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	<title>INeedMotivation.com Blog &#187; Financial &amp; Wealth</title>
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	<link>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog</link>
	<description>The Official Self Help &#38; Personal Development Blog for INeedMotivation.com by Frederic Premji</description>
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		<title>Taking Control of Your Finances: Budgeting &amp; Saving Seminar</title>
		<link>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/10/taking-control-of-your-finances-budgeting-saving-seminar/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/10/taking-control-of-your-finances-budgeting-saving-seminar/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:55:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frederic Premji</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Financial & Wealth]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/?p=1035</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img class="size-full wp-image-1036 aligncenter" title="finance" src="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/finance.jpg" alt="finance" width="450" height="300" /></span></span></p>
<p>One of the most crucial areas of life is our financial situation. It is important to understand it fully, have a plan of action, and gain the proper frame of mind to ensure consistency over time. Having&#8230;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img class="size-full wp-image-1036 aligncenter" title="finance" src="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/finance.jpg" alt="finance" width="450" height="300" /></span></span></p>
<p>One of the most crucial areas of life is our financial situation. It is important to understand it fully, have a plan of action, and gain the proper frame of mind to ensure consistency over time. Having a crystal clear image of your financial situation, potential, and future can relieve your life out of a lot of stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights! This is why it is necessary to start taking control over your finances.</p>
<p>This seminar will be more specifically about budgeting &amp; saving. In this seminar, we will go over a wealth of information to make sure that you are in the driver&#8217;s seat when it comes to your financial situation!</p>
<p>You will learn the following:</p>
<p><em>- Do’s and don’ts of financial planning<br />
- How to balance your budget appropriately<br />
- Figure out what your necessities are and what you can get rid of<br />
- Have a clear picture of your current &amp; future financial situation<br />
- Figure out where every penny goes<br />
- Tips to learn how to save money effectively<br />
- Gain the proper mindset to plan your personal finances appropriately over time<br />
- What is your financial personality and what you can do to better yourself</em></p>
<p>Plus much more!</p>
<p>This is an in-depth seminar with highly valuable information. <strong>Attendance is very limited</strong>, so you must hurry to make sure you have a spot.</p>
<p>This is an <strong>online interactive seminar</strong>, meaning that you will be able to watch the event as if you are there in person LIVE over the internet! We have in place the highest level of technology possible to ensure a smooth experience. You don&#8217;t need to install anything whatsoever, if you can watch YouTube videos, you can watch this seminar! We will provide you with the unique URL link upon completion of your reservation. Just go to that URL at the date and time below, and that&#8217;s it.</p>
<p><strong>***BONUS***</strong><br />
As well, as a bonus gift for signing up to the live seminar, we will send you a DVD copy of this seminar in high definition, so that you can reference to it and watch it again at a later date!</p>
<p><strong>When:</strong> Wednesday October 28th @ 6:30pm EST<br />
<strong>Where:</strong> Online! Watch from anywhere in the world!<br />
<strong>Cost:</strong> $19.99 USD per person (Visa/MasterCard accepted)</p>
<p><strong>How to reserve your spot:</strong><br />
By phone: Call 1-800-605-2064 ext. 0 Today<br />
Online: <a href="http://www.ewebcart.com/~7656/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?add=1&amp;item_id=335" target="_self">Click here to reserve your spot</a></p>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Other Articles:</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/03/what-are-the-benefits-of-forgiveness/" title="What Are The Benefits Of Forgiveness? ">What Are The Benefits Of Forgiveness? </a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/05/how-to-be-better-at-your-job/" title="How To Be Better At Your Job">How To Be Better At Your Job</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/02/things-you-can-do-when-you-don%e2%80%99t-have-internet/" title="Things You Can Do When You Don’t Have Internet">Things You Can Do When You Don’t Have Internet</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/12/metaphorically-speaking/" title="Metaphorically Speaking ">Metaphorically Speaking </a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/05/3-ways-to-capture-thought-time/" title="3 Ways To Capture Thought Time">3 Ways To Capture Thought Time</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Three Ways To Qualify Interested Prospects</title>
		<link>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/09/three-ways-to-qualify-interested-prospects/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/09/three-ways-to-qualify-interested-prospects/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:00:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MrInsideSales</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial & Wealth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Productivity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Success]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/?p=882</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-958 aligncenter" title="prospects" src="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/phone-sales-1.jpg" alt="prospects" width="288" height="209" /></p>
<p>If you’re in a selling situation where you get to call back leads that have expressed an interest in your product or service, then consider yourself lucky.  Whether they come from traditional advertising sources or from the&#8230;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-958 aligncenter" title="prospects" src="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/phone-sales-1.jpg" alt="prospects" width="288" height="209" /></p>
<p>If you’re in a selling situation where you get to call back leads that have expressed an interest in your product or service, then consider yourself lucky.  Whether they come from traditional advertising sources or from the internet, inbound leads save you the time, effort – and often the terror! – of cold calling.  While these leads are great to get they also present some challenges that many sales reps aren’t prepared to handle.</p>
<p>If you’ve called leads like these back, then you know what I mean.  In many cases sorting through the shoppers, the people looking for the best price, people who were just bored and filled out the online form, etc., can be a huge task.  The problem for most reps is two-fold:</p>
<p>1)      They immediately assume that a warm lead is more qualified than a cold call and,</p>
<p>2)      They’ve never been taught how to really qualify these kinds of leads.</p>
<p>Here are three things you must do to qualify interested prospects:</p>
