Eat Healthy Without Breaking the Bank!

In this edition of #MoneyChat  @BenitaTyler of www.tbsusa.com taps into her mommysense!  As a proud mother and wife, she shares her secrets on how to save money for your family while still eating healthy. (Big thanks to @LatoniyaAJones for filling in as host for me!)

Q1. My husband and I have three children. How do we eat healthy and be wealthy when natural and organic food costs so much?

Create an inventory list for the menu that you create. Scan the pantry for items already in stock so you’re not duplicating them; challenge yourself to use up what’s in the fridge and cupboards before buying more.

Make sure that you buy what you will eat. It’s easy to get caught up in the joys of cooking, but when you try too many new recipes at once - food often goes to waste. Try sticking to a few new recipes at a time instead of a total menu overhaul. This way you get to try them before blowing money on things you’re not likely to eat.

Q2. Some people have problems with restraining purchases for cars and clothes. I am a foodie who loves gourmet meals and fine restaurants. How can I draw the line when eating out?

Watch for grand openings and special occasions where fine restaurants often have great deals in order to get people to patronize their new place. You and your friends can also all order a different appetizer and share. This way you get to sample several dishes and enjoy the ambiance of a nice restaurant. 

Q3. I know I'm in the group of Americans they say waste up to 40% of the food they buy. What can I do to gain better control?

Plan selections that fit within your time frame – check the expiration dates of the food that you purchase. After shopping, prepare the items that can spoil the fastest and freeze what you can’t use right away. If you bought or cooked too much consider giving food away to a family member or neighbor.

Local businesses may also appreciate in-kind donations to share among their staff. We’re all a community and what better way to show your support than with a basket of fresh fruit or veggies grown from your organic garden. Give to hospices or school lunch programs. Buy items with “sell by” dates to get better deals before they are thrown away at grocer. Also if planting your own garden, only plant what you can reasonable grow and use. You can plan a few times per season – so that packet of seeds has the potential of going a much longer way.

Q4. What do we do about recipes that involve expensive ingredients?

Ingredients can be costly at the market so trying buying things like seasonings in bulk when you can. Your wholesale club like Sam's or Costco can be a great source for staples like flour, pepper, and nuts. It’s also a great place to save on organic fruits and veggies. Try substituting higher cost items for less expensive ones where you can. Perhaps the exotic fresh item that out of season can be replaced with items that are in frozen foods.

Q5. As my business grows, it is important to make a favorable impression on clients. How do we control meal/entertainment costs? It is an important piece of our total budget.

Plan meetings that are cost effective. Consider meeting over breakfast instead of a having a lunch appointment. You can also invite clients to meet at your location and have meals in-house. You can also have lunch delivered to your client and chat by phone. This leaves a good impression and cuts the meal costs in half. 

Q6. Any last tips?

Consider your tools carefully. It is worth the investment to buy quality cookware and storage containers that will last versus cheaper ones that will have to be replaced in a few years. This adds to your savings especially when you buy in bulk. Freezing items stretches the food budget a long way and can be done quickly and inexpensively with quality storage containers. Freezer bags are also great for separating items for smaller use. Instead of buying mini bags of fruits, vegetables and snack items, separate them into individual servings so that they’re conveniently ready for when you’re running out the door.

Join us every Monday night 8-9p ET for #MoneyChat an Online Twitter Convo - Real Talk About Your Money and Biz! 

Follow us! @MoneyChatLive @DorethiaConner @BenitaTyler

Warhawk Matt Scott for NIKE - What's YOUR Excuse?

What's your excuse for not making it happen in your finances?


Someone else will handle it.
I can't afford it.
I'll just file bankruptcy... again.
I can do it myself - (how's that working for you?)
I'm financially set- what do I need a 'plan' for?
I don't want to face it.
Get out of debt? For What?
I'll just let the chips fall where they may.
It's too bad.
It's all good.
Emergency fund? That's for the rich.
I don't make enough to plan with.
My mental budgeting works just fine.
I'll start next year (you said that last year).


-Dorethia
Personal Finance & Business Coach
I'm ready whenever you are....
www.connercoaching.com

Navigating the Conference Scene!

Congratulating Mark and Tiffany Douglas as
their Detroit Avis Ford Dealership
won the B.E. 100s Award

The first year I attended the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference a friend gave me valuable advice that helped me get featured in the magazine and meet some great people who attended as well. I'm going again this year and thought I'd add to that advice what I've learned over the years when conference hopping.  

