What Our Cars Say About Us

Very often you hear or see articles that show how a person's dog reflects his master.  I think the very same thing is true with a person's car.  This includes the accessories we choose to embelish our cars.  When I was in high school and lived by the beach in San Diego, I had a bright orange VW Bug.  That car, packed with my bathing suit, board, and a lot of sand and Jack In The Box wrappers on the car floor mats, told a lot about me.  I had various bumper stickers such as "They say I'm crazy but I have a good time." that further gave clues to the stage of my life.  Married and with seven children with a lot of friends and you guessed it... I had a 15 passenger van!  We were the Kool Aid house and needed lots of room if I was to go anywhere.  Accessories there included garbage bags, snacks, toys, and extra diapers.  And now, at 51 and still very much with a large family, however, most on their own, I drive a Chevy Trailblazer.  It's comfortable, easy to put groceries in, and living in Utah, I love the four wheel drive.  My accessory?  I have on my antenna a small Jack head from Jack In The Box.  This reflects a time in my life where I remember great fun with friends and a reminder to keep on making great memories.

As a teen in growing up in California, Jack In The Box was a way of life.  After the football game?  Let's go to Jack In The Box!  Skipping school to go to the beach?  Let's drive through Jack In The Box on the way!  Late at night after a dance and who is open all night long?  Jack In The Box!

You might like to know that there is no Jack In The Box in Utah but whenever I am near one, or one of my friends or family is near one, I acquire a new Jack.   Mostly because Jack disappears time and time again.  I don't mind.  I'm guessing there are a lot of people with fond memories of Jack In The Box.

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

I Know What's Cute... Sometimes

With five daughters we go shopping... a lot.  We don't always buy anything, but it's the fun of hanging out together and hunting for bargains.  I used to do the same thing with my Mom.  And despite obvious changes in fashion through out generations, there is one element that will never change.

I will pull a garment from the rack and think it is perfect for one of my girls, and nine out of ten times she will look at me like I've completely lost my mind.  Quickly, I put it back with a look of "Oh yeah... I was just kidding."  It makes me laugh when I think back to all the times my mother would try and pick out something for me, and I would wonder, and hope she must be kidding.  She got it right sometimes.  And I have been able to pick out a few winners here and there.  But for the most part, whether it's for one of my girls, or even for myself, in their eyes, "What am I thinking?"

During one outing, we found a rack of clearance womens sweaters... and we love sweaters, cardigans, pull overs, you name it!  As we all flipped through the racks, we soon realized why they were are on clearance.  Either they were sized for a two year old or a sumo wrestler, but then I came across one I liked and it was in my size!  It was so fun with crumpled ribbon, with a little sparkle here and there.  It was cute.  All my girls gave me the look of "Eh... I don't think so Mom." and I still hung on to it, but by the end I reluctantly put it back on the rack.

Next day we're at church and we see a friend down the hall.  One of my daughters comments that this particular friend always looks so cute.  As we get a little closer and she turns around to say hello to us, we all smile, hug and laugh... and then I notice... yeah she looks cute!  She's wearing the sweater!  Crumpled ribbon, a little sparkle and it's perfect.  I know what's cute... sometimes.

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

Location Location Location

Who hasn't heard the familiar phrase "Location.  Location.  Location." ?  Or talked with family and friends about the demise of your favorite business, only to have the conversation go to how if they were in a better location they may have not gone out of business.

When you're starting a business, location is everything.  I mean when you see a kid with a lemonade stand, he doesn't set it up in his backyard!  Nope.  It is right out front, right on the street, where everyone will see.  And if you're a real go getter, you put it on the corner where there's even more traffic!

Well I can't think of a better location for a business than the internet.  If you are looking for some local business marketing, there is no place where you can reach so many people for such a small cost.  Seriously, the ratio of cost to the reach of your target audience is astounding.  The internet provides a way for consumers to research what they are looking for and purchase those products or services right on the spot.  The sheer convenience of this can bring results quickly to a staring business.

Another clear advantage to internet marketing is that your campaign, nearly all aspects of your campaign can be traced, measured, and tested.  You can see what appeals to customers, and what does not, and make adjustments accordingly.

The internet is a businesses location, location, location.

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

The Demo Crew

I once was a contract worker  You know all the people in Sam's and Costco giving out all those wonderful samples?  Yep... I did that... and I loved it!  It really was such a great job.  When they first told me I would be a "contract worker", to be honest, I had no idea what they meant.

