I was raised on welfare. Knowing the basic necessities of life were being provided for allowed for exploring and learning about many other things unrelated to money. One thing I learned is that it's not the increase in money that reduces stress, but the assurance I will always have enough to meet necessities that does the trick.
Those who think that making more money means more work are missing the point. This is clearly a hypothetical question - AKA a "thought experiment". Imagine that you got a 100% raise tomorrow, while doing exactly the same job you do now. Would you be happier?
I'm sure I'd be happier tomorrow. I'd probably be happier in one month. But next year, on in ten years? I would have adjusted to my new income and lifestyle, would find new things to worry about, and would be just about as happy as I started.
The point about reaching more happiness through experiences than through "stuff" is important, and it makes me sad that our society is biased against it. I would happily take a 25% "reduction" in salary in exchange for three months more of vacation time. Time I could spend travelling, being with family and friends, learning, practicing hobbies... But very few employers will offer you such a deal. They don't want to deal with employees being away for a long time because it breaks the "flow" of business.
OK, three months may be taking it a bit far, but many companies in Europe (where people are often happier) practically shut down for at least a month during the summer, while everyone takes a month-long vacation. I remember being told when I lived and worked in Switzerland that I was "required" to take at least half of my annual vacation time in one chunk. They said they wanted to ensure you actually relaxed, instead of taking one day off every other week all year long!
Welcome to anthology of money ( News & Events )
How to make money online
Friday, July 20, 2012
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Don't let facts stand in your way
What a terrible waste of money in a world where many Americans live below the poverty rate.
Why are our political elections dominated by advertisement rather than straightforward campaigning - why do we put stock in these stupid television adverts that demonize the opponent? Why don't Americans just focus on the issues? I want to be part of a populace that votes based on real information rather than propaganda. Makes me not want to vote at all - but I can't be that ignorant.
If we the people want to displace big money donors from politics, we the people will have to replace that money with our own.
If we the people want to save our democracy from the new brutality of the Citizen's United debacle, we the people must consistently participate in our politics and stop hiring politicians to do it for us.
If we the people want to rule ourselves, we the people must pay attention to what's going on and show up at the polls on E Day.
If we the people fail to do this, then they the economic dictators will, from their private salons, be our rulers.
I always find it disgusting that money plays such a big role in campaigns. The one with the richest friends wins. Does that make sense? And it seems to favor big business interests, too.
Let's elect people on the basis of platform and past history. And, while we're at it, let's make it a law that candidates have to write their own speeches.
My $40 donation to the democrats times 1 million other donations is around $40 million. No small number, yet peanuts compared to the Koch brothers $200 million.( I plan to give more over the summer) In the end, the three of us each have one vote. Yes, $200 million can influence more people, but, that is when our citizenship comes into play. Each of us has a responsibilty to read, investigate, and listen to all of the candidates in order to make an informed decision.
I take time every day to read the papers, look for information online, and watch "news" reports. Most poeple don't have that time available, I make the time. It is important in todays political and economic climate to be informed, to weed out the junk and choose a candidate who best suits your interests. Voting is a selfish proposition.
300 million+ people all want their own way. I have never voted for anyone because they spent more money on the campaign..
Welcome to anthology of money ( News & Events )
Why are our political elections dominated by advertisement rather than straightforward campaigning - why do we put stock in these stupid television adverts that demonize the opponent? Why don't Americans just focus on the issues? I want to be part of a populace that votes based on real information rather than propaganda. Makes me not want to vote at all - but I can't be that ignorant.
If we the people want to displace big money donors from politics, we the people will have to replace that money with our own.
If we the people want to save our democracy from the new brutality of the Citizen's United debacle, we the people must consistently participate in our politics and stop hiring politicians to do it for us.
If we the people want to rule ourselves, we the people must pay attention to what's going on and show up at the polls on E Day.
If we the people fail to do this, then they the economic dictators will, from their private salons, be our rulers.
