Do you have any financial splendors or financial blunders?

Finances have been weighing heavily on my mind lately...I think about all of my previous co-workers who were laid off at the same time I was, some of them are still out of work. I'm curious to know how they've managed their finances thus far. What are some financial tips they'd have to share? Have they learned some valuable money savings tactics? What is their secret to keeping it all together?

I've previously discussed my tawdry affair with Payday Loans, but I didn't fully explain what they are, how they helped and why they are meant to be a short term solution. Payday Loan, it’s like another payday in between your paydays. It's a credit check free, high interest loan that is to be paid in full on your next payday. It’s not a loan that is extended over time (necessarily), it’s a loan that is there to help you when you’re in a crunch and then pay it back and your done!

No credit checks, awesome, high interest, yikes. If I remember correctly, I used to get a $500 loan with an interest fee of $150. How do they ensure that they will receive their money back? You hand them a check made out to them, with the amount that you'll owe and they hold onto that check until you come back and pay them, should you not pay them, guess what, they'll deposit that check, plus you are bound by a contract which you'll have to sign before they hand over that big wad of cash... The catch is...Come my next payday, not only be out of the $150 interest fee, I'd have to pay my account off in full. This of course left my purse a little light. So if you're wondering, yes, the process for me almost always continued. I'd get another $500 loan, I'd have to pay $650 later, so what am I still out of? $150... And should you continue this process, you're going to end up losing a lot of money, because with a $150 finance fee each time, it really adds up.

So why get a payday loan? Some people use them frivolously, and some people have a genuine need, the genuine need folks don't fall victim to the repetitive cycle and the frivolous one's get stuck with this bad habit for a very long time, they pass it on to their friends and families and then it's like being sucked into a big, deep, dark, black vortex. Why am I sharing all of this? It’s not just because my post is sponsored, but in order for me to accept a blissful financial future, I have to acknowledge the despicable past as well. Listen, I'm not saying that payday loans are good/bad or that you should/shouldn't get one, but what I am saying is know the benefits and know the consequences. I realize that the payday loan rules and laws may have changed, but again, you do have to consider if these changes are a benefit to you (the consumer) or the bank that is fronting you the cash.

All in all, we do what we have to do to make it, and that is what makes the payday loan a benefit and a very fruitful business right? You've got to put it out there, I'm just being honest. Click "cash resource" for more information.

Do you have any financial splendors or financial blunders? Please share them in the comment section below, I'd love to hear what others have experienced.


*** Though this post is sponsored by Paydayloans.org.uk, all ideas and opinions expressed are my own. ***




 Until Next time,

I'm a Financial Handler!

It's truly hard to admit when you live paycheck to paycheck, when you've overspent on your budget for shoes, when you kid wants something and you just can't afford to get it, when you car breaks down and you don't have a credit card "available balance" to pay the bill. What do you do?

My financial life has been a roller coaster, it started out when I was young, right out of the military. You don't realize just how little the military pays you when you're young, because a lot of things in life are taken care of for you. So when you become a civilian again, life is somewhat of a culture shock. I was 18 when I joined and 19 when I got out, sure, you ask how, or why, simple response is, she's 12 now and I wouldn't change a thing!

When I got hired at my first REAL full-time civilian job, I didn't know or realize what money amounted to, I just know that I had none and needed some to take care of my daughter! Hindsight bias tells me that I definitely sold myself short and was underpaid the entire time I worked with that company until the day that they laid me off. Lay-offs (I'm ranting and rambling, I know...) they're a terrible experience, and at this day and age (as young as I am), I've experienced this twice, and have had my hours cut back (which inevitably would've resulted in lay-off #3! But I digress...



What are some things that I've done to make it through, get my baby what she wants, and move through lifes ups and downs seamlessly. Please know that I am not a financial expert nor am I advocating any of you to utilize any of my practices, I've made some grave mistakes, some great accomplishments and massive failures too! I am however trying to be honest with myself, how did I get here, how have I grown and what can I do to get to the next step.

