MoneyWiseWomen

How to Focus on Getting What you Want in a Bad Economy

By Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil

Many women have trouble being forthcoming when it comes to talking about money, but now more than ever it is important for us to speak up. Women entrepreneurs specifically can benefit from this advice in the fluctuating economy. Business coach Veronica Canning admonishes that, ""In a recession women business owners can't afford to be shy. But if you're a woman in business, the chances are that you don't like negotiating and try to avoid it."

A Financial Minute with Jenifer: Seasons of Change

This post we're going to visit financial topics as they influence your primary, personal relationships. It's easy to get going in a different direction from your partner, so now is a good time to evaluate these systems, and make sure they are supporting you as a couple as well as individually.

This is the season when I set my business and personal plans for the upcoming year. It's a favorite time of mine, because it lets me not only immerse myself in the vision of a fabulous new future, but also to patiently revisit the past and the lessons and perspective it provides.

A Financial Minute with Jenifer: Business As Usual?

Several people have been telling me of ways they have increased their income. I'll share one that was particularly striking to me:

Toni J. of  Tallahassee, Florida, wrote to say that she works as a paralegal in a corporate law firm. She wanted a raise, but knew she needed to justify one with more than just time served at the firm.

A Financial Minute with Jenifer: "If I had a dollar for every..."

In the interest of greater economic independence, let's talk about ways to increase your income.

We’ll start by looking at a fairly traditional way to increase your income, then expand to the less conventional possibilities.

Drink Your Starbucks Latte for Less

A few days ago I bought $100 worth of Starbucks cards (five $20 cards) at Costco for $79.99. That's a 20% savings I couldn't pass up because I love my Double Tall Soy Latte. It's the treat I give myself several days a week and now I can get it for less. If you think that's a good deal, here are a couple more tips on saving.

Oklahoma Women are on a Journey to Financial Freedom

More than 300 women attended the Do It Herself: Journey to Financial Freedom conference hosted by the Oklahoma Society of CPAs in Oklahoma City on Friday. I was honored to be the keynote speaker and meet so many women who were obviously ready to live a financially healthy life.

I attended several breakout sessions and heard picked up a couple of things I want to share with you. I loved Mary Krause's presentation on Stop Drowning! Solutions to Get Out of Debt. Debt isn't a funny topic -- especially with every thing that's happening in today's economy, but Mary made the audience laugh while talking about a very serious topic.

Step 4: To Dramatically Increase Your Productivity

Well it’s been a few weeks, how are you doing?   Like anything else in life, it can take some time to adjust your habits.  Dedicate time and commit to some changes to be more successful and productive.  So far, you have learned….

Step #1: FOCUS is more important than EFFICIENCY. 

Step #2:  Devote 30 minutes each week to assess the past week and plan the next.

Step #3: Created a "STOP DOING" list by eliminating the items that do not add value to your life or career.

Ready for Step #4; Get Help When You Need It.  There is a fantastic book called The Organizing Sourcebook by Kathy Waddill.  In that book she talks about the 9 Strategies for Simplifying your Life.    One of those strategies is Get Help When You Need It. Kathy says, “Just because something is on your To Do list, doesn’t mean you have to do it.” 

A Financial Minute with Jenifer: Live from New York . . .

... and I discovered that someone hacked into my checking account and spent all the money.

I was in the Big Apple for a few days of client meetings and a high tea, and had taken a few moments to check my bank account online, as I do at least twice a week, no matter what my travel schedule.

I got online, logged in, and stared at the initial page, which showed a negative balance. It took a minute before I could digest the information and go on to the screen that would show me why.

How to Keep “Financial 9/11” From Interfering in your Relationships

By: Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil

It seems as if each time we turn on the TV (or read the paper, surf the internet, etc.) the news is worse. Markets are failing, bailouts are being given, banks are being bought and sold, homes are getting foreclosed upon. If things weren't difficult for u before, chances are by now you might be feeling the belt tighten a bit.  The difficulty on Wall Street and in Washington is trickling right down to the homes of many middle class and other Americans.

I'm calling it financial 9/11.

Are you SAD?

I love acronyms -- probably because I worked for Social Security for 26 years and we had an entire language filled with acronyms. Are you SAD -- Stressed out, in Avoidance and in Denial -- over your finances? Everyday when I hear or read the news I talk to myself to keep upbeat and not get stressed. As I'm writing this blog the morning news announces the Dow is down 243 points.