Seven Habits for a Financially FIt New Year

Personal character is made of habits and habits come in two varieties: good and bad. The secret to learning good habits or breaking bad ones is found in conscious repetition. To create a habit, you must repeat an action over and over again until it becomes a natural response. To break a habit, you must to create a new one or choose not to do something over and over until it becomes a natural response. Want to become more financially responsible? Consciously focus on the following practices. Repeat them over and over until they become natural responses. Before you know it, these will be your habits, too. Habit 1. Regularly balance your accounts. Financially responsible people calculate a current balance in their checkbook or online account after every transaction. They know where they are at all times. Habit 2. Save money consistently. Financially responsible people do not spend all the money they have and then rely on credit. They always save some and they do it first, before they pay anyone else. Habit 3. Think first and spend later. This is the habit that keeps financially responsible people from spending money they don't have. They do not buy things impulsively. They make lists, weigh the consequences, wait for sales and above all, exercise self-control. Habit 4. Focus on the real price. Financially responsible people see through the come-ons, marketing hype and financing options. They know how to calculate the bottom line. If they can afford the full price, fine. If not, they are not interested in monthly payments. Habit 5. Know your financial condition. Financially responsible people know within a few bucks the current balance on their mortgage, their investment accounts and other assets. They make decisions based on how their net worth will be affected. Habit 6. Refuse unsecured debt. Financially responsible people shun debt of all kinds, but especially unsecured debt. If they have secured, i.e. mortgage debt, they repay it rapidly. Habit 7. Make principle-based decisions. Financially responsible people make financial decisions based on principles, not feelings. They know their feelings are fickle and can change. Experts in human behavior say it takes 21 repetitions to break a bad habit or to establish a new habit. That means if you do something every day, after three weeks it will become a nearly automatic response, a habit. Continue for another 21 days and you will have established a life-long habit. It takes just six weeks to change your life. It is possible to learn good habits and unlearn bad ones, even those that are deeply ingrained. It's all a matter of choice and determination!

Other articles by Mary Hunt: "Change Your Attitude to Curb Your Spending" "Find Money in Your Pockets"

Our Third Monthly E-ship CLub

ON Monday night, the 17th we met at the South Omaha Library for our third monthly E-ship Club.  

It was my favorite one yet! 

Every month just keeps getting better and better. 

Our speaker was Frank Kumor, a long-time Christian businessman in Olde Towne Bellevue.  He spoke on what it takes to be in business in the same location for 33 years.

  He emphasized hard work, diligence, diversifying your skills, above and beyond customer service, loyalty and living within your means. 

The mentor groups after the speaker  discussed real-life business ideas and  each student gave a practical business which they could start right now. 

WE will serve on Sunday, December 14th in downtown Omaha . 

Our next monthly meeting will be on December 15th with Valda Ford as our speaker for our social entrepreneurship  portion of the program. 

The students will focus on philanthropy projects for the month.  

IT is important  for entrepreneurs to give back to the community. 

Fantastic Field Trip to Three Storefronts

Friday the 14th we went to three different types of businesses in Rockbrook. 

1)  Pets R Us, which has been in business for 18 years owned by Dave and Barb as a Corporation, was our first stop.  They had five dogs lying behind the counter.  Do they like animals or what?  Dave gave practical advice on being a long-time business owner. 

2)  Across the street at the Great Harvest Bread Co., which is a franchise,  was the co-owner, Mariann giving us a great overview of the hallmark of their business, great product and great customer service.  They advertise by "bread of mouth!" 

3)  Our third stop was at Laurie's Piano Studio which is a newly opened service business which offers Simply Music, an Australian-developed piano method.  She gave us a first-hand account on how to move a home-based business to a storefront. 

$100.00 for Rachel

The children wanted me to bring a souvenir home for them from TX.

Amanya will get an Emily doll.

Hannah will get TX Bluebonnet seeds.

Christian will get a mouse pad, jelly and chocolates, to share with his dad.

Rachel will get 100 bucks!

Not from me, but from the Entrepreneurship Education Forum's Import-Export Challenge.

You see, she imports jewelry from Peru.

Please see her website below!

www.freewebs.com/everygirlzdream

The Yellow Rose of TExas

I'm off to TX to present at the Entrepreneurship Educators' Forum in Austin.  

The four children recorded their biz testimonies. 

Christian was to the point, but the girls were very chatty.   Very cute.   :) 

Rachel updated our family's website today and did a fantastic job.  

www.freewebs.com/pavpacksales.com

ONE presentation is on penetrating the home school market. 

The second one is on teaching teens entrepreneurship in a community college setting.  

The third one is on raising entrepreneurially-minded children.  

That's my favorite one!  :) 

I'll report on Tuesday.  

Janita, aka Kidz Biz Whiz 

A TIme to Give Thanks

As we reflect on giving thanks this time of year, I want to give thanks for life, the Creator of Life, family, friends, students, and life-changing situations. 

