Tuesday, February 26, 2013
IT'S AN EMERGENCY!!!!!!!!!
GUEST POST
Living in a society which encourages you to spend, spend, and spend on credit, it can be difficult to remember the power of savings. However, LIFE has a way of throwing unexpected financial roadblocks, detours and potholes in our paths. These might be large medical bills, car or home repairs, a death in the family, loss of a job, or expensive legal problems. Such financial emergencies can derail your efforts to save for retirement or other goals. Here is one basic strategy for managing financial crises.
Establish an emergency fund!!!!!!!!!
An emergency fund is simply a savings account, and having one will change your life for the better. Why? I am so glad you asked! It reduces stress which increases health and well-being. This can lessen the need to dip into retirement savings or borrowing from another source (i.e. payday loans, family and friends) for a financial emergency. Building an emergency fund is tough if income is tight, but every few dollars help. Fund it with pay from extra working hours or a temporary job, a tax refund, or a raise.
Start Small, Start Now!!
Inch by inch is a cinch, a yard is hard!! If you have an emergency fund, congratulations and keep saving. If you currently don't have an emergency fund or find it difficult to save money, the key is to start small. You have to realize that accumulating one month's worth of expenses will take some time, let alone three to six months. If you set your immediate goals to be small and manageable you will have a better chance in reaching them. If you feel it is difficult to begin saving, simply start with a small amount, Maybe you begin with $10 a week initially. After a few weeks you won't even notice that $10 missing so you can increase the amount up to $15 or $20 after a month or so. You will begin to get used to that money not being there and can slightly increase it again. Put the money into a low-risk, accessible account such as a savings account or money market fund. The next step is to get into the habit of making regular deposits into this account. Whether it is weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, create a schedule and stick to it. Once you make saving automatic you won't even have to thing about it.
How Big Should Your Emergency Fund Be?
Financial experts differ slightly on how much you need. But, most agree that you should keep between three to six months' worth of your living expenses set aside in your emergency fund. Depending on your specific situation and whether or not you have children, carry substantial debt and types of insurance coverage will determine what amount is best for you. Don't use the emergency cash for non-emergencies (like latest electronic gadgets, home improvements, or vacations.)
Okay, get started. IT'S AN EMERGENCY!!
Wanda Midgett has 20+ years of experience in the financial service industry in the areas of banking and mutual fund administration. She is currently studying financial planning.
Monday, February 18, 2013
FIGHT...FLIGHT...or FUN!!!!
GUEST POST
According to a recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, Millenials (18 - 33 year olds) are more stressed than any other current living generation.
Stressed?? Relax!! Enjoy your desserts!! Come on, stressed spelled backwards is DESERTS!!! When it comes to stress, the body's reaction is usually fight or flight. How about a third choice? Fun!!! Being overworked, underpaid and under appreciated doesn't help you at all. But, is it the work or the home that's stressing you out?
Is it your reaction to what you're dealing with creating your stress? The agitation, frustration or Yes, I'll say it, the anger you are experiencing at the root cause of your stress?
You will have to shift your emotional gears to tension free, stress management mode. One way to do this is the application of humor. Humor is one of the best ways to manage your stress. The benefits of humor and its impact on stress are well known. Laughter relieves physical and muscle tension, improves your immune system, reduces fear and anxiety, and generally improves your overall mental health.
Stress management is not about the absence of stress. It is how YOU choose to react and manage the stress in your life. What's going on around us and how we react to a situation determines an increase or decrease in your stress level. It's all about choice!
A laugh is good for you, even when it is forced. Have you ever had to laugh in a pressure situation? Didn't you somehow feel better? Didn't people around you seem to feel a little better? Things just don't seem quite as serious, as threatening, as chaotic when humor is forced or otherwise applied. Humor changes your focus, not the issue you're dealing with, which allows you to use better situational judgment.
Did you know a couple of years ago, McGruff the Crime Dog was assaulted on a street in our nation's capital? Now that's funny. But, even funnier is he was attacked by an (on-duty) Washington D.C. Metro bus driver, who was quoted as saying "I thought it would be funny". Suffice to say there are limitations in the application of humor, and when in doubt common sense should rule.
