I know you might think that’s an odd title for this post, but I believe you’ll change your mind when you read what I received today – how buying made in America can truly change this country. I’m a regular on Ken’s mailing list, and while he also included market analysis and advice, he generally adds input of his own. This time it’s about the simple process of how spending just a fraction of $1 (18 cents to be exact) a day on American-made products would do incredible things for our unemployment rate.

So as you read, consider what 18 cents multiplied numerous times over (like your entire purchase is Made in America) could do to put millions back to work. Read on! (more…)

The value of attending a class on foreclosure mediation cannot be over stressed. With housing prices continuing their downward spiral in many areas, particularly in the West, as the homeowner you need as much information as you can possibly gather.

Here in the Las Vegas area, the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada in conjunction with UNLV’s William S. Boyd School of Law, regularly hold classes to help homeowners facing lender foreclosures. Their class is a few hours long and worth every minute. You will walk away armed with the information you need should you choose to go the route of Mediation with your lender.

We have firsthand experience with this – due to a long span of unemployment for my husband. Our dilemma is similar to many who, through no fault of their own, purchased homes they could afford before the economy took its nose dive affecting so many. However, having exited Round 1, we came out winners. Being prepared – having every single piece of paperwork ready and with you – is your key to a successful mediation.

For us, the lender side was unprepared. This is a sharp stick in the eye for them, and a winner of a conclusion for us. It’s not over, but we have high hopes that when all is said and done, we will have something we can live with – an affordable payment to make each month.

Whether you decide to keep your underwater home or not, choosing Mediation is your best choice for both individuals and families. There are numerous other factors to consider that go beyond the stay or go decision. Six states are labeled recourse states. Be sure to know what sort of laws govern your state, and take these factors into consideration.

Your life strategy lesson for the day… do not sit back and let things happen to you. Be proactive. Be prepared. Be knowledgeable. Take the bull by the horns. After all, those you “go up against” are mere humans working in a highly flawed system. These are two points in your favor if you are prepared!

The other day while visiting and reading a favorite blogger of mine, Lisa had a guest writer post that really struck the right nerve for me. I’m sure it will be true for you, too.

It was another way of looking at success versus failure. Actually, it was much clearer than that – how “Success is not the opposite of failure; it’s merely the other end of the see-saw”.

Succinctly put, without failure, we would never move forward. If life came easily, we would not have to try. Sure we need successes in our lives, but if we cringe at the word “failure” and spend all our time avoiding it, when do we step up to the plate and really give something our all?

The other message writer Brian V. Hunt inspired me with is the thought of how to wake up and approach each day. To, honestly, embrace failure as a friend. He actually has written an entire section on “How to Court Failure”.

Interesting things start to happen when you stop looking at the word from the negative – and no this isn’t some law of attraction post (although it sort of is). My words cannot do justice to the value of reading Brian’s post on Lisa’s blog the other day.

By changing the way we look at success and failure, our family life changes, our business lives change, our friendships change. For me, the affect has been a very positive one, so a big thanks goes to Brian for writing, and Lisa for posting!

My suggestion, and challenge, for you today is to read it, too.

Then be sure to COMMENT and tell me what you think. All the links will open in new windows, so you can return here easily.

I’m curious what your thoughts are regarding the internet as a means to make money. Actually, more specifically, I’m wondering do people naturally assume because it is easy to access the internet, that translates into “easy money”, too?

Evidence I receive day to day suggests more and more desperate individuals (and with an unemployment rate at worse than scary heights it’s not small wonder) are making their way to the internet in the search for money. The primary question asked, “How fast can I make that money?”

Actually this question comes in many forms. From the “how many sales” to the previously mentioned, “how soon” to the “what should I promote to make some fast money?”

People are desperate, because these are precarious times. However, don’t let your desperation let you do something stupid. If you’re down to your last dollars (hopefully not!), then hoping to suddenly strike it rich online is foolish. (more…)