How a Personal Finance Budget Will Save Your Financial Life
A personal finance budget is extremely important when it comes to your finances. Having a budget will allow you to manage your investments, your savings, and handle all of your bills in an effective manner.Start the process by writing out all of your expenses. Then track your spending for at least a month, this includes not just your bills but your savings as well.At the end of the month use the list of your expenses to categorize them either as needs or as wants. Please understand the basic difference here. A need is essential to your survival like food, shelter, clothes, heat. (it’s unlikely that you would survive for long without food, heat or shelter so money allocated to rent, work clothes, heating oil, are needs-you can extend this to things like transportation as you would not be able to get to work to earn income otherwise (unless you telecommute of course).A want consists of something not absolutely necessary, but that you desire. Examples would be an iPhone, a gym membership or a pedicure, which you do not need to survive.Then take a look at your wants list and eliminate the most superfluous. Of what’s left, if there is anything that you can save money on, think of alternatives..For instance, instead of getting your car professionally detailed, save money by getting it washed for 5 dollars by a kid on the block.Examine your needs as well to see where there may be some saving opportunities. Then proceed to categorize them between fixed and flexible expenses. Your fixed expenses are the same every month, things like health insurance would be classified that way. Flexible ones like your groceries can vary every month.Take your personal finance budget to the next level. Classify your expenses by due date, for instance, the rent bill should be reflected on the first of the month and if for instance a credit card payment is due on the 5th, it might be next on your chronological budget.Continue classifying them by weeks, some will be constant (will appear every week- like groceries and gas for the car) and some will be periodic (once in a while- like scheduled car maintenance, heating oil charges or water and sewer charges.) Add up all your weekly expenses to see what cash outlay to anticipate. Total all four weeks and compare to your actual take home salary. Based on that, make sure you put enough in weekly savings to meet those bills when they come due.If your expenses are greater than your income, take another look at your list and eliminate any “wants” items and re-examine your “needs” to see how you can save money. Call your credit card company to see if you can renegotiate a lower rate or switch to a cheaper prepaid cell phone plan.Reprogram your house thermostat for lower settings- wear a sweater during the week-end and in the evening if need be. If you are still short, then it’s time to consider getting a second or part time job to supplement your income and meet your obligations.From now on your personal finance budget will revolve around your needs rather than your wants. You only spend money on wants if you have extra at the end of the month and even then you should try to apply it to any form of debt you may have or to shore up your savings and investments.If you find yourself in the happy position of having a surplus income over your expenses, establish some goals like a vacation fund or new house fund.Monitoring your actual income/expenses against your personal finance budget is not a onetime thing, it should be done monthly to catch trends and make course corrections. Saving a dollar here and a dollar there can add up to serious money in the aggregate.In creating a personal finance budget, remember to make it a priority to establish an emergency fund if it is not already in existence. A rule of thumb is 6 months worth of expenses but in this economy 9 months to a year is closer to what’s wise in my estimation.Presuming you make $4,000 a month you would need to save $24,000 for the minimum of 6 months. If you make $1000 a month you would need to save $12,000 for the maximum yearly guideline. Do this before you spend $10,000 for a trip to Europe or buy that fancy motorcycle you only use a few times in the Summer.By making a personal finance budget and sticking to it you can make yourself financially healthy. You can make a goal of buying that car you have always wanted, get out of debt and even retire early.
