Do the Right Thing

10 Rules for Ethical Leadership

1) The rule of mindfulness. Pay attention! Mindfulness means being attuned to what is going on and then reflecting (without judgment) on the impact your decisions have on others. Organizational mindfulness requires connecting mindful people together to help others in the organization achieve greater congruence between their intentions and outcomes.

2) The rule of respecting others. Recognize and reward the positive intent of others in their actions. It helps create a culture of appreciation and encourages support. But don't leave out self-respect. It is true that you must respect yourself before others can respect you.

3) The rule of engagement. Take the high ground. Understand the limitations, strengths and circumstances under which you initiate and manage your interactions with others. Engage others by being prepared, polite and positive.

4) The rule of wisdom. Let your wisdom govern your actions and decisions. Wisdom is the ability to discern or judge what is true, right or lasting. Sometimes, it is merely common sense and good judgment, blended with a smart plan and clear course of action. Wisdom is usually considered to be a trait that can be developed through experience but not taught.

5)The rule of action. Respond in a timely way to any unethical behavior you observe or receive information about. Stop any inappropriate activity and rectify the situation immediately. Action requires clear intention. Knowing why you are taking action is a considered response rather than a reaction.

6)The rule of power. Know your power and use it well. Power is a person's ability to influence others. Through influence, you spread ideas, set direction, make choices and guide outcomes. All these require accountability and honesty.

7)The rule of dialogue. Talk about ethics and keep the conversation going. Encourage people to understand the full meaning of ethics by talking about it in staff meetings and other work-related areas. Create ongoing communication, rather than attempting to reach some conclusion or express personal viewpoints.

8)The rule of acting without self-interest. Place high value on the fact that other people are actual or potential co-workers, peers, bosses, customers and neighbors. When we act with the best interest of others in mind, we enjoy less conflict, easier problem solving and a greater sense of trust.

9)The rule of listening. Learn to listen. Most of us take listening for granted, so we don't work very hard at improving it. But effective listening doesn't just happen; it takes a great deal of purpose. It's hard work and requires your complete attention.

10)The rule of safety. Protect others. Safety is the condition of being protected against physical harm - socially, spiritually, financially, politically and emotionally. Strive to do no harm and make certain that people around you have a safe harbor to do what is right.

by CCL's Cresencio Torres (Adapted)

7 Sure-fire Ways to Kill Your Promotion

Promoting?

When it comes to getting ahead in the world of work, some people make it look so easy. It's almost as if they know of a secret fast track that's helped propel them from one level to the next. They land jobs at the best companies, impress all the right people and seem to be promoted even before the ink on the job offer is dry.

On the other hand, the world of work is certainly filled with people who just can't seem to climb the next rung of the corporate ladder. No matter how hard they try or how badly they want it, being promoted seems impossible.

Susan Britton Whitcomb identifies the characteristics and behaviors that differentiate these two types of people in her book, "30-Day Job Promotion
" "Having interviewed numerous managers and worked with hundreds of career-minded clients over the years, a clear pattern has emerged: Those with the greatest promotablility demonstrated a blend of hard skills and, more importantly, soft skills. For example, confidence, critical thinking and commitment," Whitcomb says.

But what about people who can't position themselves in the promotion pipeline? Why aren't they moving forward, even though they're perfectly qualified for a higher-level position? A significant part of the problem may be that, because of their attitudes and behaviors, decision-makers ruled them out of consideration for a promotion long before the option was available.

According to Whitcomb, there are several mistakes people can make that will hinder their chances of being promoted or earning the support of their superiors and colleagues. In "30-Day Job Promotion," she outlines seven faux pas:

1. Not dressing, speaking or acting the part
When it comes to being promoted, looks do matter. If you don't look the part, it will be much more difficult for decision-makers to envision you in it. Instead of dressing sloppily or inappropriately, strive to dress in a manner similar to people two levels above you.

