Day and night readers pester, “Are you two serious yet?” and “Oh I know just the guy for you!”

“Nonsense,” I say to them, smiling ear to ear. “Not after that last blind date you set me up on.”

“Whatever doofus,” they reply. “That’s just an excuse for your cynicism.”

That’s just my sister (she’s the best) (hehe) Trisha Wilson. She beams reality to my mind to set me straight. Loved ones are always there for fresh advice. She made a good point, and I thank her for it.

Back to the meaning of this post. As I picked from more than three hundred combinations of outfits for my first Great Expectations date, I acknowledged something real. For years, I hadn’t had the greatest of emotional great expectations for dating in the serendipitous winding course of being human. Single life has its perks, especially if you take the opportunity to meet new people. Holding great expectations makes a difference for a caring soul.

~Denise Davis

Eat More Sushi

Filed under: Self Improvement Parlor — admin at 12:53 am on Sunday, May 25, 2008

There is a joke among women who have been 9-months pregnant,
that once your body has expanded into the unbelievable size and
shape it becomes at full term, it “knows” how to get there, and
has an inclination toward it. So watch out when you’re having a
huge meal: you could get up from the table four sizes bigger
than when you sat down! Your body remembers.

Your spirit has memory too. It remembers moments of feeling
fulfilled and satisfied; it remembers experiences of pleasure
and play. If you are seeking more of these experiences in your
life, it can help to “remind” yourself how they feel.

Many of my clients hire me to assist them in getting more out of
their work. They want more satisfaction, more efficiency, more
profit, more creativity, more camaraderie, and more fun. Some
are in full-blown career changes, some are seeking the next job,
and many want to improve things in the work they are currently
doing. They ALL have one thing in common: they want to enjoy
their work more.

Would you like to enjoy your work more? Having more practice
with enjoyment can help you get there. Of course, you will still
need to directly address what is going on at work, such as
boundary issues, interpersonal dynamics, role limitations, pace,
alignment with your values, and so forth.

But you also need to get more practice with pleasure and
enjoyment. The single biggest mistake you can make is to put
yourself on an austerity or scarcity program. If you are
stressed and daunted by the challenges in front of you, you may
be tempted to eliminate the pleasure, fun, and joy from your
life - you may think you do not have time for them, given the
pressing nature of your current challenges. But this is exactly
when you need to experience that abundance and balance in your
everyday life.

More pleasure in any part of your life supports you in creating
more pleasure in your work life. Enjoyment in one part touches
all parts. By stretching your spirit and body into full-term
shape, you will know where to go! When you taste pleasure on a
regular basis, you begin to navigate toward it more naturally.
The more frequently and intensely you have it in your life, the
more you will orient toward it when it is available, like a
plant orienting toward sunlight.

When my daughter Sarah was in high school, she developed a love
for sushi. She and her friends would sometimes go to their
favorite sushi restaurant, located in a large renovated building
with stores and restaurants on the first floor and offices
above. While she sat and enjoyed sushi, she could see a
particular sign that regularly caught her attention:
“Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.” The CFA’s administrative
offices were on 2nd floor of the building.

Around this time, she began to realize she was happiest as a
hands-on, out-of-the-classroom learner. Her growing interest in
astronomy plus regular contact with the CFA’s existence gave way
to her imagining an internship for herself at the CFA (the
observatory, not the offices) for her senior year. She went on
to create just that, getting credit for an independent study in
astronomy, and having an extraordinary experience working at the
CFA observatory. All from indulging her sushi pleasure! Her
saying “Yes!” to sushi opened up another “Yes!” in her life.

Following one passion often leads intuitively to another opening
or opportunity. Being sensitive to those callings is key.

When you or someone you are close to is pregnant, you suddenly
notice how many pregnant women there are around. When you buy a
Camry, you see more Camrys around than you ever did before. When
you make fun a part of your life, you find more opportunities
for it than you used to think were possible. When you experience
more pleasure anywhere in your life, you are more likely to
manifest it in your work.

Coaching Tips:

1. Get very clear what experience you want more of in your work.

2. Identify the next steps you need to take to have more of
that experience in your work.

3. Identify another arena in your life where you could have more
of that same experience.

4. What are the next steps you could take to create it for
yourself in this arena?

5. Take the next steps identified in steps 2 and 4.

6. Repeat steps 2-5 until you have the results you want.

7. Start over at step 1 with another experience you want more
of.

If you’re considering hiring a coach to help you get more of
what you want in your work, contact me at sharon@stcoach.com for
an initial consultation at no charge.

COPYRIGHT 2001, Sharon Teitelbaum. All rights reserved.

What Does the Future Hold?

