The Bogo Times : guest post

One tip to make your to-do list work for you — not against you

What do you see when you look at your to-do list?

Highly specific action steps — or vague ideas that make you want to bang your head on your desk instead of getting to work?

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What does a vague to-do list look like?

This is a common mistake I see advisors make all the time. And the worst part is, their lack of to-do list progress gets self-labeled as laziness and procrastination. So, if you have ever looked at your to-do list in frustration and blamed yourself for not building momentum, perhaps you are not the problem. Maybe your to-do list is sabotaging your efforts.

Let’s pull up your to-do list right now. Maybe you use a notepad, a checklist on your phone, or a Google Doc. Open it up — and look for offenders that look like this.

Parents’ anniversary
Dermatologist
Car
Roof
Paraplanner

Can you notice a pattern between these to-do items?

That’s right. None of these are actions. Items like this are a symptom that you haven’t actually decided what it is you need to do. Let me throw out a prediction: it’s probably not going to get done.

Ready to fix your to-do list?

Great! Let’s look at each of these items and figure out exactly what it is that you need to do. A new list might look something like this.

Login to 1-800-Flowers.com and order flowers for parents
E-mail Christine to ask for contact info on her dermatologist
Call Mike to schedule tire rotation and oil change for the car
Login to Angie’s list to look up 3 local roofing contractors to request repair quotes
Review 10 resumes in my files to identify 3 candidates to interview for paraplanner position

When your to-do list is filled with specific, concrete, physical actions, you have set yourself up for success.

I know what you’re thinking.

“But Chris, that’s too much work to boil down every item on my to-do list to a specific, concrete, physical action.”

You’re right. It is hard work. It’s also hard and frustrating to be overwhelmed by vague items on your to-do list.

And here’s the truth. If you want to make progress on your list, you will have to define those specific actions at some point. By deciding now, you make it much easier to get it done later. It’s in your own best interest to invest energy in defining and clarifying next actions before they get a chance to slow you down.

Too often, you miss opportunities to get something done (and create more time for yourself and your family) because you don’t have enough mental energy to decide exactly what needs to be done. Don’t make this mistake. Banish vague items from your to-do list — and watch your productivity soar!

Are you bumping up against a next action that’s particularly tough to nail down? Share it below in the comments. I’d love to help!

CHRIS BELFI

Chris Belfi is the founder and CEO of MaxPotential Coaching.
His company works with executive-level leaders and business owners and who are drowning in their own success and feel underwater in a sea of things they are supposed to get done. Through proven techniques, MaxPotential Coaching allows executives to take control of their endless to-do list and the other details of their lives and work, go home on time, and create the space to do what matters most to them. Chris can be contacted at Chris@MaxPotentialCoach.com. Learn more at http://www.MaxPotentialCoach.com.

This article was originally published on modelfa.com

10/14/2019 10:14:00 PM No comments

A trip abroad, whether it is to study in a different university for semester or to take a break from classes to seek a different kind of knowledge, is often (always?) a turning point in a student's life.

But to make the most of their trip in 2019, students would do well to keep in mind those budget travel tips.

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After all, there's nothing more frustrating than being in a new and exciting environment and be unable to fully enjoy it because you struggle financially.

These proven techniques have allowed me to travel to Europe and Asia as a student, without having to worry too much about money... despite a student loan.

Don't approach your trip abroad as you do every exam, by starting to work on it at the last minute. The more prepared you are, the more you'll enjoy the experience.

Before Leaving on Your Trip

Choose Your Destination Wisely
Where will you stay?

The place where you will spend a semester or more obviously has a major impact on how fast you will run out of money.

European countries are very varied in terms of cost of life. Western Europe and Scandinavia are generally more expensive than Central and Western Europe, as you can see on the maps from this handy post.

Now, keep in mind that while this means that you will feel more pressure on your budget in Western Europe and Scandinavia, it is actually very close to the cost of life in the US. Not to mention that if you decide to work on the side, you will earn more money than you would in Central and Eastern Europe.

But the latter has a lot to offer as well: not only will you find good universities in the East, it's also very cheap and easy to travel to another country. Something to keep in mind if you consider visiting several countries during your stay in Europe.