2. Being unprepared with talking points about the value you'd bring to the position
Just because the decision-maker in the promotion process is already familiar with you doesn't mean you're done proving yourself to him or her. Highlight your skills, knowledge and strengths to reinforce your return on investment.

3. Being deceitful or underhanded
If you're acting friendly and respectful to superiors one moment and undermining them behind their backs the next, you risk developing a reputation for being two-faced and untrustworthy.

4. Being clueless about the big picture
Decision-makers want to know that promoting you will impact the company's bottom line. If you can't convince them that your new ideas and extra effort will achieve the company's goals, you probably won't gain their buy-in for a promotion.

5. Pouting or grousing
It's important for leaders to exude a positive attitude at all times -- both good and bad. Decision-makers will never be able to support you as a leader, worthy of promotion, if you're being bitter, negative or dismissive of others because you don't get your way at work.

6. Expecting a promotion without going above and beyond in your current position
Some people mistakenly believe that because they do their job well and do what's asked of them, they're entitled to a promotion. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Employers want to advance employees who exceed their expectations and are willing to take on more than what their job description entails.

7. Overusing the terms "my career" or "promotion" in discussions with your manager
In most situations, your employer's needs come before your own. Therefore, expressing that you'd like to take your career to the next level won't get you nearly as far as something such as, "I'm committed to doing everything I can to help this company grow and succeed."

"Remember, getting promoted is not for the faint of heart," Whitcomb says. "To climb the ladder, you'll need a proactive plan, proof of performance, the right perception of you, perseverance and a positive attitude."


Selena Dehne, JIST Publishing.


"A person is most efficient and will more quickly and easily succeed when engaged in work they love." Napoleon Hill

"If you only believe what you see, then you are limited to what's on the surface. If you only believe what you see, then why do you pay your electric bill?" Dr. Wayne Dyer

8 Strategies for Winning

How to succeed without being an SOB—or a pushover

Many people suffer from Nice Guy Syndrome, held back from higher levels of success by being too selfless at work. It’s a tricky problem, because if you start to think that being nice is bad, it’s easy to overcompensate with selfishness, intimidation, and intense aggression.

The founders of Nice Guy Strategies teach that nice is not about being weak or soft—that you can hang on to your morals, compassion, and sincerity and still get ahead. The key is to draw on eight practical strategies— The Nice Guy Bill of Rights—that will help you find the right balance.

Each chapter shares insights and stories from both ordinary nice guys and celebrity executives.

'Nice Guy Bill of Rights'
1) Self Awareness-Know your strengths & weaknesses.
2) Speak Up-Let your opinions be heard.
3) Set Boundaries-Set and respect them.
4) Confront-Address issues directly and without fear.
5) Choose-Make choices without guilt.
6) Expect Results-Be accountable to others and yourself.
7) Be Bold-Push the envelope.
8) Win-Finish first.

Don't sabotage ourselves by being acquiescent and compliant rather than be assertive and confident.

"Finally, a book that teaches nice guys how to be strong, decisive, and get things done much more efficiently and successfully than tyrannical managers."
—George Nadaff, founder & former CEO, Boston Chicken.

