The House of Cards, too little too late?

<-- Click picture to see the video

Video and article by CNN about the housing crisis . . . the bubble.
To me this is too little, too late information. I realized all this stuff all by my little old self and realized that this day was coming a couple of years ago.

But one good thing comes from this investigation.

It answers the questions I had about WHY in the hell was this going on?
Why couldn't people see that this was a disaster ready to happen? Was I the only one that saw what was coming down the road? Was "I" the only sane person that the "mad party?"

The answer = GREED.

I guess Micheal Douglas was wrong in that movie when he said "Greed is Good." Hmmm.
The Article and the Video

Getting fat and lazy

Q: What are the pitfalls that home business owners need to be most vigilant against?

A: I think complacency. Like, "Oh, I've got it all happening now, the checks are rolling in, the clients are lining up." And not keeping the pipeline filled, not continuing to do all the things in my marketing plan, showing up at three networking events a month, continuing to speak twice a month so people know that I'm out there, continuing to publish a newsletter. Getting lazy when the checks are rolling in or the big accounts are there.

CNN spoke with entrepreneur, speaker and home-based business coach Jane Pollak

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/04/30/pollak.interview/
So basically, you are telling me that when the money begins to roll in that I have to put even MORE effort in making it continue? See, that's why people don't TRY to become rich. THIS is why people have a "fear of success."

Success is a bitter web that pulls you in and never lets you go. There is no pausing, their is no stopping to smell the roses . . . it just makes you keep going and going and going . . . just to maintain. So, tell me Jane Pollak, when is the stopping point? When can a person stop and enjoy the fruits of their labor, the riches they gain?

Basically, success is a trend mill at a 24 hour/ 7 days a week gym.

Picture by Ted Abbott
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ted_abbott

All I need is 100,000 auctions and I'll be rich!

Okay, I've been working really hard at this Ebay thing. And I must say, I've been doing a wonderful job of it. I've produced a little bit of change from my garage and I haven't gotten 1/4 of the things in there on Ebay yet . . . so opportunity abounds, dear friends.

Anyway, I'm averaging about $10 - $8 per auction in actual profit. Cool huh? So the way I estimate things, all I need to do is get 100,000 auctions up this year and I'll be a millionaire -- if not close to a millionaire when I subtract the E-bay Listing fees, the Pay-pal fees and some other odd fees that seem to drop into my bottom line.

So, let's see . . . 100,000 auctions -- can it be done? Let's get out the old calculator.

Okay, really it would have to be 125,000 auctions because about 25% of my auctions go nowhere - meaning no one bids on my stuff. So to be realistic, I need to put up 125,000 auctions in a 12 month period.

125,000 / 12 months = 10, 417 auctions a month. Hmmm.

10,417/22 days (don't want to work on Saturday and Sunday) = 473.50 auctions a day

474 / 8 hours (I have to blog and sleep and stuff) = 59 auctions an hour

Okay, I doubt that I could do 59 auctions an hour (you have to take photos, write descriptions, weigh stuff etc.) . . . but if I COULD manage 59 auctions an hour . . .I'd be RICH!

Should I go for it?

I suppose things would go a lot smoother if I had more high-end stuff to sell huh? Why don't you guys give me some ideas of what I can sell on E-bay that would give me more bang for my buck?

Tele-jobs: GE

General Electrics is known for allowing it's employees to work from home. They don't publicize "telecommuting" jobs, so you must apply, research or ask around to find out which ones are allowed to telecommute -- however, in the jobs listings there are hints about jobs that are open for telecommuting: in location they say OPEN, UNSPECIFIED or FLEXIBLE.

Check them out at:
http://www.ge.com/careers/opportunities

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If Harry Potter Ran General Electric: Leadership Wisdom from the World (Google Affiliate Ad)

Telecommuter's Friend: Republic Bancorp

The 100 Best Companies to work for article of Fortune Magazine stated that Republic Bancorp (now Citizen's Bank) allows almost 60% of it's employees to regularly telecommute. But if you look at their job listing, you would never know it because they don't list it at all.

It goes to show you that there are A LOT of hidden telecommuting jobs out there. And the folks that have telecommuting jobs don't always advertise them. You must do your research . . . look up companies, ask friends, ask the company. Apply to jobs like you would "regular" jobs because after all, it IS a regular job that allows you to do the work in another location.

