Retirement Planning

What Are You Doing For Retirement?

Hello everyone. I haven't posted in a while and I wanted to let you know about this great e-book that I recently read from www.amazon.com. The Book is written by James C. Molet and it is called Rendezvous With Retirement- A Guide to Getting Fiscally Fit. 

The book is a story of the authors life from hitting bottom and working his way back up to becoming fiscally fit. I think this is a good e-book to read if you are ready to learn about how you can start getting your life together for retirement. It is most definitely a AWESOME book for young adults to learn how to start early to be prepared for retirement. The books has examples on a make believe family that gives you some ideas on how to start saving, cutting expenses, and start saving for a comfortable retirement.

I personally think that we as American's need to start realizing that we need to take care of ourselves. We need to cut that umbilical cord from the government and start living on our own. I'm sure that you all know that our country is is the worst debt that we have ever been in, and it's only getting worse. I know that people think that Social Security will always be there and you are most definitely correct. It will always be there unless something terribly goes wrong, but you cannot rely on Social Security alone. 

I suggest heading on over to www.amazon.com and checking out James C. Molet E-Book about retirement. The price is $3.99 and that is and awesome deal for the information that you get in the book.  He also explains how to get budget worksheets from him in the book. So he does provide you with some help. Head on over and check it out. You don't have anything to lose, but you do have everything to gain.

Get the Book here 

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this review. Straight forward review of the great book I read, and the stuff I learned from it.

Can't Help People Who Don't Help Themselves

 

 



Do you ever get frustrated with someone so much that you just want to say "YOU ARE AN IDIOT"? Well I can't stand the people who are milking the welfare system. The system was put in place as a crutch just in case there was a need, say if you lost your job, got laid off, got hurt and couldn't work, but not as a full time job. It seems that kids are growing up in these situations and think its the way life is. I have actually heard a man ask a teenager what she will do for money if she got pregnant and she said, "I will just go on welfare". ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!!?? I wanted to slap her silly.

 

It doesn't seem like there is any shame with these people. Personally I would feel embarrassed that I was getting an handout. I know that it's nothing to be embarrassed about if you need it, but they don't need it. They have everything provided for them it seems.

 

I remember a few years ago we were looking for another apartment and we came across these SUPER SUPER NICE apartments. We drove around and around and couldn't find a office. So we looked them up online and they belonged to the Housing Authority. The Housing Authority provides housing for the less fortunate. Are you kidding me they get a better apartment than I do and I'm the one working. It doesn't seem right. I know some people do need it and I'm not against the program for that.

 





 

 

The Welfare program, housing program, and any other aid program is meant to help until you can get back on your feet. The clip above shows that work is the missing piece in our welfare system.

 

What do you think about these issues? What is your opinion? We are all initialed to our own opinions so there is no right or wrong answers.

Asiana Flight 214 Crash

Just wanted to talk about the flight that crashed in San Francisco this past Saturday. I have been following the story as much as possible, and I am saddened of the two deaths but it could have been worse. The passengers and crew that survived this horrific accident are luck and blessed. I want to wish them all the best of luck and hope that they arrive home to their families as quickly as possible, and safely as possible. 

Here is the link to the story on CNN.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/08/us/asiana-airlines-crash/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

What are you thoughts and feelings about this accident? Please leave us a comment on how you were affected and if you are following the new coverage. Also, remember what you hear in the media isn't always the truth, please watch when they have new conferences so that you get the facts from the investigators. 

Leave your comments below and always remember to wear your seat belts whether it be in a car or a plane.

iPad vs. Textbooks

iPad vs. Textbooks

            School districts who are switching to iPad and using electronic books as opposed to the general text book that we are all accustom to are saving thousands yearly that can be used for other programs in the schools. Technology has come a long way; it has become part of our children’s lives, and helps kids learn faster and at a higher level. There have been studies that show students perform better on standardized testing when they have use the iPad with electronic textbooks compared to their regular bonded textbooks. Students are getting injuries because of how heavy all the books are that they have to carry around in their backpacks. Students are more likely to find it more enjoyable to use the tablet over a bulky textbook, which in return makes their learning a more enjoyable and fun experience. People in the 21^st century are becoming more and more visual learners then in previous generations. Just think of all the signs, billboards, and commercials that are used in advertising. If it is more appealing people tend to want to be a part of it. All of these points show that it is more beneficial for our students to use the iPad electronic textbooks vs. the typical textbooks.

            The average textbook weighs about four pounds and when added with the multiple classes that the average students has daily can become a very hefty backpack. The iPad only weighs 1.88lbs and can hold every single book the student will need. They will have all of their books available at their fingertips, which is easier than carrying around a packed backpack. According to Brittney Curtiss’ article on TeenInk.com, iPad cost $500-$600 per student up front per student, but schools pay roughly $500 yearly per student for textbooks (2012). The iPad would not be purchased yearly and can last for a long time. The iPad software can be upgraded, and so can the electronic books if there is a misprint that needs fixed.  According to a USA Today article about schools in Hartford Connecticut, a school would buy 300 textbooks for their freshmen class and if they bought the electronic books they would save $4,000 (2011). Therefore, the upfront cost seems high, but overall the cost of books would be cheaper by using electronic books on the iPad.