The Management Unwritten Rules

Source: William Swanson

1. Learn to say, "I don't know." If used when appropriate, it will be often.
2. It is easier to get into something than it is to get out of it.
3. If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much.
4. Look for what is missing. Many know how to improve what's there, but few can see what isn't there.
5. Viewgraph rule: When something appears on a viewgraph (an overhead transparency), assume the world knows about it, and deal with it accordingly.
6. Work for a boss with whom you are comfortable telling it like it is. Remember that you can't pick your relatives, but you can pick your boss.
7. Constantly review developments to make sure that the actual benefits are what they are supposed to be. Avoid Newton's Law.
8. However menial and trivial your early assignments may appear, give them your best efforts.
9. Persistence or tenacity is the disposition to persevere in spite of difficulties, discouragement, or indifference. Don't be known as a good starter but a poor finisher.
10. In completing a project, don't wait for others; go after them, and make sure it gets done.
11. Confirm your instructions and the commitments of others in writing. Don't assume it will get done!
12. Don't be timid; speak up. Express yourself, and promote your ideas.
13. Practice shows that those who speak the most knowingly and confidently often end up with the assignment to get it done.
14. Strive for brevity and clarity in oral and written reports.
15. Be extremely careful of the accuracy of your statements.
16. Don't overlook the fact that you are working for a boss.* Keep him or her informed. Avoid surprises!* Whatever the boss wants takes top priority.
17. Promises, schedules, and estimates are important instruments in a well-ordered business.* You must make promises. Don't lean on the often-used phrase, "I can't estimate it because it depends upon many uncertain factors."
18. Never direct a complaint to the top. A serious offense is to "cc" a person's boss.
19. When dealing with outsiders, remember that you represent the company. Be careful of your commitments.
20. Cultivate the habit of "boiling matters down" to the simplest terms. An elevator speech is the best way.
21. Don't get excited in engineering emergencies. Keep your feet on the ground.
22. Cultivate the habit of making quick, clean-cut decisions.
23. When making decisions, the pros are much easier to deal with than the cons. Your boss wants to see the cons also.
24. Don't ever lose your sense of humor.
25. Have fun at what you do. It will reflect in your work. No one likes a grump except another grump.


"Never was anything great achieved without danger." Niccolo Machiavelli

Art of Power

"POWER is the ability to alter the behaviour of others to get what you want, and there are three ways to do that: coercion (sticks), payments (carrots) and attraction (soft power). If you are able to attract others, you can economise on the sticks and carrots."


What makes a country a world leader?
- Is it population?
- Is it military strength?
- Is it economic development?

In today's information era, he wrote, three types of countries are likely to gain soft power and so succeed:

- Those whose dominant cultures and ideals are closer to prevailing global norms (which now emphasise liberalism, pluralism, autonomy);
- Those with the most access to multiple channels of communication and thus more influence over how issues are framed; and
- Those whose credibility is enhanced by their domestic and international performance.
"As we speak of leveraging our soft power, we must also look within. We must ensure that we do enough to keep our people healthy, well-fed and secure, not just from jihadi terrorism but from the daily terror of poverty, hunger and ill health."

Preview: The Paradox Of American Power by Harvard's Professor Joseph Nye

"To govern... one must have one's hands on three levers of power - the treasury, the army and the voice." Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew

"Power does not corrupt men; fools, however, if they get into a position of power, corrupt power." George Bernard Shaw

Consumer Rights

What one can do to right one's experience... one individual's effort. How she got Nokia to pay up. She had to make three other personal claims before this and she won.

"Life is full of stress, why are we also getting stress when spending our hard-earn money?" Tan Geok Hoon

"Nokia has complied with the tribunal order and has made full payment to Ms Tan. Nokia sincerely apologises that the matter progressed to such a stage, when it could have been resolved earlier in a more amicable manner. We have noted Ms Tan's feedback." Grant McBeath, General Manager, Nokia Singapore

Ten Rules of Success

by Donald J. Trump

1. Never give up! Do not settle for remaining in your comfort zone. Remaining complacent is a good way to get nowhere.

2. Be passionate! If you love what you're doing, it will never seem like work.

3. Be focused! Ask yourself: What should I be thinking about right now? Shut out interference. In this age of multitasking, this is a valuable technique to acquire.

4. Keep your momentum! Listen, apply and move forward. Do not procrastinate.

5. See yourself as victorious! That will focus you in the right direction.

6. Be tenacious! Being stubborn can work wonders.

7. Be lucky! The old saying, "The harder I work, the luckier I get" is absolutely right on.

8. Believe in yourself! If you don't, no one else will either. Think of yourself as a one-man or one-woman army.

9. Ask yourself: What am I pretending not to see? There may be some great opportunities right around you, even if things aren't looking so great. Great adversity can turn into great victory.

