TIP TUESDAY

TIP TUESDAY: Free Madden ’15!!!!

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I LOVE VIDEOS… I really do. At almost 45 years old, I’m not ashamed to say I play them to relax. I’ve loved video games since the days of Ms. PAC MAN, Centipede and Galaga, as I stated before, when the FIRST Atari video game console was presented, you know, when video game arcades were where the kids hung out. Does that make me old? HA! Hardly! I still play video games, not at much as I’d like to, but when time allows, any kind of shoot ’em up bang bang, Call of Duty, Resident Evil, Resistance Fall of Man type games are always right up my alley.

The problem with video games and the consoles that are required to play them, not to mention joysticks (I know they’re called “controllers” now,) can be costly. EA Sports “It’s In The Game” released its first Madden NFL Football video game on PlayStation around 1997 and Xbox followed around 2002. I know there was the Gameboy, Sega Genesis, Nintendo 64 etc, but I’m going somewhere with this. As technology advanced, the graphics improved, and the games became more expensive. Game cartridges (yes I said CARTRIDGES) that were once $20 have now been replaced by CDs that run in upwards of $59.99-$75 for the Deluxe Edition. Who has that kind of money to spend? An Xbox One or PlayStation 4 (PS4) game console starting price is $400. Again I say. WHO HAS THAT KIND OF MONEY TO SPEND? Or maybe I should ask… WHO WANTS TO SPEND THAT KIND OF MONEY? Especially when you’ve got financial goals to meet right? For those who want the Madden NFL Football experience but not the Madden NFL Football price, HERE’S HOW TO GET IT:

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DOWNLOAD THE MADDEN NFL MOBILE APP….

The Maden Mobile app is FREE FREE FREE… And who doesn’t like FREE right? I love the NFL experience you get, however you’re not able to trash talk with other online gamers as most do through their headset when playing on an Xbox One or PS4. The best you can hope for is to trash talk through your keypad in the form of typing a message. If trash talking is your thing, join a league or form your own (you need 3 other players to compete with other leagues) otherwise, just trash talk to your iPad as I do. I trash talk period when I play. Madden Mobile is a lot like Fantasy Football. You can put together your own team as opposed to playing with the actual NFL squad (on the real deal game consoles.) For instance, here is my offensive squad….BECAUSE I KNOW YOU WANNA SEE IT!!!

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MORE LIKE I WANTED TO SHOW IT TO YOU… MY DEFENSIVE SQUAD IS KICK A$$ TOO!!!

I had Michael Vick as QB (76) but was able to acquire Cam Newton (84) and he has yet to disappoint. I’m trying to get Marshawn Lynch as my FB but dude doesn’t come cheap. I need beaucoup dinero for “Beast Mode” but, I digress. You can buy and sell players at any time to build up a solid offensive/defensive squad and even special teams, or you can trade them in to earn rewards on various challenges. You can play other Madden Mobile users around the country to get money, gain fans and experience points to advance you to the next level. Because I’m so proud of my progress, here’s a snapshot of my division ranking. I’m Cowgirl75237 by the way….

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At level 22. I’m ranked #1600 In the All-Pro II division and about 50K fans shy of All Pro I satus. I am absolutely stoked about this app. THAT’S OBVIOUS! The graphics are pretty decent or as decent as they can be….

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You call plays just as you do playing the real deal, Players celebrate in the end zone after touchdowns, kick onside, sack QBs, gain points via safety, pretty much everything you can do playing the actual game. Once you’ve reached your limit of playing other Madden Mobile users (I hate the app does that,) you can make your way on over to the Season Menu and win your way to the Super Bowl. I won Season 1 and 2 Superbowls, lost Season 3 playoffs and am in the middle of playing Season 4 now.