Some other companies that are open to telecommuting
SC Johnson - 23% employees telecommute regularly
https://sjobs.brassring.com/EN/asp/tg/cim_advsearch.asp?ref=2820081536

Morrison & Foerster - 30% employees telecommute regularly
https://recruiting.mofo.com/psp/CandidateGateway/APPLICANT/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?&SiteId=1
(Look for: Office Location Flexible)

American Fidelity Assurance Company - 33% employess telecommute regularly
https://www.hrapply.com/af/AppJobSearch.jsp

(UPDATED) Tele-jobs: Doctors on Demand (Even Doctors Can Telecommute!)

Ringadoc provides instant audio and video consultations with doctors over any basic phone, smartphone, or computer. The company’s proprietary technology provides patients the easiest and most convenient way to access doctors and doctors the easiest and most convenient way to provide care to patients.

Ringadoc believes in the power of technology to simplify healthcare and enables doctors and patients to communicate more effectively. The company aims to be the backbone for all patient-physician communication that occurs outside of an office, with the ultimate goal of virtualizing medical care.

However, we know we cannot do it alone and need your help! We are looking for mission-driven, passionate individuals to help us change the way patients and doctors communicate. Join us in our quest to revolutionize healthcare! If you think you’re a good fit for any of these roles or if you think we need you, but just don’t know yet please email us.

[This is from their website]

Check them out here:
http://www.docond.com/jobs

Telejob: bMobile Technologies

They work on making your cell phone the only electronic device you need. Of course because they have working on the mobile "ideal" they would be quite open to telecommuting. They are looking for technology-savvy (high-tech) employees.

http://www.vmobiletech.com/
Click on Careers

Bryan C Fleming's Millionaire Dollar Club

As you know, I'm always on the look out to help my readers (and myself) find ways and methods to reach the Millionaire Club. I came across Bryan C. Fleming the author of "Home of the Million Dollar Savings Club."

He has an excellent post entitled: Million Dollar Savings Club Turns 1 Year Old that outlines a really painless and easy way to save money. And the wonderful thing about this is he's taking the journey along with everyone else and he documents it right here.

He seems to be having good success with his method and it's worth a shot if you decide to do it.

Tele-Jobs: Courtbrothers.com

The Court Brothers is a reminder call service that calls defendants on behalf of the court and reminds them to show up for court, pay fines, and keep other related appointments. Our company is a small, well financed, entrepreneurial organization that has been in the teleservices business for two years. You can find more information about our company at www.TheCourtBrothers.com.

We Need You

We are seeking people nationwide with strong telephone skills to call court managers around the country, educate them about our innovative service and walk them through the lengthy sales process.

• There is no prospecting, leads are provided for you.
• The sales process is typically 90-180+ days
• We offer free trials and other incentives to the buyer.

The position is 100% commission based.

Qualifications

Successful candidates will have:

• Strong telephone skills
• Self motivated individual
• Ability to work independently
• Possess patience for the sales process in the government sector.

Position is ideal for attorneys, retirees and long term thinkers. Please send resume and cover letter to resumes@TheCourtBrothers.com

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************************************************************************

Please remember, dear job hunter, if your qualifications and experience do not fit the position, do us all a favor and refrain from applying. Employers do not want to be bombarded with resumes of people who can not do the job.

Telecommuting Jobs, Work at home jobs, telework, hom

Staying Married is the Way to Riches

This post is for all those lovely couples who are contemplating marriage.

This is the season for such things. Rings are given during Christmas or Valentines Day and then the wedding is planned for May or June (sometimes July). That's real cute, but take some advice from an old married person who has been in a relationship for a very, very, very long time. Who has been married for a while too (over a decade or two).

If you marry and wish to become rich . . . Divorce, Separation, whatever . . is not an option. So if you are marrying, make sure you marry for life.

As I often say to my husband . . . "know this now, if it doesn't work out (our marriage) you are just going to have to live the rest of your life and die, hating me, 'cause there will be no divorce. We'll be 90-year-old-grumps throwing our false teeth at each other while we rock on the porch, but got-damn it, we will STILL be married."

I'm not giving my riches up for ANYONE. And divorce/separation is the fasted way to lose all you have worked hard for. You can recover from BANKRUPTCY faster than a divorce. Unfortunately for my poor husband, because I know this is true . . . he's stuck. (You have my permission to feel sorry for him.)