10. Look at the solution, not the problem. And never give up! Never never never give up. This thought deserves to be said (and remembered and applied) many times. It's that important.


"It is easy to get to the top after you get through the crowd at the bottom." Zig Ziglar

The Corporate Survivor

Tips from ann Airline Consultant working with an up and-coming airline like Jet Airways... Extracted from TODAY.

“It can be hard for parents to give advice to their children. They’ll say: ‘I know all this, Dad’.” Coming fresh from the university or polytechnic, the newbies tend to think a lot about their privileges and rights, such as wanting more benefits and not working long hours. So, they may not have the patience or perseverance to wait things out a bit.

Some mistakes may appear inconsequential at the start, but come back to haunt you — playing politics, for example. Politics in itself is not a bad thing, but it has consequences. Some people like to stab others in the back on their way up, something I think one should never indulge in.

Take your job seriously, but not to take yourself too seriously.

Inflation

MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, Inderjit Singh, pointed out that the "grow-at-all-costs" policy of the government might have overheated the economy and worsened the income divide.

"I feel a significant part of the inflation has been caused by factors that we could have controlled." Is his analysis flawed as charged?

"Children who ate less salt, drank fewer sugary soft drinks could reduce their risk of high blood pressure, reduce obesity, lower rates of heart attack and stroke in later life." Journal of Human Hypertension


Obesity up and Numbers up

Save Money

In the spirit of not overpaying anyone for anything...

Save Money on Investing
Nine ways to maximize your returns -- and minimize taxes and costly mistakes.

Save Money on Food
Satisfy the hunger without starving your wallet. Here are ten ways to save money on groceries and dining out.

Save Money on Transportation
Ten smart strategies to cut your fuel costs, insurance premiums and parking fees.

Save Money on Travel
Get away without breaking the bank with these 15 budget-friendly tips.

Save Money on Utilities
Fifteen quick, cheap and easy ways to cut your electricity, heat and water bills.

Save Money on Phone, Internet and TV
Talk is anything but cheap, not to mention Internet and cable TV. Try these ten tips to hang up on high costs.

Save Money on Credit, Debt & Banking
Don't pay more than you should -- and get all the benefits you deserve -- with these 12 tips.

Save Money on Entertainment
Having fun doesn’t mean you have to blow your budget. Here are 12 ways to stretch your entertainment dollars further.

Source: 8 Spending Categories

The Bald Truth

"The true measure of a career is to be able to be content, even proud, that you succeeded through your own endeavors without leaving a trail of casualties in your wake." Alan Greenspan

Ten Ways to be a Leader

Everyone can tell us to be a leader, but they have never tell us how. Here are Dale Carnegie's ten treats...

1. Begin with praise and honest appreciation.

2. Call attention to people's mistakes indirectly.

3. Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person.

4. Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to.

5. Let the other person save face.

6. Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement.

7. Ask questions instead of giving direct orders.

8. Use encouragement.

9. Make the fault easy to correct.

10. Make the other person happy about doing the thing that you suggest.

His Quotes
"Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain - and most fools do."

"It is the way we react to circumstances that determines our feelings."

"Take a chance! All life is a chance. The man who goes furthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare."

"You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you."

"Act enthusiastic and you become enthusiastic."

"Are you bored with life? Then throw yourself into some work you believe in with all you heart, live for it, die for it, and you will find happiness that you had thought could never be yours."

"Did you ever see an unhappy horse? Did you ever see a bird that had the blues? One reason why birds and horses are not unhappy is because they are not trying to impress other birds and horses."

Dale Carnegie (1888-1955)

Fresh, Fast and Casual

Just 3 items on the menu

Chipotle is succeeding thanks to an elegantly simple business model, one its 42-year-old founder and chief executive, Steve Ells, can sum up in a single sentence: "Focus on just a few things, and do them better than anybody else." Thus, the menu contains only three items: burritos, tacos and salads. (The last was added only in 2005.)