I cannot believe I used to think that somewhere down the line in a month, I'd receive an "extra" paycheck that was "free" money, yes, I believed that! I used to think that I didn't have to pay bills with that extra money because it was more than anticipated for that month. So "free money" once every few months is when I'd go out and get what my baby girl and I wanted! (INSANE)

"Rob Peter to Pay Paul", have you heard that saying before? That means, Peter is not getting paid this money, because Paul was Peter last month and now Paul is threatening to cut me off, so I have to use Peter this month to pay off Peter from last month so Paul this month doesn't get cut off! Did that confuse you? It should have, and that is exactly what this method will do to your finances!

Of course there is the borrow money from friends/family, but that can damage friendships once they realize that the money you borrowed was actually a gift, because they're never getting it back from you without force!

Then there is the use of a credit card to buy groceries, gas, pay a bill...For me that's a big no no, I mean, if I use my card for everyday purchases, and I use my money for bills and everyday purchases, where is my reserve for emergencies?  OOPS I'VE DONE IT AGAIN!

Payday loans (Check out PaydayLoansUK for more information on payday loans) were my friends for a moment there, they were my very best friends, shoot damn near close my lovers and my "connection". With all of my previous practices, I needed a payday loan to put money back in my pocket and in my bank account (that I've managed to overdraft over and over and over again in the past), payday loans can either be your best friend or your drug addiction (figuratively speaking that is) because they're meant to be a short term solution to your immediate financial problems, but for a while there, I can admit, it was a very unhealthy relationship, because I paid it off and got another just to support the missing income, if I was smart, I would've paid it off with that "extra paycheck". Ha.

Yes, I can admit, my financial practices weren't the smartest, but I've learned from them through time, some were a WHAT NOT TO DO NOW and some were I'll revisit if its a dire emergency, I've learned to say NO to my children to their "mommy can I have...?" and keep that little bit of change in my piggy bank for a rainy day emergency.  Which I'll say makes me a better financial handler! That's right, I'm a financial handler! I like it! I keep money in my hand and in the bank baby! HA!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by PaydayLoansUK, however as usual all thoughts and opinions expressed were of inspiration produced all on my own.



Until Next Time My Darlings,



Congratulations Winners!!!

First let me apologize for the delay in announcing the winners of the Immutable Ramblings Book Winners. Winners have been confirmed and keep a look out because there will be more book reviews/giveaways to come!

Congratulations to my winners!

Everyone Please Congratulate Heidi & Gina!!!

Thanks Ladies for reading and following me!!!

Until Next Time,

One Diverse Universe-Book Review & Giveaway (Ends 2/17)

There is something to appreciate about faith, peace and love, all traits of the author that you don't often see in people today. Her beliefs, her words, her story brings great hope to my heart and my world. There is so much negativity that leaves the world a dark and gloomy place, but Phyllis Reid encourages, sunshine and rainbows, a world I thought existed only in my head alone. A true hope for our future, a true hope for our children, a dream come true... the powerful message that is "One Diverse Universe".

About the Author, Phyllis Reid:
PHYLLIS REID is the Founder and President of Philmar Foundation for Purposeful Living. She holds a Master's Degree as a Clinical Social Worker and degrees in Psychology and Behavioral Science. She works as a Psychotherapist, Behavior Modification Specialist and Traumatologist with adults and children. She is a Certified Addictions Prevention Professional. She is also trained and has worked in Journalism and Dramatic Arts including work on stage and in film.
With an early career in advertising, marketing and sales, Ms. Reid studied the works of top motivational speakers like Norman Vincent Peale, Bob Proctor and Og Mandino, to name a few. She also holds a Bachelor of Divinity as an Interfaith Minister and is a practicising Metaphysical/Truth Practitioner for over thirty-years. As a motivational speaker, often referred to as the "Heart Talker" she touches the heart and soul with her soothing and penetrating voice, ease and simplicity of presentation and her engaging manner. Her presentations are inspiring, impacting and unforgettable.
Ms. Reid is very passionate about the plight of youths and in 1989 she founded Transform Magazine and Transformers International to support and empower youths.

