|
| |
10 top tips for networking
By SJ Beale of Lightning Connection.biz1. Recognise the importance of networkingAsk any successful business person and they will tell you that above all else networking skills are absolutely vital to grow your business. Networking can increase your market ...
Ten Top Performance Management Tips
Sadly, Performance Management has got itself a bad reputation. Dreaded by those on the receiving end and considered an unproductive chore by the manager, the value and benefits have been lost. But there is another way and here are Ten Tips to help. Talk ...
Top 10 Dream Interpretation Tips (That The Experts Use To Interpret Your Dreams…)
Here are some tips for unlocking the coded messages that your dreams are sending you:-.1.Always keep a dream journal so you don't forget your dreams. It's best to use a tape recorder to record the dream when you first wake up, and then write the dream in ...
|
|
|
|
| |
Here are my Top 10 tips to get you on you way:
Tip1. PLAN Write a list of the friends and family members you wish to give a present to. Next decide on your total budget for Xmas presents. Next to each name add a maximum dollar value for the gift and ensure the total does not exceed you budget! If you have ideas for gifts start listing them now - it will help your shopping trips be more focused.
Tip 2. STICK TO THE PLAN When you do your gift shopping stick to the plan - avoid impulse buying. That stereo might be a great "bargain" but if it is over your budget you need to keep walking.
I am sure you have great taste in gifts - do you ever buy a gift for someone and buy it for yourself as well? You will get plenty of gifts for Xmas - no need to buy for yourself as well.
Tip 3. START NOW Rather than waiting until 2 weeks before Xmas and spending all your money in a short period of time start buying now. It is much easier to afford one gift each payday than 10 all at once. Find a good hiding place in your cupboard!
Tip 4. USE LAY-BY Credit Cards are easy and convenient but if you struggle with debt over Xmas leave them at home! Interest rates on unpaid monthly balances are an unnecessary cost. If you have started shopping early you can pay a small amount each payday off your lay-by without going into debt. Keep you spending manageable.
Tip 5. HAVE A SAVING PLAN Have a separate bank account for Xmas savings. Many banks have accounts that earn "bonus" interest if you make a deposit and no withdrawals in a month. Many of these accounts have no bank fees. You can arrange for set amounts to be automatically transferred to that account each payday. If you don't see it you can't spend it! If you are comfortable banking online there are also good "virtual" accounts with Credit Unions that pay around 5%pa and allow you to transfer money out of account with no penalty.
Tip 6. THINK OUTSIDE THE SQUARE It really is the thought that counts so think outside the square. People love gifts that have a personal touch to them. - make Xmas chocolates, cookies, jam etc to give to friends - give a gift
voucher for 10 hours of babysitting - make a donation to charity in their name - give a voucher for 5 lawn mowing afternoons (to be provided by you)
Tip 7. INVOLVE YOUR FAMILY Discuss your plan to stay debt free with your family and discuss ways that the whole family can be involved. There are no rules - find something that works for your family and keeps Xmas fun. One popular idea is to not buy gifts for all the adults in the family - just the kids. The adults each select a name and buy a gift for that adult on behalf of the whole family. Xmas is about love and sharing not about how many presents you receive. You will probably find other family members feel relieved to be able to reduce their Xmas spending too.
Tip 8. ANOTHER COFFEE? Start becoming aware of what you spend on "little extras" each week - coffee is my favourite place to start. Buying just 1 coffee a day can cost you $10 - $15 per week … buying lunch each day at work can cost you at least $25 per week. I think you get the point. If you are serious about keeping out of debt this xmas start taking your lunch to work or having instant coffee …. put the money you save into your xmas account. You will love how quickly this adds up!
Tip 9. LEAVE THE PLASTIC AT HOME That's right - leave the Credit Card at home! If it is not in your wallet you cannot charge Xmas shopping to it. It is so easy to accumulate debt without even being aware of it - once you do it snowballs into something much greater than you can handle and becomes a weight to begin the New Year. Use cash or you debit card - you can't spend money you don't have.
Tip 10. BE COMMITTED You have a choice. If you are 100% committed to being debt free for Xmas then you will make it happen. It takes focus, desire and discipline not to take the easy, convenient and expensive way out of Xmas shopping. 'Those who want to succeed will surely find a way, and those who don't will find an excuse' "a thousand paths to tranquility" David Baird
About the Author
Linda Anderson is a Certified Professional Coach working with Small Business Owners and Professionals in Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Linda helps her clients succeed in business and in life by creating strategies to overcome their obstacles to success. Linda brings this passion for challenge, new experiences and adventure to her coaching. You can visit Linda at her website - www.a2acoaching.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Top tips for a great holiday in some of Scotland's best B&BsScotsmanWith summer finally here, it is the perfect time for a mini- break in one of Scotland's B&Bs. Here the experts from {http://www. scotlandsbestbandbs.co.uk|scotlandsbestbandbs.co.uk|scotlandsbestbandbs.co.uk} offer tips for choosing a place which suits ... |
Stuff.co.nz |
Top tips for kids' birthday cakesStuff.co.nzJess Matson began baking cakes with her four siblings when she was still in primary school. Now a mother herself, she still loves whipping up cool creations for her children Remy, 7 and Edie, 5. "I've always loved making novelty cakes," Matson says. |
|
Five top tips for your first few days of Diablo IIIJoystiqby Brendan Drain on May 15th 2012 10:00AM Diablo III officially launched at midnight last night, opening the floodgates on what is possibly the most pre-ordered PC game in history. It's been almost 12 years since the previous game in the series ...and more » |
The Guardian |
Top tips for the summer holidaysThe GuardianWhen booking your summer holiday, selecting a destination based on exchange rates and how far your money will go could save you hundreds of pounds. According to the Post Office Worldwide Holidays Costs Barometer for 2012, Spain is the most affordable ... |
|
