Ponder This...

Here’s to the crazy ones.
The misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers.
The round pegs in the square holes.
The ones who see things differently.
They’re not fond of rules.
And they have no respect for the status quo.
You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them.
Because they change things.
They push the human race forward.
While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius.
Because the people who think they are crazy enough to change the world…
are the ones who do. ~ Steve Jobs

Plan YOUR work! Work YOUR plan!

My personal and professional motto is Plan YOUR work! Work YOUR plan!

My dad tells me this all the time...and he got it from his mother. Everything I do in life, I try to have some sort of plan for every situation. I'm a Capricorn, It's in my nature to be a planner.

Planning is a great way to get out of debt and stay that way. You develop a plan to attack your debt, your budget, and your savings goals. You plan as best you can for emergencies. You plan for vacations. You plan for new clothes. You plan...

The plan always changes, so you can't take it personal. Keep planning until you find a plan that works best for you.



From the blog Cash The Checks, here are some ideas for your planning:

- Write down all of your debts. use your credit report as well as your statements to see what you owe. Write down who you owe, what kind of debt it is and the amount.

- Create a budget. In order to tackle your debt, you need to set money aside to pay it down. But first, you’ll need to see where your money is going to see how much you can contribute towards your debt.

- Be patient. While it may have taken 1 year to accumulate this debt, it can take you many more years to completely wipe it out. Don’t be discouraged. This plan you’re creating just proves that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

-Decide what to pay first. You’ll want to tackle your worst debts first. Try paying off those with the highest interest rate first. If you have some smaller debts, get rid of those as soon as you can too. This can have a psychological benefit and, if listed on your credit report, will have its status changed to paid which will raise your credit score.

- Savings. While the goal is to pay off your debt, you should not ignore your savings account. In fact, the lack of having any savings is likely the reason you’re in debt. Unless you keep your savings account funded you’ll just continue to rely on credit.

- Sell your stuff. We all have a lot of extra junk we don’t need. Now is the time to get rid of it. Have a yard sale. You can sell gold, sell diamonds and other jewelry. Put up your old electronics on eBay. You will declutter your home and make some money in the process.

Do you have a plan for your financial and personal lives?

Wednesday's Lunch Time Financial Time: How to Save Money in 20 Minutes

Each Wednesday, PF4TP brings you a financial tip to help you on your journey towards Financial Independence! Enjoy!

From Yahoo! Personal Finance - Organize Your Finances and Save Money in 20 Minutes

Quarter-Life Crisis? Responsiblities? What the...

I don't know how long this Quarter-Life crisis thing is suppose to last, but I'm over it. For those who don't know a Quarter-life crisis is Wikipedia defines it as "a period of life following the major changes of adolescence, usually ranging from the late teens to the early thirties, in which a person begins to feel doubtful about their own lives, brought on by the stress of becoming an adult. The term was coined by analogy with mid-life crisis."

After I graduated from Grad School, I learned just how real the Quarter-Life Crisis is. I had little work experience, a lot of student loan debt, and little employment opportunities. It was a very stress full couple of months but I did finally find a job and began living a grown up life full of bills and obligations. I took the position because I needed a job, but it has nothing to do with the subject I spent 6 years and way too much money studying.

So, here I was truely on my own in the real world. I was financially on my own in undergrad but thats awhole different set of priorities... Anyway, I now have a grown up job and grown up bills, but no idea what I wanted to do with my life! All my friends from high school and college were getting married and having kids and me....I'm living with roommates, hours from any family members, and trying to figure this adult thing out on my own.

I have been at the same job since March 2007, still not doing what I went to school for and still paying those crazy student loans I took out. I have my own place, a vehicle, a puppy, and a growing business. I think I finally found something I want to do with myself. Still I look around and people from high school and college are still getting married, living the family life, and having babies. I guess my crisis is that I want 2 different lives: the family life and the single life, I want to experience life but I want to settle down.



I know I'm not the only one experiencing this and I don't have the answers to avoid or end it but I do have some tips for managing it...

Step # 1 – Don’t Fight It
Everything isn’t OK. If all your brain can focus on is changing your current situation, listen to it. Just recognize that the crazy ideas that it’s generating may not be the solution.

Step # 2 – Try Something New
Your current level of happiness is complication of your past experiences. Therefore, if you’re suffering from a lack of happiness, you need to create new experiences.

Sometimes this could mean taking a drastic step and quitting your job. However, don’t count out the small experiences such as finding a new hobby, learning something new, etc…

Step # 3 - Think before you act.
Just because you impulsively want a change in life, remember you have responsiblities now. We would all like to quit our job and pursue other things but that may not always be the best thing at the moment. Make a plan A, B, C...to keep yourself from making a mistake that could take years to recover from.