Okay, so how do you make sure you have a long-lasting marriage so you can stay rich? 'Cause everyone tells you to "stay married" but, frankly, no one tells you how to do that.

As I look back at what made my marriage work -- the only thing I can pinpoint that was different from my divorced (and poor) friends were . . . my husband and I discussed every - I MEAN EVERY - topic you can think of before we really committed.

Not that we agreed on much of them. We didn't.

But we knew where each other stood on . . .
1. In-laws and having in-laws stay with us for an extended time (more than 2 weeks).
2. What we thought of each others mother (honestly)
3. Kids - what to do with them,what we expect from them, and how to get what we expected.
4. Sex - how much, how often and what positions (that one was fun)
5. Hygiene
6. Cleanliness of the house
7. Who cooks and why
8. Money -- this one was long and varied and got us in a lot of arguments (better BEFORE than AFTER the wedding).
9. If we won the lottery what would we do?
10. If one of use died what would we do?
11. If one of us cheated on one another what would we do?
12. If we were on a sinking ship and there was room for the kid or the spouse -- which one would we pick and why?
13. If either of us was raped or violently assaulted, how would we feel, how would we handle it?
14. If either of us lost a job or experienced bankruptcy, what would we feel . . . what would we do?
15. What is the one deal-breaker for you in marriage (meaning, if it happened it means instant divorce).

These were the top 15 questions, but really the questions were nearly endless. But before we discussed them in depth, we made sure to point out to each other that it was okay not to agree. We understood that many of these questions were tough to answer and the discussion was solely to gain insight on really who you are connecting with. It also lets you know (or anticipate) what to expect when life gives you those dirty little "gotchas." Those unexpected turns in the road.

Because really, that's all divorce is a symbol of . . . there was an unexpected turn in the road and one person went one way and the other went another -- 'cause they have two different pages of the roadmap. Ask some questions before the trip. Make sure you are on the same page and keep all your riches (especially the ones that can't be counted).

The Model Millionaire by Oscar Wilde

I was re-introduced to Oscar Wilde the other day (I could not appreciate him in high school -- what kid would appreciate an old dead guy?) Anyway, this guy had some very practical advice and I've decided to read some of his stuff. Currently, I found this little anecdote of his . . .

Romance is the privilege of the rich, not the profession of the unemployed.

The poor should be practical and prosaic. It is better to have a permanent income than to be fascinating.

The Model Millionaire - Oscar Wilde



Hey, ain't Oscar cold pimpin' with his cane and fur and everything? -- sorry, couldn't help commenting on that.

 
Oscar Wilde's Wit and Wisdom: A Book of Quotations by Wilde, Oscar/ Do (Google Affiliate Ad)

November was a bitch with a long wicked knife

SSHHH!!!
Originally uploaded by LISA M G

Okay, yeah, so I disappeared in November. Basically, for all you nosey people out there - I had my head down and my nose to the gridstone -- working. Basically, making a path for all the riches 2008 is holding for me.

There are several things I'm going to do to make my dream come true -- November was the month that I set everything up to get the ball rolling. So, I had no time to come through and discuss it with you guys. Sorry about that.

But because of my hard work, my dedication and stubborness (not to mention the many all-nighters I pulled). I feel that I am well on my way to making my dream come true - $3,000,000!

What am I doing precisely to make that grand bit of cash? Patience, patience . . . you are going to see. I am now organized and all set up to be able to blog AND do all the activities I have on board to make lots of money. I want to thank you all that came by, even when my blog seemed dead.

I plan to retroactively fill November up with posts (I had written the posts previously - it's just that blogger doesn't have an auto post feature, so I have to do it manually), so visit often and go BACK in time for some good information on telecommuting and becoming rich.

Here we go . . .

Rumors of my death . . .

Okay, folks I've been out of commission for a couple of weeks. No, I'm not dead. No, the blog is not dead. In fact I have over 100 posts ready to "become live" with a click of my finger. The problem with this is, Blogspot does not let you indicate automated future posting.

Oh Blogspot, when will you give us an "automated posting" feature? Truly, that's all I want for Christmas. I think I speak for many people using your wonderful system when I say that being able to write a blog post and indicate on what day it should go "live" would be so very wonderful. It would help busy people like me become much more consistent in our blog posting . . . thus allow you guys to hold on to your large blog audience . . . thus create more revenue for you. Please, please ole' great programmers in the sky of blog universe -- could you make this happen for us lowly bloggers?