Sometimes you have to put yourself in a good mood. By taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually you are in a much better position to cope with the many stressors in your life. I don't see enough of be good to yourself therapy going around. As my Grandmother-in-law would say, "It's a poor dog that don't wag his own tail". Every now and then pat your own self on the back! Don't wait for the spouse, significant other, manager, supervisor, co-worker or the CHILDREN...DO IT YOURSELF!! I saw a bumper sticker...Need a job??? Me Too!!! I laughed out loud. It was funny. A funny statement about unemployment. I was in a good mood the rest of the day!
Fight...Fight...or FUN!!!
Stop trying to do the impossible; because if it is impossible, meaning incapable of occurring...it can't happen...no matter how hard you try. All that leads to is frustration, anger and high blood pressure. Set realistic goals you can achieve and be proud of. When you manage your stress, your day is less overwhelming and your positive attitude becomes contagious around people you interact with, which makes everything so much easier.
I saw a highway sign that read..."Furlough Friday...Call Someone Else For Help". Yes, humor can be biting too. Is there anything funnier than I Love Lucy and the vitametavegamin television commercial? (Google it.) All I have to do is think of it, and after a hearty laugh, I'm good for the rest of the day. You have to keep your sense of balance and humor in this challenging world in which we live. People are counting on you to do your job, both on and off the job. So dig in deep, cope with the problems facing you and make every effort to choose to calm yourself and be as productive as possible. That's all anyone could ask.
Is it as simple as that...of making a positive choice?..........Yes, it is!!!
I can't stress (that's funny too) to don't always fight or flight...but seek out the funny. It's out there, hiding in plain sight.
Osceola (Ozzie) Edmondson Sr. is President of Common Sense Consulting. He has lectured across the country speaking to business people, diverse workforces, and young people. He works with ex-offenders and inner city youth mentoring programs, encourages college students to excel and motivates dislocated workers. Ozzie can be reached at comsenseusa@aol.com
According to a recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, Millenials (18 - 33 year olds) are more stressed than any other current living generation.
Stressed?? Relax!! Enjoy your desserts!! Come on, stressed spelled backwards is DESERTS!!! When it comes to stress, the body's reaction is usually fight or flight. How about a third choice? Fun!!! Being overworked, underpaid and under appreciated doesn't help you at all. But, is it the work or the home that's stressing you out?
Is it your reaction to what you're dealing with creating your stress? The agitation, frustration or Yes, I'll say it, the anger you are experiencing at the root cause of your stress?
You will have to shift your emotional gears to tension free, stress management mode. One way to do this is the application of humor. Humor is one of the best ways to manage your stress. The benefits of humor and its impact on stress are well known. Laughter relieves physical and muscle tension, improves your immune system, reduces fear and anxiety, and generally improves your overall mental health.
Stress management is not about the absence of stress. It is how YOU choose to react and manage the stress in your life. What's going on around us and how we react to a situation determines an increase or decrease in your stress level. It's all about choice!
A laugh is good for you, even when it is forced. Have you ever had to laugh in a pressure situation? Didn't you somehow feel better? Didn't people around you seem to feel a little better? Things just don't seem quite as serious, as threatening, as chaotic when humor is forced or otherwise applied. Humor changes your focus, not the issue you're dealing with, which allows you to use better situational judgment.
Did you know a couple of years ago, McGruff the Crime Dog was assaulted on a street in our nation's capital? Now that's funny. But, even funnier is he was attacked by an (on-duty) Washington D.C. Metro bus driver, who was quoted as saying "I thought it would be funny". Suffice to say there are limitations in the application of humor, and when in doubt common sense should rule.
Sometimes you have to put yourself in a good mood. By taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually you are in a much better position to cope with the many stressors in your life. I don't see enough of be good to yourself therapy going around. As my Grandmother-in-law would say, "It's a poor dog that don't wag his own tail". Every now and then pat your own self on the back! Don't wait for the spouse, significant other, manager, supervisor, co-worker or the CHILDREN...DO IT YOURSELF!! I saw a bumper sticker...Need a job??? Me Too!!! I laughed out loud. It was funny. A funny statement about unemployment. I was in a good mood the rest of the day!
