Household Spending Plans

Much of the time it is up to the woman of a household to take care of the spending plan (AKA Budget) and immediate finances. The task of determining the monthly cost allocation for activities as well as cooking, cleaning, and food shopping. In other instances a women with children has to take care of these duties while also working part of full time. 

For a household that is not financially planned, this situation can create chaos if not managed. When kids are involved in the mix, the need for a spending plan is much more greater as resources tend to become depleted quite easily. By setting easy and comfortable money targets for your family, which can save you both time and money. This will enable the family household to run easier and smoother, therefore planning ahead of time is essential. For example grocery shopping in bulk will not only save you time and money, but it will also save you in terms of preparation. You will be able to make meals in large batches, then freeze them for whenever you need a quick meal. This allows you a piece of mind that you can always have something ready for last minute occasions. 

Another large impact of a family's costs is the entertainment expense. When you have kids they have a need to be stimulated all the time. Instead of spending money on going to the movies, buying them unnecessary toys, and expensive fun parks, enroll them in sports teams or some type of lesson that they are interested in. Go to the library and borrow books on core life skills. Yes, this will cost some money but in the long run it is much less than the other types of entertainment. Your kids will learn a new skill that will enable them to keep preoccupied & content even they are not at their actual lesson or team practice. They will be able to practice on their own and get better at something not involving a video game or TV. 

Setting a spending plan for your family needs to be customised to the amount of money that is going in and out of your household every month. If you are trying to save up for something then something else must be given up. This really allows you to weigh what is important to you, short-term satisfaction or long-term goals. 

If we know some of these tips, this will set up a household to be the most efficient as possible. When a household is efficient, it opens up the much-needed time for family and friends to enjoy each other's company. Creating successful habits can allow your family to become closer knit because you will value the time you can spend with each other.

False Promises and Financial Freedom

If you have them, you probably know that credit cards and after pay services make false promises of financial freedom, only to find out later that instead of being free, you've been imprisoned in debt. It's as bad as some men, lulling you into a sense of security, only to be screwed over in the worst way possible. Indeed, credit cards as well as after pay services are the bane of everybody's existence, and the sooner you realise it, the better it is for you. 

The Freebie

Most people, men and women alike, are enticed by credit card and finance companies with freebies. You've all heard about it. As long as you put in your application, you're promised free and in the words of Keith Cunningham "things and stuff" as soon as your application is approved. What you don't know is you'll be paying for those freebies faster than you can grab the credit card or your phone from your purse. Indeed, in this day and age, freebies come with a price, so find out what it's really going to cost you. 

Not Interested 

Credit card and after pay companies thrive on interest and hidden charges. Every time you take out your credit card, you can be sure that you're secretly being charged for something. Before you add another credit card to that arsenal you already have in your handbag. Whether it is a credit card or after pay product, read the fine print and find out what additional charges and interest will inevitably come with your purchases. Don't be fooled by the fancy lingo as it is time to get educated. Check your statement on the interest rate you are paying and the additional charges in interest if you do not pay in full or miss the payment deadline and incur late fees.

It's Payback Time 

Your credit cards work best if you can pay for it in full every time your bill comes out. You won't have to deal with monthly interest and additional charges. But then, that defeats the purpose of having a credit card in the first place. However, you can't fight the system, so the best you can do is make the system work with you. Use your credit cards responsibly. 

Using afterpay is not worth it when you do the numbers, by the time you have paid off your favourite outfit, it will be at the back of the wardrobe with all the other clothes and shoes you don't wear.

Ostentatious and unnecessary purchases should be avoided, and no, that doesn't include those strappy, brown sandals you've been checking out for the last two weeks, regardless of your payment option.

Only take out your credit card when you absolutely need to, such as when you're buying groceries or things you really need and can't live without. 

Better yet, hide your credit card somewhere where you won't be tempted into making impulse purchases. If you read my story, I used to keep my credit card in the freezer.

Indeed, credit cards are more liabilities rather than assets and it's not easy to get rid of them. But as long as you take control, you'll be okay. 

Eventually, it'll all be paid off and you won't have to worry about exorbitant interest and finance charges. 

Then and only then are you really on your way to financial freedom. 

Studies Show Struggling Economies Hit Women the Hardest

An increasing number of women and self-employed individuals are suffering from major debt problems that, if left unattended, can eventually cause insolvency. 

Income loss is the most common reason why people enter a Debt Management Plan (DMP).

Figures from the ONS confirm the fact that the economic downturn has forced women and the self-employed to struggle to make ends meet. More and more employees who used to work full-time are now on shorter shifts or have only very few work opportunities. Furthermore, there is a skills shortage and despite jobs advertised, many do not have the skills required to fulfill those roles.

What to Do Now? 

Anyone who's faced with serious debt should get advice at the earliest possible stage. Many countries offer free advisory support, so please check government websites as a starting point.

Employees who have very limited disposable income and whose debts are below a certain threshold can resort to a debt relief order. If debts are higher, the best option would be bankruptcy. Note that every country has different rules so please check for your geographical region. 

Every financial situation is unique and any action should be done with caution. Some experts suggest that the initial step should be seeking professional help from a qualified IVA or debt adviser. More importantly, when in the midst of income loss, people should start prioritising bills and payments, such as mortgage, insurance, council tax, and other necessities. 

It's always good advice to speak with lenders and financial services first to inform them about your status and find professional assistance. 

The key to get out of a spiral of debt is to tackle impending financial problems before they really hit. This way, you can get back on your feet and eventually have your finances back in good shape. 

Financial Independence for Women

For security reasons Ladies, it is important for us to have the knowledge about how to make financial decisions. 

Facts that many of us choose to be single, and the divorce rates are getting higher should underline the more important reasons why we need to equip ourselves with complete financial knowledge to survive in our life. 

We must know that: 

We cannot live from month to month. It is important to save some part of our income, whether from our partners or from our own salary. 

