Write You - Finance

Communicating Powerfully With Customers
It is important to remember that customers have a great deal of anxiety in the selection of a new vendor. The anxiety is especially high with the first few orders (whether it be a new contact at existing customer, or an entirely new customer). By demonstrating to the customer that your company has a well thought out, orchestrated, in writing, documented, systematic, comprehensive, integrated approach, (you get the idea here), you can help relieve that anxiety. Certainly, you probably will not cover the entire production methodology with a customer, but there are many ways to include things in the conversation that will help provide "anesthesia" for the customer's anxiety.For example:1. Write down how the project is going to be used, so that you can cover all of the details at your morning production meeting with all of the people who will be working on the project, so the client can easily understand how important the work is to your organization.2. Be looking at reports of your inventory amounts on a weekly basis. Stay informed with the progress of a customer’s specific order. Do what you can to ensure that nothing gets overlooked or accidentally side-stepped.3. If a problem occurs, take responsibility and apologize to the client for

Limit how often you eat out, for example once per week instead of once a day.

Use coupons or eat out at lunch instead of during the higher priced dinner hours.

Look around, often you can find a locally owned restaurant with excellent specials.

Order water with your meal instead of soda or other higher priced items.

Split a meal.

Order only what you want, if you really only want artichoke dip, just order that.

Do not let yourself get over hungry. Store in your office desk, purse or car a few breakfast bars or other low calorie snacks that can hold you over until you get home.

Eating at Home

Home cooked food is nearly always cheaper and healthier than eating out or pre–packaged food.

Shopping for bulk items is not always the best bargain, check prices and quantities for the best deal.

Coupons are usually for name brand items; generally, the generic variation costs less.

Never buy anything at full price

Outperform the Market - Everytime!
Are you looking to outperform the market and optimize your profits but are not sure how to pick the right stocks? Has investing become a chore? Do you find yourself investing in hot stocks after they have made their big move?Do You Hate Research? . . . I do!I have always wanted to find an investment strategy that made sense. An investment strategy in which I do not need to know the intricacies of the market, predict market trends or follow specific stocks. How can I get the inside information of what is hot before the rest of the market knows? I can't. Nor do I need to. Plus, I don't have that kind of time to commit to in-depth research. Like you, I have a regular job that I need to devote my time to. I am not a day trader; nor do I want to spend all of my free time on the computer doing research. Always following the stock market and getting stock quotes is not how I want to spend my free time.I Avoid Individual Stocks . . . they are too unreliable!Everybody wants to buy low and sell high. While millions of people do make money this way (and many millions loose money), I have found an easier and more effective way to use the market to my advantage. I do not trade in stocks. I do what I can to avoid individual s

Achieving financial peace and independence in life is hard, especially when you can barely afford the necessities. Life should be enjoyed, but it is hard to have a good time when you are funneling all of your money into your bills instead of your vacation fund.

Believe it or not, little changes made throughout the year is almost like giving yourself a raise. As a bonus, money saving habits can improve your health, not to mention your stress level.

With patience, planning and discipline you can add thousands of dollars to your year–end bottom line and your personal net worth.

Here are just a few ideas you can consider to save money:

TRANSPORTATION

Many families budget nearly $1000 per month for transportation costs, which may include several car payments, insurance, fuel and repairs.

Payments

Generally, buying a car less than two years old is unwise. Most cars depreciate so quickly that before you even park the car in your driveway for the first time, the loan is already upside down.

Discipline yourself to pay off one car loan before you finance a second vehicle.

Do not buy vehicles on impulse. Shop around, read consumer reports and choose a vehicle with a good resale value.

Do not buy more car than you need. It is not prudent to buy a $40,000 truck for two trips to Home Depot per year. To haul items, often you can rent a truck for less than $20 per hour.

Before financing a car, set aside the payment amount and increased insurance amount for several months. If you cannot do this, or you fall behind on other expenses, you are not ready to finance a car. If you can do this, and kept up with your regular expenses, use the saved amount as a down payment.

