When I checked the calendar today....it slapped me in the face and told me to wake the hell up! It's almost NOVEMBER.
With that in mind, I had to face the fact that even though I am on my financial trek to get my "house" in order for 2012, I might need to amp it up a bit. For those of you who may not know what financial trek I'm referring to, check out my YouTube post from a few days ago--> Confession
So back to today. I decided what was missing was a SOLID plan. I can't just say that I'm going to spend less. In the past 15 years or so, I have become very financially savvy. Coupons, discount airfare and travel, 401K's, investing, home owning, comparison pricing...I was doing pretty well. Then I became divorced in 2007, and I really had to tighten up. I stuck to a budget, signed up for automatic bi-weekly transfers to my savings account, as well as added to my full time income by starting side businesses.
If you watched my video, you know that my goal is to start generating income from my business by the end of 2012. Within the next 2 years, the ultimate goal is to be financially independent from working for someone else. To that end, I searched online today to see if there were any new tips I was missing to complete my solid financial plan. I found this article on About.com, aimed toward single parents: Find Money Article.
The article was based on a 2008 interview, but I think there's still some relevant, good advice there. Finding an extra $250/month sounds fabulous to me!
I know for my family of now 2 (my eldest son is an adult and lives on his own in Atlanta), I spend WAY too much money on groceries/food for my 12 year old son. With dedicated couponing and cutting out 3x/week runs to the Kroger's, I'm pretty sure I can at least save $50/week right there. I also followed Dave Ramsey's radio show for a while in Atlanta and he talked about living on 60% of your income-basically living below your means. It's a shift in thinking, but it's doable because I have done it.
Debt reduction + increasing income=wealth building.
I'll be updating my blog, as well as my YouTube page with my progress, as well as with any new money saving/finding tips I come across.
Love and happiness!
Nikki
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
This or That?
I am coming off of a fabulous weekend filled with promise of new beginnings and second chances.
Fabulous...wonderful...hallelujah!
So why am I pissed off?
I learned long ago that just because good things are happening for you, not everyone will share in your happiness. Cool. Understandable. People can be selfish, unhappy haters. It happens everyday.
However, when someone you don't even KNOW crosses the line and sends you a message spewing hatred, jealousy, and ill will-I get tripped up a bit. How can your life be so miserable and meaningless that you would spend so much time concocting an unsatisfying breakfast of ignorance? Did it change your misery when you hit "send"?
Now, I am very far from the chick from Brooklyn who would have immediately retaliated to that email. She would have rang the alarm and the troops would have been sent into Operation Beat Down. Yet, that same chick knocked on the door and asked if she was needed for a split second.
Years of yoga and meditation, running and vegetarianism has thankfully somewhat diminshed the fireball temper I was born with.
So what was the best way to resolve this situation that I felt was a test of my emotional growth? Zen chick or Brooklyn chick? This or that?
I decided that I am a sum of my parts. I refuse to squelch all of the lessons that Brooklyn chick taught me: be smart, be strong, be cautious, be unafraid of anyone, be who you are. Yet I welcome the new lessons that Zen chick has blessed my life with: choose your battles, fools rush in, don't overreact, love yourself so you can love others, you create your own situation, and....BREATHE.
As I (somewhat) politely responded that she didn't know me and to please stay out of my effin life, it was good enough for me. Even as the ignorance and drama poured forth afterwards, I took a deep breath...deleted...and moved on with my life.
I can't and will not react to every negative person who crosses my path. THIS I do know.
Fabulous...wonderful...hallelujah!
So why am I pissed off?
I learned long ago that just because good things are happening for you, not everyone will share in your happiness. Cool. Understandable. People can be selfish, unhappy haters. It happens everyday.
However, when someone you don't even KNOW crosses the line and sends you a message spewing hatred, jealousy, and ill will-I get tripped up a bit. How can your life be so miserable and meaningless that you would spend so much time concocting an unsatisfying breakfast of ignorance? Did it change your misery when you hit "send"?
Now, I am very far from the chick from Brooklyn who would have immediately retaliated to that email. She would have rang the alarm and the troops would have been sent into Operation Beat Down. Yet, that same chick knocked on the door and asked if she was needed for a split second.