Ms. Reid is the author and publisher of the book "Anchor in the Spirit as God Beings- More than Mere Human" the children's book "One Diverse universe" a 2-disc CD- The Climb to Success" and a line of inspirational posters that include "Credo for Riches and Honor" "God's Power Outlet" and "Credo of Accomplishment.
Ms. Reid is available for presentations to adults and youths covering spiritual, corporate and youth development areas.
Follow Phyllis Reid on Facebook, Twitter or on her Soaring Upward.
About the One Diverse Universe:


Our children are like vaults in which we store the precious virtues of family, race, culture, country, and the hopes and dreams of humankind for our world tomorrow Children live what they learn from their worlds everywhere around them.

One Diverse Universe offers from the tapestry of life woven in the universe around them, concepts of peace, unity, harmony and diversity to give wings to their minds. These concepts are tools they will need to navigate and thrive in their world tomorrow. The mission is to stimulate their minds and empower them as they grow forward. 
As parents, grand parents, relatives, teachers, mentors, nurturers and communities, it is incumbent upon us to pass on to children the knowledge and treasured goodness in people regardless of race, color, religion or nationality. Let us reshape and transform their minds to become what we deem missing in our world today. Let us teach them love instead of hate; trust instead of fear; unity, harmony and peace instead of separation, war and differences.

We owe them lifetimes of good. Let us give them One Diverse Universe with the hope of giving not just a book but a treasure trove of dreams of goodness, greatness, compassion, creativity and love to fill their lives and communities now and forever.

Phyllis Reid - Author


Opinion from Immutable Ramblings

One Diverse Universe, a book geared toward children provides a message that can be shared with children, teens, young adults and adults alike. A message that can and should spread like wildfire, a powerful and expressive view of positive children with enormously great morals and values, instilled by their parents and strengthened by their friendship, their unity, their commonality amongst their "brothers and sisters". I take away from this book a message instilled in my heart that speaks volumes what faith, unity, peace and love can achieve, how having positive surroundings can do nothing but improve the world around you.

One Diverse Universe is a story about a group of children who are enjoying a day together at the park, they encounter a negative event and attempt to intervene out of the goodness of their hearts. They explore what all the aspects of life and living things have in common, how one can't be without the other, how when there is one there is the other, like brothers and sisters, they all go hand in hand. The book has beautiful, bright, vivid colorful graphics that depict one world, animals, people from all nationalities all around the world, the differences that the world houses, diversity shall not divide, we shall accept the diversity and unite as one! I can't express it enough how powerful the message was, I envision this book helping so many people in crisis and in conflict, a softer message to reach children, teens and yes, even adults.

"Accept, respect, spread peace and love..." because "the answer is one, oneness; we are all one, one God, one universe, one world, one family of man." Thank you to Phyllis Reid (and Irene Watson) for sharing One Diverse Universe with me and allowing me to spread the message to my readers.

*~*Giveaway*~*

Phyllis Reid has so graciously offered a free copy of One Diverse Universe to one of Immutable Ramblings' Readers. Giveaway will be close at 11:59 pm on February 17th and a winner will be chosen via random.org. Please provide your contact information when responding to the following in the comment section to be entered to win: What is one thing you hope your children learn from you?


Until Next Time,

An Exploration of "Sweet" Messes

Fresh Baby's Milk Drool

Mashed Bananas

Mommy's Snickers Ice Cream Bar (MINE)

1st Birthday Cupcake

Firecracker Popsicle

Red Velvet Cake

2nd Birthday Cake



College Open House, Isabella w/Mommy's "Secret Silencer Weapon"

In a span of 2 years, there have been many messes, some not caught on film, some too massive to share, but one thing remains relative, Isabella loves her sweets.