3 Simple Steps to Boost Your Authentic Business Success
This week I want to share with you 3 simple steps to boost your authentic business success. Let’s be honest here. It doesn’t matter which stage of your business building blocks you’re currently in, you can be either a start-up solo-entrepreneur or a more advanced authentic business owner (Enlightened C.A.S.T.L.E. – coach, author, speaker, trainer, leader, and expert), you’ll always welcome simple, practical ways to boost your authentic business success and improve your current results. For example, finding and attracting more ideal clients, making a greater positive impact and income, creating new packages (programs, products and services), leading live events (virtually and in-person), growing your client database, upleveling your brand, etc.Where most passionate professionals (Enlightened C.A.S.T.L.E.) struggle and sometimes even get stuck is in knowing what to do first on a daily basis, meaning which activities they need to prioritize first and place it at the top of their “to-do” list, and more importantly, how to hold on to the mind-set, heart-set and soul-set that it takes when the business you’re running daily is still far away from the business of your dreams.This is where having the right business model (the one that is true, authentic and works for you) along with the right systems, structures and strategies in place pays off in a big way.For example, if you’re not yet consistently making a positive impact and income doing the work you were born to do (making a difference sharing your passion while being handsomely rewarded for doing it) so you can successfully and authentically attract more ideal clients and finally build a thriving business you love, then your focus is best spent on generating your first 5-10 clients at higher fees, rather than spending your time on launching something new like a membership website.Trust me on this: Every time you move to the next upper level and elevate your business you can expect to experience a bit of confusion, frustration and overwhelming. It’s because whenever you step out and step up on your authentic business success stairway a mix of the old and the new “phase” happens. One moment you’ll be very excited and completely clear about your new direction for your business development, then on the next moment, you find yourself crying, confused, overwhelmed and wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into.What I do during this time of transformation and business growth is to follow 3 simple steps to boost my own authentic business success so that I keep myself centered, confident and focused, without struggle and out of overwhelm. I’d like you to take notes of these tips and post them near your computer or board so they can also help you make this transformation and boost YOUR authentic business success with enthusiasm, grace and ease!Simple Step #1: Transform Your Mind-set, Heart-set and Soul-set From the Old to the NEW Paradigm of Authentic Business SuccessYes, that’s right. Shift the old way of thinking, doing, feeling and being (your thoughts, actions, habits, behaviours and emotions) to the NEW one so that you can, what I love to say, Enlighten Your Mind, Empower Your Heart and Inspire Your Soul to achieve Authentic Business Success as an Enlightened Entrepreneur. So, how do you do that?Here’s how: The best way to explain that is to give you my favorite mind-set (heart-set and soul-set) tip, which is to ask yourself, “What would a super successful authentic business owner do?” or “What would your role model/business mentor do?” or “What would your favourite enlightened entrepreneur (C.A.S.T.L.E.) do? This is the kind of question you need to ask yourself in order to give you a new perspective of looking at things. I always do. Whenever I’m looking to make a decision and move forward in my business I ask myself this type of question so that I can not only take tiny little steps every single day, but also have quantum leaps and make transformational shifts upwards in my impact and income, all while creating a thriving business I love.The transformational truth is: it works, and even better it works so beautifully and authentically because it pulls you out of old patterns (old way of thinking, doing and being) and it challenges you to think, feel, act, behave and believe in a NEW way as the authentic business owner (Enlightened C.A.S.T.L.E.) you desire becoming – the most successful and fulfilled person you dream of being.Simple Step #2: First Focus on IPAs (Income Producing Activities) to Create Consistent Cash Flow in Your BusinessIncome producing activities are the most important activities and you definitely need to focus on them seriously first because they are going to create consistent cash flow in your business, and cash flow is the “Queen” of your business. Again, no matter what stage of your business you’re in, decide how much cash you need to create to make the positive impact and income you most want, starting from covering your expenses, paying yourself and giving you peace of mind. The key here is to be specific, clear and committed to knowing your amount first, then focus on the “how-to’s” to get there. This alone (along with other strategies I teach on this topic) will keep you in a proactive, prosperous mind-set (heart-set and soul-set) with regard to your impact and income, rather than in a reactive, passive