We must have our own personal account instead of a join account with our spouse. It will increase our self confidence as well. Having a personal account will be useful when something happens to our spouse, as our personal account will give us more flexibility and authority than our joint account. 

We must have our own investment and retirement account. This will help protect our finances when the breadwinner of the family turns his heart against the family. 

We must have our own credit card. The best time to have a credit card is when you need it the least, when you can pay on time. A credit card will be very useful under urgent circumstances, when you do not have enough cash on hand. Although we may think that you may not need a credit card, it is recommended to have one for urgency. 

We must get involved in monthly family finances. Almost all of us have something to eliminate, by working together with our partner, as a collective, we could save more than before. 

Having enough money in our savings will give us the courage to leave an unpleasant job or a horrible marriage. 

What should always be remembered is being able to manage a family and personal financial does not mean that you can forget your destiny as a woman. 

To build a happy and harmonious family, women and men are equal, we should not compete against each other. 

How to Protect Yourself From More Debt when Considering Separation and or Divorce

Several men and women are staying married, but living separated because of today's economy. In fact, there are still separated men and women who are sharing the same house. We often associated divorces with long messy battles, so why is this happening? 

It is happening because people just don't have the money to spend. Especially married couples with children are realising that it is in their best interest to live together but separately for the time being. But what if you aren't one of those individuals? What if you and your spouse have decided to part ways? What if you were enrolled in a debt relief program at the time? Or, what if you need to enroll in one now because you owe a lot of money to the creditors? 

Agreements: When it comes to divorce, if you own any shared assets, these will often be divided up. In the case of a home, that home is often sold during or after the divorce. If the home still has a mortgage, that amount is paid off first. Unless other special arrangements were made, the leftover money from the sale is typically divided between the two. A similar agreement needs to be made for debts. 

Lets say you two have a credit card (with both your names on the account) and that credit card has $100,000 in debt. You both used the card; therefore, it is debt that belongs to both of you. One of the first things you want to do is bring this to the attention of your lawyer. This debt can and should be worked into your divorce agreement. 

While there are steps that you can take to protect yourself when it comes to divorce and debt relief, there are some men and women who are placed in very unfortunate situations. They had their ex-spouse up and disappear or outright refuse to pay their portion of the debt. You might be surprised how much this happens. You want to keep your credit and finances in good standing, but it seems as if they could care less. What should you do? 

As tempting as it might be, you don't want to avoid paying the bills. You think "it isn't my responsibly," but the creditors will still come after you. You could always go the route of small claims court, but right now your focus should be taking care of your credit. This is particularly true if you have children; you'll never know when you need financing for a car or medical emergency. Here comes another problem though, if you are now a single parent you are struggling to make ends meet. The best thing for you to do is to talk to a debt relief program. 

In this case, debt relief programs that focus on consolidation typically aren't recommended. You will get a consolidated loan in just your (not your ex's either). Should you ever later want to go after them in small claims court, you might have hurt your chances. That is why settlement is best. What happens here is the amount you owed is reduced. A settlement company will agree to get your creditors to settle for less, making it a lot easier for you to pay. 

There has really never been a more advantageous time for consumers to try and eliminate unsecured debt. Creditors are very concerned about collecting and most have government money to make eliminating some of your debt financially feasible. 

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Morgan_Laronte/453774 

Financial Planning Challenges that Women Face

If you were to guess which issue women worry about most right now would you guess kids, family, our partner being faithful, health, time management, mental health or stress, or maybe even equal rights? 

The answer is...... our finances. 

This response may or may not surprise you now, but consider the following list of financial issues unique to us:

• We are more intimidated than men about financial issues 
• We earn less money than men (82 cents in the $)
• We are less prepared for retirement as we have less money to retire on
• We live on average 8 years longer than men 
• We don't know who to trust with our finances so we tend to leave it in the bank or spend it
• We are more conservative investors than men
• It is more challenging for single mothers, even more if you are a working parent
• We are caring for elderly parents 
• Our health insurance plans cost us more
• We tend to defer to men regarding long term financial decisions, even though we manage the daily household finances 
• Money may have been managed by our spouses  when married and then we do not know how to manage money if we end up divorced
• The finance Industry doesn't really cater for women and we generally don't trust the men in suits
• Women of Colour are the most dis-advantaged statistically when it comes to equality and earnings

A study by the National Center for Women and Retirement Research showed that women investors were more worried than men about running out of money in old age, preferred more conservative investments, wanted fixed/steady returns, were more unnerved by stock fluctuations and worried more about investment decisions. 

Due to this, our retirement years are severely impacted as we have earned less money, therefore we have less to retire on whilst we live longer.

Most and Anthes note that according to the Administration on Aging "...half the elderly widows now living in poverty were not living in poverty before their husbands died. 

The picture is even worse for older women in many minority groups.

The next generation of retirees may have been raised in an environment in which men handled the money decisions. 

Despite more women actually pay the weekly bills, we tend to have little knowledge of the larger family finances such as retirement plans, insurance, annuities, etc. because we defer this to our spouse's to make the decisions. 

It is essential for women to understand the 'big picture' of their finances, especially for retirement, divorce, or death of their spouse. 

Because we earn less than men, we are less prepared for retirement, and receive smaller retirement benefits, we need to make sure that our husband's retirement benefits will pass to us if our husband dies first. 

Because we may be more intimidated about asking questions of our attorney or financial advisor, we may miss crucial details (such as single-life annuity which may bring higher levels during the husband's life but that ends when the husband dies first), or incorrect beneficiaries on life insurance policies. 

During a divorce, we may be more concerned about custody issues and keeping the house than our future retirement and may agree to forgo retirement plans. 

Single parenting brings a whole host of financial challenges, including lost wages from parenting responsibilities and childcare and babysitters. 

If the extra expenses and possibly lower income are not included in the divorce settlement, as single mother may find that she is unable to keep the house and she loses the two most valuable assets: the house and her retirement plan. 