Recently I had the chance to be with my sister in the hospital as she had round six of six chemo treatments.  We had a fabulous slumber party in the hospital in spite of ongoing buzzers, numerous IVs and nurses’ visits, countless blood draws, Mayo doctor checks with their entourage, hospital food, quick-paced laps around the unit, many trips to the bathroom with the IV stand, and a multitude of hours waiting for the IV bags to empty. As I reflect on the deep bond my sister and I have, I can’t help but thank God for the people in my life.  

We never know what each day holds and what is required of us, but we do know that we have choices to make.  We can choose to embrace life and the people in our lives---hug tighter, laugh longer, sing louder, pray more, listen better, be expressive, slow down and spend time with each other...

IN this season of giving thanks, have an attitude of gratitude.  Be thankful for each day and ask what God has planned for you.  Enjoy your families, your friends, your jobs, your life,  as it truly is a gift.  

My sister Janel  didn't choose to have cancer, but she chooses to have a positive attitude and daily appreciates each person God has placed in her life.  

All in a Day's Work...

Yesterday Rachel and I went to the BX on Base to peddle our wares. 

She was selling her Peruvian jewelry. 

We also set up Christian's organic, handmade soap and Hannah's beeswax candles. 

The kiosks were gorgeous; even had spotlights.  

And we could have asked for a cash register. 

This was better than "playing store" when my sister and I were little. 

We were really doing it in a real-live place of business. 

Yet it felt like we were playing. 

It really is a game. 

How professional can one act?  

How long does one have to "fake it til you make it?"  

Not long.  

Experience truly is the best teacher. 

The more you do it, meet the public and sell your wares, the easier it becomes. 

The day wasn't a hugely profitable day, but it was hugely profitable in a non-financial way. 

E-ship Club on Monday Night

Another great night at the E-ship CLub. 

Dan Stuenzi, a home school dad, entrepreneur for many years,  gave a great presentation on what it is like to be an entrepreneurs. 

SOme highlights from his talk: 

Things learned from past business ventures: 

~needs a profit 

~not fear rejection

~how to properly target customers

~under-promise/over-deliver

~the importance of capital

~importance of networking and reputation 

~how to "fail forward" 

~providing VALUE comes before reward 

WHat struck a chord with me was: 

"It's hard for entrepreneurs to work for someone else!" 

That is so true for me. 

One summer I taught summer classes and I was shocked the administrator was keeping their eye on me.  

WHy? 

Of course I am going to be doing what is right, I am a professional, aren't I? 

I will make good decisions, work hard, etc. 

Good stuff to recognize... 

Next month we have Frank Kumor as our guest speaker.  

HE is a long-time business owner from Olde Towne Bellevue and will speak on customer service and longevity of business. 

It Takes Time and Hard WOrk

Last night my 13 yo daughter and I stayed up way past midnight to finish her video project.

You see, Rachel has her own business and has had one since age 6.

Currently, her business is "Every Girlz Dream Jewelry Company."

What a cute and appropriate name.

She is definitely selling her passion.

For her 13th birthday she got her ears pierced (at a tattoo parlour(!) but, that's another story!) and since then she has been crazy about pierced earrings.

Her video project was the Import/Export Idea Challenge sponsored by the Entrepreneruship Forum.

She made her own Power Point Slides (easy to do I found out!) and showcased her website.

The content was relatively easy to put together; it was the technical side where we struggled.

IT turned out our video was not in the right format and we tried to convert it, to no avail.

We are not sure if her entry will count in the contest.

It may be a learning experience and an exercise in acquiring new skills.

I know our video is not professional and not the best job, but we got it done and learned from the project.

Plus, how many 13 yos import jewlery from Peru?

It is not about perfection, it is about doing it and getting it done!

Here is the URL on YouTube:

Buy the Big O! SHow

Tomorrow is a big day for the Omaha Simply Music Piano Teachers.

We have a booth at Buy the Big O! Show at the Qwest Center in Omaha with 400 other businesses.

It took a bit of convincing to spend the money on the booth (over $400.00), spend the money on the free giveaways (cute little piano post-it notes at $700.00) and schedule the personnel to cover the day.

The bottom line is if you want to be recognized, legitimized and acknowledged, you need to run with the Big Boys.

OK, so why would we say no to such a great networking opportunity?

1. $$$$

2. FEAR (Which is behind #1)

3. Lack of time (Which is really #2)

4. No experience (Which is really #2)

You get the picture?

FEAR is the #1 block to growth.

Tomorrow is going to be a growth-producing day for all involved.

The Omaha Simply Music Piano Teachers will not be the same because of putting aside their fears and saying "yes" to this fantastic opportunity.

What helps me is always thinking of the worst thing that could happen, deal with it and "Just Do It!"

I will keep you posted on the outcome of the Big O! Show...

Parents as Role Models

I believe parents are the role models in many areas, and especially in the areas of work and views about work.

I am currently preparing my presentations for the Entrepreneurship Educators' Conference in Austin, TX next month.

One of my presentations is on "Mom's E Boot Camp: Raising Entrepreneurially-minded Children."

THE number one factor I believe is: having parents who are supportive and take the time to help their children with their entrepreneurial endeavors.

IF the parental support and confidence is not there, it won't happen.