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So there you have it. If your money is acting funny and your change is mighty strange, no need to go out and buy an expensive video game console or the expensive game to go accompany it. Download the Madden Mobile App and play it until you have SAVED the money to purchase the real deal. The app is available on iPhone and Android. In this day and age, nearly everyone has a smart device of some sort. I DO NOT advise you to play this on a smartphone unless it has a larger than average screen. Try playing on an iPad or another tablet device. If you’re able, connect it to your television for an even greater football experience. NOW…. LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!

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As I dance in the end zone after scoring a touchdown, I hope I’ve sold you on what to expect from the FREE FREE FREE, FUN FUN FUN Madden NFL Mobile App!!! It’s FUN and it’s FREE!!! Oh and did I say the app was FREE and FUN? Enjoy….

~The Finacial Hack ©2015

MOTIVATION MONDAY

MOTIVATION MONDAY: Told Ya… Those Singles ADD UP!!!

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On a previous posting (September 15th) I mentioned a faster way to save your money was to save your singles (as in dollar bills.) As of yesterday’s count, I have saved $30. That’s an average of $10 in singles saved per week. If I continue to save at this rate, in one year, I will have $520. That money can be used to take a mini-vacation, invest, buy Christmas/birthday gifts, add it to my emergency fund or just simply save it. The options of what to do with the money are endless.

The way to accomplish “saving your singles” is to use the cash method. Withdraw your budgeted allowance at the beginning of each week… AND STICK TO SPENDING ONLY WHAT YOU’VE WITHDRAWN. Today, it is so easy to whip out and swipe our debit cards. My bank has the “Keep the Change” program, where the remaining change from a debit card transaction rounded up to the nearest dollar, is deposited (usually into a savings account) that’s tied to your checking account. I’m sure your bank has something similar. “Keep the Change” can be beneficial because it is often used as overdraft protection. The problem is, some banks charge a fee each time overdraft protection is applied. I try to keep  a “cushion amount” of $200-$300 in my checking account to avoid these fees. The “Keep the Change” program works for some people, but how many people do you know actually allow the money from the program to accumulate over time, then withdraw it? I don’t know any. For me, the temptation to spend it is too great. Technically speaking, the only reason I keep the Keep The Change/overdraft protection savings account is to avoid paying the monthly fee for my checking account. I prefer the “Keep the Singles” method better. Truth be told, there’s something about the “tangible.” I can see the dollar bills, I can hold and count the dollar bills, and most importantly, I can sock the dollar bills away in my piggy bank… Then hide the piggy bank. Out of sight, out of mind right? Problem solved. Money Saved.

Let me know if you incorporate the “Save Your Singles” method or a similar method of saving money by commenting below. I’d love to hear from you.

~The Financial Hack ©2015

RANDOM

EXCEPTIONS CAN BE MADE….

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IF…. Your purchase can be justified. This one can:  My very own 7ft 12th Man Aggie is definitely a JUSTIFIABLE PURCHASE!!! Texas A&M University is my Alma Mater for Pete’s Sake!!! Talk about a return on your investment. Football watch parties, alumni gatherings, student recruiting, and the list goes on. This is a purchase that keeps on giving. Year after year.

GIG EM AGGIES!!!! 👍

~The Financial Hack ©2015

Giving Back, Project Spare Bottle

GIVING BACK: PSB FINAL UPDATE 2015

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PSB UPDATE: IN TWO MONTHS PROJECT SPARE BOTTLE HANDED OUT 750+ Bottles of Water and 225+ pounds of ice to the homeless this past summer. We could have easily done over TWICE that amount had we started when temps began to swelter past 90 degrees back in May. After all is said and done, I am truly blessed because my satisfaction comes from blessing those in need. We’ve got a special treat for my “Downtown Peeps” in a few weeks. I’m so excited! Project Spare Bottle is ON THE MOVE!!! 🚙🚗 (beep beep!)

TIP TUESDAY

TIP TUESDAY: Did You Know?

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YOU CAN ORDER A “SHORT” SIZE OF YOUR FAVORITE COFFEE (OR DRINK) AT STARBUCKS?   