Who Do You Want To Meet?

My friend suggested making a list of all the people I want to meet, researching them and being sure to say hello at the conference. Sound advice and I've even taken it a step further. Reach out to them on Twitter, Facebook or  Linkedin - I normally only pick one platform - twitter is my choice. 

If they've written a book, blog, article - check it out - comment on it, etc. Again, conversational, social, not stalkerish. When the conference arrives you've become acquainted and it's better than meeting 'cold'.

At The Conference...

Be social - when you are in business or looking to network for career purposes, you are the salesperson. Standing in the corner scowling and being 'anti' is not cool. No one is going to learn about your business, career path, or anything else about you if they think you will bite them if approached. So, no eating lunch alone, always keep a pleasant look on your face and make sure your body language also says 'hello'.

Don't Be Stuck Up... 

If you attend a conference with the idea that you only want to meet the speakers you will miss out on the wealth of knowledge you can gain from other attendees. I've made great contacts and been blown away by the accomplishments of attendees I've met at various conferences. Get to know the people around you, ask them questions about themselves, don't constantly talk and talk and talk and talk about yourself.

At the After Party...

Yeah - you know there's always an after party - (unless you never got out of that corner). Remember that you are not at home with your buddies. Watch your drinks, language, and character. You are still being watched. People are going to think twice about hiring, booking or doing business with the person who couldn't quite keep it together.  Have fun, enjoy yourself, but maintain your decorum. 

ps: Wallflowers - NO... you may not skip the after party! 

Final Tips:

Go to more than one conference per year if you can. Pick several conferences that relate to your personal, professional goals. 

Don't skip a conference because of something negative someone else says about it. If you want to go then go. Do your own research - your experience will probably be different. 

After the conference, send 'great meeting you' notes via email or handwritten cards to the people you were able to connect with. This is not the time to 'sell' them on how wonderful you are and how they absolutely need to hire you or use your services. 

DON'T: Add them to your email, newsletter, blog list without asking. Getting their business card is not permission to do so = SPAM! 

Check out this Black Enterprise article for more tips in.. 'Don't Be THAT Person!' by @AlfredEdmondJr

Have something to add to the list? Comment below on your conference pet peeves!

Happy Networking!

@DorethiaConner  | www.connercoaching.com

10 Money Saving Ways to Show MOM Love!

I hope you often shower your mother with praise and adoration, but of course, you can't forget her 'day'! Retailers love this weekend because people spend a mint buying dinner, purses, jewelry, artwork and other lovely things moms enjoy and deserve! 

Now, If you are feeling the pinch this year and trying to think of some ways to show mom just how much she means to you, while saving money at the same time, here are some ideas:

1. Offer to clean her home 1 day a week for an entire month - (priceless in my book)
2. Have a family fun day - have the kids put on a talent show for their grandmother
3. Offer to run her errands - moms are so busy, anything that lightens the load is wonderful
4. Cook a special dinner for your mother instead of making reservations - complete with flowers
5. Create a video of family pictures set to music with funny or inspirational messages
6. If you are handy with a tool belt -  fix up a few things around the house, paint, clean out the garage/basement
7. Detail mom's car - give it a deep clean inside and out - leave a nice message on the dashboard
8. Take mom to breakfast instead of dinner - allows her to relax the rest of the day
9. Sometimes all that's needed is your company, spend the day watching movies, playing board games
10. Give mom a big hug, big kiss and tell her what an impact she has made in your life... priceless

Wishing everyone a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY... especially my own mother, who is a true gem, I thank God for placing her in my life.... 

-Dorethia

How To Reign In Your Finances!

The dynamo motivational speaker, goals coach and author, Shelita Williams invited me to discuss personal finance strategies on her BlogTalk Radio Show - How to Reign in LIFE! It was wonderful! 

Shelita's show is based on her book How To Reign In Life!. I read it some time ago and was blown away at the fact that it seemed she was talking to me throughout the book. It is definitely recommended reading for anyone looking to go to the next  level in their business, career or personal life! 

Now, if you want tips on How to Reign in Your Finances -  CLICK HERE!

-Dorethia

You don't have to be a miser, just be wiser with your money!'

Conner Coaching

Financial Struggles? Here's A Little Encouragement

We've all had a financial disaster arise at some point in our lives that we 'think' will destroy us. I don't know anyone who hasn't had a challenge of some kind - and if you haven't, well, as the ol' folks say, keep on livin'!

