Personal Wealth Management, Personal Finance, Home Based Business, MLM, Work From Home

ShoeMoney System for Building Wealth

Posted: April 25th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Advertising, Entrepreneurs, Home Based Business, Internet Business, Internet Marketing, Money Management, Personal Wealth, Small Business | No Comments »

Methods to build your wealth on the Internet appear to be everywhere. If you’re like most people, terms such as monetization methods, paid subscriptions, affiliate marketing and contextual advertising, are not much more than a blur to you, something like listening to a teacher talking in old television specials of Charlie Brown, so much “whah wha wha.” However, there is one program at least that attempts to make sense of it all. The Shoemaker System is a training program at the entry level which teaches people how to acquire money on the Internet step-by-step.

The web entrepreneur who developed this program is Jeremy “ShoeMoney” Schoemaker, who founded ShoeMoney Media and is the co-founder of a service known as AuctionAds. Just three years ago, in 2007, Schoemaker and his business partner, David Dellanave, began AuctionAds, which is an affiliate marketing service to eBay. The service won an eBay Star Developer Award. In 2007, Schoemaker claimed the blog he wrote generated ten thousand dollars each month by selling direct ads. On October 1st, 2008, Schoemaker found fame when he posted a picture of his check from Google for one month of clicks, a check that totaled $132,994.97. He began the ShoeMoney System on January 22, 2010.

The system does not discuss theory, but instead focuses step-by-step on what Schoemaker or ShowMoney does in his own business online. The online tutorial includes a person is not a marketing expert on the Internet; the person isn’t even that knowledgeable about the the Internet itself, someone who isn’t even familiar with social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter.

Why include such a person? To demonstrate that anyone can use the ShowMoney System, regardless of the level of prior experience. The program follows the novice as she’s taught how the system works. If you didn’t know the terms such as monetization methods or affiliate marketing before, you will have a greater understanding of them after you’ve finished reviewing the ShowMoney System, in addition to many more terms.

Unlike other systems, ShowMoney doesn’t claim you’ll make millions using his system, but it does suggest you might be able to replace your current income and work from home.


When can I take money out of my 401k?

Posted: April 2nd, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Money Management, Personal Wealth, Wealth Management | No Comments »

A person’s 401k becomes available early in the events of termination, disability, or death. In the event of termination whether you’re downsized or decide one morning you’ve had enough and walk out you can play with your nest egg early. Be aware though that sometimes your 401k is transferable to your next job and plan wisely. Disability access lets you use this money to adjust your life around your new disability, while in the event of death your 401k is eligible to your heirs.

There are other options though than just those three; otherwise, what use or appeal would having a 401k offer. You can often use a small portion of your 401k money if you are experiencing a serious hardship. Many plans have loopholes in them that will permit you to withdraw a portion of your 401k money under special circumstances. These opportunities for early access are reserved for emergencies; you’ve developed a sudden medical bill or your home risks foreclosure. If you can’t produce proof of a serious emergency, do not expect to get your money out early. You probably aren’t going to be able to get more than a small percentage of the total funds in the account even if you do succeed in getting our hands on them.

Your employer sets up your 401k policies when they hire you or you suddenly qualify for that benefit. This means while the money is yours you can’t have it any time you want even if that luxury expense like a TV or new car is looking awfully tempting. Obviously the 401k is reserved for wen you retire so you have a long way to go before you can access it. If you wait for retirement you pay the standard income tax rate for it and there’s not much paperwork. However most people want access to their money immediately that’s where the special circumstances in your company’s 401k policy comes in.

Though it is extremely ill advised if you still want at your nest egg you can secure a loan against your 401k. You will be required to pay interest on this loan and, heaven forbid, should you lose your job suddenly, the total sum of your loan will come due. In my opinion, it’s best to let it wait for that rainy day than risk the fees.


