#don'tsettle

[professorskinnyjeans]

[drcknowledgeandpower]

Parenting, Work and Families

“The Opt-Out Generations Wants Back In” - By Judith Warner

“O’Donnel told her: ‘This is the perfect reason why you need to work. You don’t have to make a million dollars. You don’t have to have a wealthy lifestyle. You just always have to be able to at least earn enough so you can support yourself,’” (Warner).  This quote reminds me of something my mother also says to me.  She always tells me to finish college so I can get a great job and support myself independently regardless of whatever circumstances I am faced with in the future.  

My mother could be considered to be part of the Opt-Out generation “…a group of former mega-achievers who were, as the anchor Lesley Stahl put it, ‘giving up money, success and big futures’ to be home with their children,” (Warner).  When I was born she decided to work from home, creating her business involving our home as a Child Day Care.  I believe, on her part that choosing to continue work to balance family life as well as continuing to obtain an income was a smart idea for her.  I know some mothers’ circumstances would not permit such a decision.  Eventually my mother had to join them.  

It is unfortunate that after putting so much time and effort into their child’s lives and education, mothers cannot seem to make it back into the corporate world.  They are no longer “qualified” which I believe is absurd.  After a period of time out of commission the mothers who decided to give up their work life for their children are still qualified to hold jobs that they once had.  If anything, some information should be brushed up on, for example science is constantly adapting, however, in the long run everyone is trained in the beginning of their job.  Just because one has not been working for a period of time does not mean they have lost the ability to learn and adapt.  If anything, being a mother has taught them to enhance those skills.

[thisisnaila]

thanks Khloe K for this one..truth.

[bluesuitninja-blog]

Push yourself. Don't Settle. Just live well. Just LIVE.”

Jojo Moyes, Me Before You

[sundaysinthemountains]

The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness” -Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

[theresourcecenter01]

Alternatives to CD's and Money Market Accounts

Alternatives to CD’s and Money Market Accounts This is a great financial market if you are buying something.  Interest rates are at all time lows.  Cars can be bought with 0% financing and home loans can be had in the 2’s!  This is great news for people in the market for new stuff.  For people looking to get a good return on their investments, however, times are tough.  Lots of you have money in the bank.  Whether it be in CD’s, money market accounts or even checking and savings accounts, these low interest rates aren’t doing you any favors.  So the million dollar question is, what do you do with your money?   When we start talking about investing or retirement planning, there are many options out there.  There are qualified and non-qualified accounts like 401(k)’s, IRA’s, annuities, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.  The problem is choosing the right option for you.  This can be a daunting task, even for an experienced investor. You probably hear brokers telling you to invest in stocks and bonds and your insurance guy trying to sell you annuities or cash value life insurance.  The real answer is, it depends.  It depends on your goals and objectives.  These things are just tools.  If you use the right tool for the right job then you will make headway.  If not, you will just be spinning your wheels.  Would you use a ratchet to drive a nail?   Start by assessing your risk tolerance.  If you are in your 20’s 30’s or 40’s you can stand to take a little more risk with your money.  If you are retired or retiring soon, you need to protect your principle investment and focus on guaranteed growth and income.   What you want to do is talk to a financial planning expert that has access to all of the tools out there.  Insurance guys can’t do stocks, bonds and mutual funds and brokers can show you the guarantees backed by the claims paying abilities of insurance companies.  Most investors would benefit the greatest by someone who can offer you both.  That’s where we come in.  We can offer you brokerage and insurance products in a combined attack to maximize your investments for retirement. Don’t settle for 1% or 2% growth on your money you have in CD’s and money markets.  It doesn’t make sense.  There are higher guaranteed rates out there that can be had without sacrificing your money.

[dont-give-up-get-what-you-want]

[laurlevlove]