President enacts controversial measure that aims to help borrowers, bolster the housing market and provide a fail-safe for Fannie and Freddie.
By Jeanne Sahadi, CNNMoney.com senior writer
Last Updated: July 30, 2008: 11:12 AM EDT
Click Title for Story
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Buppie Yuppie Busy-ness!!
It’s cool to be busy, swamped…so busy that you only have a moment here to say this or a few minutes to meet ..it’s cool because it makes you feel important…like you have so much going on…and maybe you do, but those around you shouldn't feel rushed through your conversation, lunch, dinner, basketball game - you get the point.
In the midst of all this busy-ness, you miss quality time with quality people....while you are attempting to connect with the ‘right’ folks, attend the ‘right’ meeting.
Not to mention, when you are always soooo busy, quality people no longer desire to be around you, you give off an anxious, hectic, vibe. Never settled, never comfortable, just running and rushing around all the time….when the truth of the matter is that balanced people find time for friendships, dinners out with family, time to make new acquaintances, and business networks…without saying…"I’ve only got a few minutes", "you know I’m so busy I’ve got to go". No one wants to hang around you because they don’t feel important enough for a slice of your time. A slice where you are relaxed, not looking at your watch or worse ANSWERING YOUR CELL PHONE! My next post will be about cell phone etiquette at lunch, dinner, standing in line at the grocery store! (I am guilty too).
We are all ambitious, driven, high achievers – regardless of age. But what matters is the quality of your relationships, whether business or personal. When you give off that hectic vibe, you are telling the person you are with that time with them does not matter, you’re not focused on what they are talking about or enjoying thier company.
It doesn’t matter if it is a business acquaintance, family member or friend. Everyone wants to feel as if their presence is important when you are around them.
We are all so concerned with being upwardly mobile, on this committee, on that board, going to this meeting, this event, working long hours….some of us bask in it, as if it says "Hey I’m about something, Hey I’m doing something"…..and you are….kudos to you….hard work pays off, being in the know does too….but what do you know about those closest too you …as you zoom here and there….what about new people you meet and you swear ‘we’ve got to get together’? But never do or you try to squeeze them in between this or that - at the last minute to boot. In all this buppie yuppie busy-ness we need to settle down, calm down and enjoy the moment as well as enjoying the people we come across.
True networking is about building genuine relationships, leaving others feeling good after meeting with you...and that's impossible to do when you're too busy.
In the midst of all this busy-ness, you miss quality time with quality people....while you are attempting to connect with the ‘right’ folks, attend the ‘right’ meeting.
Not to mention, when you are always soooo busy, quality people no longer desire to be around you, you give off an anxious, hectic, vibe. Never settled, never comfortable, just running and rushing around all the time….when the truth of the matter is that balanced people find time for friendships, dinners out with family, time to make new acquaintances, and business networks…without saying…"I’ve only got a few minutes", "you know I’m so busy I’ve got to go". No one wants to hang around you because they don’t feel important enough for a slice of your time. A slice where you are relaxed, not looking at your watch or worse ANSWERING YOUR CELL PHONE! My next post will be about cell phone etiquette at lunch, dinner, standing in line at the grocery store! (I am guilty too).
We are all ambitious, driven, high achievers – regardless of age. But what matters is the quality of your relationships, whether business or personal. When you give off that hectic vibe, you are telling the person you are with that time with them does not matter, you’re not focused on what they are talking about or enjoying thier company.
It doesn’t matter if it is a business acquaintance, family member or friend. Everyone wants to feel as if their presence is important when you are around them.
We are all so concerned with being upwardly mobile, on this committee, on that board, going to this meeting, this event, working long hours….some of us bask in it, as if it says "Hey I’m about something, Hey I’m doing something"…..and you are….kudos to you….hard work pays off, being in the know does too….but what do you know about those closest too you …as you zoom here and there….what about new people you meet and you swear ‘we’ve got to get together’? But never do or you try to squeeze them in between this or that - at the last minute to boot. In all this buppie yuppie busy-ness we need to settle down, calm down and enjoy the moment as well as enjoying the people we come across.