How to Finance Investment Property

Posted: March 2nd, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Personal Wealth | 2 Comments »

There are basically two ways to qualify for Investment Property: one way is that the borrower has a proven track record at managing rentals for over two years. If you have two or more years in dealing with investment property, lenders will allow up to 75 percent of the rental income to be used as a qualifying aspect.  The proof needed to show the underwriter that the borrower is a successful landlord will be the records of the last two years of tax returns, which included the Schedule E section.

The second way is if you are a first time borrower, so if the borrower has less than a 2 year history, it most likely they will not be able to use the rental income from the proposed purchase. The first time borrower of Investment Property does have an allies, the FHA has great incentives for first time buyers to get into the market and investing in 2 to 4 units homes. But, the buyer needs to occupy one of the units and the mortgage will be an ‘owner occupied’ transaction*. A 3% down payment is required and the monthly mortgage insurance will have to be paid upfront. Another way for first time borrower to get financed for Investment Property is to buy a second home, most times a second home will be treated as investment property, but it really is up to the underwriter to decide. Basically, if the home is 50 miles or closer to the borrowers first residence, it will be very tough to get it qualified as an Investment Property. The first time Investment Property borrower may also check to see what programs Fannie Mae may have.

*Getting a mortgage for a non-owner occupied property, is much different than buying one that will be resided in, for instance, qualifying is much tougher and the interest rate on the mortgage is higher because it is a higher risk for the lender.


How to Build Wealth

Posted: March 2nd, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Money Management, Personal Wealth, Wealth Management | No Comments »
In an era of new fiscal responsibility, where we all are suddenly awake and realizing that we don’t want to repeat the same mistakes again, thinking about our own financial health has become a very central concern.  For some, it’s a fixation, and a rather unhealthy one at that.  That’s likely because there is so much attention on this area, and so many horror stories circulating, that we’ve become a little paranoid.  Some of it’s certainly justifiable, but reason should always have the throne.  Let’s have a look at some of the basic principles, then, in building wealth.

Economics runs in patterns and waves that are often very similar to patterns that are found in nature.  Nature like diversity, and this is a very good principle to tie to personal wealth.  In nature, diversity means excitement, rejuvenation of the species, and the invention of innovations that help us to survive, and even thrive.  When investing, as a general rule, diversify.  This does not mean throwing your money in the strangest places to see what happens, but is rather more like putting eggs in different baskets.  The eggs are still very fragile.

One of the most common pieces of advice on this, and again, there is a counterpart in nature, is to start early.  The early bird gets the worm, and those who start a brood early will have a larger family when they are older, and this is also true for money.  It makes mathematical sense as well, where the percentage of your investments that earns does grow over time, so investing very early makes excellent financial sense.  It also helps in building up a nest egg, so that you have a little cushioning if things get tight later on.

The last piece of advice is to use common sense.  Again, those who can do this in the natural world are likely to stay alive longer.  Don’t take unnecessary risks.  Don’t drag along debt that you can’t afford to carry.  And don’t be afraid to appear overly cautious.  In this particular game, there are those who can afford to play recklessly, but it’s not worth the risk.


How Kids Can Make Money

Posted: March 1st, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Personal Wealth, Wealth Management | No Comments »
In the era of responsibility, where we’re all learning how to hunker down and learn to live within our means, children are learning new ways to earn money for themselves.  Actually, the methods aren’t really very new, but the old ones that used to be popular in leaner times are coming back again.  Learning how to earn money at a young age is something that’s always been a part of growing up, and becoming a citizen of the world.  It makes sense, then, to learn how work works, because it’s a necessary life skill.  But it’s also nice to have a few extra dollars to buy that skateboard, a new tire for your bike, or the accessories to go with your doll, along with a hundred other things.