<p>#1)  Find out if they are a shopper or a buyer.  Most sales reps (80% or more) automatically assume that a warm lead is interested and qualified so they immediately launch into pitch mode.  This is a big mistake.  The best way to open your call is to ask questions to find out how close your prospect is to making a decision.  Good opening questions to ask include:</p>
<p>“Thanks for visiting our site; what motivated you to (request info, fill out our online form, etc.) today?”</p>
<p>“Ideally, what are you looking for today?”</p>
<p>“When are you looking to move on something like this?”</p>
<p>Listen carefully to their answers and respond accordingly.</p>
<p>#2)  Find out who else they are looking at.  Let’s face it – if your prospect has taken the time to fill out your on line form or call your company, they have probably filled out others as well.  One thing you absolutely must do is find out who you’re in competition with.  Try:</p>
<p>“Thank-you again for contacting us.  Who else are you getting information from?”</p>
<p>“What did you like about that (company, website, etc.)”</p>
<p>“Have you spoken with someone from that company yet?”</p>
<p>“What did you like about that?”</p>
<p>“Who do you like best so far?”</p>
<p>While it may seem negative to bring up your competition, you absolutely must know what your prospect is thinking and how far along in the buying decision they are.  It’s much better to know up front how likely they are to go with another company, and/or what you need to say or do to get them to buy from you.</p>
<p>#3)  Find the key buying motive.  While this may sound straight forward, you’d be surprised by how many reps think the buying motive is already there because the prospect called in or submitted a form, etc.  That’s why most reps go into pitch mode and literally wait for the prospect to buy.  Unfortunately, as many of you know, that doesn’t happen.</p>
<p>What you must do is ask specific qualifying questions to find out exactly what it’s going to take to get your prospect to buy.  After you’ve asked the previous questions, try:</p>
<p>“Why have you decided that now is the time to finally act on this (product or service)?”</p>
<p>“If you could get everything you wanted from this, (or – were 100% satisfied) what would that be?”</p>
<p>“Prospect, I’d love to earn your business with this, what do you think it would take for you to choose our company?”</p>
<p>Ultimately, understanding why your prospect will and will not buy from you is what you need to know as a sales rep.  And getting this information from an “interested lead” is just as important as from a “cold” lead as well.</p>
<p>I hope you use these three ways to qualify your interested prospects – they are sure to save you a lot of time and energy…</p>
<p>If you found this article helpful, then you will love Mike’s Ebook: “The Complete Book of Phone Scripts,” which is packed with word for word scripts and techniques that you can begin using today to make more appointments and more sales.  You can read about it by clicking here: http://www.mrinsidesales.com/scripts.htm</p>
<p>Mike Brooks, Mr. Inside Sales, works with business owners and inside sales reps nationwide teaching them the skills, strategies and techniques of top 20% performance.</p>
<p>If you’re looking to catapult your sales, or create a sales team that actually makes their monthly revenues, then learn how by visiting: http://www.MrInsideSales.com</p>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Other Articles:</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/05/find-inner-peace-in-10-ways/" title="Find Inner Peace in 10 Ways">Find Inner Peace in 10 Ways</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/06/avoid-these-three-financial-mistakes/" title="Avoid These Three Financial Mistakes">Avoid These Three Financial Mistakes</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2007/03/exercise-improves-memory/" title="Exercise Improves Memory">Exercise Improves Memory</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/05/10-ways-to-have-amazing-enthusiasm/" title="10 Ways To Have Amazing Enthusiasm">10 Ways To Have Amazing Enthusiasm</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/04/reasons-why-failure-can-be-a-good-thing/" title="Reasons Why Failure Can Be A Good Thing">Reasons Why Failure Can Be A Good Thing</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>5 Ways to Sound More Natural On the Phone</title>
		<link>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/09/5-ways-to-sound-more-natural-on-the-phone/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/09/5-ways-to-sound-more-natural-on-the-phone/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:00:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MrInsideSales</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial & Wealth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Goal Setting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Productivity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Success]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Entrepreneurship]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/?p=880</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-942 aligncenter" title="phone sales" src="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/phone_woman14.jpg" alt="phone sales" width="230" height="153" /></p>
<p>I don’t know about you but I can always tell when a telemarketer is cold calling me. From the moment they begin speaking, “Hi is that Mr. Brooks?” to the way they fumble through their scripts, I&#8230;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-942 aligncenter" title="phone sales" src="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/phone_woman14.jpg" alt="phone sales" width="230" height="153" /></p>
<p>I don’t know about you but I can always tell when a telemarketer is cold calling me. From the moment they begin speaking, “Hi is that Mr. Brooks?” to the way they fumble through their scripts, I have them pegged before they get past their first sentence. And like I’m sure it is with you, too, I am immediately not interested.</p>
<p>If what you sell for a living means you have to pick up the phone – either to set appointments, call prospects back, return calls to clients, etc., then you have to learn how to sound natural and how to avoid putting your prospects, gatekeepers, assistants, etc., on notice that you’re trying to sell something.</p>
<p>And the way you do that is by learning how to sound like you’re not selling anything, and you do that by learning how to disarm prospects, sound natural yet professional, and how to be friendly without being phony. Use these 5 techniques to not only sound natural on the phone, but to also close more business:</p>
<p><strong>#1 – Always use the prospect’s first name.</strong> I know that there are two schools of thought on this, one being that you should show respect for someone you don’t know and so use either Mr. or Mrs., but I don’t agree. I think you can show respect for someone by being courteous and professional, and I think you’re going to make a lot more progress if you use a person’s first name. Here are the two reasons to do so:</p>
<p>a. First, by using a person’s first name you aren’t immediately signaling that you’re a sales person! I mean how do you feel when someone you don’t know calls you and addresses you by “Mr.” or “Mrs.”? Also, when you use a person’s first name, you are starting the call equal, without giving them all the power.</p>
<p>b. Second, everyone likes the sound of their own name. In fact, psychologists have found that everyone’s favorite word is their first name! By starting with that you are immediately making a connection, and a personal one at that.</p>
<p><strong>#2 – Be polite.</strong> You’d be surprised by how many sales reps still try to trick or get around gatekeepers and assistants, and how many are even rude in doing so. Always, always use please and thank you when speaking with anyone over the phone (or in person for that matter).</p>