or disempowered place. So, always ask yourself: “Is this an income producing activity? If so, it goes at the top of your priorities. Always remember to create consistent cash flow by focusing on income producing activities (IPAs) first!Simple Step #3: “How You Start Your Day” Determines Your Authentic Business SuccessAnother transformational truth here is that the way you start your day or what you start your day with influences dramatically your authentic business success. Why? Because in every stage of growing and elevating your business you’ll need to let go of old habits (tasks and activities that represent the old you), in order to make way for the new actions that put you on the path of authentic business success at a more evolved and empowered level.My best tip here is to start your day with the top 3 priorities (= key action steps) that will help you bring in either consistent cash flow or new clients, partners and referrals. Make a daily, weekly and monthly plan (your roadmap to more impact and income) and decide in advance which income producing activities (IPAs) you’ll focus on, write them down and do them first – before getting distracted with other tasks such as, checking your email, seeing what others are doing or hopping on to social media.Your Authentic Business Success In ActionAlthough these 3 steps, I’ve just given you, are simple, they might not be so easy to start doing and keep on doing them on a daily basis. That’s why I’m here and always happy to help you. So, be sure to hire an authentic business success mentor to guide and support you on your own journey as an inspired leader, empowered creator and enlightened entrepreneur. Whoever you resonate with – be sure to mentor with someone who is where you authentically aspire to be.Enlightened Entrepreneurs, (C.A.S.T.L.E.) or soon-to-be one, are energetic sponges for the people (mentors, partners, peers and clients) they surround themselves with. Which means it’s critical for you to invest in spending time with an authentic business success mentor and get in a coaching/mentoring/mastermind group filled with like-minded, like-hearted, like-souled authentic business success achievers who are continuously and consistently pulling themselves – and you! – forward. You’ll be thrilled and delighted how quickly you too, become one of these high authentic business success achievers that others are inspired, empowered and enlightened to be around!
5 Empowering Tracks From Female Icons To Make You Feel Inspired
Sometimes we all need a little lift. Whether you’ve had a recent knock to your confidence, have been going through stress in your personal or professional life, or have always struggled with your self-esteem, music is an essential tool for lifting your spirits and making you feel better about yourself.
According to a study by Heriot-Watt University, the type of music you listen to not only influences your mood, but also your personality, with indie and rock/heavy metal fans reporting the lowest levels of self-esteem, while fans of jazz, blues, opera, classical, pop, rap and soul all reported high levels of self-confidence.
So if you’re having a ‘down day’, why not boost your spirits by listening to some powerful, uplifting tracks? Here are five perfect confidence boosters.
Britney Spears – Toxic
Britney’s own struggles with her mental health and conservatorship have made her an inspiration for many people across the world.
This classic song is timelessly sensual, and the heavy beats throughout make it impossible not to dance to. A welcome blast of nostalgia, this tune has filled dance floors across the globe with fans old and new.
The video features Britney as a female spy playing the sexy flight attendant, seducing her passenger before she makes her escape on a motorbike and breaks into a high-security facility guarded by a laser security system.
This track and video is a guaranteed way to feel invincible, and deserves a place on your playlist no matter your mood.
Kelis – Milkshake
A cheesy classic that is guaranteed to make you feel all warm and gooey inside, Kelis pumps up the heat in this 00’s RnB track. Underpinned by intricate drum beats and electric elements, Kelis’ self-confidence is infectious, and it’s hard not to find yourself smiling at the lyrics.
This track is a great way to get into a flirtatious mindset, making it a great choice before going on a date or heading out for the evening.
And if you’re staying in? It’s a great mood lift. But beware! You may find yourself craving a sweet treat.
Eve (ft. Gwen Stefani) – Let Me Blow Your Mind
This RnB classic will capture your attention with its assertive rhythm and powerful vocals from 00’s icons Eve and Gwen Stefani. Featuring a laid-back – yet self-assured – beat, and catchy guitar riff, this is a great track for driving, and its empowering feel is sure to help you feel motivated.
Got a job interview lined up, or thinking of asking for a raise? This anthemic number is a quick way to feel positive and more assertive.
The video features Eve and Gwen Stefani crashing an exclusive event on quad bikes, causing a stir among the privileged attendants, and shoving the performer off stage to perform their own music, before finally being arrested and taken to the station in a police van.
This ‘baddie’ track helps you to tap into the hidden ‘bold’ side of your personality, and lifts your mood while keeping you feeling calm and cool.