Women not only make less money than men, our health plan may cost more than for men due to mammograms, the cervical-cancer vaccine, Pap tests and pregnancy related services. 

This is unfair, but while the inequity exists, we must make an extra effort to contribute the difference to a Health Savings Account or savings program to avoid using credit to pay for the added medical bills if needed.

Another huge drain on women's finances is caring for our aging parents. 

More women care for aging parents than men. 

However distasteful it may be to condense a daughter's love for her parents into a discussion of money, this issue must be addressed so that women can prepare. 

Because of the aging baby-boomer population, these numbers will soon become staggering. 

If you add caring for young children into the mix at the same time, the financial results can be devastating. 

Because of the special issues facing women, it is crucial that we educate ourselves about finances and the realities of financial gender inequity and plan for our future. 

The male-dominated financial services industry is just beginning to realise the unique financial planning issues for women. 

This is where we come in ladies, to ensure you have the financial education so you have the knowledge you need to become financially fabulous.

We support you with the basics of financial education and ensure that you find trusted advisors that understand your issues and are helping you plan accordingly. 

Don't be afraid to ask your advisors questions (we put a guide together on this exact topic so you know what questions to ask and are fully aware of the process). 

Now is the time to begin planning for the future: 

• Have a plan 
• Increase your knowledge and understanding of financial matters 
• Utilise trusted professional advisors to implement your plans  
• Regularly monitor your progress

Femvestorsglobal is your starting point to your financial journey, we will ensure you reach your "Moneymoon Destination"

The Emotional Triggers of Credit Card Debt

I used to always say that shopping was cheaper than a psychiatrist!

Here is a mind blowing statistic: In 2021, Women accounted for 75% of consumer purchases. And in a country such as the US, where spending is a driving force of the economy and the average consumer credit card debt is $6,275, there is an enormous amount of buying power in the hands of women. 

There are several reasons why women purchase more than men; for instance, we are often in charge of the household expenses and day to day shopping or we spend more because of societal pressures regarding appearance and lifestyle. Another reason is the need to manage our emotions through the act of shopping. 

Men, on the other hand, have a more straightforward approach to purchasing goods; they spend money on things they deem are needed or necessary and are much more focused on saving for the future. They are not as vulnerable to credit card debt as women because they see themselves as the providers of money. 

However, when men do buy, it is usually for larger scale purchases such as electronics, houses, or cars. These are more lasting purchases and houses and cars are generally considered assets. On the other hand, women tend to spend the most money on clothing, shoes, and accessories. 

The rate of bankruptcies, because of credit card debt, for women between the ages of 25 and 44 is the highest for any group. Women are more likely to purchase an expensive handbag, shoes, or electronics than to save their money.  

Young women also have more exposure to celebrities and their lifestyles than every before, they try to emulate their lifestyles through their purchases—often leading to more credit card debt.

Another reason women are more likely find themselves in credit card debt, is our emotional connection with money. For women, money often symbolises security or the ability to attain a better lifestyle. It is often difficult for women to separate our emotions from the detached business of money which creates many problems over time. We tend to express our love, goals, and individualism through money, while to the majority of men, money is just money. 

Women assign money with a value that it doesn’t have, the ability to improve our self-esteem or our happiness. These are values that have been adopted in childhood because our parents are more likely to encourage boys to be more entrepreneurial while girls are often subconsciously taught that we should be taken care of financially. 

These influences are the blueprint for a life of financial success or financial disaster. As women, we do not learn how to properly save and invest, therefore, we find ourselves in credit card debt as we don't really know what else to do with our money. 

This is where femvestorsglobal comes in as we can support you exactly where you need it.

Addressing the emotional connections that you have with money and your old stories as to why, is an important step in the process of achieving financial responsibility and a debt free life. 

Women and Real Estate

If you don't already own a home, there are so many reasons to from a financial perspective: 

• build equity
• save money on taxes and use your equity as back-up security 

Equity is the ability to increase the difference between your home value and the amount you owe on your mortgage.

Moreso, as a woman there is an even important reason, it is a tremendous source of security for your future. 

Many women that own real estate have seen success in other parts of their financial lives as well! 

This could include renting out spare rooms for additional income.

If you already own a home, you should think about paying down your mortgage a bit more each month or year. 

If you are married, this will only increase the value of your assets towards your retirement. 

In fact, it is an opportunity to become more active within the financial realm of your life. 

By becoming interested in the insights of the financial details of how it works (i.e. through paying off your mortgage earlier, refinancing when rates lower or appraising the home when values rise), it can lead to taking more of an interest in other areas of your family's personal finance. 

For women that end up alone, either through divorce or widowed, owning a home can provide tremendous financial security. 

It provides options that provide security later on in life such as: tapping into the value of the home, getting extra income or taking advantage of the increased value. 

Since real estate prices have gone up so much these last few years, partially due to low interest rates, you might be thinking that you can't afford to get into the real estate market where you live. 

You can look in other areas. 

For example, central CBD locations have become prohibitively expensive. 

Therefore, many people are buying homes in the outer suburbs and have already seen property values rise. 

Or you might be thinking that you don't have enough saved for a down payment. 

Many people don't believe in mortgage insurance, the reality is that this may be worthwhile to enable you to purchase a home. It is likely you will see this money returned as the value of your home may have gone up so the insurance is money well spent.

If you don't do anything about it, you still won't have enough saved for a down payment. 

The alternative options is that you could buy a small 1 bedroom apartment and rent it out. It doesn't always have to be the home you need to live in.

My first investment property was a 1 bedroom apartment in a boutique development in Melbourne's CBD in Australia. I have since purchased further investment properties and have not lived in any of them.

I am a "rentvestor" which means that I rent myself and buy houses to rent out to others.

If owning a property is aligned to your goals, the key is to just get started!