Just for my readers, I didn't forget about you. I just couldn't lift my head from the pillow for a week. And then last week I had to catch up on work (you, know the thing that pays the bills? -- I'm not a millionaire yet). But I'm back now, so look for more help in finding telecommuting jobs, more discussion on mad schemes to make more money, and tips on how to KEEP said money.

Thanks for understanding.
Telemill

There would have been no housing bubble if we would have followed 2 simple rules . . .

Stumbled upon a blog called Everything Finance . . . good stuff, go read. The author had a simple, yet very truthful post on the 25 ways to grow rich (actually, to live comfortably). And he/she bolded rules 3 and 4.

3. Spend no more than 2 1/2 times your income on a home. For a down payment, it's best to come up with at least 20%

4. Your total housing payments should not exceed 28% of your gross income. Total debt payments should come in under 36%

And I thought to myself, what the hell happened to good old-fashioned common sense? The above rules make utter sense. And if we would have held FIRM to that sense (by "we", I mean the collective population) we would not be in a housing bubble (or housing deflation) right now. How did this happen? Did greed really make this happen? "Greed" is really that powerful that we will set aside good sense to follow it -- to believe that gaining 10% - 15% - 25% appreciation in one year can carry on forever? Did people REALLY and truly believe this? Or were they just bull-shitting so the next guy would jump in the game and continue the "appreciation" run?

I mean, the people that bought a house for $600,000 put $10,000 into "renovations" and turned it over the next year for $750,000 . . . did they really believe that this would continue? Or in the back of their mind they said "Whoo, got away with it. Hope this crazy "appreciation" scam holds out 'til I sell my other three houses."

The two rules above are so common sense, so "fundamental" -- how did we get into the 5 and 6 times your salary for a house purchase is okay pot? Are we the simple minded frogs that get cooked alive because the heat was slowly turned up?

Scammer Fee #8 - Make Sure You're Serious Fee

I see this statement all the time. 'We request that you send us $25 to make sure you are a serious applicant.'

Yeah, right! Let me show you the ridiculousness of this statement.

Let's suppose you own a company, BCD Inc. You need an employee. You look at two resumes and competency test scores. One guy really fits the bill. This guy has experience, the skills and
education you need; and in addition, you see from his competency scores, he's fast and accurate too. The other applicant has the skills you require, but he's kinda slow and has a questionable
employment history (actually, he has been fired from his last two jobs). Now BCD Inc., also requires from applicants a 'make sure you're serious fee.'

Now this is the dilemma, what if the first applicant doesn't have the money? What if the second questionable applicant does have the money? Would you hire the questionable guy?

Let me answer for you . . . NO you wouldn't. You would want the better employee that will work fast, do a better job and make you lots of money. You wouldn't care about how much money an employee has to give you, because that is not where your bottom-line - your profits - come from. Your profits will come from competent and fast employees doing the business of the business. Would you actually turn down a great employee just because they don't have an admissions fee? A materials fee? A starting fee?

Yeah, when you look at the telecommuting from the employer's eyes -- all those scamming schemes become real clear don't they?

Congratulations, you have passed Scammers 101. Go out and get that work-at-home jobs with confidence that you will NOT become a victim of a scam.

Other ways scammers try to get ya':

Scammer Fee #2 - Administration Fees

Scammer Fee #3 - Software Costs

Scammer Fee #4 - Materials Fee

Scammer Fee #5 - Starting Fee

Scammer Fee #6 - Manual/Training Fee

Scammer Fee #7 - Registration Fee

Scammer Fee #8 - Make Sure You Are Serious Fee (You Are Here)

Scammer Fee #7 - Registration Fee

"We find your resume impressive and would like to offer you the job we advertised. But before we can proceed, you must pay our registration fee."

Puleeze!

The only time I've paid a registration fee is to take a college course, join a conference or drive my car. I'm not paying registration fees for a job. I don't care if your company's headquarters are in another country. If you really want my skills, my knowledge and my know-how to help you company make money -- you'll pay my registration fees, buddy.