<p>Words like “please” and “thank you” go a long way when trying to make a connection with a prospect, and they work especially well when you’re trying to get through to a prospect as well. Examine your current scripts now and do all you can to insert the proper courtesies wherever you can.</p>
<p><strong>#3 – Be brief.</strong> Most reps go into pitch mode the moment they reach their prospect that it’s no surprise they can’t wait to get them off the phone. I review scripts all the time that essentially read the company’s brochure to the prospect the moment they reach them.</p>
<p>You can turn that around and sound so much better by briefly delivering your presentation and checking in with your prospect. Try things like:</p>
<p>a. Briefly, (prospect) the reason I’m calling is that we’ve been working with many companies like yours, and I just wanted to see if we can help you as well. Can I ask you just a couple of questions to see if we’d be a fit for you as well?</p>
<p>b. (Prospect), you probably get a lot of calls like these, so I’ll be brief. I’ll just ask you a couple of quick questions and if I think we can save you between 15 to 20% I’ll let you know and, if not, we’ll part friends, is that OK?</p>
<p>Get the idea?</p>
<p><strong>#4 – Make a connection.</strong> This is one of the easiest of all and it’s a great way to get your prospect talking. All you do is find something that you know is affecting your other clients (like new laws in their industry), and ask how it’s affecting them as well. Try:</p>
<p>a. “You know (prospect) a lot of my clients have told me of the changes they’re having to make because of (the new law), how is that affecting you?”</p>
<p>b. “(Prospect) what are you planning to feature at the September trade show?”</p>
<p>By addressing something that they are dealing with now, you can instantly make a connection and get valuable information. Warning: you have to fit this in after you’ve established rapport, and you have to address something that is relevant to them.</p>
<p><strong>#5 – Listen more.</strong> This may not sound like a way to sound natural on the phone, but believe me, it’s probably the most important of all. First of all, most sales reps are so busy talking that their prospect has turned off long ago. They are just waiting for an appropriate pause to get rid of them.</p>
<p>By listening you actually create space for your prospect to speak (and to think), and because of that you are allowing the conversation to flow. When the prospect has a chance to get their thoughts and feedback out, they feel comfortable with you. And that is the best way for the conversation to unfold naturally. Hit your mute button after you ask a question and count three 1000’s to see how well it works.</p>
<p>There you have it &#8211; five easy ways to sound more natural on the phone. The good news is that they are easy to implement, and, once you do, you’ll make more connections and you’ll close more business. Try them today!</p>
<p>Mike Brooks, Mr. Inside Sales, works with business owners and inside sales reps nationwide teaching them the skills, strategies and techniques of top 20% performance. If you’re looking to catapult your sales, or create a sales team that actually makes their monthly revenues, then learn how by visiting: <a href="http://www.MrInsideSales.com" target="_blank">http://www.MrInsideSales.com</a></p>
<h3  class="related_post_title">You May Also Like...</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/06/10-rules-to-give-great-customer-service/" title="10 Rules To Give Great Customer Service">10 Rules To Give Great Customer Service</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/06/7-personality-traits-of-a-successful-entrepreneur/" title="7 Personality Traits Of A Successful Entrepreneur">7 Personality Traits Of A Successful Entrepreneur</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/05/10-things-to-think-about-before-opening-a-business/" title="10 Things To Think About Before Opening a Business">10 Things To Think About Before Opening a Business</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/05/5-mistakes-made-as-a-young-entrepreneur/" title="5 Mistakes Made As A Young Entrepreneur">5 Mistakes Made As A Young Entrepreneur</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/05/10-great-entrepreneurial-quotes/" title="10 Great Entrepreneurial Quotes">10 Great Entrepreneurial Quotes</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>The 4 Secrets of Leadership</title>
		<link>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/08/the-4-secrets-of-leadership/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/08/the-4-secrets-of-leadership/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:16:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MrInsideSales</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial & Wealth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Success]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/?p=869</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://affiliates.allposters.com/link/redirect.asp?AID=1580112062&#38;PSTID=1&#38;LTID=5&#38;lang=1&#38;startat=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eallposters%2Ecom%2F%2Dsp%2FLeadership%2DPosters%5Fi2646459%5F%2Ehtm"><img class="size-full wp-image-897 aligncenter" title="leadership" src="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/78203.jpg" alt="leadership" width="400" height="268" /></a></p>
<p>Can you name the one or two best sales managers, or business owners you ever worked for? If so, how did they make you feel? What qualities or traits did they have in common, or which ones&#8230;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://affiliates.allposters.com/link/redirect.asp?AID=1580112062&amp;PSTID=1&amp;LTID=5&amp;lang=1&amp;startat=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eallposters%2Ecom%2F%2Dsp%2FLeadership%2DPosters%5Fi2646459%5F%2Ehtm"><img class="size-full wp-image-897 aligncenter" title="leadership" src="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/78203.jpg" alt="leadership" width="400" height="268" /></a></p>
<p>Can you name the one or two best sales managers, or business owners you ever worked for? If so, how did they make you feel? What qualities or traits did they have in common, or which ones do you most try to emulate in your own company?</p>
<p>I work with a lot of business owners and managers, and I can tell you that the most successful ones all have at least four core characters in common. Many of them possess other qualities as well, but these four &#8220;Secrets&#8221; as I call them are always at the center of their power and charisma.</p>
<p>As you read through them, ask yourself which ones you currently have, which ones you’d like to strengthen, or which ones you can develop. Once you master them all, you will be able to lead any team and any company to greatness.</p>
<p>Here they are:</p>
<p><strong>#1: Unbounded Optimism.</strong> Ask any great leader to describe the future, and they will always tell you it’s a wonderful place. Leaders are extremely goal oriented, have clearly identified what it is they want and what they are willing to sacrifice to get there, and they radiate an optimistic glow because they already live there in their mind’s eye.</p>
<p>Because people want to feel good about themselves and their futures, they naturally gravitate to winners. People want to work for and, in fact, work harder for people who are optimistic. Plus, optimism is contagious. A great leader can often turn an organization full of negativity around, and the excitement they inspire can result in greater morale and greater results.</p>
