A Sensational Life & Future

Who is Debbie Rice and Why should I read her blog?

2010-03-04T15:56:00.001-05:00

Hello. I am Debbie Rice, but I guess you figured that out already. I am re-launching my blog and thought I would tell you a little bit more about me. I am a career woman and entrepreneur. I have had a long career in banking and accounting dealing with budgets, financial research and general ledger reconcilements. I have managed multi-million dollar budgets throughout my career. You would think that would make me a pro at my own small personal budget!

Unlike business budgets, which can change, based on need, my budget was just like yours; fixed. My budget depended solely on my employer. Other than doing my job well, I was at the mercy of my employer. If my employer had a good year, I might have a little extra in my budget. If my employer had a bad year, it was belt-tightening time---again!

I never seemed to get ahead. If I received a raise, my health insurance premiums went up. If I did not receive a raise, by benefit costs still went up. It seemed like I was working more and more, and receiving less and less. The rising cost of much needed benefits through my employer increased so much, I was not sure I could afford health care.

I got tired of depending solely on my employer, so I decided to find a way to make extra cash. In the past, people would seek out a second job to make some extra money, but this was not for me. I knew I did not have the stamina or patience to work a minimum wage job after working my regular stressful full-time job. I did a lot of soul searching and a lot of research. I decided it was time to start a home business. I wanted the flexibility to work on my own terms and have control over my success and income. A home business fit the bill for me.

Can you relate to my story? Are you feeling the pinch in the corporate world? Maybe I can help you determine if a home business could help. In the coming weeks, I will be posting more about how to find the right home business, but I will also post about money saving strategies and other ways to generate additional income from home. Check out some of my previous posts and let me know your thoughts.

To your sensational future!
Debbie

A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned!

2010-02-25T23:28:00.000-05:00

'A penny saved is a penny earned' and other financial lessons from the past

(ARA) - If the recent financial turmoil has taught us anything, it's that maybe we should pay attention to the age-old sayings that our parents and grandparents passed on to us.

* Take it one day at a time ... the new reality for most Americans when it comes to financial recovery.

* Don't put all your eggs in one basket ... a poster child for diversification.

You get the idea. So keeping the "what's old is new again" mantra in mind, here are some famous sayings from generations before that could serve us well in 2010.

1. Don't cry over spilled milk. The recession is over and it is time to start putting the pieces back together. It might take awhile (patience is a virtue after all), but you need to start somewhere.

2. Save for a rainy day. Call it an emergency savings fund, rainy day fund, or what you will. The idea is simple, but changing your behavior is not. Money is easy to spend and there's no question that there is still plenty of "gotta have it now" in everyone. It's time to slow down on spending and start saving. Easier said than done?

"The key really is to get started saving anything," says Jill Aleshire, senior vice president and director of consumer banking for Thrivent Financial Bank. "Whether it is $20 a month, $20 a paycheck, whatever it is you can set aside, just get in the habit of saving. An emergency reserve goal should be the amount equal to at least three months income and preferably six months income."

Next, resist the temptation to raid your savings. While most Americans have plenty of credit card debt (and the issue needs to be addressed as part of your financial picture), resist the temptation to raid the savings to pay it all off immediately. Also, resist the desire to raid the savings for cash purchases. If you succumb, whenever the fund is used, the amount withdrawn should be replenished as soon as possible.

3. A penny saved is a penny earned. For an emergency savings fund, a standard savings account or money market account should meet your needs. However, thinking even longer-term, consider certificates of deposit (CDs). CDs help force you to commit your money for a period of time, so they can help you start to make your savings a more permanent habit. The money is not accessible for the term, but you will earn a higher rate of interest than a standard savings or money market account.

4. You're walking on thin ice. The economy got bad enough that some Americans had to sacrifice the standard financial protection they always took for granted. If you terminated your life insurance policy, now is the time to begin shopping around for a new one. It's hard to think about, but if something happened to you, would your family be able to maintain their current lifestyle? Could they stay in the house so the kids would not have to move and switch schools? The time to protect your family is now. And, you know what they say, never put off until tomorrow, what you can do today.

5. Home is where the heart is. It's also where most of your equity probably is too. Look into home equity loans to help you consolidate debt and get back on your feet. Lending standards are now tighter, but banks want your business and will work with you to meet your needs.

Also, first-time homebuyers still have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity due to the number of houses on the market, low interest rates, and the possibility of a nice first-time buyer tax credit. In addition, repeat homebuyers can get in on the tax credit action as well, whether they are downsizing or looking for more space. For more information on tax credits, go to www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com.

6. Another day, another dollar. Unless you are sick as a dog. If you are fortunate enough to still be employed, you do not need to look far to see the financial impact of not having a regular income. While your savings should help protect you if you lose your job, what happens if you get sick or injured and cannot work for a period of time? Consider disability income insurance to help cover living expenses and protect your savings should that happen.

"Disability income insurance is designed to provide a monthly benefit to help cover your living expenses in case you become ill or injured and cannot work," says Bruce Fear, vice president of Protection Products and Solutions for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. "By setting aside a small portion of your salary - typically just 2 percent to 4 percent (of adjusted gross income) - you'll continue to receive a monthly income even if you do become disabled."