Women and Money: The Reality Today

• 55% of  women over 65 will find themselves in poverty when they retire
• 40% of unmarried women have saved less than $1,000
• 37% of women spend retirement alone 

Startling statistics ladies. 

Most women will look at these statistics and think, that's not going to be me! 

Then go right ahead and plan the next girlfriends lunch or dinner date without looking at the bank account or the credit card balance. There is very little thought of how to ensure you do not find yourself included in the above statistics. So random incessant spending will continue without thought of the consequences, down the road, looking through the long lens. These statistical groupings are placing women in poverty every day, and few know what to do about it. 

What can be done? 

Any number of actions can change these statistics and the quality of life for all women. Ask any woman and I'll bet none of them would choose any of these girlfriend groups! Talking to girlfriends is one of the first (best) things that can be done to change the destiny of their girlfriends and which statistical group they may find themselves in. Girlfriends are a powerful group. Women will share with girlfriends they have now and the ones they have not yet been fortunate enough to meet yet. 

Women are smart and sassy. They also bond together when one of their sisters is in trouble. By opening this dialogue you may find that those closest to you, may not know the facts you now know. They may not know what to do about it either. Women share information freely and impress upon their friends what no man can. Women are naturally caregivers. This sharing with each other is at the heart of women care giving.

Planning will cause you to place yourself in situations where you won't be a statistic, part of a scary stat. How, you ask? Join our community at Femvestorsglobal for free daily information, alternatively you can join our book clubs (we offer 4 different geographical time zones- so there are no excuses ladies!). We also run virtual events or private 1:1 courses. You learn more, not just about finances. 

The very person you need for the best possible information will be sent to you. As long as learning takes place and actions are taken to change the numbers, both in the financial arena and then the stats, women don't have to find themselves in poverty. 

Invest in the knowledge and wisdom of wealth. We have heard that knowledge is power. For women, learning new vocabulary, words like monetising will bring you power and wealth. Learn now how to eliminate debt forever. Your today purchase can change the purchasing power you have in the future. Wouldn't it be awesome to know how? What do you have to do to acquire enough wealth for your future? Figure out how to share your prosperity and set some aside for those you love. It will come back to you multiplied more than you know. 

Girlfriend road trips are the best!! Memories forever! This is one road trip all the girlfriends cannot miss. This incredible ride could save them more than just the cost of gas. Investing in yourself will prove to bring increase to every aspect of your life. Finding wisdom about money can keep all women from becoming a scary statistic. Within the wealth side of these statistics lies comfort, ease, pampering and peace, which is why we do not record our group events so you have a safe space to talk. 

You will be so glad you did, sooner rather than later. 

Article Source for statistics: wiserwomen.org. 2016 retirement confidence survey, EPI.org 

Financial Success for Women

Truth Bomb Ladies- what we earn is mostly what we spend! 

Many of us spend our money without a budget and then complain when our finances begin to dwindle. The habits that we have created within ourselves with regards to how we spend our money can break or make us. The issue we have created is that we have the problem of spending within our means. Many find ourselves in a tight corner just because we couldn't say no to that flashy car or the expensive handbag we know we should not even be looking at, never mind talk of buying. 

Just like many bury ourselves deep into debt just to satisfy that yearn that has nothing to add to our personal finance or to our life for that matter. Many calculate what they spend at the end of each month and wonder where our money had gone and even what we had done with that thing we should not have bought but bought anyway and is not lying unused in a box in our room. 

Casual spending is not a friend to anyone and it can easily put you into trouble. It is something that can land you in bankruptcy left with nothing but the useless purchase of a life time that has no value to add to our life. There are a few things we need to check when determining our spending habit. 

These are: We need to see the wrong in what we are doing. We need not hide behind ignorance of our actions. We should know that it is not going to help us if we do not find solution to it. If you are in debt already, we need to pay it all off and then develop another healthier way of dealing with your finances. 

We need to know how much we spend at any particular time. Be conscious of the amount of money that is being paid for any thing you are buying so as to help you determine if that amount is worth it or if that thing is worth having. You need to map out ways to evaluate what you are spending each month and why you are over spending if you are. Know what you need and calculate what you can get when you turn away from that thing that you want but do not really need. 

Re-evaluate your lifestyle now. Invent new ways of handling your finances. This is something that will give you a new meaning into why and how you are spending what you are not supposed to. Get a new lifestyle that is healthier for your pocket. Design some kind of specification on the spending decision you make. Be careful with how you dish out your credit card and what you use it to buy. It is super easy to over spend when you know you can get it on credit. 

We as women have problems with how we spend out money, now is the time to learn to put a spending plan together, this can help in our day to day purchases so that we can see the error of what we do as clear as possible and this will be the first step towards a better habit.

We can support you with creating a spending plan and other financial success habits so you too can become financially fabulous. 

Check out www.femvestorsglobal.com for more information

Do You Have the Right to More Energy & More Money?

Thoreau said, "The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it." 

What if you came to the realisation that you are, indeed, exchanging your energy for your life? Would that change some of how you spend your time, i.e., your energy? I think it might. So, wouldn't it be wise to make sure that as often as possible, any energy that you're expending on an activity or expending on a person, you make into a positive exchange rather than a negative exchange? 

Let me ask you a question: 

Do you believe you have a right to more positive energy? 

If you don't believe you have a right to positive things, which includes positive energy, then I'm not sure you're going to find much value in this article. 

Let's flip for a moment to thinking about finances. Your sense of whether you have a right to positive energy is related to your sense that you have a right to ask for certain amounts of money when you are negotiating. The reason I'm bringing this up here is because when you value yourself (and the energy of your life), you will be better able to charge appropriately for your time, services, and products.

I recommend reading Suze Orman's book, entitled Women and Money, Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny. When I first got this book a couple of years ago, I read almost the whole thing in one evening. The title of chapter 4 is, "You Are Not on Sale." In this chapter she discusses how women in particular devalue themselves. She states,

If you under-value what you do, the world under-values who you are, and when you under-value who you are the world under-values what you do.  