Of course, Chipotle's taquería-style format, in which 16 basic ingredients are displayed in front of customers on a glass-covered assembly line, affords a panoply of variations on its Mexican theme...

13 Things Not to Share with Your Co-workers

This is an interesting article by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer

It’s happened to everyone before. The constant flow of words that just keep coming, long after you’ve made your point (if there ever was one) and even longer after people stopped caring. The kind of gibberish that just won’t stop unless someone else starts talking. The type of chatter that inevitably ends with you wishing you’d put a sock in it.

Yes, verbal diarrhea is never a good thing – but it can be worse in some places more than others...

... here are 13 things to never share or discuss with your co-workers.


1. Salary information
What you earn is between you and Human Resources, Solovic says. Disclosure indicates you aren’t capable of keeping a confidence.

2. Medical history
“Nobody really cares about your aches and pains, your latest operation, your infertility woes or the contents of your medicine cabinet,” Lopeke says. To your employer, your constant medical issues make you seem like an expensive, high-risk employee.

3. Gossip
Whomever you’re gossiping with will undoubtedly tell others what you said, Solovic says. Plus, if a co-worker is gossiping with you, most likely he or she will gossip about you.

4. Work complaints
Constant complaints about your workload, stress levels or the company will quickly make you the kind of person who never gets invited to lunch, Solovic warns. If you don’t agree with company policies and procedures, address it through official channels or move on.

5. Cost of purchases
The spirit of keeping up with the Joneses is alive and well in the workplace, Lopeke says, but you don’t want others speculating on the lifestyle you’re living –or if you’re living beyond your salary bracket.

6. Intimate details
Don’t share intimate details about your personal life. Co-workers can and will use the information against you, Solovic says.

7. Politics or religion
“People have strong, passionate views on both topics,” Solovic says. You may alienate a co-worker or be viewed negatively in a way that could impact your career.

8. Lifestyle changes
Breakups, divorces and baby-making plans should be shared only if there is a need to know, Lopeke says. Otherwise, others will speak for your capabilities, desires and limitations on availability, whether there is any truth to their assumptions or not.

9. Blogs or social networking profile
What you say in a social networking community or in your personal blog may be even more damaging than what you say in person, Solovic warns. “Comments online can be seen by multiple eyes. An outburst of anger when you are having a bad day … can blow up in your face.”

10. Negative views of colleagues
If you don’t agree with a co-worker’s lifestyle, wardrobe or professional abilities, confront that person privately or keep it to yourself, Lopeke says. The workplace is not the venue for controversy.

11. Hangovers and wild weekends
It’s perfectly fine to have fun during the weekend, but don’t talk about your wild adventures on Monday, Solovic advises. That information can make you look unprofessional and unreliable.

12. Personal problems and relationships – in and out of the office
“Failed marriages and volatile romances spell instability to an employer,” Lopeke says. Office romances lead to gossip and broken hearts, so it’s best to steer clear. “The safest way to play is to follow the rule, ‘Never get your honey where you get your money.’”

13. Off-color or racially charged comments
You can assume your co-worker wouldn’t be offended or would think something is funny, but you might be wrong, Solovic says. Never take that risk. Furthermore, even if you know for certain your colleague wouldn’t mind your comment, don’t talk about it at work. Others can easily overhear.

What traits you have in common with millionaires?

Wealth personalities: 6 types of millionaires By Laura Bruce

*Wealthy is defined in this survey as $1 million or more in net worth, not including the primary residence.