True networking is about building genuine relationships, leaving others feeling good after meeting with you...and that's impossible to do when you're too busy.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Christmas in July!
No I am not announcing a huge SALE! And I know it is the middle of summer and no one is thinking about Christmas, but now is the perfect time to do so!! Early planning can save you a world of stress as the holiday season approaches.
Thanks to a good friend, a light came on in my head one Christmas many many moons ago. Many people don’t pay their November/December bills to buy Christmas gifts or they will go into debt buying gifts on credit for people when they are barely buying groceries. This is crazy.
I was someone who seemed to never have enough money throughout the year, but found money during Christmas time for gifts. I have two big families with a lot of kids and a Secret Santa drawing for adults. I never charged Christmas gifts, but I did put off paying December’s bills - to my detriment later of course.
My friend, Temeka and I were talking one year during the holiday and when she saw all the money I spent on Christmas she was shocked. At the time, we were both single moms and she knew I couldn’t afford it. Temeka told me she asked her daughter what was one thing she wanted more than anything else and that is what she bought her. Temeka, her sister, and her mom had an understanding; they didn’t exchange gifts at all, no hard feelings, just love. The family came together for dinner and that was that. No pressure, no debt, just a nice Christmas.
I was hesitant at first. I thought people would be upset because they bought my kids gifts and I didn’t buy for theirs etc., etc. But I tried it that first year anyway. I bought my kids one big gift and a couple of small things, I bought for my mom and I did do the Secret Santa’s for both families, but that was it!! My bills were paid - it was freedom!!! No one disowned me, everyone understood and still bought things for my kids.
Now, I know everyone’s family is not as understanding, caring, loving, and wonderful as mine :-)). This has caused major riffs in some families - I've heard the stories. This shows you how much they value the true reason for the season. But we must do what is best for our families financially and not try to please everyone else. If you can afford to buy gifts for everyone – wonderful – do it. This isn’t a mantra against giving or Christmas. But when people are in debt and can’t pay their bills, buying gifts isn’t even on the priority list.
Thanks to a good friend, a light came on in my head one Christmas many many moons ago. Many people don’t pay their November/December bills to buy Christmas gifts or they will go into debt buying gifts on credit for people when they are barely buying groceries. This is crazy.
I was someone who seemed to never have enough money throughout the year, but found money during Christmas time for gifts. I have two big families with a lot of kids and a Secret Santa drawing for adults. I never charged Christmas gifts, but I did put off paying December’s bills - to my detriment later of course.
My friend, Temeka and I were talking one year during the holiday and when she saw all the money I spent on Christmas she was shocked. At the time, we were both single moms and she knew I couldn’t afford it. Temeka told me she asked her daughter what was one thing she wanted more than anything else and that is what she bought her. Temeka, her sister, and her mom had an understanding; they didn’t exchange gifts at all, no hard feelings, just love. The family came together for dinner and that was that. No pressure, no debt, just a nice Christmas.
I was hesitant at first. I thought people would be upset because they bought my kids gifts and I didn’t buy for theirs etc., etc. But I tried it that first year anyway. I bought my kids one big gift and a couple of small things, I bought for my mom and I did do the Secret Santa’s for both families, but that was it!! My bills were paid - it was freedom!!! No one disowned me, everyone understood and still bought things for my kids.
Now, I know everyone’s family is not as understanding, caring, loving, and wonderful as mine :-)). This has caused major riffs in some families - I've heard the stories. This shows you how much they value the true reason for the season. But we must do what is best for our families financially and not try to please everyone else. If you can afford to buy gifts for everyone – wonderful – do it. This isn’t a mantra against giving or Christmas. But when people are in debt and can’t pay their bills, buying gifts isn’t even on the priority list.
TIP: Now is the perfect time to begin saving for Christmas gifts or to start picking them up one by one - my aunt does this and is done with her shopping by October!
Disclaimer!!: You always have the one person who is a bit on the extreme side soo....I DO NOT suggest not buying your own children Christmas gifts, but you may be able to scale it down a little bit by buying the items that they want most. You could also begin family traditions that will last longer than the gifts ever will.
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