If you are uncomfortable taking your older car on long trips, rent instead of buying. If you were to buy a new car, at $250/month it totals $3000 per year just in payments. An older, paid off vehicle may require $1000 per year in repairs and renting a car for a weekend trip may cost around $100. Therefore, including two weekend trips per year and the repairs on your older vehicle, the cost is still $1800 less than the payments on a new vehicle.

Insurance

Shop around for the best rates. Get several quotes before you decide on a new service.

Increase the deductible if possible to decrease monthly payment.

Older, paid off vehicles do not require full coverage, refer to your state laws and see if you can make any changes to decrease your payments.

See if your insurance offers lower rates for monthly, payment in full or other arrangements. For example, many quote a lower rate if you pay six months up front instead of per month.

Fuel

Shop fuel prices, do not let yourself run so low on gas that you are stuck going to the most expensive option.

Use public transportation when possible.

Combine your trips. Instead of running multiple errands in several trips, organize a list and complete everything at one time. Do not run your errands during high traffic hours and burn fuel sitting in traffic.

Walk, bike or run to where you need to go.

Ride share.

Keep your car tuned.

Drive your vehicle that gets the best gas mileage most of the time.

Think before you go, driving to the store to buy $1 worth of soda, while spending $1 worth of gas is not cost effective.

Ask your employer if you can telecommute.

Purchase your gas from discount wholesalers like Costco or Sam’s Club.

Repairs

Shop around; get at least three quotes on major repairs.

Keep up the maintenance on your vehicles to prevent larger problems later.

Put aside at least $50 per month per vehicle for repairs.

FOOD

In America, more and more families and individuals are eating out. This means they spend as much on one meal as they would an entire day or even a whole week if they ate at home.

Eating Out

Limit how often you eat out, for example once per week instead of once a day.

Use coupons or eat out at lunch instead of during the higher priced dinner hours.

Look around, often you can find a locally owned restaurant with excellent specials.

Order water with your meal instead of soda or other higher priced items.

Split a meal.

Order only what you want, if you really only want artichoke dip, just order that.

Do not let yourself get over hungry. Store in your office desk, purse or car a few breakfast bars or other low calorie snacks that can hold you over until you get home.

Eating at Home

Home cooked food is nearly always cheaper and healthier than eating out or pre–packaged food.

Shopping for bulk items is not always the best bargain, check prices and quantities for the best deal.

Coupons are usually for name brand items; generally, the generic variation costs less.

Never buy anything at full price.

Photo Postage Stamps - Great Innovations in Stamps
Photo postage stamps aren't such a new idea; its been around for years! The USPS (United States Postal Service) briefly suspended the use of such a stamp due to security concerns. There are certainly a number of reasons that the USPS would want to abolish all photo stamps, for example in the height of the anthrax scares a stamp with a scull and cross bones plus the word Anthrax caused a sorting office to shut down for several hours. Although custom photo stamps are legitimate, perhaps getting rid of them would put people off trying to get away with counterfeit postage stamps!The USPS decided that it would allow another phase of a pilot program allowing companies to sell their customers photo postage stamps. The first stage of the trial was a huge success; however the USPS wants to make sure that these custom postage stamps aren't just a fad.What is a photo postage stamp?Photo postage stamps allow people to put a photo of pretty much whatever they want to on their stamp. There are however exceptions, you cannot for example put pornographic or disturbing images onto your photo stamp.Photo stamps are useful for:-Weddings-Births-Anniversaries-Business Logos-Any Special OccasionInternet pranksters - s

first time, the loan is already upside down.

Discipline yourself to pay off one car loan before you finance a second vehicle.

Do not buy vehicles on impulse. Shop around, read consumer reports and choose a vehicle with a good resale value.

Do not buy more car than you need. It is not prudent to buy a $40,000 truck for two trips to Home Depot per year. To haul items, often you can rent a truck for less than $20 per hour.

Insurance

Shop around for the best rates. Get several quotes before you decide on a new service.

Increase the deductible if possible to decrease monthly payment.