There are plenty of ways for kids to make money in this day and age.  It’s very important to remember that it’s necessary now to take more precautions.  Kids need to check with their parents before beginning any venture, and particularly when money is involved.  And parents, likewise, need to be able to have enough free time themselves to supervise, especially when there might be any contact with strangers.  In this regard, then, the old fashioned notion of a corner lemonade stand is still a great way to earn some extra change, learn how to run a business, and to get some fresh air, too.  You don’t have to limit it to lemonade, although that’s certainly a way to get that curb appeal for people who might be driving by.  Hot cocoa on a cold day, fresh fruit drinks, or any number of refreshing foods and beverages can be sold.

The other ways to make money that are tried and true have to do with the neighborhood community, and this is a great way to begin to learn networking skills.  Lawns always need mowing, and gardens need tending.  Likewise, lots of grownups are too busy to walk their dogs these days, and this is something kids can learn how to do.  There are also babysitting jobs, and little chores for around the house.  The options here are wide open, and depend on the creativity of the kid.  Again, with these, it’s important for parents to know what’s going on, and to also accompany the children if they’re knocking on doors.  Don’t forget, too, that a paper route is always something that teaches responsibility, independence, and is a reliable source of steady income, and can help pave the way for a responsible future.


How Kids Make Money

Posted: February 16th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Money Management, Personal Wealth, Wealth, Wealth Management | No Comments »
Children will very often come up with ideas on how to make money, and the reason for this is they often have a long list of things they really want. Some children get a weekly allowance for doing chores around the house, but then there are parents who don’t give an allowance, which doesn’t help teach the children to become financially responsible when they grow up. Parents need to consider allowing their children to gain financial responsibility by finding extra things to do, either in the house or outside the home.
For parents who give weekly allowances for doing the daily chores, should expand on that and make a list of extra jobs that need to be done to earn extra cash. For outside the home, parents can show their children how to create flyer’s that can be distributed around the neighborhood letting people know that your child can offer services like walking the dog, washing a car, baby sitting, and yard work. They can charge an hourly fee or a flat rate. As a parent, you are teaching your children an invaluable lesson on how to become successful in life.
Sometimes, when a child starts their own business, like walking the dog, they can earn more than there parents. One child prodigy started his own Internet business at the age of 8 and currently, his business has gone global and he had to hire another employee. Due to his parents giving him a start-up loan, but only after he told them his business plan and how he was going to make it work. Within a year, this child paid back his parents and has earned enough money to pay his college tuition.
Kids who become entrepreneurs didn’t learn it from school, they learned it from their parents. So, it’s extremely important for parents to teach the basic skills of earning money and giving your kid a great opportunity to become self-sufficient and at becoming a well rounded adult.

How Can a Teenager Make Good Money?

Posted: February 10th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Money Management, Personal Wealth | No Comments »

In the old days, many teenagers made extra spending money by taking on the paper route.  As years went by, those same routes were taken over by adults throwing the papers from their car windows, not by youngsters tossing them accurately from their bicycles.  In today’s world a teenager may go the route of finding employment in restaurants or in the retail business, but for some a more entrepreneurial spirit must be invoked.  While having a job around one’s neighborhood may not seem exciting, it can be quite profitable, and it can start at home.

This is more than the daily chores of keeping the bedroom clean or washing the dishes.  Many teenagers make extra money taking care of the things that their parents have no time for, such as simply raking the leaves, shoveling the snow or washing the car.  This can then be taken to the people in the neighborhood.  The thing about leaves and snow and washing the car, well the thing is that it is good job security in cities and towns that have drastic changes in the seasons.

During autumn, the leaves do not fall just once, they fall many times over the course of a few months.  And once the leaves have all fallen, the snow will come.  And anyone who has lived in such a winter climate knows that shoveling the front walkway is a job that must be tended to all winter long.  Add to that the snow, the ice and the salt…and cars in those cold weather climates need to be washed consistently, not only for appearances sake, but for the sake of the car itself and the prevention of rust and damage to the body.  Then, spring time and summer roll around, and people may need help with their gardens or mowing their lawns.  This is a year round job that one can do without ever leaving their own neighborhoods.  And it is a job of service which the whole neighborhood will appreciate.