Satisfied Savers
These are the folks you would love to have as your parents or grandparents -- happy, well-adjusted, and rich! They make up 24% of the wealthy* population and share these characteristics.
Average age: 60
Built wealth through hard work, by living below their means and taking moderate risks
Financially savvy
Lost relatively little in the bear market
Know how to make their money work for them
Enjoy making a difference through charitable efforts

Status Chasers
You've met them. You may envy their possessions, but you wouldn't want to be them. They comprise 18% of the wealthy* population.
Average age: 55
Achieved wealth through work and some inheritance
Want it all but haven't been able to achieve their major goals yet
Define wealth as a level three times their current net worth
Pessimistic about their own financial future
Less financially knowledgeable than their counterparts
Think of financial situation daily as a source of concern

Altruistic Achievers
These are the do-gooders of the bunch. Most of us can learn from them. Roughly 17% of the wealthy* population is composed of the philanthropists who share these qualities.
Average age: 54
Achieved wealth through work, some inheritance, good investments, owning a business, and living below their means
Self-made, driven to succeed, work hard, take risks
Use their wealth to help the less fortunate
Lack the time, interest, and know-how to manage finances; rely on professional management
Lost the most in the bear market
Only one-quarter plan to retire completely

Secret Succeeders
These people worked hard and had some luck and should be very happy, but they're not. They make up 17% of the wealthy* population.
Average age: 55
Self-made: built fortunes through working in professional and managerial positions, making one or two particularly good investments and not spending
Live below their means
Suspicious of showing their wealth -- fear they'll lose it
Among the least charitable
Group includes the greatest percentage that admit they'll do whatever it takes, including compromise principles, to stay ahead
Not especially financially savvy, but having financial control is key
Somewhat optimistic about their financial futures

Disengaged Inheritors
Fortunately, not all who inherit money fall into this category. These folks are proof that having money doesn't necessarily mean you're happy. They compose 13% of the wealthy* population.
Average age: 58
Received and built their wealth largely through inheritance, and living below their means
Second-wealthiest and second-oldest group
Lack the goals and drive to succeed
Think about their financial situation the least out of apathy and ambivalence
Not charitable, generally unhappy
Least financial know-how of the high-net worth segment

Deal Masters
The Donald Trumps of the world. "You're fired!" No, actually, if you have a fairly strong personality, these folks would be fun to know. They make up 11% of the wealthy* population.
Average age: 49
Have amassed the greatest wealth, self-made, self-reliant
Built wealth by setting goals, working hard, being persistent, taking risks, relying on their own financial know-how
Segment comprises the largest number of small business owners
"Winner takes all" attitude
Confident and optimistic
Enjoy the challenge of making money
Think about financial situation daily -- source of challenge, fun, and happiness
Lost the least in the bear market
One of the least charitable groups
Living their dream, little inclination to stop working
62% would rather be stressed than have nothing to do
Source: The Phoenix Companies Inc.

Inevitable Stages of Growth

Everything in the universe grows through the Natural Stages of Growth and each stage has its own problems, opportunities and solutions. Check out Michael Masterson's Zero to $100 Million in No Time.

The 8 Frugal Billionaires

1. Warren Buffett, $57 billion, Country: United States
Despite his billions, America's most admired investor still lives in the same modest Nebraska home he bought in 1958 for $31,500.

2. Ingvar Kamprad & Family, $33 billion, Country: Sweden
Ikea's pennywise founder is famous for being cheap. He flies coach, drives a 1993 Volvo and often dines at lower-tier restaurants. He also reportedly furnishes his home with Ikea's affordable merchandise.

3. Azim Premji, $17.1 billion, Country: India
Parsimonious Premji inherited a cooking-oil business from his father and transformed it into technology-services giant Wipro. He drove a Ford Escort for eight years before trading it in for a new Toyota Corolla, but he usually walks to work from his nearby home. Premji often stays at budget hotels when traveling in India.

4. Jim C. Walton, $16.4 billion, Country: United States
The Wal-Mart scion and member of America's richest family inherited his billions--and spending habits--from his father Sam. Like his billionaire sister Alice, Jim prefers sturdy pickup trucks to flashy, expensive sports cars.