Older, paid off vehicles do not require full coverage, refer to your state laws and see if you can make any changes to decrease your payments.

See if your insurance offers lower rates for monthly, payment in full or other arrangements. For example, many quote a lower rate if you pay six months up front instead of per month.

Fuel

Shop fuel prices, do not let yourself run so low on gas that you are stuck going to the most expensive option.

Use public transportation when possible.

Walk, bike or run to where you need to go.

Ride share.

Keep your car tuned.

Drive your vehicle that gets the best gas mileage most of the time.

Think before you go, driving to the store to buy $1 worth of soda, while spending $1 worth of gas is not cost effective.

Ask your employer if you can telecommute.

Purchase your gas from discount wholesalers like Costco or Sam’s Club.

Repairs

Shop around; get at least three quotes on major repairs.

Keep up the maintenance on your vehicles to prevent larger problems later.

Put aside at least $50 per month per vehicle for repairs.

FOOD

In America, more and more families and individuals are eating out. This means they spend as much on one meal as they would an entire day or even a whole week if they ate at home.

Eating Out

Limit how often you eat out, for example once per week instead of once a day.

Use coupons or eat out at lunch instead of during the higher priced dinner hours.

Look around, often you can find a locally owned restaurant with excellent specials.

Order water with your meal instead of soda or other higher priced items.

Split a meal.

Order only what you want, if you really only want artichoke dip, just order that.

Do not let yourself get over hungry. Store in your office desk, purse or car a few breakfast bars or other low calorie snacks that can hold you over until you get home.

Eating at Home

Home cooked food is nearly always cheaper and healthier than eating out or pre–packaged food.

Shopping for bulk items is not always the best bargain, check prices and quantities for the best deal.

Coupons are usually for name brand items; generally, the generic variation costs less.

Never buy anything at full price

Investors in Your Business - Are They the Best Solution for Your Funding Problems?
When looking for investors in a new business – I usually suggest that you go first seek out any grants or government assistance that your state, county or country offer – as this money is often subsidized and easier to obtain for a new business.Your next stop would be the bank. They will be seeking to lend you money that is secured on some kind of collateral. A business loan is more usually for 2 – 5 years. A bank will not generally want to get involved with your business – just some confirmation that they will get their money back with interest.The next port of call is an investor. Now these people are totally different to banks – in that that are actually investing in you and your business and they often want to get involved with your business as well. So let’s analyze this a little more. What are investors looking for? * In your business: They want a sound business or business idea with some kind of unique concept that they believe will rapidly move to profitability. They want a well thought out and credible business plan with realistic financials. * In you: They want a hard working entrepreneur with good experience in the business area. They will look at your personality, your abilities and your p

weekend trip may cost around $100. Therefore, including two weekend trips per year and the repairs on your older vehicle, the cost is still $1800 less than the payments on a new vehicle.

Insurance

Shop around for the best rates. Get several quotes before you decide on a new service.

Increase the deductible if possible to decrease monthly payment.

Older, paid off vehicles do not require full coverage, refer to your state laws and see if you can make any changes to decrease your payments.

See if your insurance offers lower rates for monthly, payment in full or other arrangements. For example, many quote a lower rate if you pay six months up front instead of per month.

Fuel

Shop fuel prices, do not let yourself run so low on gas that you are stuck going to the most expensive option.

Use public transportation when possible.

Walk, bike or run to where you need to go.

Ride share.

Keep your car tuned.

Drive your vehicle that gets the best gas mileage most of the time.

Think before you go, driving to the store to buy $1 worth of soda, while spending $1 worth of gas is not cost effective.

Ask your employer if you can telecommute.

Purchase your gas from discount wholesalers like Costco or Sam’s Club.

Repairs

Shop around; get at least three quotes on major repairs.

Keep up the maintenance on your vehicles to prevent larger problems later.

Put aside at least $50 per month per vehicle for repairs.

FOOD

In America, more and more families and individuals are eating out. This means they spend as much on one meal as they would an entire day or even a whole week if they ate at home.

Eating Out

Limit how often you eat out, for example once per week instead of once a day.

