Spring into Action, and Save Some Green!

by the editors of Fabulous & Frugal

Spring has sprung, and it’s time for a fresh, take-charge outlook on life. Even in challenging economic times, you can shed layers of old habits and make positive changes to your life.

We know how bills, paperwork and budgets stack up. It’s easy to pretend bills are not there if they’re hiding under a stack of coupons or the recent PTA newsletter. But taking charge of your finances can actually be quick and painless, with a few tips from the editors of Fabulous & Frugal.

1. Clean Out the Clutter without Tossing Your Safety Net

Are you wondering when it is safe to throw away old bills, receipts and paperwork? When you start your spring cleaning this season, don’t neglect your finances! Here’s what you should remember: Read more

It Pays to Shop Around

Health insurance is a must. Here’s how to get the best deal on the right plan for you.

Medical expenses can add up quickly. In fact, health-related costs are a leading cause of bankruptcy in America today. That makes adequate health insurance a must. But health insurance can be a tricky thing for entrepreneurs. Without the benefit of an employer-sponsored plan, self-employed individuals are left to fend for their own health insurance needs. That dilemma alone is often a major obstacle for people who want to take the plunge into business ownership. On the other side of the equation are small-business owners searching for affordable benefits so they can attract and retain quality people. Read more

Make an Impression

One of the most common misconceptions about searching for a job is that the person with the most or best experience is the one who gets hired. The truth is: You’re more likely to be hired for a job based on your connection with the interviewer than on your qualifications. And the best way to forge an instant, powerful connection with your interviewer is to define and communicate a strong job-seeker personal brand. Read more

How are Your New Year’s Resolutions Holding Up?

It’s the beginning of February: How are you doing on your resolutions?

Are you still exercising, avoiding cigarettes, eating dinner with your family, saving money, packing a lunch instead of eating out, making those extra sales calls, volunteering regularly and (fill in the blank)?

You’re not alone if your commitment to your goals has faltered; it’s easy to slip back into old habits. One of the keys to staying on track is to write down your goals and put them where you’re reminded of them daily. If your weight-loss goal is posted on the fridge, you’ll see it when you’re in the mood for a late-night snack, and you’ll be forced to make a conscious decision about whether you really want that second (or third) brownie.

Another key to keeping your resolutions is creating new thought patterns. One of the best ways to do this is to read idea-inspiring books. Whether it’s the biography of a person whose success you admire or a book on how to achieve your goals, feeding your mind with positive, thought-provoking messages can change your life.

Here’s a recommended reading list for February:

48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller. Check it out at www.48days.com.

Smart Money Tips

Being financially prepared can help you make the most of your money—and your life!

If one positive has come out of the current state of our country’s economy, it’s that we’ve all—hopefully—learned a very valuable lesson: When it comes to your finances, you can never be too prepared.
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