7. Lend a helping hand. Reach out to others in need through charitable giving and by volunteering your time and talents. There is plenty of need out there right now and every little bit helps.

8. Stop and smell the roses. We have all been through a lot the past couple of years, virtually none of us untouched by the financial turmoil. Perhaps your most important investment is time spent with family and friends. For more information, go to www.thrivent.com/marketing/savings.html or www.thrivent.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Ideas to Supplement Your Income

2010-01-26T19:41:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone,

By now, you all know that I believe a home based business is the way to earn extra money in a down economy (or any economy.) However there are other ways and I found a great article today with lots of ideas. Check it out:

How to Make Extra Money

Have a sensational future!
Debbie

Do you have a spending problem?

2009-11-05T04:18:00.003-05:00

Take this quiz from MSN Money and find out!

http://moneycentral.msn.com/quiz/savvy-spending-quiz/home.aspx

Here's to your sensational future.
Debbie

Need a Business Idea? Here are 55 - Entrepreneur.com

2009-11-04T02:52:00.001-05:00

Need a Business Idea? Here are 55 - Entrepreneur.com

Posted using ShareThis

The Social Media Formula

2009-10-30T17:05:00.004-04:00

Here is a great article on why Social Media works for some businesses, but doesn't for others. Which category does your business fit into?

The Social Media 'Formula' - WomenEntrepreneur.com

Here's to your sensational future!
Debbie

Let Kraft Foods Help Pay Your Utility Bills

2009-10-25T22:46:00.004-04:00

Do you like Pizza? Have a hungry family? Would you like to save money on your utility bills? You may want to check out this offer from Kraft Foods and Tombstone Pizza. Offer is good until 2/1/2010 and you need Adobe Reader to view the offer.

Tombstone Pizza That Pays!

Have a Sensational Life!
Debbie

Direct Sales is an Excellent Second Income

2009-10-23T01:15:00.006-04:00

Hello everyone,

Even though the economy is slowly turning around, things are still extremely tight for most people. We are all finding ways to cut back and economize. Many people are turning to second and even third jobs to help make ends meet. Many others are turning to a home based business to help generate additional income. A home based business, whether selling candles, makeup etc can provide extra income and much more flexibility than a traditional job. It can also be much more profitable than a minimum wage night job. This is probably the reason direct sales home based businesses are on the rise in this tight economy. Check out this CNN report and decide if this is something you'd like to pursue.

I'd love to hear you comments and thoughts on this post or video.

Here's to your sensational future!

Debbie

Early Detection--the best money saving plan!

2009-10-15T22:32:00.007-04:00

Hello everyone,

Normally I blog about how to save money or start/run a home business. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I am writing to everyone regarding breast cancer. If you are a woman 40 and over, or have a history of breast cancer in your family, have you had your mammogram yet? If not, what are you waiting for? You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to get a mammogram. You are a vital part of many people’s lives; take the time to a mammogram.

I had my first screening this year. I was apprehensive about going. I had heard plenty of stories about how painful or uncomfortable it was. Well guess what, it was not painful at all, and not that uncomfortable. I personally think a pelvic exam is more uncomfortable than the mammogram was. So, no pain, little to no discomfort and it takes no time at all. I will not hesitate to make next year’s appointment.

Starting a home business, making extra income, and following a budget are all great ways to provide for yourself and your family, but early detection, and being alive and healthy for your family is even more important. Get on that phone and make your mammogram appointment today!

Looking for ways to help in the fight against breast cancer? There are many ways to help. Try contacting your local American Cancer Society, or Susan G. Komen Foundation. Another way to help find a cure is to purchase products that donate a portion of their profits to breast cancer research.

Have a sensational future!
Debbie Rice

Need Help with Back to School Expenses?

2009-08-23T23:30:00.003-04:00

Most kids go back to school in a couple of weeks. As a parent, many of you are probably very happy about that (have you ever seen that Staples commercial about what a wonderful time of year it is?). The kids are starting a fresh new year; new school supplies, new clothes, new friends, new teachers. Going back to school is expensive. A local news report states that experts are expecting back to school spending to be down about 8%. Are you feeling the pinch?

Now, if you survived the back to school supply expenses, how are you planning for all of the other school year expenses? What about sports uniforms, school trips, pictures, yearbooks etc.? Have you thought about maybe starting a new home business? You can work a home business full-time or part-time depending on your schedule. You can earn extra money to help with your budget and make all those school expenses a little less painful. As a parent you have a big warm market and lots of contacts that can help you jump start a home business. Offering to hold a school fundraiser can also be very beneficial to both the school and your wallet. Why not check out a business with a product you currently use? You can then make money and save money on something you already purchase.

Check out all of your possibilities thoroughly and start a new year along with your kids!

Trade-in Your DVDs and get an Amazon Gift Card!