Filed under: Self Improvement Parlor — admin at 8:25 pm on Sunday, May 18, 2008

This is a very interesting and intriguing subject.
There are many perspectives and beliefs when
it comes to defining what the future holds. Some
apply foresight, some see issues in hindsight,
others learn to live in the present.

Hopes for the future may be predictable,
preferable, probable, possible - perhaps some
might add predestined and the unknown factor.
We exercise our free will when we make choices
and decisions about our lives, be it for
today or for tomorrow, for better or for worse.

But- some factors in this life are beyond
our control, reasonable or not. Is this part
of predestination? So what’s the point in
plotting our destiny?

Some spend time and money to take a glimpse
into their future. They check into every tool
available to see what the future has in store for
them. They are too caught up in finding what
the future holds that they forget the
importance of today.

It is the journey that matters. Getting to
the destination is the object. Getting “there”
is what makes it exciting. There are unexpected
detours, unexpected dilemmas, unexpected turn
of events. This is all part of the journey.
Some are blessed and they actually get to live
the future of their dreams.

Most people who travel make plans ahead of
time. They book their trips, prepare the
necessary documents, make sure they have
everything they need from clothes to finances
to health requirements and of course the
itinerary. Some take the time to familiarize
themselves with the culture, climate and
geography of the destination.

Despite all these preparations, there are
some travelers who meet with crisis they never
dreamed of, nor ever imagined it can happen.

Life is a journey. Each day we travel closer
or further from our goals. Some are lost in
planning so far ahead that they are oblivious
to the present.

Some don’t realize till it’s too late that
they missed out on some of life’s most precious
moments. They are too involved in the pursuit
of what is preferable and chase after all the
possibilities. Some consequences are predictable-
high level of stress, relationship crises,
health issues, even loneliness.

Some are wrapped so tightly in the past, it
almost suffocates them. They forget to breathe
in the present, never mind the future.

It is important to plan ahead. Progress can
not be made without planning a course of
action. But- even the best laid-out plans
carry the potential of failure.

What’s wrong with living in the present?
Today is what matters. Today well-lived
makes for a better tomorrow. Do what is
important today, and do it right.

Each hour of the day is a step closer to
tomorrow, which holds the future. This is
not being short-sighted. It is reality. The
future is shaped one day at a time.

There are precious moments to cherish
each day. Don’t miss out on them. No matter
how one plans for the future, there is always
a chance that one single moment can change
one’s life forever. This is the unpredictability
and the mystery of the future.

Bonnie Moss writes to inspire and to motivate
her readers to explore the depths of their heart and
soul. She draws from personal experience and her interest in the New Age
Visit her website ==>http://goldencupcafe.tripod.com

Lighten Up Already!

Filed under: Self Improvement Parlor — admin at 11:00 pm on Saturday, May 10, 2008

From a very young age, girls are taught to be responsible, which often translates into being serious like adults. Boys (or men) can be boys, however, girls are expected to be women. We become experts in drama, but never really learn the ins and outs of comedy. Have you ever been around someone who can laugh at her own shortcomings, find humor in any situation, and make you laugh as well? Ellen Degeneres comes to my mind. She once did a monologue on her talk show about a fortune cookie she got the night before at dinner with the message, “It makes you happy to make people happy.” She went on to say how she gets hundreds of letters from people telling her that they love watching her show because it makes them happy.

Who wouldn’t get happy after listening to Ellen joking about herself or the happenings of everyday life? Women like Ellen have a unique talent and provide a special gift to humanity; they help lighten the load in life by showing you a more balanced, less serious perspective.

Sometimes you can get the most emotional release from laughing in the most stressful situations. Have you ever had the urge to laugh uncontrollably and the most inappropriate times like at a funeral or when someone falls? I’ve laughed in both those scenarios. Scientific studies show that laughter can boost the immune system and alleviate stress by releasing endorphins in the brain. After prescribing laughing to his patients, Indian doctor, Madan Kataria founded the first laughter club in 1995. A 2003 article in Health Magazine reported there are now over 60 laughter clubs in the U.S.

In her book, I’d Rather Laugh, Linda Richman (the real person behind the Saturday Night Live character in Coffee Talk with Linda Richman created by her son-in-law, Mike Myers.) talks about losing her father at eight years old, being raised by her mentally ill mother who was eventually institutionalized, losing her twenty-nine-year old son in a car accident, and having to spend eleven years inside her apartment because she suffered with agoraphobia. She says, “No matter what horrible thing has happened, life still offers you humor if you want it….regardless of how low you feel today, someday you’ll find something that will make you laugh your head off.” Through her writing and workshops, she helps others find the inherent humor in everyday life.