Whether you've faced foreclosure, a job loss, divorce or bankruptcy - the #MoneyChat Fam wants you to know there's still HOPE. Some have lost their life savings due to illness, the stock market decline, IRS debt, gambling or failed businesses - we're here to tell you it's not the end of the world. You can get back on track. We are wrapping our arms around you and saying.. 'it's gonna be alright'... and it is....

Here are a few words of encouragement from us ... to you..

@LaToniyaAJones: Hold on. You can make it. Review, Refocus, Rebuild -- One day at a time.

@MoneyChatLive: Encouragment: It's not the end of the world, everyday we wake up is a chance to get it right. Head up, shoulders back, game on! #moneychat

@learntech: If you feel stressed about money, take the focus off yourself by giving something to someone else - doesn't have to be money, could be time #moneychat

@MarisaPhoenix: Always keep your eyes on your goals, learn from your past mistakes, and know that your situation is only temporary!

@DWesterberg: Word of encouragement: Love the folks in your world, does not take money and money worries should not impede love.#moneychat

@maximumharvest: Always plan for the unexpected: learn to be comfortable where you're at - stop chasing a fall.

@shareekenesi: Everyday is truly a new day.Don't hold your head low -pick it up/create a new "Conscious" Money mindset. #moneychat

@DWesterberg: Word of encouragement: Make it a game - more you can save, more empowered - imagine angels flapping wings to your victory #moneychat

@ToothTime: #moneychat I would say if you're struggling pray and focus. If you're hanging on to some 'stuff' - material things. Let stuff go. Family and friends mean more.

@rj1975: Try living under your means and put the savings away, especially in this troubling economic time #moneychat

@judithstephens: Money Mindset Shift = How might I add to my income instead of decrease my current standard of living. #moneychat

Join us on Twitter every Monday night 8-9p ET for #MoneyChat! Real talk about your money and business! Follow us on our new Twitter page too:  @MoneyChatLive

What exactly is #MoneyChat?!

Here's to new beginnings!

-Dorethia

www.connercoaching.com

Money Smart Week April 2-9!

April 2-9 is Money Smart Week  and last Friday I attended the Breakfast Kickoff  in Michigan.  An awesome event designed to provide an update on the current state of financial literacy, consumer confidence, economy, etc. locally and nationally. The experts were well chosen, an economist, a real estate president, university professor and banking CEO. All moderated by Susan Tompor, personal finance editor at the Detroit Free Press, who gave a great commentary on the 'latte' factor'. 

As we all converged on the Detroit Branch of the Federal Reserve of Chicago, the panelists shared what they 'saw' in connecting with consumers, students and corporations alike. It is always refreshing to hear the view of people who are 'in the trenches' so to speak, outside of the news bites we hear on television. 

One suggestion that is near and dear to my heart, was making financial literacy mandatory in our schools and starting as early as possible. I couldn't agree more. It is offered in some of our schools, but the students don't have to take it, which is a tragedy in my view. This leaves many of our youth unprepared to handle their finances in the 'real world'.. thus creating a cycle of debt and mismanagement that they are cleaning up possibly well into their 40's. 

I won't get on my soap box but I want YOU to get involved. That's right! There are several events around YOUR CITY for Money Smart Week. Take your family, friends & children - there is something for everyone and it's all... FREE! This link is a guide to all the events in Metro Detroit, but you can search for events in your city as well. 

I'm scheduled to speak in Detroit at the Charles H. Wright Museum again April 9th from 11am-1pm - Join us! This is a collaboration between the museum, Operation Hope and Urban Financial Services Coalition

ps. Thanks to Michigan Jump$tart Coalition for hosting and coordinating the kickoff breakfast and so many other informative events that increase the financial literacy of our region!

Here's to YOUR Financial Future!

-Dorethia

Conner Financial Coaching

Getting a Financial Game Plan For Your Small Business!

Melinda Emerson (@smallbizlady) invited me to be a guest on her twitter chat last Wednesday and I had a great time. #SmallBizChat is a wealth of information for small business owners who want to take their business to the next level.  
Here's the link for the blog post with detailed answers on 'Getting a Financial Game Plan for Your Small Business!' http://bit.ly/eeFnMM A must read if you want to put your business on solid footing - (if I must say so myself). Enjoy!

Business Startup Pitfalls!

