Fire Up The Grill?

coffeecoalsDid you know that America throws out literally tons of coffee grounds per day?  Rich Bruins, a once college minister who took a group of students on mission to Guatemala, a huge coffee producer, discovered  a way to re-make parts of the coffee waste.  With some slight changes, he has brought his idea to the US in the form of Coffee Coals, which outperform charcoal in ignition and BTUs.  Want to know more, check out the whole article, This Morning’s Coffee Grounds Could Be the Fuel to Cook Tonight’s Dinner.  Ever imagine that coffee would fuel more than your caffeine addiction?

Industry Standard Paid Leave

qZtjvImMIf you are/were a working mother, how long was your maternity leave?  Did your spouse also receive any time off after your child’s birth?  Although some companies have been offering parental leave for many years, it’s nothing like what is happening at Netflix who is now becoming an industry leader for offering any new parents paid leave during the entire first year of their child’s life.  Sound amazing and a little crazy?  Well, it’s based on research showing that employees who are not worried about home life are more efficient and productive.  Imagine being able to have your cake and eat it too.

Summer Job 101

FullSizeRender-27This article is good because it addresses a range of ages in the “newly employed” category.  5 Financial Tips for Newly-Employed Young People offers these ideas to best utilize money earned:

Save! Save! Save!
Learn to Budget
Get Creative
Avoid Debt
Ask For Help

Advice we should all heed, no matter where we are in our careers.

Bureaucracy, Autocracy, Holacracy?

Screen Shot 2015-07-21 at 6.20.28 PMHolacracy is a new business model that strives to offer every employee a voice.  But can a large business function in this way?  Is the transition to such a new and different model too much for workers to handle?  Could it be that even as independent adults we still desire to have a boss?
 At Zappos, Pushing Shoes and a Vision

 

Money Matters

10400709_1117916106937_6450_nReady for your European vacation?  There are so many amazing places to visit and sights to see, but did you know that with these seven simple tips you can make your trip run more smoothly and even save money?  Emma Miller on DailyFinance.com offers some great ideas in her article, Travel Checklist: 7 Money To-Dos to Tackle Before Your Trip.  A must read before your vacation of a lifetime this summer!

Bonus! Now What?

BonusBonus! What is the first thought that comes to mind?
Make this additional money work hard for you by following Allison Martin’s eight simple steps.  Don’t worry, one is all about spending a little on yourself!

1. Tackle Credit Card Debt
2. Get Caught Up on Past Due Bills
3. Boost Your Emergency Fund
4. Beef Up Your Nest Egg Or Other Investments
5. Establish A College Fund
6. Home Improvements
7. Be Charitable
8. Live A Little

8 Wise Money Moves to Make With Your Bonus

Spending Plans to Achieve Your Dreams

tile_budget_heroIn this 2013 article by Stacy Johnson, founder of Money Talks News, he shares ways to develop a spending plan for your life that will help drive you toward your goals.  Stacy suggests thinking backward to specific, fulfilling experiences and creating your plan of action based on the happy moments in your life.  Once you have a clear idea of what you want, the spending plan is no longer about deprivation but about achieving your dreams.

How to Develop an Effortless Budget You’ll Stick To

To Camp or Not To Camp?

Ghost_RanchEvery summer, parents face the daunting decision of whether or not to send their children to camp.  What kind of camp to choose?  Day camp?  Sleep-away?

The summer camp experience offers children so many life lessons, such as teamwork, resilience and decision making.  Skills that are useful throughout adulthood. Not to mention a week or more break for parents!  I will never forget my time spent at Ghost Ranch Vocal Camp.  Todd Kestin feels the same way,  5 Ways Summer Camp Helps Your Child Prepare for Adulthood

Debt Relief Can Be Simple

debt_ball_and_chai_450Ever considered consolidating your debt in order to make it more manageable?  Do you have a list of each of your creditors along with how much you owe?  Or have you ever wondered why you don’t have enough on a monthly basis for all the necessities?  Then this article is for you!  How to Pay off Debt: 6 Steps to Success.  Debt relief is a simple process if you form a plan and stick to it and if you need it, I am always here to help!

Texas, 529 College Savings Day

tcsp-logoCollege is not always the first thing that comes to mind when you are preparing to have a baby.  But it’s amazing how fast the years go as your child grows, and how just a little preparation can ease any transition in your life.  Today is 529 College Savings Day, in Texas.  Click Here to find out more about the plans Texas offers and take a step toward your child’s future!