This is a big message for all of us. There is extensive research available about how women continue to under-value what we have to offer much more so than men do. For example, a very interesting book was published a while back, titled Women Don’t Ask: The High Cost of Avoiding Negotiation and Positive Strategies for Change (Princeton University Press, 2003), was so influential that Fortune Magazine named it as one of the 75 smartest business books of all time. The book also was a Finalist for the Independent Publisher Book Awards.

Two academic women examined women professors and how they start out with the same amount of education and the same amount of experience as men, yet over time the women are always paid less and always ask for less. Apparently, men keep asking for more and they get more. The authors also looked at what it ends up costing women over their lifetime. It is not costing you $10,000 over your lifetime; it is costing you closer to half a million dollars. So, not only do you need to know how to ask...but you have to recognise your VALUE. 

Now, the second question I'd like to ask you in this article is: 

Whose responsibility is it for you to have more positive energy? 

This is clearly tied to the valuing of who you are and what you do. Again, as women, we tend to think people will notice what a good job we do and they will, of course, reward us with money and promotions and all kinds of things. And I will bet if I took a little poll here among the readers of this article, we might all find out that's not exactly how it works. We must truly value what we do and then know how to ask for the appropriate compensation for that. 

You do have some control over your time, energy, and compensation and I believe it's your responsibility to exert that control. You have to know what you have that is of value and you have to let other people know that as well. 

In all ways, you want to explore the ways you can maximise your positive energy - and the return on that energy. When you do, you're maximising your life.

Article source: Meggin Mckintosh

Romance and Our Finances

For perhaps as long as love has been a part of human society, currency or trade have also played their parts; the two often cross paths, for better or worse and make for an interesting look at two of the most highly sought after fundamentals of our world. 

Buying love with money: Phrasing the idea in such blunt terms is often a little off putting for many individuals who believe that love isn't for sale. A gift given from person to another is not always the result of great expense, or in some cases any monetary expense at all, however in a world where the phrase time is money exists how can one eliminate the idea that a certain amount of affection or approval has just been, for all intents and purposes, purchased? It can be difficult to determine a person's feelings for another where money is involved. Most people would agree that gifts are a healthy expression of individuals' feelings, but would at the same time be offended by the idea that love can be purchased for the right price. If we look back not too many years ago, at a world where women in particular, though not exclusively, found that without the aid of a husband or relative they were nearly unable to support themselves it is easy to understand how such feelings could indeed be purchased. 

Considering the level of poverty so many people shared, the idea that a person could break free from such living conditions through the generosity (or sometimes just lust,) of another person would have extreme and lasting emotional consequences. In many cases, a prosperous marriage meant not only that a woman would never go hungry again, but that her family would also be provided for. While in some of these examples real love may have originated without the involvement of wealth; many of them were simply a trade, beautiful daughter or son, in exchange for financial security. In some cases this would be referred to as lust not love, but for many people the overwhelming sense of desire can easily be perceived as just such an emotion. Where some of these relationships may have begun with a pretty face or attractive body, the desire to take care of and provide for an individual suggests feelings that run a little deeper than pure desire. Though the idea may not be particularly appealing to many, it does beg the question: can love be bought? 

Lust for sale? Amoral to some and illegal in many places the concept of buying a little physical action from a person for a set price is one of the oldest topics of debate throughout the world. Whether you believe it wrong or right, or simply don't think about it, purchasing desire has been widely available in every country throughout the world as far back as any records can show. While lust does not share many of the same feelings with love it has certain powerful qualities that have driven many men and women to reach deep into their pocket books. In this case the person making the purchase is unlikely to invoke feelings of love from the person they are paying, but is it possible that some emotional attachment, some facsimile of love will come with it? Though it might be in many ways false love, the illusion can be extremely convincing. This is example of just how convincing can be seen in the well known gold digger, though perhaps not a very flattering term to use the concept is quite accurate: a person who marries are aligns themselves with another person who has the means to care for them, in many cases more than care for, providing substantial wealth. 

Though some might say there is a difference between a prostitute and a person who marries for money, it can be difficult to know where the line is drawn. On the other hand, a person who is attracted to another, at least in part, because that person could provide a comfortable, even lavish lifestyle, can hardly be blamed for finding the prospect appealing. Is it wrong to be attracted to a person for their money? Is it wrong to use your wealth in an attempt to attract others? These questions are ages old and yet still without definite answers from almost every society. Putting legalities aside, for most reasonable people it presents quite problem: is it fair to judge others for how they wish to live their lives? Most would say no. On the other hand the idea of selling sex for money has for many years been associated with other illegal and sometimes dangerous activities that tend take place in the same locations. Amoral or not, it is a true reflection of our growth as a society that these desires often outweigh logic; whether for or against, the emotional response is usually one sided and without thought to the oppositions' feelings or opinions. 

Money and relationships: It has been recorded numerous times that one of the most common reasons for couples splitting up is finance. Some attempt to avoid this issue by keeping separate bank accounts and treating the relationship, in terms of money, more like a roommate situation than a romantic one. In other situations one person entirely supports another financially while the other remains at home, perhaps attending school, pursing a creative profession or even more commonly to raise a family. However you and your partner have decided to address your financial decisions during stressful moments problems can be difficult to avoid. A few tips to keep in mind when dealing with this issue:

• Financial difficulty cannot always be attributed to one or both people; in certain situations it can be extremely difficult to deal with poverty or limited funds, remember not to place blame simply because the situation is frustrating. 
• If trying to cut back on overspending, remember to cut on equal sides; it can be a stressful endeavor to eliminate certain excess from your life, remember that your partner feels the same way about their own. 
• However terrible the situation, try to find things to laugh about with each other, it won't be easy but it can help to create a feeling of unity. 
• If one person is supporting another and this situation met with approval on both sides, don't throw blame out simply because financial problems have occurred by reminding a person that they are not bringing an income into the relationship, especially for those that accomplish a great deal at home, though it might not be paid work, it can be extremely hurtful and will not be forgotten even if the situation improves. 
• Do not try to hide financial problems from your significant other; often these issues are much better to face as a solid unit and a great deal of stress can be eliminated by sharing the burden.
• Forcing your partner to bear the positive attitude so that you can continue to panic or sulk is also unhelpful; regardless of your usual dynamic, try to be strong for your partner in these unhappy times. 
• When possible, if nothing can be done at the time to correct the situation, seek distraction with your partner, putting distance, at least temporarily between your relationship and finances. 