"how to INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO" Review & Giveaway

I recently was given the opportunity to review a book by Mary Greenwood, JD. LL.M. Before getting into the specifics of the book, I wanted to share with you a little bit about the author. It is important to me that you get to know the author, gather an understanding of her background and qualifications before I tell you about her latest book entitled: "how to INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO: forty-three rules for getting your next job"

Mary Greenwood & Annabelle

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Greenwood is an Attorney, Mediator, and Author of the award-winning books, How to Negotiate like a Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, which has won six book awards and How to Mediate Like a Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes, which has won twelve book awards. Her latest book is How to Interview Like a Pro, 43 rules for getting your next job, has won ten book awards.

Mary has been quoted in the New York Daily News, the Kiplinger Retirement Report, the Orlando Sentinel, Philly.com, State Farm Good Neighbor Magazine, 70 Tips for Interviewing, CBS Money Watch, FlexJobs, Career Column, MSNBC, Triadcareers.news, Meidation Digest and BusinessInfoGuide.com

Mary has worked as Human Resources Director at Winter Park, Hollywood, Miami Beach, Monroe County, Keys Energy and Roger Williams University. She has worked as Legal Counsel at Winthrop University, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, and Colorado College, Manatee County and Monroe County. Mary has taught Labor Law and Employment Discrimination at St. Thomas Law School, Stetson Law School, Winthrop University, St. Leo's University and is currently an Adjunct Professor at Barry Law School.

Greenwood has a BA from New School for Social Research, an MA in English from the University of Southern California, a Law Degree from California Western School of Law and an LL.M. in Labor Law from George Washington Law School.

Mary is a mediator, arbitrator and negotiator. At last count, she has had at least twenty-five jobs and wishes she had How to Interview Like a Pro available at some of her interviews. Greenwood lives in Orlando, Florida with her Boston Terrier Annabelle.

ABOUT THE BOOK

How to Interview Like A Pro: Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job by Mary Greenwood

Description:

If you can't seem to get the interviews and job offers you want, it's time to learn How to Interview Like a Pro. Written by longtime human resources director Mary Greenwood, the author of How to Negotiate Like a Pro and How to Mediate Like a Pro, this guidebook offers strategies and practical tips about the interview process. Learn how to prepare for your next interview and how to answer the difficult questions that leave other candidates stuttering. You will learn forty-three rules that will help you get your next job. Here's a sample of the types of tips you'll get:

• PREPARING AND DELIVERING A GOOD ELEVATOR SPEECH IS ESSENTIAL FOR SUCCESS.
• BEING NOSEY ABOUT THE INTERVIEW PROCESS CAN WORK IN YOUR FAVOR.
• THE RIGHT OUTFIT, THE RIGHT HANDSHAKE AND THE RIGHT DEMEANOR ARE ESSENTIAL.
• Let The Parties Tell Their Story
• ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS AT THE INTERVIEW.

This guidebook is the perfect mix of reference materials, case studies, state and federal resources, and checklists. Discover the edge you need to produce results and learn How to Interview Like a Pro.

PERSONAL STATEMENT:

Let me proceed to tell you, that I am not a personal friend of Mary or a close associate, other than being given the opportunity to review her latest book, we have no direct affiliation, all opinions and ideas expressed beyond this point are words of my own creation based on my reading of Mary's newest book, "how to INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO: forty-three rules to getting your next job", so you can rest assured that I have no personal bias invested in this review. I requested the opportunity to review the book because I have a direct interest in the read and felt that by reading/reviewing the book, it could possibly assist me in my personal journey to landing MY NEXT JOB, so I was very excited to have been selected to review it.

Here's my personal review posted on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, Shelfari:

Do's & Don't of Interviewing, Glossary of Terms, the Federal Laws Prohibiting Discrimination and even State Fair Employment Agencies. I'll admit that I've used the Glossary of Terms as a reference several times throughout the book to confirm or familiarize myself. Lastly, I loved that this appealed to every audience and provided powerful knowledge and insight for both local and non-local interviewing and job search. All in all, Mary Greenwood's: how to Interview Like A Pro, was a phenomenal and informational read that has changed my view about interviewing and how I interview. I'm walking away from this experience with more knowledge than anticipated.     