<p>If you’re in a position of authority, ask yourself if you’d want others to catch your attitude. If not, then focus on ways to become optimistic – you’ll be a much more effective leader when you are.</p>
<p><strong>#2: Rock Solid Confidence.</strong> Great leaders are convinced they can do anything they set their minds to. I love a saying of Napoleon’s: “The improbable we’ll do at once. The impossible will take a little longer.” A leader’s attitude is: Whatever the challenge, we’ll find a way to overcome it.</p>
<p>Confident leaders create confident followers, and a company, family, or team with an “I Can” attitude is unstoppable. The confidence of a great leader always inspires the best performance of his/her employees, and their team’s success just adds to and confirms the leader’s confidence.</p>
<p><strong>#3: Integrity.</strong> In a recent survey about what qualities employees wanted from the managers and business owners they worked for, integrity was the most desired trait people picked. Integrity, including honesty, fairness and consistency of attitude and action, are traits that build confidence in a leader and that build loyalty in the people who report to them.</p>
<p>Leaders with integrity genuinely care about the company they are building or the job they are doing, and this helps everybody feel as if their work has meaning and makes a difference in people’s lives. Most people spend a third of their lives at their jobs, and while we go to work for a pay check it’s the intrinsic satisfaction someone gets from their work that helps them feel fulfilled. Leaders with a high degree of integrity help foster this feeling by setting the example.</p>
<p><strong>#4: Decisiveness.</strong> All great leaders are decisive and committed to the actions they take. This doesn’t mean they act capriciously, on the contrary, they fully weigh out and think through their options, but the key characteristic is that they aren’t afraid to make a decision and implement a plan of action.</p>
<p>Most employees tell many tales of bosses who are afraid of making a decision, or who frequently go back on them, and this habit of hesitation undermines their authority and the confidence of everyone in the organization. Leaders, on the other hand, may not always make the right decision, but they can be counted on to make a well thought out one, and then to take action on it. If facts change or results warrant it, they are flexible enough to reevaluate and make another decision.</p>
<p>If you’re in a leadership role, don’t shy away from decisions. Evaluate the data at the time and the relative need of making a decision and then choose the best course of action and commit. Making a decision – even if it’s the wrong decision – is better than making no decision at all.</p>
<p>If you are in a position of authority and wish to become an effective leader, then find ways of developing or strengthening these four characteristics in yourself. Remember, everyone is counting on you for guidance, and it is your ability to lead that will determine the ultimate result in your team or company.</p>
<p><em>Mike Brooks, Mr. Inside Sales, works with business owners and inside sales reps nationwide teaching them the skills, strategies and techniques of top 20% performance. If you’re looking to catapult your sales, or create a sales team that actually makes their monthly revenues, then learn how by visiting: <a href="http://www.MrInsideSales.com" target="_blank">http://www.MrInsideSales.com</a></em></p>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Other Articles:</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/05/5-mistakes-made-as-a-young-entrepreneur/" title="5 Mistakes Made As A Young Entrepreneur">5 Mistakes Made As A Young Entrepreneur</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/09/5-ways-to-sound-more-natural-on-the-phone/" title="5 Ways to Sound More Natural On the Phone">5 Ways to Sound More Natural On the Phone</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2007/09/ways-to-be-great-in-sales/" title="Ways To Be Great In Sales">Ways To Be Great In Sales</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/04/tired-7-ways-to-cure-fatigue-instantly/" title="Tired? 7 Ways To Cure Fatigue Instantly">Tired? 7 Ways To Cure Fatigue Instantly</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/02/myths-and-truths-of-hypnotherapy/" title="Myths And Truths Of Hypnotherapy">Myths And Truths Of Hypnotherapy</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Tips And Tricks To Improve Your Finances</title>
		<link>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/07/tips-and-tricks-to-improve-your-finances/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/07/tips-and-tricks-to-improve-your-finances/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:24:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Guest Writer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Financial & Wealth]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/?p=767</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://affiliates.allposters.com/link/redirect.asp?AID=1580112062&#38;PSTID=1&#38;LTID=5&#38;lang=1&#38;startat=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eallposters%2Ecom%2Fgallery%2Easp%3Fstartat%3D%2Fgetposter%2Easp%26APNum%3D3516210%26PPID%3D1%26search%3Dmoney%26f%3Dc%26FindID%3D18781%26P%3D1%26PP%3D48%26sortby%3DPD%26cname%3DMoney%26SearchID%3D"><img class="size-full wp-image-768 aligncenter" title="money" src="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/919363-fb.jpg" alt="money" width="400" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>You can make your financial health better with a few simple tricks. These will not work for everyone, but try a few and then try a few more:</p>
<p>•	Use cash. If you do not have the&#8230;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://affiliates.allposters.com/link/redirect.asp?AID=1580112062&amp;PSTID=1&amp;LTID=5&amp;lang=1&amp;startat=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eallposters%2Ecom%2Fgallery%2Easp%3Fstartat%3D%2Fgetposter%2Easp%26APNum%3D3516210%26PPID%3D1%26search%3Dmoney%26f%3Dc%26FindID%3D18781%26P%3D1%26PP%3D48%26sortby%3DPD%26cname%3DMoney%26SearchID%3D"><img class="size-full wp-image-768 aligncenter" title="money" src="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/919363-fb.jpg" alt="money" width="400" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>You can make your financial health better with a few simple tricks. These will not work for everyone, but try a few and then try a few more:</p>
<p>•	Use cash. If you do not have the paper money to buy something, then do not buy it. Make credit cards a no-no for anything other than emergencies.</p>
<p>•	Save a little money every week. Once a week transfer twenty dollars into your savings account. You really will not miss it and after while it really starts to add up. Pretty soon you will not need the credit card for emergencies anymore.</p>
<p>•	Stay at home. Going out costs a lot of money. When you go to the mall to shop you have to stop and eat; and then you have to buy gas for the car. Find fun things to do at home with your family.</p>
<p>•	Put and end to catalogs and emails that are soliciting your business. You will be much less likely to buy if things are not constantly being thrust in your face.</p>
<p>•	Do not buy anything except the necessities. If you want something other than a necessity, put it on a list with the date. Once thirty days is up you can buy it. Chances are you really will not want it anymore.</p>
<p>•	Cook your meals. Eating out is expensive; there is no two ways around it. You can get a lot of groceries for what you spend on a restaurant meal and fast food is no better.</p>