Will the ties between money and love ever come to an end? Most likely not, as long as our society continues to include both aspects in it. To keep one from injuring the other requires patience, understanding and at times, accepting what you don't understand. The long history for both weaves an intricate web of human development that is still just as alluring and confusing today as it was thousands of years ago.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Alison_Sardelli/203131

Women and Finance: Household CFOs

In more and more households, it is the women sorting the mail and email as it comes in, separating the bills and ensuring they get paid on time via their online bill pay system. Women also typically continue to make day-to-day purchasing decisions that have a lasting impact on a family's finances, such as where to make grocery and clothing purchases, and whether to use club cards or discount vouchers. In addition, many women have taken on increasingly complex financial tasks, such as eliminating credit card debt, investing for retirement, saving for their children's education, and engaging in family estate planning. 

The Household CFO (Chief Financial Officer): An Old Term that is making a comeback.

Yes, we are undertaking these tasks but no one is taking it a step further. When we have money saved, what do we do with it?. Many of us have grown up believing that the Banks are a solution. They are not but where else do you go?  Yes, some businesses that provide financial services are beginning to cater to even more women and to give us the respect we deserve. But can we trust them?

Women and Finance: Doing it Their Way 

As marketers, web designers, sales people, financial advisors and other business professionals learn to target women more effectively, they are consistently realising that women think differently about finance than men do. 

Here are some strategies that these professionals should keep in mind as they target women in finance.  

1. We are voracious information gatherers. And we like to get our information in community settings. This is where Femvestorsglobal support you as we will certainly carry this appetite for information-gathering into your finance habits. 

2. Many, but not all women, lack confidence in their financial skills. This lack of confidence is somewhat ironic, because many of us are actually quite competent and so our lack of skill is often perceived, rather than real. 

Unfortunately, the Finance Industry has been a boy's club for centuries and we have been kept in the dark around how things operate. Femvestorsglobal can bridge this confidence gap by speaking in plain English, rather than attempting to impress you with financial jargon that the Professionals use to their advantage. 

3. We tend to thrive in networks. Femvestorsglobal created a Community to support you and hold your hand every step of the way.  Regardless of your time zone, time commitment or finances, we cater for YOU. We listened to what you needed and created a global solution to this issue. 

4. Our values are Honesty, Integrity and Trust. Yes, it takes time to build trust, once you are in our network, you will see the difference we will make to your life and your loved ones. We are true to who we are. 

There are certainly companies and whole industries that have not gotten the memo. We certainly listened to You and created our Community for You.

Check us out at www.femvestorsglobal.com to see how we can support you!

5 Ways to Reduce your Spending & Create Immediate Money to Start Investing

Most of us are well aware that in order to improve our finances and to become wealthy, we need to follow a process that takes us from being in debt to having financial assets that provide us with an income. 

If so many people are aware of this, why do so few ever acquire investments? 

There are two reasons: firstly, many of us are already living on more than our income each month, and so finding money to invest often seems unlikely. 

Secondly, there is a common misunderstanding that investing is complicated. 

Femvestorsglobal are here to tell you that it is not.

By following these five steps, you can easily save a regular amount of money sufficient to act as your investment money: 

1. Reduce your entertainment spending 

Chances are, you don't know exactly how much you spend on entertainment each month, and the total is probably higher than you would guess. Common entertainment splurges are alcoholic drinks, cigarettes, nights out drinking, trips to the cinema, Netflix, weekends away, holidays and family activities like bowling and swimming. All of these quickly add up, especially if you are paying for two (you and your spouse) or four (you, spouse and two children) people each time. Rather than seeing entertainment spending as a necessity, you must be realistic about the amount you can afford to spend on these things each month. What can you sacrifice to help your investment budget? 

2. Take control of our duplications

The things we buy time and time again, despite having similar things already. The obvious is 10 pairs of black shoes. How many black handbags, pairs of blue jeans, summer jackets or winter coats, luxurious bubble baths and shower gels, lipsticks, red nail varnish or excessive bedding for our home do we really need?  Identify what your duplications are and assess whether you need all of the items you have already. Sell any you don't use or pay attention to, and commit to not buying any of these items for a 6 -12 month period. Be aware that when you are around these items, you will feel a temptation to buy. Either avoid the malls and avoid scrolling on the internet online. 

Don't give in- Your future self will thankyou

3. Watch your food spending 

Meals to celebrate a birthday, the weekly grocery shop, the chocolates to cheer us up, the lunch bought each day at work, the ice cream while walking the dog, the Starbucks on the way to the office, extra treats for the kids, the takeaways when you're just too tired to cook... food spending takes up a huge chunk of our income each month. Unless your end goal is to be obese and unhealthy, this is a habit well worth overcoming right away. 

A shocking amount of food bought ends up being thrown away and wasted. You are literally throwing away a portion of your income each month by buying food that will not be used. To get your food spending under control, make sure you plan your meals in advance each week and buy accordingly, never go food shopping while hungry or without a list, and don't make the mistake of aimlessly wandering up and down every single aisle in the supermarket. 

Calculate how much your shopping will total and take that amount in cash - do not have a debit or credit card with you. If your shopping exceeds the amount of cash you have, replace some less essential items. Buy cheaper brands of cleaning products, toilet rolls and alcohol. Arrange alternative celebrations- don't treat food as a reward or comforter.