Some additional Key Points:

As I was reading how to Interview Like A Pro, I took time to takes notes in the margins, mark/highlight important ideas and began implementing them into my job search regimen. I was prod to learn that I had already used some of Mary's 43 rules/tips, but was also able to learn new ideas and information, which made this book, impossible to put down.

Rule 2. Prepare a good elevator speech.
I'd always been baffled by that age old question: So, tell me a little bit about yourself, what exactly do you want to know interviewer, my life story? My job experience? Do I detail my resume for you? NO, your resume can speak for yourself, an elevator speech is essentially a blip about you, what you have to offer and bring to the table(job), thirty seconds or less, and make it count. Mary details what this should include, why its important and how it can be used, she also shares with the reader HER elevator speech. I have no fully created my elevator speech just yet, but this has definitely intrigued me and encouraged me to create one, that will not only express who I am and what I have to offer, but finally give me an opportunity to NAIL that question that generally gives me much pause.

Rule 3 & 4: Make a list everyone you know and tell them you are looking for a job.
You'll want to take a moment to jot down all of your contacts, acquaintances, friends, family members near and far, previous co-workers, etc., this will create your own personal network of individuals that you can reach out to, inform them that you are currently looking, you never know who has the inside edition of jobs that will match your qualifications and be able to put you in touch with someone. Say it loud and say it proud, share your elevator speech, ask to visit their job. The more active and the more visible you are, the better off you'll be. Use your network to your advantage.

Rule 7. Prepare a great cover letter.
Now this rule is pretty standard, however, as I read Mary's insights, it made me think about my cover letter, how I've withheld one in the past and how my current cover letter could use a little tweaking. But to add to this, I've also learned to include an enclosures note at the bottom of the letter, but also to label in the footer of your resume(if it has multiple pages) your name and page ___ of ___ just in case the pages get separated.

Rule 14 & 15. Be prepared and Check the employer's website and its competitor's websites.
Familiarize yourself with the company, ask questions about the interviewer, know what kind of interview you will be attending, research the employer and the company, get to know the field they are in, by doing this, you'll be better equipped to respond to that last question: "Do you have any questions?", I almost always say no, but if you're backed with knowledge about the employer, you are able to formulate applicable questions for the interviewer that will show them that you're not only prepared, you are uniquely interested and have done your homework. (This goes with Rule 25. Never say you don't have any questions)

I actually appreciated and am capitalizing on much of the information given in this book, I especially loved the ENTIRE CHAPTER 4. How to answer interview questions, yes, something I would have never imagined that would be included in a book, this how to is really an amazing tool and full of so many helpful entities. "Tell me about you and your background?", "Why are you interested in the position?", "Why do you want to work here?" and so many more that always give you that pause, which is never appealing to the interviewer/s.

I know that I've shared quite a bit of information here, and there is more of the book that can be shared/explored. I mean literally it maintained my interest all the way through, even when I got to the "Law section", I found this book to be like a bible for Interviewing and the process that follows. In my opinion a complete MUST READ!

To learn more about Mary Greenwood, the Author of how to INTERVIEW LIKE A PRO: forty-three rules for getting your next job, and recipient of eleven book awards on this book alone, please visit her website by clicking on Mary Greenwood.

But there's more, Mary Greenwood has offered a free copy of her award winning book how to Interview Like A Pro to one of Immutable Ramblings Readers! All you have to do is leave a comment with your most helpful interviewing tip and your email address and you can win! The giveaway will remain open until February 13th at 11:59 and will be selected at random using random.org, the book will be sent to the winner directly from the author.

But, if you can't wait to see if you've won, or you want to purchase a copy of her book for yourself or someone you know who could benefit by the read, please click on Order.

I wanted to personally thank Mary Greenwood (and Irene Watson) for giving me the opportunity to get to know her a little, read and review her book and sending me an autographed copy. I feel really special.

Discloser: I've received a copy of the book in order to facilitate my review, I am also receiving a stipend for my review, however, please know that all opinions expressed are my own as noted in my previous statement.

Until Next Time,

Grabbing ahold of...



RAPowell Original Inspired (By Paper Coterie) to express my feelings through Photograph