I always find it disgusting that money plays such a big role in campaigns. The one with the richest friends wins. Does that make sense? And it seems to favor big business interests, too.
Let's elect people on the basis of platform and past history. And, while we're at it, let's make it a law that candidates have to write their own speeches.
My $40 donation to the democrats times 1 million other donations is around $40 million. No small number, yet peanuts compared to the Koch brothers $200 million.( I plan to give more over the summer) In the end, the three of us each have one vote. Yes, $200 million can influence more people, but, that is when our citizenship comes into play. Each of us has a responsibilty to read, investigate, and listen to all of the candidates in order to make an informed decision.
I take time every day to read the papers, look for information online, and watch "news" reports. Most poeple don't have that time available, I make the time. It is important in todays political and economic climate to be informed, to weed out the junk and choose a candidate who best suits your interests. Voting is a selfish proposition.
300 million+ people all want their own way. I have never voted for anyone because they spent more money on the campaign..
Welcome to anthology of money ( News & Events )
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Only you know the truth
The American oil industry would have to pay a premium for labor, they would most certainly shut down one or more refineries that produce gasoline for American automobiles and given the saber rattling that is occurring in Iran and the demand in the European nations who were cut off by Iran would most certainly create more demand on gasoline for Europe and other parts of the world. So, what part of this does the President control? The oil companies were playing this game long before President Obama was born. By the way, I would rather suspect that the decision makers within the oil industry would rather see a Republican in the White House after this President held BP accountable for their negligence in the Gulf of Mexico, and to believe that they would not play dirty pool in an election cycle is naive at best. I would rather suspect that your objectivity in viewing the price hike is obscured by your political persuasion or some type of personal resentment for the man who sits in the White House. Only you know the truth as to what that is. However, I think most Americans are well aware that the "result" we are seeing has little to do with the President.
Oil...the "hootch" we call the life's blood of our entitled American rights...is the addiction for which we blame everyone but ourselves.
The sacrifices that the US citizenry will not make is par for the self-indulgent course. Just look at last night's Republican debate.
The fast-food and dismissive reality show mentality we've been opiated with have allowed us in our corpulent complacency to now be "shocked...shocked!" that we're being held hostage by our addiction.
The warnings have long been foretold often... to no avail.
The preemptive solutions have been proposed...with scarcely any implementation.
Our Middle-East "friends"...tyrants and upended oil "pushers" who are now on their way into oblivion or nuclear animosity...cannot be our go-to bagmen any longer.
Now, in a parallel narcolepsy, the deniers of science...climate change...global warming and their obvious and horrific encroachments on our earth, want only to take the path of least resistance...drilling, using outmoded forms of energy and resist investment in technologies...Misplaced subsidies must be rerouted to those in the private business sector who are finding real answers long overdue.
The "center" is now open and ready for use...
Oil...the "hootch" we call the life's blood of our entitled American rights...is the addiction for which we blame everyone but ourselves.
The sacrifices that the US citizenry will not make is par for the self-indulgent course. Just look at last night's Republican debate.
The fast-food and dismissive reality show mentality we've been opiated with have allowed us in our corpulent complacency to now be "shocked...shocked!" that we're being held hostage by our addiction.
The warnings have long been foretold often... to no avail.
The preemptive solutions have been proposed...with scarcely any implementation.
Our Middle-East "friends"...tyrants and upended oil "pushers" who are now on their way into oblivion or nuclear animosity...cannot be our go-to bagmen any longer.
Now, in a parallel narcolepsy, the deniers of science...climate change...global warming and their obvious and horrific encroachments on our earth, want only to take the path of least resistance...drilling, using outmoded forms of energy and resist investment in technologies...Misplaced subsidies must be rerouted to those in the private business sector who are finding real answers long overdue.
The "center" is now open and ready for use...
