Financial Freedom Classroom

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financial freedom

Put your money to work

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Your money taking care of you on the beach!The fifth and last phase in our financial freedom plan is to “Put your money to work”.  Here is where the fun begins.  Now you can build up piles of cash for investments.  To build those accounts use the money you were putting towards your debts and emergency fund in phases three and four.

The following must be maintained to stay on the road to financial freedom:

1.  Stay debt-free.

2.  Accelerate paying off your mortgage to at least 15 years or less.

3.  Maintain at least 15% of household income towards retirement, a fully funded emergency fund, and adequate term life insurance, if needed.

4.  Pay cash for everything (except possibly real estate, an appreciating asset).

5.  Diversify your investments.

Always keep in mind that you MUST fully understand the investment BEFORE you invest in it.  Relying on someone else to “manage” your investments can lead to disappointment and frustration.  So be sure that you have a complete understanding of all the risks before investing.  Always remember no risk, no reward.

Please list some investment options in the comments that should be investigated.

 

Negotiate more than just pay

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yellow please pay here signSometime you can feel stuck in a job and the boss just won’t (or can’t) increase your pay.  Is there a possibility that some other type of compensation could make you happy?  Cash is king but there are other things that an employer could offer that might be able to make up for it like:

  • Additional vacation time – Everybody likes extra time away from work!
  • Telecommute – Even one or two days a week will have you saving money and time from commuting.
  • Flexible hours – Not everyone is at their best between 9am and 5pm.  See if your work hours could be adjusted around your peak time.
  • Membership perks – Maybe your employer would allow you to keep the airline miles you rack up for the company?  Or maybe there is a professional organization they would pay for you to join.  Lots of possibilities!
  • Special project – Is there a project that needs to be completed you would like to work on?  Ask!  You my even gain some additional marketable skills!
  • Bonus structure – Propose a bonus structure based on time or performance that is measurable and can easily be calculated so you know what you will get.

Even when a pay increase is off the table there are other ways an employer can offer incentives for their treasured employees.  Give it a try, you might be surprised!

What other types of benefits or compensation could an employer offer?  Please comment.

6 free sensational apps for your properties

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Color Swatches and plansInformation is important when making decisions.  Especially when real estate investments are on the line.  Here are some FREE apps that can give you some information when you are on the road and may need to make a quick decision.

1.  iFixIt – There is repair information on topics like plumbing, electrical, doors, windows, appliances and even swimming pools which can give you a quick idea of what might be the problem and how to fix it.

2.  Handyman Calculator – Complete construction calculator used to calculate materials and time on various projects.

3.  iHandy Level – Use your phone as a fully functional level with calibration capability.

4.  MagicPlan – This app can measure your rooms and draws floor plan just by taking pictures.  No more tape measures!

5.  Benjamin Moore Color Capture and Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap – Snap a picture of any painted wall and get a match from either manufacturer.  Quick and easy!

6.  Houzz – Can provide interior and exterior design inspiration with photos by style, room and location.  Get inspired!

We hope you can make use of these great apps to save time and money on the properties you own.

Please list any other real estate apps in the comment section that you use that could help others.  Thank you!

 

4 benefits of business groups

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Business strategyConsider joining a business group of some kind.  There are numerous benefits that your business can gain from with  a small time investment in an active group.   Some are:

1.  Sharing your knowledge and gaining satisfaction from helping others.  This will give your business the professional edge and you will become viewed as an expert in your industry.

2.  Gain referrals and make connections.  Since you are viewed as a professional amongst other helpful professionals you will gain more valuable referrals.

3.  More opportunities.  While you are contributing to the business group there will be many opportunities that will be brought for individuals and the group to participate in.

4.  Infusion of positive influences.  Business groups are filled with optimistic people who love to help others.  If your business is going through a rough patch and you need a fresh view, the positive outlooks of the group members will lift you up to carry you through.

Networking can be a lot of fun and help grow your business.  So get out there and mingle.  The small investment of your time will pay back HUGE dividends!

Please list business groups you are or have worked with and how it was a benefit to your business.

Establish goals then lean in

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Beautiful beach - Locke up Hawaii 2016Are you meeting your trading goals?  Do you have trading goals?  Everyone should have goals, it is a way to measure your progress.  If you don’t know what you are reaching for will you ever get it?  Probably not.  How can you reach a target you don’t have?

Begin with the end in mind.  For instance, how much will you need for that dream vacation?  If we planned a dream vacation for next year with a budget of $12,000, would we be able to go?  It depends.  If you carefully plan and track your progress, it is certainly more likely.