The cost of life will generally be lower in South America, Africa, and Asia, with a few exceptions.

Save Money on Flights

Unlike for shorter trips, the price of your flight ticket isn't going to be one of your main expenses when you travel for a few months... provided that you know how to book cheap flights.

When it comes to finding low fares, the key word is "flexibility". Choose your travel dates and the time when you book your flight with care: the price can vary to more than double within a week.

As a rule of thumb, avoid flying during major holidays or on Fridays (when many people fly for a weekend trip) or Sundays (when people fly back from a weekend trip).

Use a flight search engine like Skyscanner or Momondo: they let you see the prices for a whole month at the same time, so you can easily spot which day is the cheapest one.

Keep in mind that to increase your chances of scoring the cheapest fares, you should aim at booking your international flight between 3-4 months in advance. Don't rely on last-minute deals, it's likely that there won't be any.

If tickets to your destination are always expensive, consider an alternative path to your destination.

For example, when I went to China, tickets were very expensive for my dates (and I was very flexible with those). So instead of flying straight there, I flew to Vietnam, spent some time there, and then took a flight to China. The overall cost was much lower than if I had flown directly to China, even taking the accommodation costs in Vietnam into account.

For more ways to save money on flights, I highly recommend that you check out this post.

Look for Accommodation

Now that you know where you're going, start thinking of where you're going to stay... and how you can save money on accommodation.

Check out Student Dorms First

Being a student has major advantages when it comes to access to discounts (more on that later), especially in regards to accommodation. Mainly because your student status gives you access to student dorms.

If you're traveling for a university exchange, contact your host university and inquire about the availability of dormitories on the campus or nearby. If there are any, this is probably your best bet to save money on accommodation.

Still, dig a little bit deeper first before booking a bed in a dorm.

Look for Shared Flats

In general, renting a room in a flat is more expensive than renting one in a dormitory. But if you can find roommates to split the expenses, the rent might be very similar in the end.

Just keep in mind that very often, you will have to leave a deposit first - even though you will (likely) recover it at the end of your stay, this is still a big expense at the beginning of the trip. Hence the need to find roommates if you elect this option.

If you're traveling with other friends from university, ask them if they'd consider sharing a flat. If you're alone, you can join Facebook groups for students traveling to your destination. In Europe, these groups will often be called "Erasmus [city name] [year]".

You can also book your first month in the university dormitory and look for a shared flat once you're there. Being on site usually makes things much easier.

Visit Your Doctor

No matter where you're traveling, pay a visit to your doctor before your trip. Make sure that everything is in order health-wise and tell her/him about your travel plans: they will be able to advise whether you need any vaccines or should pack specific medication.

If you're on a special treatment, make sure that you'll be able to get what you need there, or ask your doctor for a prescription that will allow you to bring your medication with you. If your treatment isn't available at your destination, it will cost you extra to have it brought to you from abroad.

A visit to your dentist probably isn't a bad idea either... If it turns out that you have a problem abroad and your insurance doesn't cover the fees, this could be a major unwanted expense that can easily ruin your trip.

Medical bills are usually very expensive, so you want to make sure that you're as prepared as possible on that front, to limit the risks of bad surprises.

Get Your Travel Documents in Order

If you don't already have one, get a passport. If you do have one, make sure it doesn't expire while you're abroad. Ideally, you want your passport's expiration date to be at least 6 months after the date of your flight back: if for one reason or another you need to stay longer, you'll be glad you have this 6-month margin rather than going to your embassy in emergency.

The same goes for your visa: check whether you need one or not in advance. If you wait until the last minute, you may have to request an accelerated procedure, which is always more expensive.

Once you're abroad, you really do not want to have to make a hole in your budget because of administrative procedures. Make sure everything is sorted out before you hop on the plane.

Determine Your Bugdet and Ways to Manage It Efficiently

Estimate How Much this Trip Will Cost You

There is no need for you to go into too much details, but having a vague estimate of your expenses abroad will go a long way to helping you save money once you're on site.

Do some research on the cost of life at your destination. You want to have a rough idea of how expensive are the rents, how much money you need for a month/week of grocery shopping, how costly it is to go out, etc.