Thursday, January 5, 2012
In hard times it can help you
For the past fifteen years I have been working from home as a seamstress. I have mostly been doing jobs for the local schools and churches, and a few projects for a small number of motorcycle groups. I have recently started receiving more clients and have decided that it is time to make some changes. I have not made much of a profit, and I would like to expand and become more serious about my work. I need my business to be more qualified and equipped so that I am able to keep up with the local competition, reach out to more people, and serve the clients that I already have in a more professional manner.
One advantage that I have to the other, well-known competition is that I try to keep my business personable by establishing a one-on-one client relationship during each transaction. The bigger companies seem too impersonal and I believe I can use that point to market my business. I also find that many of my competitors are unable to finish projects in a timely fashion. I put great stock in my ability to finish projects by the deadline I am given by my clients. Not only do I find that my business is more personal, I also offer exceptional, top of the line work and above all, I love what I do, which shows in my finished products.
To accomplish these goals I will need to start including embroidery in my list of services I already provide. Many of my customers request embroidery services, especially for the students at the local schools. The children like to have pictures and wording embroidered on their clothes, letterman jackets, and sports jerseys. My focus in advertising will be to those schools, as I have considered contacting the high school newspapers, and placing flyers around the offices. Parents are looking for other options for their children and I have been asked numerous times if I offer embroidery, so offering this service would increase my business immensely. I have been taking classes to learn the trade and with my years of sewing experience have taken to it rather easily.
Eventually, I would like to expand my business enough to hire a couple of employees. I will be very selective about who I am willing to hire and would only be looking for individuals that are trustworthy, hard-working, and as passionate about their work as I am. I would also like to find a larger location outside of my home that is more easily accessed and appealing to the public. These goals will take time, but I believe that with your help it will be possible to achieve my dream.
In order to expand I would need to start by purchasing some equipment and supplies, and begin advertising my company. I am requesting $19,500.00 to complete my business expansion. Below I have listed the needed items and the approximate cost for each.
My husband and I do not have any extra funds to cover this business expansion. As I mentioned, I have not made much of a profit with my business since I have not been able to keep up with the demand due to lack of proper equipment.
Our current income includes my business profits and my husband's retirement fund. My business profits total about $1,000 per month at most. My husband's retirement totals approximately $2,300, which is used for our monthly expenses. We pay our bills on time but struggle to do so, and we rarely have a surplus at the end of the month. We pay at minimum a mortgage of $945, electric/gas at $115, cell phone at $40, phone at $40, car insurance at $68/month, and TV at $50, totaling $1,258. We also have other expenses, but these are the most predictable.
I would greatly enjoy being given the opportunity to provide more of an income for my family, so that we could feel more secure in our financial situation and allow us to save more funds for the future and unexpected circumstances. This is something prudent in our current economy. I have considered applying for a loan through the bank. However, at my age I would love to start decreasing my debt by meeting all of my current financial obligations instead of taking on more debt. I would like to have a strong financial position in my later years, as opposed to rampant debt and uncertainty of the condition of my future.
I have always believed in giving back to the community and have tried to contribute in any way possible. Aside from running my business, I volunteer at the local nursing home and teach sewing classes to the residents. I would love to do more for the community by providing higher quality service I will be able to do so. I want to expand my volunteer services, as I enjoy making items to donate to local organizations for school auctions and fundraisers. I hope to become proficient enough to take part in bazaars and craft shows. The options are endless; I just need the proper resources to enable me to complete these tasks.
Once my business becomes more successful, I will also have job opportunities available for people in my area. Unemployment rates in Louisville have been steadily increasing, as with the rest of the country. Although I cannot offer much in the way of jobs, having two or three openings would help that many families.
If I am lucky enough to receive financial assistance, I would like to hit the ground running. I am prepared to take on a large workload and start advertising with gusto. I am extremely excited to turn my business around and I know that I will greatly enjoy my new focus. I have always been very goal oriented and self-motivated; the only thing preventing me from achieving my dream is lack of funds. I have not applied to any other foundations for grant funds nor do I have plans at this time to do so. I hope you will find that I am a great candidate for your financial aid.