<p>•	Get into an exercise regimen. Being healthy will save you a ton of money on medical bills.</p>
<p>•	Put your spending money into envelopes. There should be three of them; gas, groceries and fun money. Once the envelopes are empty, you have spent your budgeted amount. You can always borrow from one of the other envelopes, but never refill them before it is time.</p>
<p>•	Learn to love life more than you love stuff. Material possessions will only make you so happy. Find things in life that lift your spirits for free. Start with things like meditating and playing in the park and get creative from there.</p>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Other Articles:</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/01/benefits-of-hypnosis/" title="Benefits Of Hypnosis">Benefits Of Hypnosis</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/05/create-rituals-to-create-habits/" title="Create Rituals To Create Habits">Create Rituals To Create Habits</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/03/simple-ways-to-stop-procrastinating/" title="Simple Ways To Stop Procrastinating">Simple Ways To Stop Procrastinating</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/06/the-advantages-of-working-from-an-office/" title="The Advantages Of Working From An Office">The Advantages Of Working From An Office</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/03/the-value-of-asking-questions/" title=" The Value Of Asking Questions"> The Value Of Asking Questions</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Avoid These Three Financial Mistakes</title>
		<link>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/06/avoid-these-three-financial-mistakes/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/06/avoid-these-three-financial-mistakes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:52:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Guest Writer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Financial & Wealth]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/?p=707</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://affiliates.allposters.com/link/redirect.asp?AID=1580112062&#38;PSTID=1&#38;LTID=5&#38;lang=1&#38;startat=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eallposters%2Ecom%2Fgallery%2Easp%3Fstartat%3D%2Fgetposter%2Easp%26APNum%3D3534430%26PPID%3D1%26search%3Dfinancial%26f%3Dt%26FindID%3D0%26P%3D1%26PP%3D13%26sortby%3DPD%26cname%3D%26SearchID%3D"><img class="size-full wp-image-708 aligncenter" title="financial advice" src="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/361551-fb.jpg" alt="financial advice" width="400" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Financial success comes from avoiding mistakes. Take a red-hot cow iron and brand the below three common mistakes into your leather pocket book:</p>
<p><strong>1. No Plan. </strong></p>
<p>Putting one’s money any old place, like in a cookie&#8230;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://affiliates.allposters.com/link/redirect.asp?AID=1580112062&amp;PSTID=1&amp;LTID=5&amp;lang=1&amp;startat=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eallposters%2Ecom%2Fgallery%2Easp%3Fstartat%3D%2Fgetposter%2Easp%26APNum%3D3534430%26PPID%3D1%26search%3Dfinancial%26f%3Dt%26FindID%3D0%26P%3D1%26PP%3D13%26sortby%3DPD%26cname%3D%26SearchID%3D"><img class="size-full wp-image-708 aligncenter" title="financial advice" src="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/361551-fb.jpg" alt="financial advice" width="400" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Financial success comes from avoiding mistakes. Take a red-hot cow iron and brand the below three common mistakes into your leather pocket book:</p>
<p><strong>1. No Plan. </strong></p>
<p>Putting one’s money any old place, like in a cookie jar or a low-yield savings account, is not a plan.</p>
<p>A plan means determining your financial goals and objectives, setting a level of risk, diversifying your investments, tracking benchmarks, and periodically reallocating your portfolio. There are people in the financial industry that can help you create a plan along these lines— more about them later.</p>
<p>Stick with the plan. If investing in that racehorse sounds like a great idea, then do so only with money you can lose entirely without straying from the plan.</p>
<p><strong>2. Starting too Late. </strong></p>
<p>Starting too late forsakes the power of compound interest.</p>
<p>The second strongest power in the universe— after a baby’s suckle— is compound interest— which is the phenomena of money begetting more money, begetting more money, begetting more money, and so on.</p>
<p>Starting too late induces poor decision making.</p>
<p>We become like gamblers trying to double our small stake with a few throws of the dice. If the dice are unkind, we lose it all. About the worse thing that can happen is losing our entire stake, because then we can’t partake in the compound interest phenomena.</p>
<p><strong>3. Misplaced Trust in Financial Advisors.</strong></p>
<p>Bernie Madoff, anyone?</p>
<p>Stay away from money managers or advisors promising outsized gains. As a rule of thumb, “outsized gains” are practically defined as any gains that beat the market averages over time. No manager beats the averages very long… Don’t use just one manager, either.</p>
<p>You can do it.</p>
<p>This article written by Campbell Venn</p>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Other Articles:</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/09/15-great-quotes-about-desire/" title="15 Great Quotes About Desire">15 Great Quotes About Desire</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/07/10-ways-to-find-happiness-within-your-work/" title="10 Ways To Find Happiness Within Your Work">10 Ways To Find Happiness Within Your Work</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/06/useful-ways-to-simplify-your-budget/" title="Useful Ways To Simplify Your Budget">Useful Ways To Simplify Your Budget</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2010/07/understanding-the-true-definition-of-self-discipline/" title="Understanding The True Definition Of Self Discipline">Understanding The True Definition Of Self Discipline</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2007/03/is-vanity-on-the-rise/" title="Is Vanity On The Rise?">Is Vanity On The Rise?</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<title>Useful Ways To Simplify Your Budget</title>
		<link>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/06/useful-ways-to-simplify-your-budget/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/06/useful-ways-to-simplify-your-budget/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:10:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Guest Writer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Financial & Wealth]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/?p=691</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://affiliates.allposters.com/link/redirect.asp?AID=1580112062&#38;PSTID=1&#38;LTID=5&#38;lang=1&#38;startat=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eallposters%2Ecom%2Fgallery%2Easp%3Fstartat%3D%2Fgetposter%2Easp%26APNum%3D3547611%26PPID%3D1%26search%3D18781%26f%3Dc%26FindID%3D18781%26P%3D2%26PP%3D41%26sortby%3DPD%26cname%3DMoney%26SearchID%3D"><img class="size-full wp-image-692 aligncenter" title="money budget" src="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/130283-fbgolden-eggs-wrapped-in-us-currency-posters.jpg" alt="money budget" width="400" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>The first thing to do is decide how you will divide your budget. The easiest way is to use something like the 60% rule. This means that 60% of your income goes to monthly expenses such as&#8230;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://affiliates.allposters.com/link/redirect.asp?AID=1580112062&amp;PSTID=1&amp;LTID=5&amp;lang=1&amp;startat=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eallposters%2Ecom%2Fgallery%2Easp%3Fstartat%3D%2Fgetposter%2Easp%26APNum%3D3547611%26PPID%3D1%26search%3D18781%26f%3Dc%26FindID%3D18781%26P%3D2%26PP%3D41%26sortby%3DPD%26cname%3DMoney%26SearchID%3D"><img class="size-full wp-image-692 aligncenter" title="money budget" src="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/130283-fbgolden-eggs-wrapped-in-us-currency-posters.jpg" alt="money budget" width="400" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>The first thing to do is decide how you will divide your budget. The easiest way is to use something like the 60% rule. This means that 60% of your income goes to monthly expenses such as rent, utilities, phone and internet. The rest is broken up into 10% increments:</p>