Knowing this will help you manage your budget more efficiently once you're there, as you will be able to compare your actual expenses with your initial research and make some adjustements to your spending habits if necessary.

Get an ISIC

As a student, the first thing you want to do is getting an International Student Identity Card (ISIC): this magic card will unlock a plethora of discounts for you. It is recognized in most countries around the world. Some countries, however, only recognize the local student cards - so once you're abroad, try to get one of those done as well by your host university.

Apply for a Grant

You should also inquire about grants: if you're not planning on working during your trip, these may be your sole source of revenue. The main institutions that could potentially offer a grant are your own university, your host university, and the state. Do a bit of research and apply. Again, do so in advance, because grants are often given several months before

Contact your Bank

Make sure that using your credit or debit card abroad won't incur significant fees. Tell your banker about your trip and the countries you're planning on visiting: they'll be able to recommend which card to use to save money on card payments and withdrawals. For example, it might be cheaper to withdraw large amounts of cash once you're abroad, rather than pay by card, if there are fees every time that you do so.

If it looks like your bank doesn't offer much advantages to people traveling abroad, consider changing. TransferWise's borderless account or the bank N26 have very low transfer fees and are particularly popular among young travelers.

If you think that your budget is a bit tight, you might want to raise the issue with your banker as well, to benefit from a loan a low rate. However, if you can avoid going into debt, refrain from taking a loan, as it will cost you more money in the long run.

Pack your Bag

Bring a (Small) Suitcase to Pack your Essentials... If you Really Have to

You may have noticed that I recommended that you pack your essentials. I meant exactly that. That's why you should you insist on bringing a carry-on, bring only a small suitcase. Even if you're leaving for 6 months or more.

To save money - or rather to avoid paying bag fees at the airport - make sure that your suitcase meets the airline's requirements in terms of weight and dimension.

You might be tempted to bring all your favorite clothes, books, and other random items. Don't. It's a basic mistake. The lighter you travel, the more enjoyable the experience. It's makes moving around much easier and pleasant, while a large and heavy suitcase will only make traveling a hassle.

So when you're packing, apply the popular saying: "take half the clothes and twice the money" (yes, that last part can be tricky too, but at least, you have full control over the fiest one).

Wherever you will live, there will be a way for you to do a laundry. So apply the 1 to 6 rule.

But Consider Traveling with a Backpack Only

I know the idea might seem daunting, especially when leaving for several months at a time. But this is a key budget travel tip.

When going abroad, to study or not, you will travel to places other than the town or city where you will live. If you travel by plane, you need to have a small piece of luggage to use as a carry-on, that is both respectful of the airline's dimensions requirements and in which you can pack enough for a few days.

Hence the backpack. You do NOT want to have a suitcase to carry when you're on the move. Instead, opt for a anti-theft backpack that lets you keep your money safe and pack a few clothes, without hindering your mobility.

By traveling with a carry-on only, you will save a ton of money for your trip: most airlines' basic fares include only a carry-on. If you want to get a hand on those cheap flights, you'd better opt for a backpack only.

Some people travel the world during years at a time with only a bag on their back. If they can do it for so long, surely you can do it for a few months.

During Your Trip

You've arrived at destination: now what? How do you make sure that you don't run out of money?

A quick tip for you before getting to the heart of the matter: if you were flying from the US to Europe with a European airline and your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked , and you reached your destination at least 3 hours later than planned, you may be entitled to $700 in compensation from the airline.

Manage Your Budget

You have two options to stay within your budget while traveling: you can either save money or earn some.

Or you can do both.

Find Ways to Save Money

Let's start by cutting down your expenses.

Cancel your Unnecessary Subscriptions

What good is your gym membership if you can't go to the gym for 6 months? Cancelling it before leaving will allow you to allocate this budget to a different activity when you're abroad.

Review the list of all the services that you have subscribed to and cancel the superfluous ones. Be ruthless about it.

Save Money on Food

To save money on food, start by cooking your own meals as often as possible.

Buy your groceries at the local market or supermarket instead of have lunch and dinner at the restaurant every day. But do not look for the specific products that you are used to eating back home: they're likely to cost much more than in the US. Instead, try the local, cheaper alternatives.