 4. Buy less 'treats' and stop impulse buys 

Do you have a gym membership? When was the last time you used it? The majority of people who have a gym membership will actually pay less over the course of a year if they cancel the membership and pay for each gym session as they attend. Cancel your membership now - unless you really go several times every single week. Consider your magazine and newspaper subscriptions. How many of these can you access free online? How many do you not even get around to reading properly? With the amount of free information available online, there is rarely a need to pay for any magazines or newspapers. 

If you're wondering how you will manage without these 'treats', consider if you are trying to hide from some real pain (a deep rooted issue) that can be better managed. 

5. Avoid ATMs

Give yourself a weekly budget and withdraw this amount at the beginning of the week. Then hide your credit and debit cards (or give them to a friend who will not give them back to you until the next week or put them in the freezer like I did and delete all payment apps on your mobile) and force yourself to spend just that amount. 

This will force you to closely examine your spending and will change the way you think about money and spending. 

By following these five steps, you will have an extra amount of free cash each month that can be invested however you choose. 

If you are new to investing, discuss your options with Femvestorsglobal. 

In no time at all, you will have an investment plan prepared and will be on the road to controlling your own finances. 

Our team are here to support you every step of the way. We offer a variety of programs at difference price points and timeframes so support you with your investing journey.

How Do I Get Into Commercial Real Estate Investing?

First of all, commercial investing is not as hard as people think. There seems to be a stigma surrounding commercial investing. People think it's the big glass 100 million dollar buildings downtown. Sure, it is, but it's not always that. There are many different kinds of commercial investing that you can get into. You can start small and work your way up. It's not as hard as people think. It's not as hard to get funded, to find deals, and sometimes not as much work, once you have the deals. 

Everyone that owns commercial properties are not like Donald Trump. They don't all have their own TV shows, aren't in the news, aren't in the casinos, own sports teams, and don't have the perfect woman on their arm. It's just real people that own most of the commercial properties out there. People like you and me. It's the guy next store. The guy that owns a few Dunkin Donuts stores. There are all types of commercial properties. 

Let's talk about the basics. First off, what is commercial investing? When it houses a business, it's a commercial investment. Business parks, where it's one level, and there are many different buildings, those are commercial rented condos or business offices. It consists of office buildings in office parks. There are also industrial parks which look like office parks, but they are mostly blue collar businesses like manufacturers, warehouses, and storage places. This also includes strip malls where there are Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, UPS stores, etc. It's one building, one-story tall that's broken off into many different stores. Then we have our indoor malls where there are hundreds of stores inside, which include an anchor store, which is the main store, like a Decathlon or Target to get your attention. There are also office condos which house doctors, offices too. Also, we have warehouses, and even apartment houses. These are considered recession-proof properties. Assisted living facilities are commercial properties as well. Let's not forget about land. People are buying land and putting a cell tower or antennae on the land and making money. 

When you are out driving around, please pay attention to what you are seeing. Start noticing these commercial properties. Start thinking about commercial investing! Commercial investing adds a zero. You can do one deal a year in commercial investing and become a multi-millionaire. Some people have done one deal and it has changed their life, enabling them to retire. Don't let it intimidate you. It just has one more zero on the end! 

One of the things about commercial investing is that once you own the property, it's easier to maintain it because most of the time, you will let the pros handle it. You will have a management team to handle the payments, as well as attorneys and accountants handling the day to day work. There will be less day to day work once you own that commercial property, versus a residential property. Let's face it. If you own one piece of property with tenants in there, you know how much work that is. If you have a few properties, it's even more work dealing with tenants not paying, collections, disappearing tenants, and cleaning it out and finding new tenants. It's a lot of work! Virtually, you can pretty much have the pros do it for you. You can hire a management team, attorney, and accountant. Properties generally throw off enough monthly cash flow so that you can have it all taken care of for you. 

Anything you do with residential properties, you can do with commercial properties! You can buy and hold a house and rent it out, as well as a commercial property. You can wholesale it, get a contract on it, find someone to pay more, flip it, and step out of the deal. You never owned it. You get your finders' fee or spread, but instead of making $3,000 or $8,000, you can start making $50,000 to $200,000 just by flipping commercial deals. Just add another zero or two! Don't let it intimidate you! 

You can also lease commercial properties with the option to buy and make the big bucks! 

All of the same techniques you can use with houses, you can use with commercial properties. Note that one of the main differences is how you get the value. You can have two apartment buildings across the street from each other or in the same complex, and both apartment buildings can be identical. But, if one is 30% occupied and one is 70% occupied, and the first one is worth $700,000 and the next one worth 3 or 4 million, the only difference is how much it's occupied. How do you make big money fast in commercial investing? You find the one that is 30% occupied, find 5 or 6 tenants and bring it up to 70% occupied, and then you sell, get out of it, and make the spread. You can double or quadruple the cost or equity of commercial property by controlling it, filling it, and then getting out of it. It's a beautiful thing! 

Don't let commercial investing intimidate you. Add a couple of zero's to the profit! Consider opening your mind about commercial investing. Start thinking big! 

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Nick_Cifonie/237825

Make Sure You Are Crystal Clear About Your "Invest" Definition

In today's unstable economy, many people are searching for alternative means of making money and creating their own retirement plans. It is becoming clear that corporations and governments cannot guarantee your retirement plan upon turning 65. As a result, many are taking control of their own futures and putting their money into investments like property and shares. For others, it may be a distant dream, but they are not quite sure where they should begin. The definition of "invest" is a broad one and there are several methods. 

Buying a property is considered a fairly safe kind of investment, because real estate generally appreciates in value. There are a couple of different options to choose from. You can purchase a single home, a multi-unit complex or a vacation home to rent out to various tenants; alternatively, you can purchase a home for a low price and renovate it, then sell it for a higher price. Each option has its pros and cons and it's important to do some research before making a decision on which method you will go with.