Fight...Fight...or FUN!!!
Stop trying to do the impossible; because if it is impossible, meaning incapable of occurring...it can't happen...no matter how hard you try. All that leads to is frustration, anger and high blood pressure. Set realistic goals you can achieve and be proud of. When you manage your stress, your day is less overwhelming and your positive attitude becomes contagious around people you interact with, which makes everything so much easier.
I saw a highway sign that read..."Furlough Friday...Call Someone Else For Help". Yes, humor can be biting too. Is there anything funnier than I Love Lucy and the vitametavegamin television commercial? (Google it.) All I have to do is think of it, and after a hearty laugh, I'm good for the rest of the day. You have to keep your sense of balance and humor in this challenging world in which we live. People are counting on you to do your job, both on and off the job. So dig in deep, cope with the problems facing you and make every effort to choose to calm yourself and be as productive as possible. That's all anyone could ask.
Is it as simple as that...of making a positive choice?..........Yes, it is!!!
I can't stress (that's funny too) to don't always fight or flight...but seek out the funny. It's out there, hiding in plain sight.
Osceola (Ozzie) Edmondson Sr. is President of Common Sense Consulting. He has lectured across the country speaking to business people, diverse workforces, and young people. He works with ex-offenders and inner city youth mentoring programs, encourages college students to excel and motivates dislocated workers. Ozzie can be reached at comsenseusa@aol.com
Monday, February 11, 2013
FROM THE HEART
February is American Heart Month.
Heart disease is the number 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. That's approximately one woman every minute!
Easy ways to prevent heart disease by following these healthy lifestyle strategies:
- Avoid smoking - Smoking or using tobacco is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease. The good news, though, is that when one quits smoking, one's risk of heart disease drops dramatically within just one year.
- Incorporate 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine - Try getting at least 30 -60 minutes of moderately intense physical activity most days of the week.
- Maintain a healthy weight - As one puts on weight in adulthood; one's weight gain is mostly fat rather than muscle. This excess weight can lead to conditions that increase one's chances of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Regular health screenings - High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage one's heart and blood vessels. But, without testing for them, you probably won't know whether you have any of these conditions. Regular screening can tell you what your numbers are and whether you need to take action.
Who knew...a broken heart is possible!
Broken heart syndrome, also called stress-induced cardiomyopathy, can strike even if one is healthy.
Women are more likely than men to experience the sudden, intense chest pain - the reaction to a surge of stress hormones - that can be caused by an emotionally stressful event. It could be the death of a loved one or even a divorce, breakup or physical separation, betrayal or romantic rejection. It could even happen after a good shock (like winning the lottery.)
Broken heart syndrome may be misdiagnosed as a heart attack because the symptoms and test results are similar. Unlike a heart attack, there is no evidence of blocked heart arteries in broken heart syndrome. Researchers are just starting to learn the causes, and how to diagnose and treat it.
We are no good to anyone else, if at first we aren't good to ourselves. Our daughters learn by our examples.
Peace
Monday, February 4, 2013
A DREAM DEFERRED??
I had to work on January 21, 2013, the day set aside to celebrate and commemorate the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and this year also the day of President Barrack Hussein Obama's second inauguration. Although I had to work and could not attend the inauguration in person, I was able to watch the entire ceremony, up close and personal, via the wonder of the Internet. I found the magnitude of the occasion overwhelming. This is only the second time the inauguration has fallen on the same day as the holiday set aside to honor Dr. King and in this case the inauguration of the first elected black president of the United States and not just the first term of President Obama, but his second term. I even saw the President wipe away a tear.
I am fortunate enough to have been born in a country where on a regular schedule - every four years - our government peacefully transitions. It is not overthrown by a coupe wherein an ambitious hostile regime storms the castle and takes hostage or kills the reigning president.
I watched the Obama family during the inauguration ceremony - Mrs. Robinson, her son, her granddaughters Malia and Sasha and her daughter Michelle as Michelle beamed with admiration and love for the President (and she rocked the heck out of the coat and boots she was wearing).