Save Money on Accommodation

If you're like every other students who goes studying abroad, you'll be traveling every time you get the chance (i.e. when you don't have class).

A fantastic way to save money on accommodation while traveling is to volunteer. While you won't be paid, you will generally be offered free board and lodging in exchange for your work. Most volunteers say that their experience was life-changing for them, so do take a minute to consider the idea.

You can find example of volunteer missions on websites like Workaway or HelpX. If you want to work on an organic farm, check out WWOOF. You can also work in a hostel, where you will meet travelers with inspiring stories and still have time to enjoy what the town or city has to offer.

Save Money while Visiting Places

Avoid booking expensive tours to discover a new city. Many places now offer free walking tours. They are generally organized and led by young locals anxious to show the beauty of their city in a casual atmosphere.

While the popular Lonely Planet and TripAdvisor can always give you an idea of what to do and see in a new city, you should also look for travel blogs on your destination, for more off-the-beaten-path inspiration. Why? Because these places are usually less touristic and therefore, cheaper than the rest, while also being more authentic.

Or Look Into Ways to Earn Money While Traveling

If you can't refrain from spending more money than you should (or can afford), you're going to need ways to earn more money while studying abroad.

Teach English... or Any Other Skill that you Have

Being an American student gives you a major advantage over many people around the world: you're speaking English as a native language (or at least fluently).

Did you know that there are literally millions of people in the world willing to learn how to speak English? English teachers are in demand worldwide. But the best part is that you no longer need to give a class in person: you can now do it over a simple video call.

If teaching a language doesn't appeal to you, you might be more inclined to share your passion. Do you play an instrument? I bet someone would love to learn! Do you do yoga? Or surf? People are looking for teachers in many places around the world.

Freelance

With your university degree in the pocket (or almost...), you probably already have business skills and knowledge that employers are looking for. By trying to sell them during your trip abroad, you will accomplish 2 things of value to you: you will earn money (that's still your main goal) and you will add a work experience on your resume, which future potential employers will be delighted to see.

Based on your skills, you can do copywriting, design, programming, etc. Here as well, possibilities are endless, or close.

Build Your Plan to Integrate those Budget Travel Tips

There is no doubt that your trip abroad will be a life-changing experience. The extent to which it will may very well depend on how well you handle your budget.

Use this post as a checklist to prepare you trip and make sure that you don't miss out on an opportunity to save money.

This article was originally posted on ClaimCompass.eu

Author Bio:

Thomas Busson

Thomas is the SEO and Content Strategist at ClaimCompass. Frequent traveller, he loves sharing tips and news about the industry in a simple way.

10/09/2019 10:47:00 AM No comments

Most of us have been in a tight financial spot at one time or another. Some of us might have even taken out a loan or two to get out of a bind. One of the more common loans that people take out is a title loan (or a car title loan), which is a type of secured loan where you put the title of your vehicle up as collateral. Once the loan is repaid, the lender will return the vehicle title to the borrower. If the borrower defaults on the loan, then the lender will repossess the vehicle and sell it to cover the borrower’s outstanding dues.

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Because lenders typically do not check the borrower’s credit history for this type of loan, the main drawback of title loans is the higher interest rates they require. So once you take out a title loan, you would want to pay it off as quickly as possible.

Here are a few tips to help you pay off that debt, asap:

Figure the payments into your budget.

You would want to avoid having to pay off your title loan longer than you have to. It might be tempting to roll your loan over into another term (if you can’t pay the whole amount off within the agreed-upon time frame). However, rolling over your loan will only raise the interest even more and will only prolong your financial suffering. So, pay off your loan on time by regularly setting aside funds for it.

Be honest.

If you are having a hard time paying off your title loan, contact your lender and let them know. Maybe they would be willing to renegotiate the terms of your loan. Most lenders will be open to this since you paying off your title loan will be in their best interest as much as it is yours.

Refinance.

If you really are having trouble paying off your title loan, you can replace it with a loan with lower interest rates. Simply put, take out a loan to repay another loan. However, in order for that to make sense, you need to make sure that the second loan you are taking out to repay your title loan really does have a lower interest rate. Perhaps getting a fixed-rate loan from your bank will help. Or you could visit your local credit union as another option.

Sell your car.