The 8oz “short” size as compared to the 12oz “tall” size is Starbucks’ best kept secret. You’ll never see it on the menu (and probably never will) so be sure to ask for it specifically when ordering. The “short” is a STEP DOWN from the 12oz “tall” which most think is the chain’s smallest size. Not true. “Java Junkies” like myself already knew about the “short,” but usually go for the Venti or even the Trenta . For those who may be “trimming the fat” from their budgets and not yet ready to eighty-six the gourmet coffee experience all together, ordering the “short” size satisfies the gourmet coffee experience without blowing the budget. For a few extra coins, go ahead and ask for an extra shot… Of expresso that is. ENJOY! 

~The Financial Hack ©2015

AWARDS, BLOGGERS

MY LIEBSTER AWARD NOMINATIONS (AND MORE THAN YOU MAY CARE TO KNOW ABOUT ME…)

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The Financial Hack has been nominated for (drum roll please) THE LIEBSTER AWARD!!!

 

I would like to take this time to thank MyCountdownToFreedom for nominating me. Visit their site link here:

http://mycountdowntofreedom.com/

The nomination in itself is enough for me to celebrate because I officially launched my website just two months ago. Again it is truly an honor and an accomplishment to be recognized. This goes to show, you never know who may be watching you or reading your work. It is my prayer that success will continue to follow my work, the work of fellow nominees and most importantly, My Countdown to Freedom who nominated me.

Before I get started, here are my nominations for the Liebster Award:

My Countdown To Freedom (http://mycountdowntofreedom.com/)

My Financial Wisdom (http://myfinancialwisdom.com/)

It Takes Two To Budget (https://ittakestwotobudget.wordpress.com/)

Basic Money Skills (https://basicmoneyskills.wordpress.com/)

Budget And Invest (http://budgetandinvest.com/)

Here’s a recap of the rules for the Liebster Award:

  1. Insert the Liebster award logo in your post
  2. Thank and link those who nominated you
  3. Reveal 11 interesting facts about yourself
  4. Answer the questions designated by the blogger who nominated you
  5. Nominate up to 11 other new bloggers with less than 100 followers
  6. Ask 11 questions of your own to your nominees that they have to answer
  7. Notify your nominees about The Liebster Award
  8. Include instructions of the process in your post

11 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME:

1. I play video games: I’ve loved video games since the days of Pac Man, Centipede and Galaga… You know, when video game arcades were “cool.” I guess that makes me “kinda old.” (I’m actually 44.)

2. I used to be a YouTube vlogger: I used to vlog as many reality shows as I could fit into my schedule from the oh so popular Real Housewives of Atlanta (Bravo) to a show not many watched on TV One called Love Addiction. I expanded my lineup to include Khloe and Lamar, The Shahs of Sunset, RHOBH, RHONJ and others to gain a more diverse audience and was successful. The amount of time spent editing the videos eventually led to “burn out.” I took a break for 10mos, went back, vlogged for approximately 6mos then retired all together.

3. I appeared on a pilot show (The Real Deal) as a result of my YouTube channel vlogs. Though the pilot didn’t gain much traction, it was a great opportunity and an even better experience.

4. I had aspirations of running for City Council back in 2008. It still sits in the back of my mind and I haven’t completely ruled it out. I remain active in my community by serving on various boards and committees within the city.

5. The Mayor of my suburb who is also a minister, friend and mentor, officiated my wedding ceremony in 2010.

6. SKYDIVING is one of many line items to check off my “bucket list”:

7. I passed my driving test at age 16 driving my dad’s 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix: The year was 1986. The driving instructor said he passed me because I parallel parked a car “of that length” on the FIRST try.

8. I’m enrolled for the Spring Semester at Texas Tech University to become an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC.)