5. Richard Kinder, $2.9 billion, Country: United States
The former Enron president left the firm in 1996, claiming he was uncomfortable with its "asset-light" strategy... He believes in efficiency, flying coach on company business.

6. John Caudwell, $2.2 billion, Country: U.K.
The former auto-repair shop owner and Michelin engineer entered the cellphone business in 1987... An avid sportsman, he used to bike 14 miles to work. He cuts his own hair because, he says, going to a barber is a waste of time, and buys his clothes at affordable British retailer Marks & Spencer. Eschews three-figure bottles of wine when a two-figure bottle will do just as nicely: "I don't need to spend money to bolster my own esteem."

7. Frederik Meijer & Family, $2 billion, Country: United States
The reclusive retail tycoon was raised to be a penny-pincher. His father Hendrik was a barber, but switched to supermarkets after the Depression reduced his clientèle, opening Meijer Grocery in 1934, where he kept prices low.

8. David Cheriton, $1.4 billion, Country: Canada
The Stanford professor introduced students Sergey Brin and Larry Page to venture capitalists at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers; he was rewarded with a large chunk of Google stock. Cheriton prefers to ride his bike, though he also drives a 1993 Honda Accord or a 1986 Volkswagen camper. Lives in the same Palo Alto home he bought in 1981. He flies commercial, and cuts his own hair rather than wasting time and money going to a barber.

Source: Forbes

10 Commandments of Investment

Save Now or Die Trying by Mark Bruno

1. Retirement is a Reality
Don't wait to see if you can play catch up.
2. Not some one else, do something now
It's up to you to take care of yourself.
3. Whenever there is free money, take it
Work for a boss who will make matching contributions to your retirement plan.
4. Treat retirement as part of saving plan
Have contributions deducted automatically from pay cheque.
5. If you aren't saving, you're setting yourself up
A little saving a month will help to accumulate for long term wealth.
6. The power of compounding
The earlier you save, the more money will work for you.
7. Don't count on any future help
There are no sure things in life and retirement.
8. The difference between good and bad debts
Credit card is bad debt when you don't pay it off expeditiously.
9. No stupid questions, only stupid decisions.
Financial independence equals ability to save?!
10. Live life
Don't save for tomorrow at the expense of today.


Free Personal Finance Websites...
Clear CheckBook
Mint
Wesabe
"If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy." Anon

Goals for 2008

Goals setting

How about being flexible, open and practical rather than giving yourself a rigid reach you stress yourself with?

1) Embrace change
2) Enjoy process
3) Just spark it!

Some tips from Bruce Mau

Seven Deadly Workplace Sins

The 7 deadly sins order teachings used by Pope Gregory the Great in the 6th Century AD to educate and instruct followers...

A leaf off Donald J. Trump's thoughts on WorkPlace Sins
Pride
In one sense, pride is absolutely necessary. You have to be proud of your work, proud of your accomplishments, proud of your abilities. That’s an undeniable given. Personally, I don’t want people working for me who aren’t confident in their talents and skills and aren’t pleased with their success.
But there’s a fine line. Rarely do people achieve everything alone. Be sure to acknowledge the work and the contributions of your co-workers. If your ego gets too big for the room, you lose the respect and the support of your team. And no one can go it alone.

Envy
Jealousy is stupid. It is a waste of time and it’s destructive. Nothing good can ever come of it, so there’s definitely no room for it in the workplace. If a co-worker gets a project or a promotion that you wanted, then don’t spend time stewing over it or lamenting that it should’ve been yours. Instead, turn the opportunity around.
Use the situation to motivate yourself to work harder, to achieve more so that next time you’ll be the one who gets the chance to make the big deal or who gets the big client or the big raise.
In addition, if your peers see that you are envious of their success, it will do nothing but create a rift between you and that creates an unhealthy working environment. You have to work as a team and that just can’t happen when there’s an underpinning of resentment.
Use someone else’s success to fuel your own motivation.