<p>•	10% for your retirement fund<br />
•	10% for long term savings or debt reduction<br />
•	10% for short term savings<br />
•	10% for fun money</p>
<p>The 10% for long term savings would be well placed in stocks or other long term investments. If you are in debt it would be better to use this portion to pay off your debt. The short term savings are for emergencies such as car repairs. You can also use it for home repairs, new appliances or gifts for special occasions. It is alright to spend this money that is what it is for. The last portion, 10% for fun, is meant to be spent on whatever you want with no guilt allowed.</p>
<p>It is a good idea to group your expenses into as few categories as possible. There is budgeting software available that will branch off into a million categories, but this is not necessary. Keeping it simple will help you stick to budgeting. Pay as many of your bills online as possible. If you can set it up so these bills come out automatically, even better. This goes for savings too. Every time you deposit a paycheck, have money routed into your savings account.</p>
<p>Once your bills are paid you should use cash for the rest. Have three envelopes; one for gas, groceries and fun. This way you always know exactly how much you have and there is no need to track. Once the money is gone it is gone. You can always transfer money from one envelope to another, but you will still know exactly how much is left. Leave your credit cards at home.</p>
<p>Multiple credit cards are a hassle and cost you a small fortune in interest, dump them. You can survive on one credit card; it is even possible to live without one. It sounds incredible, but it is true. Make sure that you are still spending a few minutes each week to keep stock of your finances. Even after you simplify this is still a necessity.</p>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Other Articles:</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2010/03/can-you-be-skinny-still-need-to-lose-fat/" title="Can You Be Skinny &#038; Still Need To Lose Fat?">Can You Be Skinny &#038; Still Need To Lose Fat?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2010/03/3-methods-to-building-unstoppable-motivation/" title="3 Methods To Building Unstoppable Motivation">3 Methods To Building Unstoppable Motivation</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/09/ultimate-guide-to-improving-your-focus/" title="Ultimate Guide To Improving Your Focus">Ultimate Guide To Improving Your Focus</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/11/definitive-guide-to-protecting-yourself-against-the-flu/" title="Definitive Guide To Protecting Yourself Against The Flu">Definitive Guide To Protecting Yourself Against The Flu</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/05/5-simple-tricks-to-manage-stressful-situations/" title="5 Simple Tricks To Manage Stressful Situations">5 Simple Tricks To Manage Stressful Situations</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Spending Too Much Money Shopping?</title>
		<link>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/06/spending-too-much-money-shopping/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/06/spending-too-much-money-shopping/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:31:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Guest Writer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Financial & Wealth]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/?p=669</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://affiliates.allposters.com/link/redirect.asp?AID=1580112062&#38;PSTID=1&#38;LTID=5&#38;lang=1&#38;startat=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eallposters%2Ecom%2Fgallery%2Easp%3Fstartat%3D%2Fgetposter%2Easp%26APNum%3D845547%26PPID%3D1%26search%3Dshopping%26f%3Dc%26FindID%3D75814%26P%3D1%26PP%3D7%26sortby%3DPD%26cname%3DShopping%26SearchID%3D"><img class="size-full wp-image-670 aligncenter" title="shopping" src="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ab10879shoe-girl-posters.jpg" alt="shopping" width="400" height="399" /></a></p>
<p>If so, consider these five “tried-and-true” techniques for controlling your urge to splurge:</p>
<p>1.	Make out a shopping list beforehand. Stick to the stuff on the list. Wear blinders in the store if you have to.</p>
<p>2.&#8230;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://affiliates.allposters.com/link/redirect.asp?AID=1580112062&amp;PSTID=1&amp;LTID=5&amp;lang=1&amp;startat=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eallposters%2Ecom%2Fgallery%2Easp%3Fstartat%3D%2Fgetposter%2Easp%26APNum%3D845547%26PPID%3D1%26search%3Dshopping%26f%3Dc%26FindID%3D75814%26P%3D1%26PP%3D7%26sortby%3DPD%26cname%3DShopping%26SearchID%3D"><img class="size-full wp-image-670 aligncenter" title="shopping" src="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ab10879shoe-girl-posters.jpg" alt="shopping" width="400" height="399" /></a></p>
<p>If so, consider these five “tried-and-true” techniques for controlling your urge to splurge:</p>
<p>1.	Make out a shopping list beforehand. Stick to the stuff on the list. Wear blinders in the store if you have to.</p>
<p>2.	Leave the credit cards at home. Bring only the cash you intend to spend. Leaving the ATM card behind might be a good idea too!</p>
<p>3.	Shun the stores where you know most of your spending occurs. Don’t open those favorite catalogs or shopping websites. Just don’t open them.</p>
<p>4.	Bring a friend shopping with you who has more impulse control than you have. The tighter-fisted your friend, the better. Allow your friend to talk you out of spending.</p>
<p>5.	Put the item back on the shelf and tell yourself you will buy it tomorrow. When tomorrow comes, do the same thing.</p>
<p>Of course, sometimes the tried-and-true makes us blue. We want our spending impulse released. We want to spend money. Spending brings us pleasure.</p>
<p>So, let’s think outside the box: We can save money by spending money.</p>
<p>That’s right. We can save money by spending money. The trick is to spend only a little bit of money— enough to satisfy our spending impulse— on things that bring us pleasure beyond what the price tag says. In other words, we can satisfy our urge to splurge on the cheap.</p>
<p>Choose a knick-knack. The knick-knack must be inexpensive. It must be sentimental. It can be almost anything. Collectibles are a plus. Plastic push puppets, for instance. They retail for under $10, even for vintage ones.</p>
<p>Whatever knick-knacks do it for you.</p>
<p>Next, focus your spending on your inexpensive knick-knacks. Have fun shopping for them and purchasing them. Display them in your home. You will get as much pleasure, or more, out of spending on them as you did on the expensive stuff. And you won’t be spending too much money.</p>
<p>You can do it.</p>