2009-07-19T00:54:00.004-04:00

Need to get rid of DVDs lying around the house? Do you have a ton of DVDs that you’ll never watch again? I found a great place to trade them in, and free up some space in your home. Amazon.com has a trade-in program. You enter in the titles of the DVDs you would like to trade-in ; if Amazon needs the item, a price will be listed. You just add the item to your cart. You must have at least $10 in trade-in items before you can submit your order. Once your items are submitted, they provide you with a shipping label to send in your items (free shipping!!) After your items are received and verified your funds will be deposited into your Amazon account as an online gift card. It’s easy!

SAVE! on Your Favorite Products

2009-06-23T21:18:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone,

In this economy, everyone is looking for ways to cut corners or increase their income—usually both. We look for things we can do without, or maybe do more comparison shopping than we used to. Do you know there is way that you may still be able to get the items you love at a discount, and even make some extra cash at the same time? Many direct sales companies such as Avon or Mia Bella’s Gourmet Products, or Cello-in-a-Box offer their representatives large discounts and small or no start-up fees? This means you could get a discount on the products you already love and maybe earn a little extra cash. Check out these great ways to save.

AVON

For a startup fee of $10, which includes brochures and other sales items to get you started, you can receive a discount of 20-50% depending on total sales/purchase. If you are already a regular AVON customer you cannot beat that deal. AVON has no inventory requirement or monthly sales requirements.

Mia Bella’s Gourmet Products

Mia Bella’s has two options if you are a die-hard candle lover (and everyone loves these candles!). Their regular distributor program, costs $49.95 to start, and requires a $39.95 candle of the month shipment. This allows you to receive up to 50% off many of their products and earn a residual income. There are no inventory requirements or monthly minimum sales quotas.

Mia Bella's also offer an associate program, which requires no start-up purchase or monthly purchase. You can still receive up to a 50% discount, but residual income is limited.

Cello-in-a-Box

Cello-in-a-Box is a woman owned and operated company that offers a great selection of cello bags, gift basket supplies, wraps, bows, and other craft items. You can become a representative for as little as $12.99. This gives you a great starter package and allows you to receive 20% off their already great prices as well as earn residual and/or affiliate income. If you are a crafty person, love to make gift baskets, or give food gifts, this is the place for you.

I hope this post has given you some ideas on how to get great discounts on products you may already be using. There are plenty of other direct sales companies that offer great deals to be a representative. Just make sure you read the details and understand the requirements. If you find a great fit for your buying habits and interests, you can save money and make money!

Please drop me a line or post a comment and let me know what you think!

Here’s to your sensational life and future!

Debbie

Organizing Your Way to Extra Savings

2009-05-19T10:47:00.000-04:00

When I moved into my new home a couple of years ago, I was so happy that I finally had a place that had an actual pantry. I always wanted a pantry. Now I would have room to stock up on great sales at the grocery store. Something I could never do with just the regular kitchen cabinets. Well, having a pantry has turned out to be a blessing and a curse. It is so big that things get lost. Items get pushed to the back of the pantry never to be seen again. So, I decided to clean out and reorganized my pantry, which led to reorganizing most of my cabinets and closets. In doing this, I found a great way to help save money and help my budget in these difficult times.

First up the pantry: How did I save money by organizing my pantry? After pulling everything out, checking dates on boxed goods, and viewing all of the canned items that were hidden, I found the ingredients for at least 8 different meals. I may have to buy one small item or perhaps a protein or meat item to make them complete, but otherwise; I had 8 full meals at my fingertips. That is over a weeks worth of groceries I do not need to buy.

I found I had many duplicates of items because I just could not see what I had. I put out a couple of bucks at the dollar store for some basic organizer items, baskets etc. Now I can see what I have and will not be buying so many duplicates.

I did the same thing with the spice cabinets and bathroom vanity. I found 4 jars of pumpkin pie spice…that is a lot of pumpkin pies! I just could not see what I had. In the bathroom, I found 3 brand new still shrink wrapped tubes of toothpaste and many unopened bottles of lotion, shampoo etc (I have a very large double vanity cabinet). I will not need to buy those items for a very long time.

So, take a few minutes to organize your cabinets and see what you actually have. You may find yourself with several quick meals, extra toiletries and other items you normally have on your shopping list. You have just saved all that money! It is just one more step on the road to a sensational life and future!

Next time: how to generate some cash with unused items around the house.

Happy savings!

Debbie

Ahhh....the smell of my first blog post

2009-05-16T04:11:00.004-04:00

My first blog post. It's kind of like the smell of a fresh notebook at the beginning of a school year. Well, at least when they used notebooks. This will be my first post on the Sensational Life and Future Blog. My name is Debbie and I'm going to post about daily struggles with making ends meet, saving money, finding new ways to make money, home businesses and many other things that can help us create a sensational life and future. I look forward to your comments and suggestions. We can all learn from one another. So please speak up!

I bet you are wondering why I decided to write about saving money and home businesses. Well, I'm an accounting, budgeting and finance professional of 20+ years, and run two home based businesses along with attending college. My life is one big juggling act, but I've learned a few things over the years and I hope to share that information with everyone through this blog.

So stay tuned...I'll be posting my first piece this weekend on organization and how it can be a great money saver.

Bye for now.

Debbie