Anger
This is a tough one. In general, I’d have to agree that anger doesn’t belong in the workplace. It can create a hostile environment and people who are prone to angry outbursts are often seen as unprofessional by their employers.
However, I think that leaders occasionally may have to use their anger in the workplace. I don’t mean that they should run around yelling at their employees, slamming doors and punching walls. But often people who are too soft-spoken and easy-going are steamrolled by those who work for them and with them. If they use their tempers wisely and show people that they mean business, all of a sudden those clients and employees and co-workers will sit up and take notice.
Like in all aspects of life, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. You don’t want to be squeaking (or in this case, yelling and screaming and pounding the desk) too often. But if you do it occasionally, you’ll make your point.

Greed
One of my often-quoted sayings is “Greed is good,” so I have mixed feelings about greed being a workplace sin. I believe that you have to be motivated by some sort of insatiability for success. I guess that’s greed in a way. If you’re not driven, you won’t succeed.
Where greed can hurt you is if you want too much too soon and you only consider the short term, forgetting that some time you have to sacrifice the here-and-now in order to plan ahead. It’s worth it in the end when you work hard toward a long-term goal instead of only living in the present.
So, yes, greed is good, because it inspires you and drives you to work hard so you achieve and win and succeed. But don’t let it get in the way of long-term success.

Sloth
There are few things I hate more than laziness. I work very, very hard and I expect the people who work for me to do the same. So if you’re lazy at work, you will get absolutely nowhere. While you’re sitting back twiddling your thumbs, you will watch everyone else whiz right by you on the fast tracks of their careers.
If you want to succeed, you cannot relax. You can’t do just the minimum, just what it takes to get by. Complacency is ridiculous for anyone who has aspirations of success. Treat every day, every project, every client as if your entire career depends upon how you handle it.
I never take vacations because I can’t handle the time away from my work. I recently read that these days, a high percentage of the people who do take vacations tend to check email and voicemail and call in to the office when they leave. Those are the people I want working for me.
Never be lazy. Never be complacent. When you sit down to do nothing, everyone will race by you.

Gluttony
When it comes to success, it’s hard not to want it all. And, to be honest, I’m not so sure that’s a bad thing. This, to me, is a lot like greed. If you have high aspirations and yearnings for big things, then you work hard and long and fast to get it.
But the caution here is that if you gorge yourself on just one thing - like someone sitting down at an incredibly prepared meal who later can’t push away from the table - then you lose. You become overwhelmed by that one experience and maybe too sluggish to tackle other projects or maybe even other parts of your life.
Some people think my work is my life. That’s true in a sense. But I also have time for a wonderful family and some fun, especially golf. Even then, I do business while I’m out on the links, but I enjoy what I do.
Overindulging in any one thing isn’t healthy - even if it’s work. Find a way to maintain some kind of balance and you’ll succeed.

Lust
First of all, it’s not what you’re thinking. Get your mind out of the gutter. When I’m discussing lust in the office, I mean an intense longing for other people’s success or other people’s work instead of your own. (Not an intense longing for the attractive person in the next cubicle.)
Here, they liken the sin of lust in the office to the “grass is always greener” theory. If you are obsessed with what your co-workers are accomplishing or striving for, then it’s guaranteed that your own achievements will pale in comparison.
Don’t become consumed with anything but your own work and your own triumphs. Any other obsession will create a negative environment and foster resentment and just not be constructive.
In the office, the only passion you should have is for your own work and your own victory. Don’t watch anyone else climb the ladder of success. Focus on yourself and you will succeed.

Gandhi's Seven Deadly Sins
1. Wealth without Work
2. Pleasure without Conscience
3. Science without Humanity
4. Knowledge without Character
5. Politics without Principle
6. Commerce without Morality
7. Worship without Sacrifice

Cave Cave Deus Videt



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