Becoming an adult isn't easy and I'm sure if I would have listened to all those lectures I got growing up, things would be easier now but I didn't. Finding my own way has been challenging but fun, too (and stressfull). It's a bumpy ride; strap in and enjoy the ride!

Remember...

Life isn't about the destination - it's about the journey!

Gearing up for WorldSkills 2012: A brand new category and new competitors!

Today is the first day of the WorldSkills Competition (WSC), held in London, UK.  This competition, dubbed the ‘Olympics of Skills’, will see 1,000 competitors from 50 countries/regions competing in 46 skills areas.  Team Singapore is represented by competitors from the polytechnics and ITE.  Some of our participants are nervous and excited, while others stay calm and collected. So who are these competitors? How have they prepared themselves? Let’s find out more about them!

Jaslyn (left) and Rachel from Diploma in Nursing

Caring (team)

1)      Li Kaiyun Jaslyn, Diploma in Nursing

2)      Rachel Chloe Chua, Diploma in Nursing

For this team event, Jaslyn and Rachel will focus on specific tasks which they are good in. The tasks they are required to do include teaching patients, giving injections and giving advice. They have also spent one week on London time in order to get used to the time difference.

Said Jaslyn, “Although I am elated to have come this far, I could feel the high expectations pinned on me from my family and friends. I hope to meet these expectations with flying colours.”

Said Rachel, “Training for the WorldSkills Competition is definitely not a bed of roses. However, at the end of the day, there is a sense of satisfaction knowing that I have completed my tasks to the best of my ability.”

CNC Milling

Lin Zhaoxiong Kenny, Diploma in Digital & Precision Engineering

Kenny went overseas to train with the exact competition machine model two months ago. He is also training hard and doing lots of assessments to familiarise himself with machine controls and various tasks. If you have no idea what is CNC Milling, well it’s basically programming a machine – known as a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machine - to cut shapes out of metal or plastic to very specific dimensions J

Said Kenny, “After World Skills Singapore, I have been training harder for WorldSkills London 2011. I feel that I am now more prepared for the Competition. I hope to learn more advanced techniques and knowledge in CNC technology. I am also excited to find out where I stand in terms of skill competence in this industry.”

Kenny (left) will be partipating in CNC Milling and Han Jie (right) will be doing CNC Turning

CNC Turning

Ong Han Jie (above) , Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering

Similar to CNC Milling, CNC Turning requires participants to shape a rotating, cylindrical work piece with a machine tool, to precise dimensions. The challenge for him is the time limit of 3.5 hours for machining and 1 hour for programming. 

Said Han Jie, “I joined WorldSkills Singapore because I wanted to gain more experience on CNC Technology, which will be useful for me in the future. It has been tough for me as I have to study as well as to train for the competition. But I am fully committed to do well in both aspects. I will do my best for Singapore in WorldSkills to get a Gold Medal!”

Graphic Design Technology

Marilyn Tham May Peng, Diploma in Digital Media Design (Animation)

Marilyn is one lucky competitor. She went overseas for a friendly match and to learn some technical aspects. In Singapore, she was being coached in simulation tests, such as designing outdoors at Orchard road to train her concentration in a noisy environment. 

Said Marilyn, “Since young, I have been interested in drawing, which evolved into a passion for design in recent years. The skills that I have picked up will strengthen my career prospects. By joining WorldSkills Competition, I will be able to glean further insights in this creative industry. I have a vision of ‘beautifying the world’ with my skills.”

IT Network Systems Administration

Sim Mong Khim Jared, Diploma in Business Enterprise IT

Jared prepared himself by doing a lot of research.  He believes knowledge is power when it comes to configuring IT network systems. He has also been training by tackling tasks set by trainers and looking out for new features and challenges to improve his skills.

Said Jared, “In the beginning, it was never about competing or winning, but merely to learn a new skill. Representing Singapore at the international WorldSkills Competition in the IT Network Systems Administration skills area is beyond my imagination. I have learned stuff that I never would have thought I would be doing.”

Mobile Robotics (Team)

Shi Jie (Left) and Chia Kai are determined to out-robot their competitors

1) Tan Chia Kai, Diploma in Electronics, Computer & Communications Engineering.         
2) Tang Shi Jie, Diploma in Electronics, Computer & Communications Engineering

It was a video on robots that got Shi Jie interested in robots in the first place.  Similarly, for Chia Kai, his addiction to games affected his ‘O’ levels grades, but he had managed to overcome this by channelling his energies to programming instead.  We hope they will use their strengths to conquer all other robots in WorldSkills J

Said Shi Jie,” During secondary school days, in an introductory session to inform us on what courses we could choose in the polytechnic, a short video caught my attention. It was about a robot performing a programmed task. There was a connection immediately and the rest is history. Winning is not the key. It is the process that gets you to the destination you want to go that matters.”