Contractor management  didn't need to worry about taking out taxes for me. If my gig was a $50 job, then I was paid exactly that, $50.  At the end of the year, I received a 1099 for my personal tax purposes.

A great benefit of paying income taxes as a contract laborer is that you can claim deductions for many work related expenses.  The IRS treats you as a "business" and this gives you more freedom to deduct expenses you incur while providing your services.  One example was the mileage I drove from home and to the various store locations.  Many more types of expenses are deductible, but your eligibility for them will depend on the type of work you do.

For me, another advantage was it meant that I could work when I wanted and where I wanted.  If I had a busy weekend, I simply chose not to work.  If there were demos available in a variety of stores, I was able to choose a convenient location for what I was doing that day.

So if you like to be your own boss, and need flexibility, contract labor may be right for you.

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

The Process of Bankruptcy

It does seem ironic that if you use a lawyer to file for bankruptcy, you pay a fee.  I mean you’re filing for bankruptcy… but at the same time… a lawyer can be instrumental in getting the process done correctly.  When doing it on your own there are so many things to consider. 

The first thing is that the process for filing for bankruptcy is governed by the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedures.  It is also governed by the local bankruptcy courts and there is one for every judicial district in the country.  There are 90 bankruptcy districts across the country.  So do your homework.  If you live in Georgia, I would call Georgia bankruptcy lawyers if you have questions.

The United States bankruptcy judge is the court official with the decision-making power over federal bankruptcy cases.  The bankruptcy judge makes the decision as to whether or not a debtor should receive a discharge of his debts.  For the most part, bankruptcy is an administrative process, meaning lots of paperwork, and the debtor rarely goes before an actual judge.  This does keep your attorneys fee lower.

There is a tremendous amount of paperwork involved with filing a bankruptcy.  The forms necessary can be obtained from your local district court.

Filing for bankruptcy is a complex procedure where lots of legal jargon is used such as "automatic stay" and "discharge" and "exemption".  If you are not familiar with these terms, or lack an understanding, it would certainly prove to your benefit to obtain a bankruptcy attorney.

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?

So what exactly is the difference between a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13?

The biggest difference between the two is the repayment of your debt.  A repayment plan where a portion of your debt is to be repaid will be ordered by the court in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.  With a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, there is no repayment plan and certain debts can be eliminated entirely and you are no longer required to pay them back.  So your first thought may be... Chapter 7... then I don't have to pay anything back.  Well, there are other things to consider.

Very rarely will the court take your car or home in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy but if you have equity in your home or investments, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy can liquidate these and any other assets.

There is also what they call a Means Test with Chapter 7.    It's main purpose is to catch those people who have sufficient income to repay their debts and don't truly need the relief granted in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  It also prevents people from running up credit card bills, making frivolous purchases, with no intent in paying for them.

With a Chapter 13, you are repaying a reduced percentage of your debt based on what you can afford to pay to your creditors.  It also forces your creditors to accept the repayment plan set by the bankruptcy court.  Obviously, this will only work if you have a set income, which is required to file this type of bankruptcy.

A great advantage is that Chapter 13 allows you to keep any assets you may have such as large amounts of equity in your home, investments, etc...

Both plans can give you relief from overwhelming debt and give you a new financial start.

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog for bankruptcy california and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my
own.

More School Equals More Money

There's no question that going back to school can be a great advantage.  It's a known fact that more school equals more money.  To break that down... more school means you most likely will make more money in the long run.  But it also means... more school costs more money.  School costs money, but again, ultimately it will pay off.

There are the obvious ways to save money.  Everyone has at least one bad habit whether it's a soda, energy drink, latte, smoking, whatever.  Do the math to figure out how much you are spending on your bad habit and quit!  Put that money into your college fund and it will add up fast.

Staying home rather than going out can seem pretty boring, but again, do the math.  Go to the library for free DVD's, CD's, or a great book.  Entertainment at the library is free.  Wear washable clothes.  Dry cleaning is expensive and not necessary.  Give up impulse shopping for bargain shopping.

Another idea is to check with your employer about any college tuition reimbursement programs they may have available.  It may surprise you that businesses are willing to help with your college education and why not?  It gives them a more educated employee.

Going back to school is a great idea and if you are determined enough, you can make it happen.  Being able to give up that bad habit, and making a few lifestyle changes will let you know just how determined you truly are.

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog for denver mba and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.