Use coupons or eat out at lunch instead of during the higher priced dinner hours.

Look around, often you can find a locally owned restaurant with excellent specials.

Order water with your meal instead of soda or other higher priced items.

Split a meal.

Order only what you want, if you really only want artichoke dip, just order that.

Do not let yourself get over hungry. Store in your office desk, purse or car a few breakfast bars or other low calorie snacks that can hold you over until you get home.

Eating at Home

Home cooked food is nearly always cheaper and healthier than eating out or pre–packaged food.

Shopping for bulk items is not always the best bargain, check prices and quantities for the best deal.

Coupons are usually for name brand items; generally, the generic variation costs less.

Never buy anything at full price

Are You Hung-Up on Page Rank and Back Links?
It's unfortunate that many website owners are so hung-up on Page Rank, they'll rarely if ever, link to a site with a page rank lower than their own.I'm frequently approached by other website owners who it's clear want to exchange links with one of my websites for no other reason than its Page Rank and so they can get more back links to their own website.That's my experience with quite a few of my own websites. It's not until you get around a Page Rank 4 do back links come without you having to go and find them.Back link requests tend to come more from sites with Low Page Rank wanting to improve search engine ranking by getting back links from higher ranking websites. They're also frequently from websites that offer no relevant content to your visitors and are from totally unrelated areas.Many website owners have read a little about why and how to gain back links, then set about gaining as many as possible from any site that will give them one in return. They know it's important to gain back links, but what they forget or never knew, is it serves little purpose if they're of poor quality.Poor Quality Back Links are from Unrelated Websites with Low Link Value.I was reminded recently of the Google Page Rank obsession by

ete everything at one time. Do not run your errands during high traffic hours and burn fuel sitting in traffic.

Walk, bike or run to where you need to go.

Ride share.

Keep your car tuned.

Drive your vehicle that gets the best gas mileage most of the time.

Think before you go, driving to the store to buy $1 worth of soda, while spending $1 worth of gas is not cost effective.

Ask your employer if you can telecommute.

Purchase your gas from discount wholesalers like Costco or Sam’s Club.

Repairs

Shop around; get at least three quotes on major repairs.

Keep up the maintenance on your vehicles to prevent larger problems later.

Put aside at least $50 per month per vehicle for repairs.

FOOD

In America, more and more families and individuals are eating out. This means they spend as much on one meal as they would an entire day or even a whole week if they ate at home.

Eating Out

Limit how often you eat out, for example once per week instead of once a day.

Use coupons or eat out at lunch instead of during the higher priced dinner hours.

Look around, often you can find a locally owned restaurant with excellent specials.

Order water with your meal instead of soda or other higher priced items.

Split a meal.

Order only what you want, if you really only want artichoke dip, just order that.

Do not let yourself get over hungry. Store in your office desk, purse or car a few breakfast bars or other low calorie snacks that can hold you over until you get home.

Eating at Home

Home cooked food is nearly always cheaper and healthier than eating out or pre–packaged food.

Shopping for bulk items is not always the best bargain, check prices and quantities for the best deal.

Coupons are usually for name brand items; generally, the generic variation costs less.

Never buy anything at full price

Forex Trading Strategy - 3 Major Ways To Improve Your Trading Skills In Forex Trading
If you are trading forex as a beginner, or if you have been trading for some period of time but have not been a consistent profitable trader, then it may be necessary for you to take a pause in trading and to reconsider and review your forex trading strategy with the primary objective to improve your trading skills. Here are three factors you need to look into.Develop and "over-study" your trading systemYour trading strategy should involve the use of a defined trading system. The first step in a practical trading strategy is to develop or adopt a proven trading system that will incorporate generating signals for entry and exit positions with the relevant risk management controls such as initial stop loss, trailing stop losses , risk-reward ratio requirement. There are many trading systems but generally they can be classified into systems that are capable of, from a functional purpose, trading the bottoms and the tops, trading at the outbreaks, and trading the pullbacks. But among all these trading systems, I would like to single out time-price trading or price action analysis which can be very powerful effective trading systems that you can use. Once you have developed or adopt these trading systems, over-study them. In other words, you must k

Limit how often you eat out, for example once per week instead of once a day.