9. I’ve run 12 “official” half marathons (13.1mi) and one full marathon (26.2mi,) a 5K military-style obstacle course race (Merrell Down and Dirty Race) and a host of 5 and 10Ks in a span of 18mos until Chondromalacia Patella (CMP) after 25+ years of exercising forced me to hang up my running shoes in May of this year. BUMMER… I loved running.

10. It used to be difficult for me to accept criticism from others be it constructive or intentional.

11. I’ve always enjoyed working with children: I taught Journalism to middle school students and was the Yearbook/Newspaper advisor. It is my hope now to continue educating our youth about money and how to become better stewards of it.

NOW ON TO THE QUESTIONS asked of me by My Countdown to Freedom.

  1. Where do you see yourself in five, ten and twenty years? 5 years= I’ll be well into my practice of being an AFC (Accredited Financial Counselor) along with everything else I do (Property Mgmt, The Bluetique etc,) increasing my community service, maybe remarried. 10 years=Same as five years but I’ll be enjoying life to the fullest, traveling more and continuing to serve. My Financial Counseling Services will have BLOWN UP by then, and I’ll DEFINITELY be remarried too, lol. 20 years= Retired, ALL investment properties will be for paid for, possible acquisition of possibly acquiring additional properties (4plex, mini apartment complex,) my husband and I will be living in our “MONSTER CRIB” but definitely living comfortably.
  2. If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be? I would change how I applied myself as an undergraduate student. LESS partying and MORE studying. In spite of, I think I turned out okay.
  3. If you could share a meal with four individuals, living or dead, who would they be? This one is hard. Jesus (who wouldn’t want to eat with Jesus right?) my foster son James Savon (he was with me from age 5 to age 6) and will turn 18 years old 4 days before I turn 45, all the members of Shark Tank, and my baby brother/cousin Daveon aka “Bubba” who passed away on Bew Years Eve, 7days after I got married. We’d be celebrating his 29th birthday the day after Christmas this year.
  4. What steps have you taken to improve your financial life in the past 30 days? The steps I started to improve my financial life took place a while back, but I would say starting my website and committing myself to providing helpful and useful information/coaching to those who my need it (our youth in particular.)
  5. Are you a glass half full, or a glass half empty person? Depends on what “time of the month” it is.
  6. What was your first blog post about? How much money I saved in change (apprx $150.) I followed up with a second posting where I found an additional $140 in change hidden in my closet (which included $54 in Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coins.)
  7. What was one book that changed your life? The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. If you’re a spiritual person, you’ll understand why.
  8. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? Mexican Food. (Yummers!)
  9. What’s your favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon? Serve the Lord, serve the homeless/others, then spend the rest of the day watching Football and/or spend time with family (in THAT order.)
  10. What would you do today if $100,000 fell into your lap? 10% goes to the church, my parents are good on money, pay the 2nd mortgages on 3 of my properties (because of the 80/20 financing) and SAVE the rest.
  11. If you could live forever, how would you spend eternity? Nah, I’ll pass on living for eternity. I want to see what awaits on the other side, I’m just in no hurry to do so. But if Jesus called me and invited me over, I’d certainly ask for the address and GPS it or ask him to come pick me up.

NOW ON TO THE QUESTIONS FOR MY NOMINEES (My Countdown to Freedom is Exempt)

  1. What prompted you to start blogging and why did you choose to focus on finance/personal finance?
  2. What short term and long term financial goals have you set for yourself?
  3. What advice would you offer someone who wants to take control of their finances but doesn’t know where to start?
  4. Enough with the deep questions…. If you could travel ANYWHERE in the world, where would it be and why?
  5. Name one book that has changed your life and why.
  6. If you were granted THREE (3) wishes, what would they be?
  7. How much money do you think you would you need to live a comfortable life?
  8. Boxers or Briefs? (This is NOT a trick question.)
  9. If you could have dinner with 4 people who would they be? (The people can be living or dead.)
  10. Tell us the most “proudest” moment in your life.
  11. Did I ask Boxers or Briefs already? (Lol Lol) Scratch This One… Repeat question)
So there are actually 10 questions each nominee must answer (in addition to the 11 interesting/random things about themselves.) I look forward to your responses.
CONGRATULATIONS TO EACH OF YOU!!!
~The Financial Hack
Daily Motivation