<p><em>This article was written by Campbell Venn.</em></p>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Other Articles:</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/08/a-kinder-gentler-philosophy-of-success/" title="A Kinder, Gentler Philosophy Of Success">A Kinder, Gentler Philosophy Of Success</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/07/how-i-paid-25000-in-debt-within-18-months/" title="How I Paid $25,000 In Debt Within 18 Months">How I Paid $25,000 In Debt Within 18 Months</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/11/the-real-secret-of-success/" title="The Real Secret of Success">The Real Secret of Success</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/07/advantages-to-becoming-a-vegetarian/" title="Advantages To Becoming A Vegetarian">Advantages To Becoming A Vegetarian</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/05/5-mistakes-made-as-a-young-entrepreneur/" title="5 Mistakes Made As A Young Entrepreneur">5 Mistakes Made As A Young Entrepreneur</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Useful Tips To Avoid Credit Card Fraud</title>
		<link>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/03/useful-tips-to-avoid-credit-card-fraud/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/03/useful-tips-to-avoid-credit-card-fraud/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:23:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Frederic Premji</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Financial & Wealth]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/03/useful-tips-to-avoid-credit-card-fraud/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://affiliates.allposters.com/link/redirect.asp?AID=1580112062&#38;PSTID=1&#38;LTID=5&#38;lang=1&#38;startat=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eallposters%2Ecom%2Fgallery%2Easp%3Fstartat%3D%2Fgetposter%2Easp%26APNum%3D3725260%26PPID%3D1%26search%3Dcredit%2520card%26f%3Dt%26FindID%3D0%26P%3D1%26PP%3D1%26sortby%3DPD%26cname%3D%26SearchID%3D" class="APCAnchor"><img src="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/021001_1701_0018_lshs-fbhand-holding-credit-card-posters.jpg" alt="credit card" /></a></p>
<p>Last month I was subjected to an extensive fraud on one of my credit cards.  It was the first time it had happened to me.  But this is becoming all too common.  Believe it or not, but&#8230;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://affiliates.allposters.com/link/redirect.asp?AID=1580112062&amp;PSTID=1&amp;LTID=5&amp;lang=1&amp;startat=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eallposters%2Ecom%2Fgallery%2Easp%3Fstartat%3D%2Fgetposter%2Easp%26APNum%3D3725260%26PPID%3D1%26search%3Dcredit%2520card%26f%3Dt%26FindID%3D0%26P%3D1%26PP%3D1%26sortby%3DPD%26cname%3D%26SearchID%3D" class="APCAnchor"><img src="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/021001_1701_0018_lshs-fbhand-holding-credit-card-posters.jpg" alt="credit card" /></a></p>
<p>Last month I was subjected to an extensive fraud on one of my credit cards.  It was the first time it had happened to me.  But this is becoming all too common.  Believe it or not, but according to recent statistics, at the rate things are going, we are all going to experience some type of identity theft or credit card fraud within the next few years.  I thought I was being safe with my card, but as it turns out, there is more that you can do to protect yourself that is not promoted by your card issuer.  So I’d like to share some of those tips with you so that you can perhaps avoid this painstaking experience:</p>
<p><strong>Hide your 3 digit code</strong><br />
You know that code on the back of your card, make sure you put a sticker on it to hide it and keep the actual code in your memory.  You see, in the fraud I experienced, they cloned my card and they knew my 3 digit code.  By hiding that code, no one will know it or see it (when you give your card to someone to pay, they can easily see it and memorize it), so they will have a harder time to fraud on your card.  Most steal card information to then go online to purchase items, but without that 3 digit code, they will not be able to process their purchase with the vast majority of online retailers.  So this can definitely help you avoid potential fraud.</p>
<p><strong>Pay at the pump automatically</strong><br />
Gas stations are the most prevalent places where credit card information is stolen.  Most clerks working there are kids and they will get approached by crooks to steal your information for a fee.  For these kids, the prospect of some easy cash is a good enough incentive and they do it.  So whenever you go pay for gas, by handing your card over to that clerk, you are putting yourself at risk for a fraud.  They can easily swipe your card into a second reader and pretend it didn’t work the first time, and they can memorize your card’s 3 digit code if not hidden like mentioned in my point above.  Just like that, they have all your card’s info, they can put it on another card and then go shopping in person with a fake card with your data on it.  So if you pay at the pump, your card stays with you at all times, thus vastly reducing the potential for fraud.  I have started to take this habit and it has given me more confidence when I go put gas in my car.  I highly recommend everyone to start doing that.</p>
<p><strong>You do the swiping</strong><br />
Continuing from my last point, usually, you will get frauded because someone had access to your card and thus was able to clone the information from it.  If you are at a restaurant, it’s common behaviour to simply hand over a credit card to a waiter or waitress, whom will then go swipe your card somewhere&#8230;but we don’t really know what they are doing with our card do we?  They can very easily swipe your card’s info with a simple pocket reader without anyone noticing.  My advice is to start swiping your own card.  Tell them basically that you prefer to process the transaction yourself and that you are not comfortable with anyone holding your card.  Trust me, if your waiter or waitress is smart and they still want a good tip, they will not be offended at all.  I have noticed here in Canada that more and more, people are doing their own swiping, so hopefully this is a trend that will increase.</p>
<p><strong>Check transaction logs frequently</strong><br />
Most people check their statements monthly.  And of these people, only a concerned few will actually verify that every transaction on their statement is legit.  I know this, I used to work for a credit company and you wouldn’t believe the sheer amount of carelessness people have when it comes to their statements.  I guess they don’t want to look at it because it’s too depressing!  In any event, looking at your statement once a month is no longer enough.  You need to check your account every couple of days online.  Make sure that everything is in order, especially with an account or a card that is used frequently.  This is how I was able to put a quick stop to the fraud that happened to me last month.  I was able to block the card immediately and put a stop to it right away.  Imagine if I had waited 3 more weeks to receive my statement.  I would have had way more fraud, way less time to dispute them, and way less credit available in the mean time.  So make sure you watch your account like a hawk.</p>
<p><strong>Use cards less frequently</strong><br />
At the end of the day, it’s all a numbers game.  The more you use a credit card, the more you are exposing yourself to fraud.  By keeping some cash on you for small expenses such as going to the corner store or going for a quick bite to eat at the restaurant, you reduce the exposure of your card to other people that can potentially steal your information.  In this day in age, it is much easier for someone to steal your credit card information than it is for them to steal your cash.  For such small ticket items, I don’t think it’s worth the risk of using your credit card.</p>