Something that always lightens me up is watching reruns of the TV show, Bewitched, where anything is possible with just a twitch of the nose or a wave of the hand from Samantha Stephens, the happy good witch with extraordinary powers and charm who lights up a room with her smile and wit. Her all too serious and worrisome husband, Darrin, doesn’t ever figure out how much fun life could be if he just allowed Samantha to fully unleash the power of the Goddess within her. It’s a good reminder to bring out the Samantha inside of us as often as possible.

Next time you start magnifying and internalizing all of your problems as we all do from time to time, listen to the Goddess inside. I’m sure she’s telling you, “Twitch your nose and lighten up, already!”

5 Ways to Lighten Up:

• In difficult times, find isolated moments that are funny, regardless of the big picture.

• Give yourself permission to laugh and have fun in any circumstance.

• Watch funny movies and TV shows and appreciate the masters at work.

• Don’t take yourself, your ego or job too seriously; they can all be gone tomorrow.

• Try to get a baby to laughwatch and listen to how funny you can be!

Excerpted from the book: The Goddess of Happiness, A Down-to-Earth Guide for Heavenly Balance and Bliss

Debbie Gisonni, aka The Goddess of Happiness, is an author (The Goddess of Happiness: A Down-to-Earth Guide for Heavenly Balance and Bliss and Vita’s Will: Real Life Lessons about Life Death & Moving On), speaker, happiness expert and columnist for iVillage.com. Contact: http://www.goddessofhappiness.com

Copyright, All Rights Reserved, Debbie Gisonni

Cure for the Busy Procrastinator

Filed under: Self Improvement Parlor — admin at 8:41 am on Sunday, April 27, 2008

“A jack of all trades is a king at nothing.” Isn’t that how the old saying goes? Well, I don’t know if I want to be a king. Royalty comes with the expensive price of heavy scrutiny and enormous responsibility. Plus, if you’re a procrastinator, like I am, you don’t need the buck to stop with you. You need the decisions made by the kings or queens of your life to take attention away from the things you haven’t accomplished…yet. This way, I can go on and accomplish a number of things simultaneously without the pressure of being perfect at one. This question still remains: How can a procrastinator become effective?

The answer is not as simple as taking a specific number of steps, as it is a matter of self-actualization. Most procrastinators will admit that they are guilty of being one, but they usually won’t admit why they’re one. You see, understanding why you procrastinate will help you reverse your weakness into a strength. Sure, your answer may not be comfortable to admit. You might procrastinate because you’re afraid of failure, or afraid of success. You might be disorganized, or you may be simply lazy.

Whatever the case may be, I believe that the answer you seek in finding success in spite of your condition lies in this one powerful concept: partnership. Find an effective partner for each of your ventures, and you’ll emerge out of mediocrity into royalty.

Ask Russell Simmons. He was a small-time party promoter who witnessed a new culture (called hip hop) emerging on the disco scene of New York in the early 80s. With a $5,000 loan from his mother and a partnership with Rick Rubin, Russell was able to build one of the most recognizable brands in hip hop music-Def Jam. But when you read or listen to any of his interviews, Russell admits that he is not an expert at anything. He forms partnerships with experts (producers, investors, etc.), and plays his role as a public relations person. This way both can benefit from his strength as a promoter.

And over the years, he has had a hand in a plethora of ventures; so, that makes him a jack-of-all-trades. But since he’s worth millions of dollars, you call him a mogul. I’m not going to lie and say that Russell is a procrastinator because I’ve never heard him admit to it, but I can say that his life is a testament to the power of partnership. And if it propelled him out of the minor leagues in spite of his weaknesses, think of what it can do for you.

The key is that you have to recognize the strengths in your partners of choice that will complement yours. When Russell wanted to start a hip-hop record label, he found a talented producer who already had a burgeoning label that was begun releasing artists. The problem with most of us procrastinators is that we want too much credit as originator, executive, and creative force. If your specialty is fixing cars, find someone with a garage and organizational skills to get your business going. You have to be honest with your partner about your weakness, however, so that he or she can keep you on your toes.

Even if you’re not an entrepreneur, you can use the same principle on your job. Get to know the people you labor with. You may find that the guy two cubicles down has great ideas, but he has poor presentation skills. Partner with him to make the both of you look good to your boss. You, as the awesome orator that you are, can do the presentation and share the credit. Just make sure that your partner helps you prepare the presentation, procrastinator, so that you don’t find yourself cramming for it the night before.

As in the case of most sicknesses, there is a remedy for procrastination. You just have to be willing and able to recognize those who can complement your weaknesses, and give them half of the pie of opportunity. The good news is that you don’t have to settle for one piece either. You can choose three or four pies, and share all of them with various, non-procrastinating people. That way, your share will end up being more than everyone else’s. Then you can become the king of the jack-of-all-trades.

Mark S. Davis is a high school English teacher in Baltimore, Maryland. He is married to wife Donna for two years and has two wonderful children, Evens and Josie.

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