            There is tons of news reports about how our students learning is decreasing, but what are we doing about it. Publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt performed a study where students used iPad version books and those students scored twenty percent higher on standardized tests versus students who learned with traditional textbooks (ProCons.com, 2012).  Students today have been born in the age of great technology, but our educational system is still far behind. With todays education still behind the technology age causes our students to feel bored and not pay attention. According to a survey conducted by Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) found that 77% of teachers found technology to “increase student motivation to learn” (ProCons.com, 2012).  Having the iPad in the classroom opens doors for more visual learning that is available with textbooks but is very limited. iPad also lessens the paper usage the teachers will be using to give assignments and pass back. Lowering paper usage also will save the school districts money, and save on printer toner as well.

            iPad offers more than 20,000 educational applications for every kind of learner including tracking grades, taking notes, track assignments, and study for tests (Apple.com 2012). Teachers also have option with iPad to give lessons, monitor progress, and organization. The learning applications that are offered by Apple are mostly free, but they give the student a visual learning opportunity. Students and even adults have become visual learners in the 21^st century. Take a look around and notice all the billboards, signs, message boards, and commercials that are in our everyday lives. Apple has built the iPad to make classroom learning more enjoyable for students, which has been shown in studies that raises scores on the standardized testing. Why not help our children have the best education that is offered, and get them iPad?

            Do you agree that iPad is the wave of our children’s future? If you think that iPad will help your child talk with your school officials. Not only does this electronic option save them money, it also has been shown to boost standardized tests, and makes the classroom a more enjoyable place.  iPad is lightweight, can hold all of the books, and can be monitored by school officials. Therefore, based on the few facts that I have listed above, iPad seems to be the answer to bring back this countries education status.

Written By Kevin Keith

      

Reference:

Apple.com (2013). Educational Apps. Just a Click Away. (2012). Website. http://www.apple.com/education/ipad/

Brittney Curtiss (2013). iPads vs. Textbooks. (2013). Website. http://teenink.com/opinion/school_college/article/429550/iPads-vs-Textbooks/

ProCon.org (2013). Tablets vs. Textbooks. (2013). Website.

 http://tablets-textbooks.procon.org/

USA Today (2011). Many US. Schools Adding iPads, trimming textbooks (September 2011). Website.

 http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/education/story/2011-09-03/Many-US-schools-adding-iPads-trimming-textbooks/50251238/1

How You Can Find Extra Money In Your Checking Account.

Are you one of those people who have a hard time saving money? If you are, you are not alone. Tricking your mind is easy. I'm gong to tell you how I save money by using my debit card. I know you are saying, how does he save by using his debit card. Well it is pretty simple.

I just calculated my checkbook and I found that I have $250.82 of overage money in the past 2 months. I bet you are saying..... Hurry up and tell us. What I do is every single transaction that I make with my debit card or even when I write a check, is round up to the nearest dollar. So when I buy my morning coffee on my way to work it costs me $1.58, but when I subtract it from my checkbook I subtract $2.00. I still write in the $1.58 for the transaction but subtract $2 when balancing the ledger.

I bet you are thinking, could that really be it. Yep, that is exactly what I do and I have saved $250.82 in 2 months. Now if you aren't a constant user of your debit card you won't save this much that fast, but it is definitely a start at saving without thinking about it. I never carry cash so I literally have used my debit card for a 99 cent purchase before hahaha. 

With my mortgage I will round it up to the nearest hundred, so 595 I will subtract 600.


Please fan my blog and as usual Thank you in advance.

Win this Sophia Fiori Pendant

Sophia Fiori

"The Color of diamonds...."

Would you like to be the Lucky winner of this Sophia Fiori Pendent?

1. Go to my website and subscribe to our email and mailing list

2. Like our Facebook Fan Page

Click Here To Sign Up!

If you are already a fan on our page, just sign up on our mailing list. You have to do both to be entered into the drawing.

This drawing will end June 28th 2013.

My High End Fashion Online Store

I wanted to let all of you know that I started my High End Fashion Jewelry online store at www.trendsetfashions.com back in December 2012. The company has been growing with a lot of work, and I mean a lot, but it is progressing like I wanted it to. 

Here is just a little run down of what the store has available as of today. We have High End Fashion handbags, wallets, quilted bags, camo wallets/bags. Our newest Handbags/Wallets are by Dasein matching wallet/bags. We have them in five different colors including blue, black, white/beige, orange/coffee, yellow/tan. The white/beige bag has two options for a matching wallet which is beige or white. You can find them at http://www.trendsetfashions.com/Dasein-Designer-Handbag-Wallet-Combo-2638-211487COMBO.htm and if you purchase the combo you save a lot of money plus we have free priority mail shipping. 

We have a wide selection of stainless steel, sterling silver, gold plated, and rose gold plated rings, earrings, bracelets, chains, and necklaces. You will not be disappointed with our jewelry. You may check out our latest product review at http://www.bargainhounddailydeals.com/2013/06/19/trend-set-fashions-review/. We also have a facebook fan page that you could check out for fan only coupons at www.facebook.com/HighEndFashionJewelry.

As always thanks for checking out my blog and show the love and share. Love you all!

Take a look at a small promo video.

www.trendsetfashions.com