DAILY MOTIVATION

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If you are a House of Cards fan, you know these were words uttered by VP Frank Underwood advising Secretary of State Kathy Durant regarding diplomatic relations with China. Although House of Cards is a fictitious show, his statement rings true and can be applied to any area in our lives, relationships or situations in which we are not satisfied . IF YOU DON’T LIKE THE WAY THE TABLE IS SET:

1. If you’re TIRED of being broke.

2. If you’re TIRED of mismanaging your finances.

3. If you’re TIRED of not being able to get ahead.

4. If you’re TIRED of worrying about how to make ends meet.

5. If you’re TIRED of arguing with your spouse about money.

6. If you’re sick and TIRED of being SICK AND TIRED, do something about it….

TURN OVER THE TABLE!!! 

Take back your finances, take back your family, your marriage, your life and your peace of mind. Once you’ve turned over the table, RE-ARRANGE it in such a way that is advantageous and acceptable to you. 

~The Financial Hack ©2015

TIP TUESDAY

TIP TUESDAY: The Benefit of Purchasing Certificates of Deposit

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CD

TIP TUESDAY: If you’re leery about “playing the stock market” and may be looking for a “safer” way to grow your money, consider purchasing a Certificate of Deposit (or CD for short.) CD’s are issued by banks, credit unions etc. and have the advantage of offering more competitive interest rates (APY) than traditional savings accounts. Check your banking institution for minimum amounts to purchase CDs as they can vary with each institution.

Some people may think you need large sums of money to purchase CDs. FALSE. $500 can easily get you started. REMEMBER, build your emergency fund of $1000 FIRST, then save an additional $500 and purchase a CD to start. Again CDs are a great way to save money because they yield higher rates. Wouldn’t you rather your money earn in upwards of 4% or better as opposed to <1% on a traditional savings account? I would. NOTE: The longer the duration of your CD, the higher the interest rate.  For example, a 30 day CD may garner an APY of 1.75% whereas a 60 month CD may garner a higher APY of 5-6%. Keep in mind the percentages given are approximations ONLY. Unlike a traditional savings account, there is a penalty for partial/early withdrawals which will hopefully keep temptation at bay. Once the CD has reached its maturity, you’ll have the option to cash out, roll it over for the same duration of time or change the duration of your CD based on current interest/market rates. If you do nothing, the CD will automatically roll over for the same duration of time at the current market rate of interest.

Now, I am by no means advising anyone to take their savings and put it all into CDs. A Financial Advisor wouldn’t advise that. As a matter of fact, they would advise against it. NEVER put all your eggs into one basket. A well balanced financial portfolio is certain to yield pretty “decent” returns.

What has been your experience with CDs? Please let me know below. If purchasing CDs sounds like something that may be of interest to you by all means, visit your banking institution for more information. GOOD LUCK!!!

~The Financial Hack ©2015

RANDOM

RANDOM POSTING: YOUR COMMENTS MATTER

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PLEASE BE PATIENT WITH ME. I’m still learning the ins and out of being the webmaster of your own site. I’m still “fine tuning” certain areas. I blame my Madden Mobile app for that. Remember I’m a huge football fan, the app is FREE and I am totally addicted. I can already see a time management posting on the horizon, but I digress….

Some of you guys are leaving comments on certain postings that are either being marked as spam or are waiting for my approval. I just discovered this within the last week or so. I’m trying to remain vigilant in my efforts to check on a daily basis. Please bear with me as I continue to familiarize myself with the Site Admin functions.

I thank all of you that have read, liked, shared and commented on my postings. I am eternally grateful.

~The Financial Hack