So you want to start a business and need some practical advice huh? You came to the right place! Here are a few things you want to avoid when embarking into the world of entrepreneurship: 

Having Your Head in the Clouds

When you think of opening your own business do you dream of sleeping late, money rolling in, vacationing when you want to and no one telling you what to do? Mmmm… hmmm.  Now wake up! Owning a business is hard work…. Let that sink in. It’s hard work, early mornings, late nights, less vacations and many a day the money may be a figment of your imagination. That’s why I advise clients to create a business from something they are passionate about… you will need to tap into that love on the bad days.  Successful businesses are not instantly created - the hard work will pay off in the long run, but you will have to stick it out!

Not Enough Planning

You do need a business plan, albeit you don’t necessarily need a 40 pager to get started if you are funding the business yourself. But you do need a WRITTEN plan of how you will run your business, how you will pay for it and how you will tell the world about your business.  For a new business that isn’t looking for outside funding I would suggest at least 1 – 2 pages detailing each of the following:

Financials – Startup costs, a 3 – 5 year forecast and cash flow planning.  Create a realistic schedule of how many products you will sell or how many clients will you see as a new business.

Marketing – Don't depend solely on free Social Media avenues to market your product or service. What will you do to spread the word and how much will you allot for your marketing budget? Yes, you need a marketing budget… not just in name, but also funded.

Processes – What happens in your operations from the time a customer/client contacts you to the delivery of product or service? How will you create, manufacture, deliver your product?

Too Much Planning

You’ve read the books, gone to the seminars, taken the notes, written and re-written the plan– now it’s time to MOVE!  Elbow grease time - develop a timeline and put the PLAN TO WORK!

Going It Alone

You may start out as a one man band, but you don't want to stay that way. Have a plan for hiring staff or outsourcing services needed to run your business?

Also line up a board of advisors. Who will help you ‘see’ what’s going on your business when you can’t? You need objective voices that aren’t involved in the day to day operations to give you sound advice.

Then there are your paid professional advisors. Yes, money may be tight initially – especially if you bootstrap in the beginning, but  you will need at the minimum an accountant, attorney, bookkeeper and assistant.

Skipping the Number Crunching

Ahh yes.. you knew the Money Lady was going to park here a minute.  The math is important – don’t just leave it up to your accountant - know how to read/evaluate your financial statements. Know how to enter transactions into your accounting software. Better yet – how are your personal finances? You may  will have to tap into your personal money to fund your business, if there’s nothing there you are going to be in trouble.  Begin to develop a plan in your personal finances for tracking and budgeting so that you always know what you have and how much you can allocate to your business.

- Dorethia
www.connercoaching.com

What is #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 held from 8pm-9pm ET and add your two cents.

We interview guests or answer personal finance, tax, accounting, entrepreneurship and various other business questions ourselves. Since a conversation can't be one sided - we invite the #MoneyChat fam to comment on the Q & A as well - sharing what has or hasn’t worked on their money quest. Each week there’s a new topic and in 2011 we’re getting out of debt.... so there’s HOMEWORK involved!!

We use Tweetgrid ←(Check out Benita’s fancy how-to vid) to keep up with all the questions and answers. You can also use the Twitter search feature (search.twitter.com) your Twitter page or a Twitter application like Hootsuite or Tweetdeck to follow and add your input. Just look for the the hashtag (#) + moneychat = #moneychat. We look forward to 'seeing' you on the chat!

Interested in being a guest on #MoneyChat? We'd love to have you! Email info@connercoaching.com and we’ll send you the guidelines.

A Few of Our Past #MoneyChat Topics:

Grants De-Mystified for YOUR Non-Profit or For-Profit Biz! http://t.co/uUOQ1XB

Taxes: Getting the Biggest BANG for your BUCK! http://t.co/PCXSoor

We're Getting Out of Debt! Week 2 - Business Debt! http://t.co/VxtV2S8

Getting College Cash! http://t.co/szKPUYp

---

Dorethia Conner, MBA: Personal Finance and Small Business Coach

www.connercoaching.com | dorethia@connercoaching | 800.962.2491

Benita Tyler: Tax, Accounting and Women Owned Business Consultant

www.tbsusa.com |  btyler@tbsusa.com | 888.380.1112

_________________________________________________________________________

                                                           

Monday nights 8-9p.m. est.

@dorethiaconner  &  @benitatyler

NFL Players: How Will You Fair Financially in a Lockout?

