Monday, August 15, 2011

#MoneyChat: How To Lose Your Job 101


Tip 1.           Show up late a couple of days or what the heck - every day each week.

Tip 2.          Check your Facebook, Twitter and generally play on YOUR phone or work computer every   2 minutes

Tip 3.           Make the standard answer to your bosses' questions: 
 'er.. I don't know'…

Tip 4.           Bombard your boss with problems without offering solutions
 
Tip 5.           Gripe and complain all the time, about everything, everywhere, whenever you get a chance

Tip 6.           Spread and create as much gossip and rumors as you can.

Tip 7.           Take long lunches, no one is watching the clock anyway right?

Tip 8.           Lie on your resume about your skill set – definitely #loseyourjob!

Tip 9.          Get drunk at the holiday office party, complaining about nepotism when the owner’s kid is the summer help… via @DWesterberg

Tip 10.        Don’t follow up on an assignment that your employer gives you
                        via @rj1975



@BenitaTyler and I agree that the point is – even if you hate your job – you need it.  It provides the cash to pay bills, fund retirement,  get out of debt,  have a little fun sometimes, etc. Keep your job by bringing to work the attitude you want to have around you, excel in it = promotion and increase. Skip the drama and go the extra mile  - it pays off. Even if it doesn’t - do it anyway until you can find a job you will love! #keepyourjob ;-)


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tune in to #MONEYCHAT!!

On Monday nights my co-host, @BenitaTyler, and I (@DorethiaConner) discuss all things money! That's right, you can 'tune in' to our weekly Twitter conversation #MoneyChat (@MoneyChatLive) held from 8pm-9pm ET and add your two cents.

Visit Conner Coaching on Twitter

Sunday, August 14, 2011

No Health Insurance? Here's Help.

Many of you may not know - but my other life is that of Healthcare Finance. With so many people  losing healthcare coverage, having major health issues or the self-employed who aren't sure where to turn - I thought this a timely topic.  I've answered some of your questions and provided some resources below.


I don’t have insurance or a lot of money,  can I go a doctor?


Call ahead and ask for the cost of the office visit or procedure. Dr.’s offices/hospitals have uninsured or self pay discounts of up to 20 – 40%.     Don’t stop at the front desk, chat it up with your physician during your visit – let them know you don’t have insurance and would like a discount.

I have a new job but benefits aren't offered, what are my options?

Look for affordable healthcare options for your family à compare health plans here   http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/low-cost-health-insurance  or http://www.healthinsurance.org/  or

You can also go to individual insurer websites Hap, Aetna, BCBS etc.  - you might be surprised at how affordable it might be for you. My personal opinion – look for plans within your State – makes handling disputes/concerns simpler. Also, don’t just sign up online – develop a relationship with a representative, meet in person. 

What about entrepreneurs who don’t have the advantage of a spouses employer insurance plan?

Check out http://www.freelancersunion.org/insurance/explore. If you have employees check with your state’s local chamber of commerce, they often have plans available to entrepreneurs. Also - use the links above to find affordable health insurance for your family. Don't skip out on health insurance - work it into your budget. 

What about dental, vision and prescriptions?

Glasses. free stock photo


If you have major medical conditions your prescriptions can be a hefty bill – always ask for generics, tell your Dr. to prescribe most economical, but effective prescription. Dental and vision visits are often inexpensive unless you are having major work done. Even so,  plans are not as pricey as health insurance.

Any other suggestions for people with no health insurance?

  • Create healthier eating and lifestyle habits.
  • Exercise… walk 30 minute away from your home and 30 minutes back = simple steps.
  • Negotiate prices prior to receiving services - not just for office visits, but surgeries and other major services as well. Everything is negotiable.

Check Out: 

  1. Healthcare Advocacy
  2. Patient Advocate Foundation
  3. Patient Services Incorporated
  4. Empowered Patient Coalition.org

Also here's a list I found online of Healthcare Advocacy groups that help with prescription drugs & other medical care: 

What resources have you found helpful in the search for affordable healthcare?


- Your Financial Coach, 
Dorethia Conner

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Tune in to #MONEYCHAT!!

On Monday nights my co-host, @BenitaTyler, and I (@DorethiaConner) discuss all things money & biz! That's right, you can 'tune in' to our weekly Twitter conversation #MoneyChat (@MoneyChatLive) held from 8pm-9pm ET and add your two cents.

Visit Conner Coaching on Twitter
#Follow





Tuesday, August 2, 2011

What You Need To Know About Co-Signing on a Loan by LaToya M. Smith

Check out the Black Enterprise.com article below featuring advice from yours truly (ME) on this subject!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When friends and family ask you to co-sign on a loan you might think you’re doing them a favor, but you’re actually entering into some risky business.
Think seriously before signing on the dotted line (Image: Thinkstock)
According to the Federal Trade Commission, “Of the co-signed loans that default – 75% of them have to be repaid by the cosigner.” What that means is that if you decide to co-sign on a loan for someone, there is a three out of four chance that YOU will end up paying back the loan and NOT the borrower.
So, what should you do if someone asks you to co-sign on a loan? Dorethia Conner, owner of Conner Coaching, which offers personal and business financial coaching, cautions, “Don’t do it!” There is some questionable financial misinformation out there about co-signing so Conner spoke with BlackEnterprise.com to help bring some clarity to the issue and answer some key questions.
What does it mean to co-sign?
When somebody co-signs on a loan they are legally agreeing to make the payments (including late fees and attorney fees) should the loan go into default. It’s a legally binding document; that’s why it’s so hard to get out of explains Conner. Please understand that co-signing is not a reference, a favor, and you are not just a back up; you are legally responsible. Bottom Line: Read More