Money: 5 Things People Do With It by Irene PAGE

A few months ago, my husband (Tim) and I heard a sermon that really got us thinking. The message was about your financial life and how to get from where you are to where you want to be. I am a note taker and so I carefully recorded everything that was said so I wouldn’t miss anything. We have been married for 7 years and have 3 little girls. I am a stay at home mom and my husband works from home. We are very blessed and are always looking for insight on managing our finances. This summarized where we want to be to a “T” and we thought the idea was worth sharing.
When you stop and think about it, there are really 5 things you can do with your money. You can:

1. Spend it 2. Pay off Debts 3. Pay Government/Taxes 4. Save it 5. Give it away

Most people do it in that order too. I know for us, we have certainly been there. Spending all you have, or worse, spending more than what you have and finding yourself in debt is a bad place to be. Debt becomes a vicious cycle and the stress it creates can be paralyzing. There is hope. You really can begin to do the 5 things in REVERSE order and that is certainly our goal and we hope it will be yours as well.

Did you know that money is the #1 issue that most couples argue about? Whether it’s spending, saving, budgeting or giving, couples who don’t have a financial plan are bound to get themselves into trouble. Dave Ramsey is a well-known author who offers great insight into managing finances. We know so many people who have gone through his “Financial Peace University” and have benefited greatly from it. There is also an organization called Crown Financial Ministries. I’ve heard it described as giving you the “heart” for managing your finances and Dave Ramsey’s plan being the “how to”.

We know so many friends who have gone through one or both of these programs and have not heard anything negative about either one. Whether you go through one of these programs or not, the main thing is to make sure that you develop a financial plan. Where do you want to be by the end of this year? In 3 years? In 5 years? In 10 years? At what age do you plan to retire? How will you get there? What % do you want to live off of and what % do you want to give? J.C Penny, founder of the J.C. Penny’s Department Store, was the first person I had ever heard of who lived off 10% and gave away 90%. Now THAT is an awesome goal to strive towards.

Most people can figure out where they want to be, but have no clue how to get there. So write down some dreams and goals you have. Then write down some simple steps you want to take each day or each week to work towards each goal. Make lists and cross things off as you go. Often times, you are making more progress than you even realize. Always remember that nothing will change tomorrow if you don’t change something today.

About the Author
Irene and Tim Page are family folks who love sharing their expertise on obtaining both financial and time freedom. There really is an easy way to do it. Discover the FREE report that changed their lives and let it change yours as well. http://www.QuickAndSolid.biz

Key Factors to Oil and Gas Investing
By Wright Brianna

In the last few years, we have seen a tremendous rise in investment in oil and gas. A major reason for this might be the tragic scenario in the share markets across the globe, which has forced many investors, to look out for alternative avenues of investments. As it is, oil and gas investment requires a keen sense of judgment on the part of the investor in determining what oil and gas stocks he should invest in.

Now, before you decide to invest in any particular stocks, such as the oil sands stocks, or the Canadian oil stocks, you need to take care of a few aspects. The following are some of the aspects, which you need to consider, before you go ahead with your investment:

1. First and foremost, your decision should be based on facts rather than market sentiments. That does not at all imply that you have to go against popular views; but it is always better to go by a logical analysis, instead of mood swings.

2. The most common saying that is very much applicable in Oil and Gas investment is; do not keep all your eggs in one basket. So, as it is in this case, it is advisable to diversify your portfolio and not pin all your hopes on a particular area. This would not only help you gain in the long run, but would also lower the risk factor as well. In fact the more diversified is your portfolio, the lower are your chances of loss.

3. Make sure that your research is not limited to simply market reviews. Do what most people rarely do, i.e. read journals and know about latest research and development projects as well as new patent rights which have been registered. This would give you a fair idea of promising prospects. Apart from that, make sure that you know bout the recent findings in regard to oil and natural gas reserves.

4. A common mistake which you should always avoid is investing your cash reserves, all at one time. You should always have some spare reserves, to bail you out of difficult times. Spare reserves may also play a great role in maximizing your returns as well.

Apart from the above factors, there are several other factors, which may help you in making the right kind of investment. Make sure that you do not buy overpriced stocks. For this you may check the price earning ratio. Apart from this, another factor which plays an important role is commodity prices. So, if you are looking forward to long term investment in oil and gas, then you do not have to worry much about the commodity prices. In case if you are focusing on short term investment, then in that case, commodity prices become extremely important.

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