With a pending NFL lockout looming, players have some serious financial decisions to make. Most of what we hear about is the excessive spending of athletes, but not the nuts and bolts of their expenses. True enough, many do make foolish financial decisions - also true is that less of them are multi-millionaires than we think. So for those who have been living extravagantly and those who are keeping their heads on straight – I’ve compiled a few suggestions for waiting out the lockout…

Review Your Expenses. Duh, I know. Create two lists – one of all your current monthly/annual expenses and another with only your necessities. Think about things like household expenses, mortgage, insurances, autos, tuition, medical, professional expenses, etc. Look at your bottom line of both lists– do you have enough in savings to live a season with no pay and also prepare financially for the days when there’s no more football? Cut, cut, cut!

Family Meeting. Have a ‘real talk’ session with your family – let everyone know we're scaling back. No new cars, no expensive trips… teach everyone the word ‘staycation’. Skip the shopping and major purchases. Truth be told, everyone probably has everything they need in the way of clothes, cars, etc. Enjoy what you already have for a while without buying new.

Side Gigs. Brush up on your speaking skills – event planners for universities, conferences, etc. would be glad to have an NFL athlete or his wife, give an inspiring message.…you got it - everyone needs a side gig! What are some other ways you can maximize your celebrity? If you have already started a business – what can be done to accelerate increased revenues this year?

Casanova? Chill on the ladies – wining and dining adds up – so do paternity lawsuits…enough said.

Keep It Real. If you are among the 20% of NFL players who has no savings it’s time for immediate action. Do all of the above in addition to downsizing your home, selling what you can in the way of cars, artwork, stocks, etc. I know this is a tough call, but it’s necessary to right-size your finances.

Entourage... Athletes and entertainers are always criticized about their ‘crew’. Those on the outside looking in don’t know what some of these people may mean to you. While I will admit there are many who aren’t around for the right reasons, I also know that you can’t make a general statement across the board. So, my advice on the entourage is to truthfully evaluate those in your circle - going everywhere you go, while you foot the bill. Outside of security, who is really necessary? If they must hang with you, why can’t they pay their own bill?  I’d even say they could treat you once in awhile. I’m just sayin’.  Do the math – how much do you spend on those around you that are not immediate family? They may need a ‘real talk’ conversation too.

Ryan Mundy from the Steelers is a perfect example of the reality of many NFL Players who are responsible financially and aren’t millionaires: http://bit.ly/i7TCP1

-Dorethia


Dorethia Conner, MBA: Personal Finance and Business Coach

www.connercoaching.com | dorethia@connercoaching | 800.962.2491| 248.325.8016

______________________________________________________________________

Financial and Business Coaching Available Nationwide!    

Economics of an NFL Lockout Hit Home

When you think about the idea of an NFL Lockout, initially you may wonder what you will do with your Sunday and Monday nights. What will replace the fun of haggling over fantasy football and whoa....no SUPERBOWL! The nerd in me then begins to do the math and follow the money. There’s a lot of talk about what that the wealthy will lose, but what about all the people who help make it happen?

• Team personnel could lose their jobs.

• Empty stadiums = no concession workers, ticket takers, janitors, clerical staff, etc. etc.

• Parking structures, lots near the stadiums, shuttle services, wholesale hot dog suppliers, local hotels and restaurants would lose money, thus their employees could lose their jobs.

• Yes, television networks that carry the games would lose billions in ad revenue (CBS, ESPN, Fox, NBC and the NFL Network) - professionals assigned to those ad accounts would not be needed.

• What about the distributors and local retailers of the jerseys, mugs, video games? They won’t be happy either.

This list is only the beginning. Many numbers are being tossed around – one being that each city that hosts an NFL team would lose $160 million dollars. Not sure if that’s correct or not, but there’s no doubt that each city would certainly lose millions.  In this recessionary economy - not exactly what we need.

For those whose work is related to the NFL – start thinking of alternatives. Hopefully, a reasonable agreement for both can be reached, but if not, you don’t have millions or billions to rely on.

Wondering what all the fuss is about? Check out this article from Theweek.com http://bit.ly/fHjU0c

-Dorethia

Dorethia Conner, MBA: Personal Finance and Business Coach

www.connercoaching.com | dorethia@connercoaching | 800.962.2491| 248.325.8016

_______________________________________________________________________________

Financial and Business Coaching Available Nationwide!    