The Obama family represents our country in a magnificent manner. They will do well and are set for the rest of their lives, prayerfully.
This is Obama's second and last term as President. He was elected because of the votes of many different people from many different ethnic backgrounds and social economic classes. Some have been very vocal in making their demands and needs known to the President. Others have not been as vocal and may be somewhat reticent or hesitant to step up and speak out. Now is the time to make sure the President hears the voices and concerns of everyone.
While the President and FLOTUS are very well educated, the illiteracy rate in the United States, according to a February 20, 2012 report written by the U.S. Department of Education is 14%. This represents 32 million people. According to this same report, 21% of adults read below the 5th grade level. 63% of prison inmates can't read. If one cannot read, one's future is certainly limited. If a child does not read on grade level by the 3rd grade, the chance of that child dropping out of school is likely. The United States has the largest number of incarcerated people in the entire free world and the greatest percentage of those confined are minorities. Did you know that future projections for prisons are based upon the percentage of 3rd graders who read below grade level? This is the first time in history that there are more black males in prison than on college campuses.
Chicago, the home town of the Obamas, has the highest murder rate of cities in the United States. The majority of those killed are minorities.
According to government statistics, 72% of black babies are born to unwed mothers. The poverty rate of children born in single parent homes is higher than those raised in two parent families.
According to a 2011 report by the Children's Defense Fund:
The board rooms of corporate offices are still not as diverse as the cities in which they are headquartered.
There remains a lot of work to do. And, there are needs and concerns which we need to put before our President just as effectively as others have successfully done!!
Become vocal and involved. Volunteer. Email your concerns to your elected officials. Work for change. Demand a change.
Peace
I am fortunate enough to have been born in a country where on a regular schedule - every four years - our government peacefully transitions. It is not overthrown by a coupe wherein an ambitious hostile regime storms the castle and takes hostage or kills the reigning president.
I watched the Obama family during the inauguration ceremony - Mrs. Robinson, her son, her granddaughters Malia and Sasha and her daughter Michelle as Michelle beamed with admiration and love for the President (and she rocked the heck out of the coat and boots she was wearing).
The Obama family represents our country in a magnificent manner. They will do well and are set for the rest of their lives, prayerfully.
This is Obama's second and last term as President. He was elected because of the votes of many different people from many different ethnic backgrounds and social economic classes. Some have been very vocal in making their demands and needs known to the President. Others have not been as vocal and may be somewhat reticent or hesitant to step up and speak out. Now is the time to make sure the President hears the voices and concerns of everyone.
While the President and FLOTUS are very well educated, the illiteracy rate in the United States, according to a February 20, 2012 report written by the U.S. Department of Education is 14%. This represents 32 million people. According to this same report, 21% of adults read below the 5th grade level. 63% of prison inmates can't read. If one cannot read, one's future is certainly limited. If a child does not read on grade level by the 3rd grade, the chance of that child dropping out of school is likely. The United States has the largest number of incarcerated people in the entire free world and the greatest percentage of those confined are minorities. Did you know that future projections for prisons are based upon the percentage of 3rd graders who read below grade level? This is the first time in history that there are more black males in prison than on college campuses.
Chicago, the home town of the Obamas, has the highest murder rate of cities in the United States. The majority of those killed are minorities.
According to government statistics, 72% of black babies are born to unwed mothers. The poverty rate of children born in single parent homes is higher than those raised in two parent families.
According to a 2011 report by the Children's Defense Fund:
- Black children are four times as likely as White children to be in foster care.
- Black children are seven times as likely as White children to have a parent in prison.
- Black males age 18 and over in 2008 represented only five percent of the total college student population, but 36 percent of the total prison population.
The board rooms of corporate offices are still not as diverse as the cities in which they are headquartered.
There remains a lot of work to do. And, there are needs and concerns which we need to put before our President just as effectively as others have successfully done!!
Become vocal and involved. Volunteer. Email your concerns to your elected officials. Work for change. Demand a change.
Peace
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