That's why we require the parents to attend our monthly E-ship Meeting.

Let your child dream, let your child experiment, but nothing is going to happen unless you are there helping and supporting.

Yes, it is another thing to add to your list, but it is SO WORTH IT!

Publicity

Families,

Think publicity vs. advertising.

IT will save you a ton of money, but also it will make you an expert in other peoples' eyes and you will gain a reputation faster than trying to do it on your own.

Our new (we've met one time) E-ship Club was featured in the Omaha World Herald on Saturday, the 11th. 

It was a complimentary article which led to another interview by an OWH reporter.  

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=3940&u_sid=10456256

Write press releases.  

Contact the local media. 

They're always looking for stories.  

Just try it, you might land one! 

Service Opportunities

Parents, 

It is important our children learn to serve others without expecting something in return. 

Yesterday four families helped at the Chamber office stuffing 6,000 goodie bags for a big trade show next week.  

All they received was a free lunch...of pizza!  and the adults received free electricity at our Big O! booth next week. 

We worked from 9:00 to 2:00 with a 30 minute lunch break.  

The children were hard workers and diligent with their tasks. 

The hands of the diligent will rule and all work is profit. 

It is good for them to serve others. 

Plus, it gave them a great view of office work and working downtown Omaha. 

Interesting... 

Let Them Experience IT!

Parents,  

Let your children experience their own business, selling to customers, being successful, being 

rejected, being in the red and being in the black. 

Let them work for their spending money. 

Let them go with their ideas. 

Let them spread their wings  a bit. 

Let them be encouraged and let them be discouraged by sales and by customers. 

Let them hear the truth from a customer. 

Let them experience consequences.  

Let them experience having a boss or supervisor. 

Let them learn how to organize their displays, supplies, inventory and order forms. 

Let them grow and develop as they were created to be.   

And most importantly of all...

May they grow in favor with GOD and man. 

Perfect love Casts out Fear

Fear paralyzes. 

No matter what situation you encounter in life, if you have fear, you will be paralyzed. 

If you are making a  business decision, wanting to grow, or start another company, if you have fear, you won't do it. 

Perfect love casts out fear. 

The only perfect love I know is from above. 

Use it. 

"I came to give you life and to give it more abundantly." 

Trust God to give you an abundant life. 

Leverage your TIME

Friends, 

Be sure to leverage your time. 

Meaning:  if you are going to have a paper route, why not walk a dog at the same time? 

Or if you are teaching one student a new skill, why not four or five at a time? 

OR if you are doing canvassing for one person, why not do it for two people? 

Today the children and I did just that...we hung door hangers for two different people. 

One person is running for City Council, and another wants to advertise her fitness classes. 

Why not kill two birds with one stone and halve the amount of work? 

Leverage, my friend! 

Your time is important. 

Candy Store of an 8 year old

If a child can add and subtract and talk to people, they are old enough for  a business. 

Our 8 year old daughter set up a candy store this week in my piano studio. 

She has sold $8.00 worth of product. 

She is organized, responsible, tracks her inventory, dresses well, and treats customers well. 

What a great learning experience. 

They could never get this experience playing  a entrepreneurship computer game or watching a tv show on how to start your own business. 

Let them go for it parents,  and take the time to help them get started.  

Once they have a taste of it, you'll be amazed at how motivated they are! 

And watch their business ideas grow! 

He who is faithful in little, is faithful in much! 

Play is Important!

Today we went to the park midday and played. 

We played tag on the playground equipment. 

We played soccer on the court. 

We played football in the grass. 

We threw stones into the river. 

We took the dog with us and let him go swimming. 

Take the time to play with your children. 

The family who plays together, stays together. 

Follow Their Passions

Parents, 

Encourage your children's passions. 

If they are into football, let them play football, 

if they are into soccer, encourage soccer, 

if their passion is cooking, take them to cooking classes, 

if their passion is making money, let them set up as many businesses as they want. 

Hannah, our 10 year old, loves horses and has for years. 

We had her "prove" herself by having bunnies for pets for three years.  

"He who is faithful in little , is faithful in much."

This year we are taking her passion one step further with riding lessons. 

We didn't go into this  activity impulsively, we considered the cost. 

I pay for one session, she pays for one session, I pay for one session, she pays for one session. 

She has to earn the money through her paper route, which is not her passion, but it is a means to the end---riding lessons. 

Parents, where there is a will, there is  a way.  

Figure out what your children's  passions are, encourage them and pursue them. 

Yes, it takes time.  

But, that is the best gift you can give your children...your time.  

Heigh Ho, Heigh HO, it's off to work I go!

Work. 

It's not your typical four-letter word!  

Children may think so at times, but that's ok. 

As long you they're working, that's the important part! 

All work leads to profit. 

Remember that parents. 

Make your children work. 

He who doesn't work, neither let him eat. 

Remember that. 

Don't give them everything they want. 

Let them work for it. 

Let them yearn. 

Don't  give them an allowance.

Let them earn their spending money. 

WHen there is an incentive to work, it happens. 

First work, then play. 

Let them do their work, then reward them. 

And of course, be the best role model of all.