<p>Although you are refunded mostly for any fraud on your credit card, this can open you to identity theft, where the crooks will use your credit card info to open new credit accounts under your name, without you ever finding out about it&#8230;until it’s time to pay up!  This is why I feel that preventing credit card fraud deters more serious problems such as having your identity stolen.  Remember that it can happen to anyone, anytime, so hopefully these tips will help protect you from having to experience any credit card or identity fraud.</p>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Other Articles:</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/05/law-of-cause-effect-confidence/" title="Law Of Cause &#038; Effect: Confidence">Law Of Cause &#038; Effect: Confidence</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/03/you-are-what-you-think/" title="You Are What You Think">You Are What You Think</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/06/9-benefits-of-rising-early/" title="9 Benefits Of Rising Early">9 Benefits Of Rising Early</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/02/the-real-crisis-we-stopped-being-wise-video/" title="The Real Crisis? We Stopped Being Wise (video)">The Real Crisis? We Stopped Being Wise (video)</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2007/01/the-most-common-phobia/" title="The Most Common Phobia">The Most Common Phobia</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>What Is Your Financial Personality?</title>
		<link>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/01/what-is-your-financial-personality/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/01/what-is-your-financial-personality/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:45:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Guest Writer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Financial & Wealth]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/01/what-is-your-financial-personality/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://affiliates.allposters.com/link/redirect.asp?AID=1580112062&#38;PSTID=1&#38;LTID=5&#38;lang=1&#38;startat=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eallposters%2Ecom%2Fgallery%2Easp%3Fstartat%3D%2Fgetposter%2Easp%26APNum%3D3725260%26PPID%3D1%26search%3Dcredit%2520card%26f%3Dt%26FindID%3D0%26P%3D1%26PP%3D1%26sortby%3DPD%26cname%3D%26SearchID%3D" class="APCAnchor"><img src="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/021001_1701_0018_lshs-fbhand-holding-credit-card-posters.jpg" alt="credit card" /></a></p>
<p>In modern society, you can hardly find a person who ignores money. Like it or not, we all have certain feelings toward it &#8211; some people worship money, some fear to lose it, and some can waste&#8230;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://affiliates.allposters.com/link/redirect.asp?AID=1580112062&amp;PSTID=1&amp;LTID=5&amp;lang=1&amp;startat=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eallposters%2Ecom%2Fgallery%2Easp%3Fstartat%3D%2Fgetposter%2Easp%26APNum%3D3725260%26PPID%3D1%26search%3Dcredit%2520card%26f%3Dt%26FindID%3D0%26P%3D1%26PP%3D1%26sortby%3DPD%26cname%3D%26SearchID%3D" class="APCAnchor"><img src="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/021001_1701_0018_lshs-fbhand-holding-credit-card-posters.jpg" alt="credit card" /></a></p>
<p>In modern society, you can hardly find a person who ignores money. Like it or not, we all have certain feelings toward it &#8211; some people worship money, some fear to lose it, and some can waste their hard-earned money like water with a blink of an eye.</p>
<p>Most of us have taken some personality quizzes and tests. And what about your <a href="http://blog.creditcardflyers.com/2008/05/13/what-kind-of-person-are-you-financially-speaking-pti/" target="_blank">financial personality</a> type? Discover your type of financial personality with a financial personality test found on this <a href="http://www.creditcardflyers.com/" target="_blank">credit card blog</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Financial Personality #1: The Big Spender</strong><br />
<em>Main traits:</em> A hard-working person who earns good money and knows its value. Such a person can pamper himself/herself with costly hi-tech devices or expensive outfit. This type can be prone to impulse buying.</p>
<p><em>Recommendations:</em> The Big Spender should consider low rate credit cards with no annual fee, so that big shopping sessions will not burn a hole in his/her pocket. He or she would better avoid various rewards programs to avoid overspending.</p>
<p><strong>Financial Personality #2: The Futurist</strong><br />
<em>Main Traits:</em> The Futurist lives for tomorrow. The life credo of this type is to think twice before making some major purchases. Futurists have considerable savings and know how to manage their money.</p>
<p><em>Recommendations:</em> Rewards credit deals will benefit futurists most, as such people have long-term goals and rewards programs do not give immediate rebates as a rule. The choice of the rewards program depends on a person&#8217;s spending habits.</p>
<p><strong>Financial Personality #3: The Newbie</strong><br />
<em>Main Traits:</em> The Newbie has just flown from parents&#8217; nest and learns to live on his/her own. A new place to live in, first job and studies – the Newbie just begins feeling the taste of adult life and that&#8217;s why he or she can make stupid financial mistakes.</p>
<p><em>Recommendations:</em> A prepaid card will be a good choice. With this card, the Newbie can learn the basics of money management. College student cards can also be a good start for some Newbies.</p>
<p><strong>Financial Personality #4: The Experienced</strong><br />
<em>Main Traits:</em> A perfect money manager who keeps every penny under control and plans the budget carefully. The Experienced has good or excellent credit history and always make monthly payments on time.</p>
<p><em>Recommendations:</em> The Experienced is too experienced for giving advice.</p>
<p><strong>Financial Personality #5: The Avoider</strong><br />
<em>Main Traits:</em> A creative person who can hardly manage money. The Avoider doesn&#8217;t like to discuss financial issues and money is not his strong point.</p>
<p><em>Recommendations:</em> The Avoider needs to be stimulated and encouraged for having a credit card, so affinity credit cards will be an ideal choice. He or she needs to consider creative credit programs and exclusive rewards.</p>
<h3  class="related_post_title">Other Articles:</h3><ul class="related_post"><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2007/08/choosing-the-right-hypnosis-courses-for-you/" title="Choosing The Right Hypnosis Courses For You">Choosing The Right Hypnosis Courses For You</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/07/email-management-via-gmail/" title="Email Management Via Gmail">Email Management Via Gmail</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/05/10-tips-for-productive-desk-work/" title="10 Tips For Productive Desk Work">10 Tips For Productive Desk Work</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/08/simple-ways-to-relax-during-the-day/" title="Simple Ways To Relax During The Day">Simple Ways To Relax During The Day</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/11/ways-to-make-time-for-the-important/" title="Ways to Make Time for the Important">Ways to Make Time for the Important</a></li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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