Fergie – MILF$
If you have kids, it can be difficult to feel sexy. When you’re running around cleaning the house, changing nappies, or up to your elbows in dishwater, you can easily forget your sensual side – leaving you feeling frumpy and lacking in confidence and motivation.
Thankfully, Fergie’s comeback track is a quick remedy to your low mood and lethargy.
Featuring attractive mothers dressed in curve-hugging latex and silky lingerie going about their daily life in a dreamy, colourful suburbia, this track is a quick way to transform your self-esteem and transport you to a world where you are not just a mother, but a goddess too.
Why not shake off the day and tap into your feminine energy with Fergie, your sexiest PJs, and a bottle of your favourite wine?
Marina And The Diamonds – How To Be A Heartbreaker
Low confidence after a breakup? You’re not alone. Having your heart broken can leave you feeling depressed, undesirable, and unmotivated. So flip the tables on your ex and become a heartbreaker with Marina’s catchy club classic.
This empowering dance track will make you want to move your body and get in touch with your bad girl side, with its heavy beat and pounding rhythms.
Plus, if your libido has suffered as a result of your low mood, take a sneaky peek at the video – it will get your blood pumping with its steamy shower shots and smoking hot male models.
The Pandemic Effects on Hospitality Industries and How They Overcome It
The COVID-19 pandemic affects many aspects and many sectors of life. As a result, economic sectors are fully affected, and the hospitality industry is no exception. The hospitality industry is known to be the source of job opportunities and supports many livelihoods of millions of workers and their families. Because Indonesia is primarily reliant on the service sector, the tourist industry plays an important part in the country’s growth. The increase of the COVID-19 cases has brought about a huge increase in the number of workers getting expelled or having their work ended. How did the hospitality industry survive in this era? The pandemic has provided several opportunities for numerous hospitality industries to use specific mechanisms in order to overcome pandemic difficulties.
Tourism and hospitality industries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including hotels, restaurants, resorts, travel agencies, travel and transportation, and real estate, show a significant losing number of tourists. According to the president of the Indonesia Tour Guide Association (HPI, 2020), 45,000 visitors have cancelled their plans to visit main tourist spots in the country between January and May. Furthermore, According to UNWTO (2020), 100-120 million direct and indirect activities were in jeopardy, and foreign tourist numbers decreased 56% year on year from January–May 2020. These noteworthy diminishing numbers primarily influenced the Indonesian financial state. For example, hotel profits have dropped by up to 40%, having an effect on hotel operations and risking business continuity. The drop in international visitors has an effect on the salary of restaurants whose clients are more prevailing than foreign visitors (Block, 2017). Following the dropping, many hospitality industries are taking awareness of tourists’ health risks and protocols taking an advance.
The recovery of hospitality industries is indistinguishable from the progressively sophisticated information innovation utilized to pull in potential visitors to choose to travel. The regaining of tourist attractions after a pandemic is required to utilize other promoting techniques to advertise their items inventively. First, social media marketing reaches many internet users who are looking for tourist information hospitality industry. This strategy is helpful in advertising and attracts many tourists to find more information related to a tourist attraction in the designated region. Second, Tourism industry players and visitors, as well as government action, are required to arbitrate between the two groups. Government policies must be in the form of the finest judgments to characterize the middle ground between commercial actors and visitors (Anggarini, 2021). This means that provided policy in the hospitality sector during-post pandemics maintains the best solution for both tourists and hospitality owners. Last, all tourism-related activities must adapt to current conditions, in which humans must live alongside Covid-19 (Anggarini, 2021). By all means, many factors, including health issues, hygiene, and safety for tourists, are priorities.
In conclusion, even though the pandemic is really affecting the hospitality industry as a whole, it gives many advancements of movement done by the hospitality industry to survive. Many resources are being used as the development of technology to provide data destinations insight. In addition, the sophistication of information technology can also facilitate the government in supervising the implementation of safe travel in accordance with government recommendations. All these initiations are good examples of overcoming pandemic situations while running hospitality industries.