Now, this may prove difficult since you do not have a clean title for your vehicle because you’ve put it up as collateral for your car title loan. However, difficult does not mean impossible. You can sell your car, use the proceeds to pay off the title loan, and use the rest to buy a cheaper vehicle.

These are just some of the ways you can pay off your title loan quickly. One important thing to note is to never default on your loan unless you really have to. Remember, defaulting could mean losing your vehicle. It is important to pay what you owe and to do your research when choosing loans.

This article was originally published on Payment1.com.

10/02/2019 10:24:00 AM No comments

Our views on money are greatly influenced by how we were raised and what money concepts we were made to believe growing up. Most of us were introduced to the same sequence of life events: going to school, moving on to college, and then finding a job. This particular format made us think that once we’ve found a job, we won’t have to worry about money anymore. And, boy, were we wrong.

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Most of us who are actually lucky to have found jobs live from paycheck to paycheck. This means having enough money to pay the monthly bills, have enough food on the table, go out a few nights every month, and possibly get to travel once or twice every year; but you know for sure you’d want more out of this life if you had the chance. You want to try out new dishes at fancy restaurants without having to live on instant noodles in the next few days. For sure, you want to travel more, fly business class, and stay in hotels with more than 3 stars. You definitely want to have enough funds to save and invest.

How we go about our finances is deeply rooted in the mindset we are accustomed to. Therefore, transforming this mindset is a great step in improving the way we deal with financial matters. Here are a few tips on how to start your own transformation.

Revisit the way you talk to yourself about money

The story we tell ourselves every day becomes our very life, so be mindful of your script. Examine your inner dialogue and see if you have been too hard on yourself when it comes to money matters. Transform this inner chatter by adopting more hopeful and positive insights. If you have been beating yourself up for the student loan debts you haven’t finished paying off yet, try focusing on how much you’ve paid, rather than how much you still owe the next time you think about it. It’s simple, but it’s a start.

Always remind yourself that you are treading your own financial journey

This is important to remember especially in this day and age when we have all-day access to the life of others -- or at least the way they curate it online. It’s easy to feel a pang of jealousy when you see your feed filled with travel photos, new purchases, weddings, and babies. Social media have been notorious in making people feel depressed, so never lose sight of the fact that you own your financial journey; because if you do, you might end up spending money on things you don’t need just to “keep up.”

Avoid emotional spending

Speaking of spending money on things you don’t need, we sometimes spend money to regain some sense of control. However, after using all that money and see how the impulsive buy messed up your monthly budget, you lose your sense of control again. The cycle goes on and on. When you find yourself scouring online shopping sites at the end of a very stressful workday, stand up and take a walk instead; and remind yourself that buying a second parka jacket (which will probably end up sitting unused at the back of your closet) will just stress you out more down the road.

Change your debt mindset, too

It may be hard to be positive about all the money you owe, but you can give it a try if it means lifting the weight off your shoulders somehow. Decide that you want to get out of debt soon and make a debt plan, complete with timelines, action items, and personal deadlines. Create a tracker of your progress in paying off your debt and view it exactly like that: progress. You are moving forward and out of debt, and soon enough you will have more funds to move around with.

It takes effort and courage to change your money mindset, and these tips can get you started. In a nutshell, these tips emphasize that in order to unlearn negative views on money, you must stay on top of your inner dialogue and thought patterns with regards to your finances. By doing so, you are leaving room for more productive and positive ideas on how to elevate your financial situation.

This article originally appeared on Payment1.com.

9/12/2019 06:45:00 PM No comments

Home improvement can be costly. Renovating a space that is less than 1,000 square feet can cost up to $18,000. Improving an older home can cost even more, especially if the plumbing, wiring, and other features are not up to current standards. If you are moving around a certain budget for home improvement, careful research and planning, as well as creativity and resourcefulness can come in handy.

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But before setting a budget for home renovation, consider how you are financing your home. Whether you are paying in cash, taking out a loan, or applying for credit, your budget for home improvement must be well within your remaining funds every month.

Now, here are a few tips on renovating and styling your home while still working around a budget.