Use coupons or eat out at lunch instead of during the higher priced dinner hours.

Look around, often you can find a locally owned restaurant with excellent specials.

Order water with your meal instead of soda or other higher priced items.

Split a meal.

Order only what you want, if you really only want artichoke dip, just order that.

Do not let yourself get over hungry. Store in your office desk, purse or car a few breakfast bars or other low calorie snacks that can hold you over until you get home.

Eating at Home

Home cooked food is nearly always cheaper and healthier than eating out or pre–packaged food.

Shopping for bulk items is not always the best bargain, check prices and quantities for the best deal.

Coupons are usually for name brand items; generally, the generic variation costs less.

Never buy anything at full price.

Stock up when you find an exceptional deal.

Teach your kids (and if necessary yourself) how to cook.

Consider the cost of habits such as smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. These are expensive and you may want to reduce or eliminate them.

Decrease the amount of meat and cheese that you eat, substitute or decrease the amount in recipes to save money and lower your fat intake.

Drink more water and less soda, juice, milk or other costly beverages.

Do not shop for groceries when you are hungry, on impulse or with your kids.

HOME

Winterize/summerize your home to help prevent heat loss/gain.

Keep your thermostat no higher than 65F in the winter and no lower than 75F in the summer.

Take shorter showers, or take your showers at your gym.

Use cold water when washing your clothes as often as possible.

Consider shutting off your landline telephone if you have reliable cell phones with good rates.

Close doors to unused rooms and shut the vents in those areas.

Use your grill in the summer and oven in the winter.

Install water saving devices, such as a low flow showerhead.

Plan a xeriscaped yard, with native plants, that require less work and less water.

Sweep your walks and driveway instead of using water or an electric blower.

ENTERTAINMENT

Evaluate whether you really need cable television, or whether it would be more cost effective to rent a movie every now and then.

Go for a walk, hike or picnic instead of a high priced alternative.

Budget your entertainment. Plan and track your expenses so they do not get out of hand.

Instead of subscribing to a magazine, read it at your local library.

Buy used books and then when you are done resell them back.

Watch movies during the lower priced matinee hours and do not buy the expensive popcorn and soda.

It is actually less expensive in the end, to go the theatre often, than to buy an expensive home entertainment system.

Rent instead of buying, often you can rent boats, hiking equipment, bikes or other recreational gear for much less than it would cost to buy them and you do not have to worry about storing them throughout the year.

CLOTHING

When it comes to clothing, never spend an excessive amount on a trendy item that will only be worn a few times or will quickly go out of style.

Never buy anything full price.

Shop quality not quantity. It is better to have a few items that you really like, that fit and look good on you, than a closet full of stuff you do not like.

Buy large quantities of the basics if you find a good deal, such as on socks.

Shop at the end of the season for the next year.

Buy clothing that is washable and easy to care for, check care labels.

Do not shop on impulse or for other emotional reasons.

Do not view shopping as entertainment.

Bargain shop; compare prices, shop consignment stores, thrift stores, garage sales or online.

Do not waste your money by buying your kids something they do not like and will not wear.

WINDFALLS
If you do not plan how you are going to spend a windfall, it will slowly disappear into unnecessary expenses and you are going to be wondering where it went.

Tax Returns – Try to budget “extra” money towards paying off interest charging loans or credit cards. Those that charge the highest interest rates should be paid off first.

Gifts – Teach your children to put half of the money they receive as gifts into savings. Adults that receive gifts should put the money into their “rainy day fund,” in a vacation fund or towards interest charging accounts.

Do not pre spend windfalls. For example, taking an expensive vacation on a presumed tax refund, bonus or raise that never materializes can get you into trouble.

As you can see most of these money saving ideas a

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Should your business have a newsletter? How about a blog? Join Chris Haddad as he explores the effect his own newsletter has had on his business.

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