For example if the balance in your trading account is currently $50,000 you would need to earn 12% on those funds over the next twelve months to book the trip.  Should you just check back on your account in a year to see if you reached it?  Of course not, break it down further.  If you earn 1% each month on your account less fees, that will be 12% over the course of a year.  This goal should be checked on at least monthly to ensure it is on track.  You certainly wouldn’t want to start planning a dream vacation you cannot afford to take!

We have established just such a goal for our students under Locke In Your Success, LLC called Locke Up Hawaii 2016!  We congratulate all the participants as it is a big step to publicly state a goal for all to see.  It creates a greater sense of commitment and community around the goal.  Consider publicly stating your goals and find supportive peers to provide accountability and encouragement for you to meet them.

Please click like if you have publicly stated your goals and comment about your results.

 

Self first, then kids, then wants…

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Beautiful sports carIf you don’t take care of yourself how can you take care of anyone else?  This is our golden rule for the fourth phase in our financial freedom plan, self first, then kids, then wants.  This phase begins after all your debts have been paid off, except for your mortgage.

In this phase you set yourself up to be secure by establishing a full emergency fund of six months worth of expenses and ensure that a full 15% of the gross household income is being saved for retirement.  TIP:  Establish an automatic deposit into your retirement fund to make sure that money gets to where it needs to go!

Then you can establish a college fund for your children if you so choose.  Setting aside a set amount each month is the best way to reach your college fund goal.

After those have been established, then some of your wants can be funded as long as there aren’t any loans involved!  Set up accounts for each of the wants like cars, trips, and toys. TIP:  Please keep the total value of ALL vehicles less than 40% of your annual gross household income.

Take advantage of our FREE offer before time runs out!  Until Friday, June 19th, we are offering a FREE analysis of your financial situation.  Just complete the worksheets by clicking the link.  There is no cost or obligation and of course your information is kept confidential and secure.  Simply submit your worksheets, we will carefully review them, then schedule a follow up call to discuss how to accelerate your financial freedom journey.

Think before you post

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Social Media BirdEmployers are getting smarter and using social media to check out potential hires even BEFORE deciding on who to interview.  Think about what is on Facebook, Twitter, Google +, Linked In and YouTube or any other social media site about you.  Would a potential employer viewing the posts think you would be a good fit for their organization?  Maybe, maybe not…

“I start my new job today but I absolutely hate working at day cares, Lol it’s all good I just really hate being around a lot of kids.” was a post from Kaitlyn Walls on Facebook that cost her a much needed job.  The employer called her and told her not to bother showing up to start work that day.  Think before you post.

As we have told our kids, consider anything you post on social media to be on a BIG billboard that your family, friends, teachers, employers, etc. drive by and read everyday.   Before clicking enter and posting make sure you would be proud if they all saw it, because chances are they will.  This caution applies to everyone.  Think before you post.

Click like if there has been something you posted to social media that you shouldn’t have.

A Photo can be worth a thousand words and shares

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Male hand holding cellular phone with image of happy family of three looking at cameraPhotos are a HUGE draw for posts to either your blog or social media.  They are a MUST!  There are some important considerations though when using pictures and they are:

-Ensure you are in compliance with copyright law.  Images are subject to the same copyright and fair use laws as written materials.

-Avoid using a search engine to find an image.  For the most part it is a waste of time because most of the images you will find are copyrighted and can’t be used.

-Find a source for photos and use the search within the website.  Most of the time you either have to pay for the image or give proper credit to the source to use it.

-Keep the image toward the top of the post to lure in readers.  It must be above the scroll line.

-Use your own images.  With cameras in every cell phone, it is very easy to take and post your own photos.

Consider including photos in all your posts.  It will bring more excitement and interest to your information.  Plus others will be more likely to share the content and isn’t that the whole point?

What sources do you use for your post photos?  Please share!

 

A Simple Thank You

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Hand writes the word thank youWhen was the last time you got a HANDWRITTEN thank you note sent through the mail?  It was probably long ago.  If you got one now, would it make an good impression on you?  Do you think a potential employer might pull your resume out from the pile for a second look after receiving a handwritten thank you note in the mail?  We bet they would.

A thank you note provides one more opportunity for a potential employer to remember you and leave a lasting impression.  Even if you don’t think you will get the job you could be on their mind for another one.

Here are some other tips for making an impression with a thank you:

-Be sure that the envelope and message inside is all handwritten.  No labels or typing, it definitely loses impact.

-Start with “Dear” and how you addressed them in the interview.  Usually you can’t go wrong with Mr. or Mrs. Last name.

-Always thank them for their time and the opportunity to interview for the position.  Express how interesting the organization and the job sounds and that you are looking forward to hearing from them soon.

-End the note in a positive and friendly tone, like “Thanks again!”

Drop the thank you note in the mail just after the interview.  It really could make all the difference!

Do you send handwritten thank you notes?  Please comment about the opportunities they have given you.