Declutter First

The first thing that you want to do is clean up. Throw away, donate, or sell things that you no longer need. Whether you want to do it Marie Kondo style and pick out which items spark joy and which don’t, or go by the good old rule that says if you haven’t used it for more than 6 months, time to let it go, you have things to throw away, for sure. Cleaning up enables you to better visualize how you are going to rearrange your furniture and store some of your belongings. Plus, you can save a few bucks by selling some of the items you’ve decided to let go of.

Demolish-It-Yourself

You can save a few dollars and reduce labor costs by doing the demolition yourself. If it doesn’t need expertise, such as removing a cabinet or pulling up a tile, consider doing it yourself rather than hiring someone to do it. Just make sure to do it very carefully to avoid injuries.

Buy fixtures and finishes yourself

Contractors usually charge an hourly fee to do the shopping for you and even put a mark-up on the price, so be clear with them that you want to do it yourself.

Shop for sales

Not everything needs to be brand new. You can save a lot by taking the time to look for used and refurbished items on the market. This can significantly reduce costs for appliances and finishes. You may also want to consider restoring or upcycling some of your furniture instead of replacing them. For example, instead of buying a new sofa, you can update your vintage one with a new fabric or a neat upholstery.

Do the painting yourself

Having a room painted by a professional can cost up to $300. Painting is easy and only requires basic knowledge on how to apply coats, so do your research if you don’t have a lot of experience in painting.

Decorate

Use traditional decorations such as candles and mats that don’t cost much to enhance the overall look of your house. Spruce up rooms with on-trend curtains or blinds. Stylish rugs need not be expensive, either. There are companies that allow you to create your own carpet and rug design for less than you expect. You don’t have to spend a lot for your house to look luxurious.

This article was originally published on Payment1.com.

9/03/2019 07:35:00 PM No comments

Being a first-time car owner is an exhilarating experience. For sure you’ve spent months, even years, planning, researching, and saving for this important purchase, and now you finally hold the keys! Now what?

Whether you purchased a brand new car or a second-hand one, you need to know how to care for it. Proper car care means less need for repairs, which means fewer expenses down the road. Here are a few tips for first-time car owners like you.

Start by taking the time to read the owner’s manual.

Manuals of anything are long and boring, which is why most of us skip it. Your car’s manual may not be the most interesting read, but it contains vital information about your car such as its features, maintenance schedule, the fluid or oil to use, and tire pressure, among others. If you have a second-hand car and the manual did not come with it, search the Internet for an online copy.

Organize your car documents.

As early as now, keep your car documents organized and tidy. Put all your receipts for car maintenance services and repairs in a filing folder or envelope so that when the time comes when you decide to resell your car, you have proof that your car is well taken care of.

Keep your tires properly inflated.

The ideal pressure level for your tires is indicated in the owner’s manual, so yes, it’s really important that you read it. Tires that are not properly inflated will wear your car faster, waste gas, and degrade the car’s handling. Check your tire’s pressure at least once a month and before going on a long trip.

Don’t skimp on carwashes.

Regularly having your car washed preserves the integrity of your car. Have your car waxed after every wash, too. Your car is vulnerable to bird droppings, road grime, and splatters among others, so it’s best that you give it a proper cleaning on a regular basis to maintain the quality of your car paint.

Follow your maintenance schedule.

The owner’s manual suggests how often you should avail maintenance services such as oil change and timing belt replacement. You can prolong the life of your car by staying on top of car maintenance.

Join the club.

Being a member of a motor club has a lot of perks like discounts at partner establishments. Aside from that, they also offer 24-hour roadside assistance in the event that you get a flat tire or your car breaks down. Some auto insurance companies have an affiliated motor club. Give your agent a call to ask about it.

Secure your emergency roadside kit.

This should include a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, three reflective triangles, flashlight, jumper cables, gloves, extra batteries, rags, duct tape, tire gauge, foam tire sealant, and tow rope, to name some of the most important things. You should also have a rain poncho, warm blanket, and drinking water in your car at all times.

Get a good local mechanic.

Ask around, get recommendations, and research on well-qualified mechanics around your area. A good and reliable mechanic is hard to come by, so if you’re lucky enough to find one, keep a good relationship with them and make sure that every transaction is done with trust and respect.

This article originally appeared on Payment1.com

8/05/2019 01:18:00 PM No comments