Years of yoga and meditation, running and vegetarianism has thankfully somewhat diminshed the fireball temper I was born with.
So what was the best way to resolve this situation that I felt was a test of my emotional growth? Zen chick or Brooklyn chick? This or that?
I decided that I am a sum of my parts. I refuse to squelch all of the lessons that Brooklyn chick taught me: be smart, be strong, be cautious, be unafraid of anyone, be who you are. Yet I welcome the new lessons that Zen chick has blessed my life with: choose your battles, fools rush in, don't overreact, love yourself so you can love others, you create your own situation, and....BREATHE.
As I (somewhat) politely responded that she didn't know me and to please stay out of my effin life, it was good enough for me. Even as the ignorance and drama poured forth afterwards, I took a deep breath...deleted...and moved on with my life.
I can't and will not react to every negative person who crosses my path. THIS I do know.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Look But Don't Touch?
Hello Divas!
So as I was lying around today fighting a nasty bug on my damn day off, I thought about a conversation I had with one of my best friends yesterday. On the topic of possible impending nuptials (more on that another time), I queried if marriage is even relevant anymore these days? Even if it is, how do you keep it together when most people can't seem to stay faithful on a Sunday?
Look, I used to be the bright-eyed romantic waiting on "the perfect man for me" to come along. Then I got married....and divorced years later. I'm not bitter, and still believe in romance and real love..etc. However, when I constantly get asked why I am single, it stings a little-I'll admit. The truth is that I AM picky and I know what I'm worth this time around.
One of the things on my wishlist (and it is long...believe me!) is that we will both be able to remain physically attractive to one another without cheating. Shoot, sex is very important, as well as chemistry. Yet, I know there are tons of hot, bootylicious women out there who are oddly attracted to married men. That notwithstanding, men are visually led as it is. Are the odds stacked against me? I asked my friend, from a male perspective what the answer is.
He stated quite simply: "A man is gonna look at anything that is pretty to him. Hell, you women look all the time. So let him look...but don't touch. As long as you have respect in your relationship, he will come home and tell you about that fine baby girl he just saw and y'all can go work it out in the bedroom."
Um. Huh? What kind of advice is that? I mean, I get we can't walk around with blinders on. I've dabbled in a little visual male appreciation myself. My question is: where does it stop? Can you truly look without touching, and is that the secret to marital/relationship longevity?
I'll have to think on that one.
So as I was lying around today fighting a nasty bug on my damn day off, I thought about a conversation I had with one of my best friends yesterday. On the topic of possible impending nuptials (more on that another time), I queried if marriage is even relevant anymore these days? Even if it is, how do you keep it together when most people can't seem to stay faithful on a Sunday?
Look, I used to be the bright-eyed romantic waiting on "the perfect man for me" to come along. Then I got married....and divorced years later. I'm not bitter, and still believe in romance and real love..etc. However, when I constantly get asked why I am single, it stings a little-I'll admit. The truth is that I AM picky and I know what I'm worth this time around.
One of the things on my wishlist (and it is long...believe me!) is that we will both be able to remain physically attractive to one another without cheating. Shoot, sex is very important, as well as chemistry. Yet, I know there are tons of hot, bootylicious women out there who are oddly attracted to married men. That notwithstanding, men are visually led as it is. Are the odds stacked against me? I asked my friend, from a male perspective what the answer is.
He stated quite simply: "A man is gonna look at anything that is pretty to him. Hell, you women look all the time. So let him look...but don't touch. As long as you have respect in your relationship, he will come home and tell you about that fine baby girl he just saw and y'all can go work it out in the bedroom."
Um. Huh? What kind of advice is that? I mean, I get we can't walk around with blinders on. I've dabbled in a little visual male appreciation myself. My question is: where does it stop? Can you truly look without touching, and is that the secret to marital/relationship longevity?
I'll have to think on that one.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Organize Thyself!
I'm pretty sure that should have been a commandment. If for no one else, then just me.
(Although, I'm guessing somebody can relate).
The downside of having such a creative and busy mind is that things get cracking in there faster than you can sometimes keep track of. Meanwhile, you're so damn proud of yourself thinking you're getting things accomplished...and all you're doing is keeping busy.
My goal is to always be productive versus just busy. I used to think busy was good, right? No.