How to Make Money

Posted: February 10th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Money Management, Personal Wealth, Wealth | No Comments »

A very wise artist once said to do what you love to do, so much that you do it for free, and eventually you will make money at it.  Unfortunately, in this day and age, most people do have the time nor the luxury for “eventually” to happen.  Many people are looking for alternative and various ways to supplement their income, or to simply gain any income again.  One way people are doing this is by turning to the Internet.  This has many benefits, as those who do still have full time jobs, are realizing that the time spent, the many hours simply doing a job that one is not fond of, is no way to live.  Online opportunities provide more flexibility than going into the office five days a week, 8 to 10 hours a day.

One of the ways people are making money online is through selling things on eBay.  One of the great aspects of this is that you can work from home, either part time or full time, or you can use it to supplement a full time job outside of the home, taking just a bit of time here and there at nights or on the weekends.  Starting an account on eBay is free, and once many people have done that they use their account to sell personal items, like an online garage sale in a way.

One man in Los Angeles began this way.  One day he was walking through the alley and found a 1940′s Formica table with 6 chairs in mint condition.  He took photos and put them up on eBay, and the next day sold the table and chairs for $600.  This sparked an idea.  He began searching the alley ways for tossed away treasures, and hitting the thrift shops and used movie costume stores in Hollywood, and before he knew it he had an online vintage empire, selling many pieces each week.  This was so profitable and so fun for him, that he quit his day job.  Another man in Seattle, Washington, a car mechanic, turned his hobby of fixing up vintage trucks and cars, into his main source of income, selling his vehicles to buyers as far away as Boston and Chicago.  In this economy, creativity is the key to making money, and doing so online is a great way to do just that.


How to Make Money at Home

Posted: February 9th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Money Management, Personal Wealth | 1 Comment »

People have always been interested in obtaining work from home jobs and careers. There are various aspects of one’s circumstances and lifestyle that make this the perfect work situation, though it is certainly not the best idea for everyone. The fundamental reason for that is because working from your own home, particularly when it involves setting your own hours and work schedule, requires a great deal of self discipline, which is something that many people discover they do not possess. However, with that in mind and intended to serve as a piece of advice when you are getting ready to begin your new work for home job, let’s move on to the more important question of how it is possible to make money and work from your home.

Once you have determined that working from home is right for you, then the specific field in which you chose to do it is extremely important. There are opportunities for private work and even independent business development on sites like Ebay and Amazon where you are likely to do well if you know what is selling well in today’s market and have access to high volume product storage. There are variables on the specifics of what makes a great Ebay or Amazon seller and/or store though one thing is definite, you need to be responsible and make sure the product is put into the mail quickly after its sale and also that you fairly represent what it is you are trying to sell.

Another way many people are starting to make money at home is buy buying into a pre-established website and selling by proxy directly from the company or manufacturer. An example of this is with companies such as Avon and the possibilities of becoming a sales representative for them. You can continue with the standard brochure sales structure that has existed in the past and you can also sign onto having your own Avon representative website and direct your customers to it. They then make their purchases directly from your website and the product is sent straight to their address. You receive a small percentage for having maintained and directed them to the site. There are many other ways to work from home and the ones mentioned and discussed here have been examples of the self-starting and independent business variety. As with any new job, preliminary research into it is strongly suggested and helps to assure your happiness with it.


The Key to Wealth

Posted: January 28th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Personal Wealth | No Comments »

From the career advice offered by the disciples of personal branding to the business guidance promoted by the world’s inspirational speakers, it seems that everyone is telling us to sell ourselves as an expert. The business pundits tell us how we can be millionaires if we just write reports and ebooks which demonstrate our knowledge, and create blogs and websites from which to sell our works. All fine in theory, but what most leave out, however, is the nitty gritty detail on just how to build a website, promote it and draw the seekers of our expertise in our direction, details which Julie Arnold addresses in her new Pathways course, a complete guide to building a successful Internet business. Read more…