One advantage that I have to the other, well-known competition is that I try to keep my business personable by establishing a one-on-one client relationship during each transaction. The bigger companies seem too impersonal and I believe I can use that point to market my business. I also find that many of my competitors are unable to finish projects in a timely fashion. I put great stock in my ability to finish projects by the deadline I am given by my clients. Not only do I find that my business is more personal, I also offer exceptional, top of the line work and above all, I love what I do, which shows in my finished products.
To accomplish these goals I will need to start including embroidery in my list of services I already provide. Many of my customers request embroidery services, especially for the students at the local schools. The children like to have pictures and wording embroidered on their clothes, letterman jackets, and sports jerseys. My focus in advertising will be to those schools, as I have considered contacting the high school newspapers, and placing flyers around the offices. Parents are looking for other options for their children and I have been asked numerous times if I offer embroidery, so offering this service would increase my business immensely. I have been taking classes to learn the trade and with my years of sewing experience have taken to it rather easily.
Eventually, I would like to expand my business enough to hire a couple of employees. I will be very selective about who I am willing to hire and would only be looking for individuals that are trustworthy, hard-working, and as passionate about their work as I am. I would also like to find a larger location outside of my home that is more easily accessed and appealing to the public. These goals will take time, but I believe that with your help it will be possible to achieve my dream.
In order to expand I would need to start by purchasing some equipment and supplies, and begin advertising my company. I am requesting $19,500.00 to complete my business expansion. Below I have listed the needed items and the approximate cost for each.
My husband and I do not have any extra funds to cover this business expansion. As I mentioned, I have not made much of a profit with my business since I have not been able to keep up with the demand due to lack of proper equipment.
Our current income includes my business profits and my husband's retirement fund. My business profits total about $1,000 per month at most. My husband's retirement totals approximately $2,300, which is used for our monthly expenses. We pay our bills on time but struggle to do so, and we rarely have a surplus at the end of the month. We pay at minimum a mortgage of $945, electric/gas at $115, cell phone at $40, phone at $40, car insurance at $68/month, and TV at $50, totaling $1,258. We also have other expenses, but these are the most predictable.
I would greatly enjoy being given the opportunity to provide more of an income for my family, so that we could feel more secure in our financial situation and allow us to save more funds for the future and unexpected circumstances. This is something prudent in our current economy. I have considered applying for a loan through the bank. However, at my age I would love to start decreasing my debt by meeting all of my current financial obligations instead of taking on more debt. I would like to have a strong financial position in my later years, as opposed to rampant debt and uncertainty of the condition of my future.
I have always believed in giving back to the community and have tried to contribute in any way possible. Aside from running my business, I volunteer at the local nursing home and teach sewing classes to the residents. I would love to do more for the community by providing higher quality service I will be able to do so. I want to expand my volunteer services, as I enjoy making items to donate to local organizations for school auctions and fundraisers. I hope to become proficient enough to take part in bazaars and craft shows. The options are endless; I just need the proper resources to enable me to complete these tasks.
Once my business becomes more successful, I will also have job opportunities available for people in my area. Unemployment rates in Louisville have been steadily increasing, as with the rest of the country. Although I cannot offer much in the way of jobs, having two or three openings would help that many families.
If I am lucky enough to receive financial assistance, I would like to hit the ground running. I am prepared to take on a large workload and start advertising with gusto. I am extremely excited to turn my business around and I know that I will greatly enjoy my new focus. I have always been very goal oriented and self-motivated; the only thing preventing me from achieving my dream is lack of funds. I have not applied to any other foundations for grant funds nor do I have plans at this time to do so. I hope you will find that I am a great candidate for your financial aid.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Folks, it's not hard to comply!
It's time to recognize that ethics and morality are self-serving in the most fundamental way; it's time to accept that having more (unless your are hungry and homeless) doesn't necessarily make life better .....