About 6 years ago, I launched a mini magazine, Butterfly, after my first book was published the year before not realizing how much work it would take to maintain both...and a full time job as a pediatric RN...and a single mom of 2 boys. Insane? Ok, fine. I agree. Sadly, I had to let Butterfly go-for a time.
I quickly learned to WRITE IT DOWN! Organization was the anecdote for my spur of the moment inspirational ideas. Once I had a written plan, measurable and realistic goals, and the bigger picture in place, I was able to see what I was really getting into. I use vision boards with timelines...lifesaver! I encourage everyone to create one, even if only to sort out what you desire out of life.
When my next inspiration hit in 2009, I was ready! I was literally doing crunches and thought, "I should sell these cakes that I bake for people since they get such positive reviews". I sat down, explored the pros and cons along with my expectations. I decided I could take orders online during the day and bake after work. She Bakes Cakes was born. I did not expect such an instant interest; I was getting orders as far away as California! I had orders on average of 5 per day and I was determined to meet my promise of a 24hr turnaround. I became the queen of organization and things were working out great...until my gas bill told me I needed a bigger, more commercial space.
So while I had to pause that business for a time as well, I definitely learned how to run a small business with proper planning and time management. The learning I have obtained along the way has gotten me to where I need to be today as a businesswoman. A mentor of mine once told me that your very first business venture is how you run your household...finances, time & family management, and relationships at home use the same skills needed. Simple, yet genius.
It's still fun to get the middle-of-the-night inspirational ideas. I am an entrepreneur by spirit. However, my right brain also has to yield to my analytical left brain at times so that I'm not the chick who constantly just talks about doing things...but actually makes it happen!
Disclaimer (read out loud quickly, like they do in the commercials): Personal results may vary. If her organizational skills ever drop below effective levels of production, Nikki Thomas pledges to hire a personal assistant who she knows will get the job done including the resurrection of She Bakes Cakes and Butterfly Magazine =)
(Although, I'm guessing somebody can relate).
The downside of having such a creative and busy mind is that things get cracking in there faster than you can sometimes keep track of. Meanwhile, you're so damn proud of yourself thinking you're getting things accomplished...and all you're doing is keeping busy.
My goal is to always be productive versus just busy. I used to think busy was good, right? No.
About 6 years ago, I launched a mini magazine, Butterfly, after my first book was published the year before not realizing how much work it would take to maintain both...and a full time job as a pediatric RN...and a single mom of 2 boys. Insane? Ok, fine. I agree. Sadly, I had to let Butterfly go-for a time.
I quickly learned to WRITE IT DOWN! Organization was the anecdote for my spur of the moment inspirational ideas. Once I had a written plan, measurable and realistic goals, and the bigger picture in place, I was able to see what I was really getting into. I use vision boards with timelines...lifesaver! I encourage everyone to create one, even if only to sort out what you desire out of life.
When my next inspiration hit in 2009, I was ready! I was literally doing crunches and thought, "I should sell these cakes that I bake for people since they get such positive reviews". I sat down, explored the pros and cons along with my expectations. I decided I could take orders online during the day and bake after work. She Bakes Cakes was born. I did not expect such an instant interest; I was getting orders as far away as California! I had orders on average of 5 per day and I was determined to meet my promise of a 24hr turnaround. I became the queen of organization and things were working out great...until my gas bill told me I needed a bigger, more commercial space.
So while I had to pause that business for a time as well, I definitely learned how to run a small business with proper planning and time management. The learning I have obtained along the way has gotten me to where I need to be today as a businesswoman. A mentor of mine once told me that your very first business venture is how you run your household...finances, time & family management, and relationships at home use the same skills needed. Simple, yet genius.
It's still fun to get the middle-of-the-night inspirational ideas. I am an entrepreneur by spirit. However, my right brain also has to yield to my analytical left brain at times so that I'm not the chick who constantly just talks about doing things...but actually makes it happen!
Disclaimer (read out loud quickly, like they do in the commercials): Personal results may vary. If her organizational skills ever drop below effective levels of production, Nikki Thomas pledges to hire a personal assistant who she knows will get the job done including the resurrection of She Bakes Cakes and Butterfly Magazine =)
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