Tax Tips for Freelancers

Many freelancers and business owners have questions when it comes to their taxes. Who better to help you navigate the murky waters than Benita Tyler of TBSUSA Accounting? Check out Benita's tips below!

There is a lot of flexibility in business ownership. When to work, who to work with, and the type of work that you do are all great benefits. But even with the freedom to create the business of your dreams there is still a need for know-how. It is important to have insight in areas such as tax compliance and regulations to help you reduce your tax bill. Here's how E.S.P. helps you achieve great tax results in 3 simple steps!

E - Expense Classification

In addition to the opportunity to increase income you may have noticed another benefit of self-employment. If you are like others who start their own company then you likely realize the tax savings from writing off business expenses. This is an area that can be confusing when you do not understand where to draw the line. For example, if you work from home the Internal Revenue Service allows deductions for the business use of your home. In most cases there is only a certain percentage of the expense that qualify for the business deduction. Knowing what deductions are available to you makes the difference in how much you end up paying when you file your return. If you are unsure of what expenses to claim, speak with an accountant to get more advice.

S - Scheduling Payments

There are several types of taxes that may apply to you as a self-employed person. Examples include self-employment, income, sales, and payroll taxes. Depending on how your company is set up you may need to remit one or all of the taxes above. It is important that you understand the filing requirements from a federal, state, and local level. Get a tax calendar to track the schedule for filing forms and sending in payments. Failure to do so can lead to hefty tax penalties which means fewer tax savings for you.

P - Procedures and Payments

Another pitfall that is common to self-employment is overpaying income and self-employment taxes. Planning and good math are keys to successfully reducing taxes. A simple improvement that can make a big difference in how much tax you pay is putting the right financial procedures in place. The more thorough you are in tracking your financial activity the better off you will be when it comes time to file your taxes. This way you are not over reporting income or under reporting expenses.

It is important to be familiar with the tax rules that govern self-employment. Using this simple model will keep you in compliance and help you lower your tax bill

More questions? Contact:

Benita Tyler
Phone: (888) 380-1112

www.tbsusa.com

Nationwide Tax and Accounting Services Available

Get a G.R.A.S.P On Your Budget and Your Cash! by Michael Kastler

Next week, February 20 - 27th, 2011 is America Saves Week - we all know that you can't save if you don't know what you have! This is where Mike Kastler comes in with sound budgeting and money management advice! 

Mike is the Author of 'Get a GRASP on Your Budget and Your Cash' - a 5 Step Budgeting Program that helps take the pain out of budgeting! I asked Mike to share with us his motivation for writing the book and what readers can expect 

My passion was to create an inexpensive budgeting workbook and program that virtually anyone could afford!  I wanted to share my own personal finance journey and successes with anyone that wanted to achieve goals and create wealth from normal means of income.   My goal was to teach the Motivation, Knowledge and Discipline required to make budgeting a fun and personally rewarding experience.

The book's central theme is the 5-Step budgeting process - GRASP - which stands for:

G ather/organize your records

R ecord your data

A nalyze

S et-up accounts  

P ay-off debt 

It's a very logical, cookbook-style approach that walks the reader through each step.  Motivation techniques are taught to help the reader write out their goals which then become the 'motivation' for performing the GRASP budgeting process.  There's also a Discipline section which gives the reader some techniques and examples of how to stay on track month after month.  Emphasis is placed on teamwork within a marriage or accountability partner and starting children early with a Kid's Reward Program. There is something for everyone in this book!   

 

For 32 years Michael T. Kastler was employed in the automotive and IT industries working with clients on business, finance, procurement and IT strategies where he was recognized by senior level executives and received several awards. While climbing the corporate ladder, Kastler developed a love for finance and developed his own budgeting program leading to successful college savings for his children and his own retirement.

Educated with a Mathematics and Computer Science degree from Lawrence Tech University and Executive Education from Harvard Business School, Kastler branched out into the world of personal finance in 2009 by authoring the budgeting workbook entitled "Get a GRASP on Your Budget and Your Cash!" along with the companion MS Excel spreadsheet. Focusing on a simple cookbook-style approach and designed for the 90% of the population that isn't wealthy, he made his mark by incorporating Motivation and Discipline into the budgeting process.

Kastler has appeared on Fox2 News in Detroit and guest-hosted a radio show on WMUZ. He also launched his Budgeting Money Tips blog and website. You can purchase the book and learn more at http://www.budgetingmoneytips.com or email mkastler@budgetingmoneytips.com