Said Chia Kai, “Mobile Robotics requires knowledge of many programming skills and algorithms. The number of ways in which a robot can be programmed to do a specific task appears to be unlimited. Also, being accurate and consistent are key factors in programming. We expect a tough competition ahead in WorldSkills London against competitors from various countries.”

Visual Merchandising (New category)

Loh Yi Qi, Diploma in Interior Design

As this is a new category, Yi Qi tells herself to stay calm and enjoy the process because she does not want to stress herself and tense up at the competition. She also feels happy to be a pioneer in this competition area and hopes to gain valuable experience. One advantage she thinks she has is the perspective view, learnt from her diploma course, whereby she uses depth-of-field to aid her in her visualisation.

Said Yi Qi,” I believe that the journey to winning is not an easy one. In the beginning, the only clue I had about Visual Merchandising was displaying products in a space. I have to learn everything from the basics. But I am thankful that my foundation in Interior Design has helped me excel in this skill area. Internships with brands like Ralph Lauren, Adidas and Charles & Keith had given me valuable learning experiences. To stay calm during the competition, I intend to enjoy the process of competing and remind myself to take every training session now seriously.”

Find out more about how our particpants are faring here!

7 Ways to get on Track Financially

Lately, I have been writing a lot about getting out of debt and getting on track financially. We don't realize how simple becoming Financially Independent is. Yeah, it takes work, lots of time, and dedication but it's more than worth it in the long run.

You can live your dreams. You just have to work for them and plan.

1. Stop overspending.


Really, stop! If you can't afford it (and it's a want), you don't need it. Track what you do spend by using something like Mint.com to see where you might be spending too much and change your habits accordingly. Use this information to create a budget.

2. Make more money.


Turn a hobby/skill/telent/passion into extra income. Sell old books. Make Ebay and Craigslist your new best friends. Work more hours. Take on a second job. Become a tutor. Try to bring in at least $100 a month in extra money...

3. Pay down those credit cards and other debts.


With all this extra money you now have coming in, pay down your credit cards and debts. Use Dave Ramsey's Snowball method to pay down your debts. Make a list of all your debts in order of amount you owe and work your way down the list, one debt at a time.

4. Build an Emergency Fund.


Open a savings account with an online bank, like ING, that gives you a higher interest rate than regular savings accounts. You can't immediately touch this money, so plan well! Set ING to take a set amount out of your regular bank account every payday, of an amount that works for you, and forget about it. Before you know it, you will have money for emergencies.

5. Stop using credit cards as often.


Instead of using your credit cards to buy things, save to buy the things you want. Learn to delay gratification and implement a 24 hour rule on purchases over $100. Think it over. Do you really need it? Right now? Make your credit cards work for you...once you have paid them off use them once a month to buy something small and pay off the balance each month.

6. Downsize if necessary.


If you cant afford to live where you live move or get a roommate. If your car payments are too high or gas is costing you too much, sell your vehicle and get a cheaper one. Downsize your life to a life you can afford.

7. Strip away the non-necessities.


If necessary, get rid of everything that isn't a need for the time being. Focus on your monthly bills, debts, and savings goals. As you clear debts you will have more money a month to do what you please with. Get back on track before you spend on wants.

It seems like a lot of work, and it is, but it is worth it in the end to see your dreams come true and to live the life you want....

Monday's Entrepreneur: Andre The Tat Man

**UPDATE Scroll to bottom for contact info**

Every Monday at PF4P, we like to start the week off on a positive note, so we bring you stories of people like us who have turned a passion, hobby, talent, or skill into something that provides them with either full-time or part-time income.

I love tattoos! I have been looking for a person to do my sleeve and was told about Andre The Tat Man by Rob from Ifeanyi Clothing (see we really to support each other! Once you have been featured on this blog, we do what we can to help out).

What makes Andre so great, besides his tattooing skills, is that he is extremely cheap. He says “Why are my prices sooo low? Whats wrong with me? I could be makin a killing! Oh well.”

His work speaks for itself…










As with most “Monday’s Entrepreneur”, I had to see The Tat Man’s skills for myself …





I can honestly say that these tattoos will always special because of their meaning to me but also because this was the first time I have gotten tattooed while watching tv in someone’s living room!



I’m going back VERY soon to get some more work done on my sleeve…but…

To get your very own tattoo from Andre The Tat Man call 202-486-1898...
…as always…tell ‘em Personal Finance 4 The People sent you!