Other ways scammers try to get ya':

Scammer Fee #2 - Administration Fees

Scammer Fee #3 - Software Costs

Scammer Fee #4 - Materials Fee

Scammer Fee #5 - Starting Fee

Scammer Fee #6 - Manual/Training Fee

Scammer Fee #7 - Registration Fee (You Are Here)

Scammer Fee #8 - Make Sure You Are Serious Fee

Scammer Fee #6 - Manual or Training Fee

Have you heard about the new manual fee? No? How about a training fee?

If you have encountered this fee, it means you must pay for the instruction on how to do your new job. Let me say this again, in case you didn't get it. The employer is asking you to pay for your own on-the-job training! What the . . .

Let's pretend . . .
It's the first day of your new job. The office assistant shows you to your desk. The boss greets you and asks you if you are ready to get to work. You answer yes and rub your hands eagerly.

'Okay,' he says, 'I'll tell you the first few duties that's required for your job, but first you must pay me $25.00 for my time and the hand-outs I've prepared to help you understand the tasks you need to complete.'

Huh?

Don't laugh; this is not so ridiculous. This is exactly what happens when you accept the Manual and Training Fee requests of scam artist employers.

Nope. We're not falling for that one either.

Other ways scammers try to get ya':

Scammer Fee #2 - Administration Fees

Scammer Fee #3 - Software Costs

Scammer Fee #4 - Materials Fee

Scammer Fee #5 - Starting Fee

Scammer Fee #6 - Manual/Training Fee (You Are Here)

Scammer Fee #7 - Registration Fee

Scammer Fee #8 - Make Sure You Are Serious Fee

Scammer Fee #5 - Starting Fee

Starting Fee? What the heck is this? I've never had to pay an employer to start working!

Well, many scammers would gently explain to you (like you were some kind of slow-minded individual) that there are many people who want to work from home. That you are one of the fortunate few being considered. That they have been burned by those wanting to work from home in the past. So, what they want you to do is send them some money -- a starting fee. And with your first paycheck (an indicator that you are doing the work properly) they will refund that fee in full. It's just a way to protect themselves from those awful people who are scamming businesses by saying that they want to work from home. (funny!)

Whenever I've started a job, I was always concerned with how much 'I' (the employee) would be paid and when my first check would arrive. Working off a starting fee or waiting for a refund of my money is not my idea of successfully working from home.

Question: Have you ever paid an non-telecommuting, regular "brick and morter" employer a starting fee?

I don't think so.

Other ways scammers try to get ya':

Scammer Fee #2 - Administration Fees

Scammer Fee #3 - Software Costs

Scammer Fee #4 - Materials Fee

Scammer Fee #5 - Starting Fee (You Are Here)

Scammer Fee #6 - Manual/Training Fee

Scammer Fee #7 - Registration Fee

Scammer Fee #8 - Make Sure You Are Serious Fee

Tele-Jobs: VIPdesk

"VIPdesk specializes in delivering Concierge Programs, Virtual Contact Center Services, and Reward Redemption Services for national brand leaders in the travel, auto, financial services, and retail industries."

Don't worry, they are looking for "employees," so send your resume (you don't have to incorporate).

Go to "Join our Team" in the menu bar.

You May Wish to Read About:

Other companies that offer Telecommuting Jobs

************************************************************************

Please remember, dear job hunter, if your qualifications and experience do not fit the position, do us all a favor and refrain from applying. Employers do not want to be bombarded with resumes of people who can not do the job.

Scammer Fee #4 - Materials Fee

The materials fee is the excuse used typically for work-at-home crafts positions.

This one is easy to avoid. Ask them where you can purchase the materials. What third party or wholesaler do they recommend?

If they can't offer that information because they must supply the materials 'to guarantee quality of the product' then ask them:
'Why are you giving away your tax deduction?' Remember, all items purchased by a business are tax deductible, if they have you purchase it, they are gaining an income.

And believe me, these scammers have made their business income when you've send the check for the materials.

Other ways scammers try to get ya':

 Scammer Fee #2 - Administration Fee

Scammer Fee #3 - Software Costs

Scammer Fee #4 - Materials Fee (You Are Here)

Scammer Fee #5 - Starting Fee

Scammer Fee #6 - Manual/Training Fee

Scammer Fee #7 - Registration Fee

Scammer Fee #8 - Make Sure You Are Serious Fee



Scams, Schemes, and Fraud: How Not to Become a Victim by Johnson, Shir (Google Affiliate Ad)