Becoming a landlord is a huge responsibility, and you will need to become familiar with the local laws regarding tenants. They will be well aware of their rights, so you should be aware of yours. If you consider yourself a DIY person and can install floors, renovate bathrooms and apply a coat of paint, then flipping properties may be for you. 

When you complete the renovations yourself, you save money and increase your profit. When everything has been done, sell it at market value. Once it's sold, you can collect a nice big lump sum of money. Now, you can find another home and repeat the entire process. When you rent your properties, you receive a smaller amount of money, but it is a steady monthly income.

Keeping a lump sum of money in a bank account is not a good wealth-building method. If you decide not to purchase any more properties, another investment option is shares. When you buy the shares of a company, you are becoming part owner of that company. There are many public organisations and companies that offer their shares for purchase. You can get them via a self-directed investment account or a stockbroker. Due diligence and research are imperative before deciding which companies to include in your portfolio. 

You make a profit with shares by buying low and selling high. Depending on the type of company you invest in, you could see profits in just a few weeks, or it might take a few years. Many people buy stocks and hang on to them for at least 10 years; others sell them as soon as they realise they will make money.

An easier option is to invest in Index funds and or Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) where you are buying a group of companies as opposed to one individual company. Buying into a group of companies protects you when the prices fall as you are not as exposed in comparison to one individual company.

But above all be clear as to your invest definition, and increase your knowledge and resources, you are able to make better decisions. Having a comprehensive plan is a good first step to taking care of your financial security. The time has come to stop depending on governments and corporations to provide your funds for retirement. 

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Mike_McLoughlin/587899

Strategies For Investing In Physical Gold

Buying physical gold has become a popular investment amongst investors these days. People who want to see their investment secure elect to invest in physical gold rather than Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). The reason for wanting to acquire this precious metal is that it is easy to locate and easy to buy. 

Gold can be bought in the form of coins, ingots and bullion, and it comes in different shapes. In the current economic climate, it is an alternative investment class to stock market investing. 

The price of gold has risen steadily since the Second World War and has continued to grow. When it has fallen, it has only dipped a little bit, and most gold investors get their money back. Or if they want they hold onto their purchase and save it for when the price goes back up again. 

Three facts about buying physical gold 

Firstly, Let us take gold jewellery; there are remarkably few people who don't own a gold item.  If physical gold is dressed up in some delicate jewellery is worn by some important personality, the price will increase extensively. If you want to sell your gold jewellery, you would get a return when the markets are thriving. Every woman always has several items of gold jewellery that they have bought over the years. Jewellery can go out of date, and any gold that you may have can be sold as scrap for a price. 

Secondly, a more secure form of investing in gold is the ultimate gold bar. It is true; you cannot find it easily in some places. However, in many countries, you can order online and have it sent through via the postal service. You need to ensure you buy from trusted sources to ensure authenticity. The biggest gain in owning a gold bar is that it's price will undoubtedly increase according to shifts in the economy. This is also influenced by the rise and demise of gold mines around the globe. 

Thirdly, gold bullion is clearly a safe investment because it props up some of the other investments in the conventional markets. All governments always have some money tied up in gold, as a hedge against any financial mishaps. It will require extensive research to find and buy it but it is possible. However, compared to gold bars, you will have the assurance that it contains one hundred percent pure gold. The bullion is not adulterated by being fused with other metals such as copper. Gold bullion usually has the governmental stamp to convince you of it's purity. Therefore, if you are rethinking your strategy on investment, then gold may be an investment class you wish to consider.  It will help offset any shortcomings if the market crashes again. If you are a small investor, then buying a few gold bars every so often will not be difficult to keep either. You could put them somewhere safe in your home, and not forget where you put them. 

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Taneem_Sira_Sarwar/1495041

How Any Woman Can Become Rich

Did you know that there is no shortage of money? The problem is that you may not believe that you are worthy of having a lot of money. Anything you believe you can have, you will receive it. If someone is going to get rich, then why not YOU?

Many women are on the list of the rich and famous today. There is no secret on how to get money. You either inherit money or acquire it through some type of business (unfortunately, a lottery win is extremely unlikely). People's reasons for acquiring a lot of money are different from others. Some will apply money to their daily needs and wants to live a better life. Others may save their fortune and leave it to their children. Some use money to devote to a charitable cause to make the world a better place to live. 

If you want to create wealth, you must do something different. First, pay off all those credit cards and get out of debt. Second, you should make saving and investing your money a high priority in your life. To keep most of your money, you must make wise investments. You may start this process by seeking the advice from financial experts. 

When you use money to fulfill your purpose by starting a business to help others fulfill theirs, then you are doing good. When you are doing good with money, you can expect to draw more money to you. Once you start drawing money to you, then the sky is the limit. This means that you can get lots of money or as much as you want or need to fulfill your purpose. It is like standing under a water fall, "If you stand under a water fall, you are bound to get wet." The same is true with money, if you follow the principles of making and investing money, over a period of time, you are bound to get rich.

To the new and experienced entrepreneurs, getting help with your small business is very crucial to your success. Getting the right help will cause you to avoid costly mistakes, and it can also help you to save a lot of time, money and energy. You will need to get the right help to form the legal structure of the business, financial, management, procurement/certification, marketing, pricing products, preparing a business plan, and more. 

There are many successful business coaches and mentors that you can learn from, you just need to be clear on the areas you require support with. Look for recommendations within your local communities, FB groups, online sites such as Upwork and network with those around you. 

Always remember when you are starting out- to focus on the areas you are good at, get support in the areas you are not so great. You do not need to hire full time employees, look at pay on demand type services for booking keeping, accountancy, virtual assistants etc. I would also suggest you look for collaborations with others where you can exchange services which is a won-win for many people.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dr._Mary_E._Waters/99920