Will I See You on the Millionaire Side?

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. ~Philippians 3:13

ARE YOU READY TO WIN IN 2010?

I have a confession: I have a really bad habit of making other people's problems my own. You see, when I see someone in need, I reach out to help. Call it my Christian duty, by upbringing or my human compassion. I just call it doing good. But, what I've learned is if helping you hurts me, then it's not divine order. And when I do things out of alignment with my divine purpose and mission, it causes me to feel resentment and anger.

Saying goodbye is a gift we all have, if we can just conjure up the nerve to use it. This year I really put in the work required to give people their problems back. I no longer stay up late trying to find ways to get someone's rent paid while they're sleeping. I don't buy restaurant gift cards for co-workers who can't feed themselves after they've bought gourmet cat food for their beloved feline. And don't get me started on the folks who smoke two packs of cigarettes per day, at $5/pack (on average), drop $100/week at the bar, and by the end of the month they can't pay their rent. Don't get me wrong, I don't tell people how to spend their money or time, but I do have some say so in how I spend mine.

People come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Knowing this, I've had to learn to separate the chaff from the wheat, and to know when it's time to let go. Stop carrying dead weight. I'm traveling light into the next decade: all emotional baggage is limited to a small carry-on. Otherwise, I'm going to have to get like the airlines and charge for each additional item. I'm not Dr. Phil, and I'm definitely not Oprah. But just like them, I have a calling on my life. I have work to do, people to see, and victories to win. And I can't get there carrying a whole bunch of garbage.

So, my mind is made up, and my focus is clear: either you're going with me, or I'm leaving you here. No hard feelings as we go our separate ways. Perhaps somehow, somewhere, we'll meet again someday. Hey, if it's not in this life, then I wish you well. We're all God's children, and He wants nothing less than best. Keep the faith, and go strong; stay in your lane and I'll stay in mine.

To all of our MJ stars: If you can give it up, you can have it all. (Bishop T.D. Jakes) Leave the nonsense behind in 2009. And get ready to win in 2010!

Lisa Maria Carroll, is one of the 3 women, along with Kim Crouch and Tina Fortune, who are on the Millionaire Journey. You can follow us on the Journey by joining the Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Millionaire-Journey/165487378056?ref=ts or the Millionaire Journey blog at http://1yearmillionaires.blogspot.com

Your Weight Should Never Be Higher Than Your Credit Score

I was met by a gentleman today who expressed an interest in dating. A quick once-over, and I thought to myself, I do not date men whose weight is higher than their credit scores. That may sound mean, but stay with me on this one because I'm going somewhere. I'm no Suze Orman or Jillian Michaels, but those two have more in common than you may think.

A few weeks ago we interviewed Gail Perry-Mason, author of Girl, Make Your Money Grow, on the 1-Year Millionaires show, and she was pretty forthcoming about her desire to lose weight because, as she said, "There's nothing like being fat and broke." We laughed and joked about it for awhile, but how many of us are high-fiving our computer screens right now because we're glad that somebody was bold enough to step up and say what we were already thinking?

The reality is we want to be physically and financially fit. But most of us are either one, the other, or neither. Blame it on stress, circumstances, the recession, our bringing or anything else we need to to justify us not being proactive in achieving our desired results. But, at the end of the day, we've got to go hard to get what we want. Achieving both goals require discipline and control and, usually, if you lack those traits in one area of your life, you lack them in others as well.

I don't believe that people wake up in the morning to intentionally be a burden to society, their mates or their loved ones. But, that's exactly what happens when your weight and/or credit get out of control. Others are bestowed with the responsibility of carrying your dead weight--tying your shoes, paying your bills, co-signing for loans, helping you go to the bathroom, helping you get out of bed--and I don't want that for myself or for anyone else on this Millionaire Journey. I don't want a relationship with someone who has to stop to catch his breath after every 3rd step because his weight is causing breathing problems. I want a healthy mate--physically and financially. And I want that for you.

So I ask, how important are your mate's/potential mate's numbers to you? And how about yours?

Lisa Maria Carroll, is one of the 3 women, along with Kim Crouch and Tina Fortune, who are on the Millionaire Journey. You can follow us on the Journey by joining the Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Millionaire-Journey/165487378056?ref=ts or the Millionaire Journey blog at http://1yearmillionaires.blogspot.com

Jesus Came to Serve, Not to be Served

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

Jesus is the reason for the season. And as we approach the day that we celebrate His birth, we should all be asking, "Lord, how can I serve You"? Economists say that consumer spending is down due to the economy, but the needs of our fellow men are up. Even when funds are low, we all have something to give: a smile, our time, our talents. Instead of feeling down and out if you can't give material things, visit a hospital, smile at the person you pass on the street, shovel the snow from a neighbor's yard. These are gifts that you can give not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year.

So, each day that you rise, ask, "Lord, how can I serve You today"? And watch the blessings you receive in return far exceed anything that you give.

Lisa Maria Carroll, is one of the 3 women, along with Kim Crouch and Tina Fortune, who are on the Millionaire Journey. You can follow us on the Journey by joining the Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Millionaire-Journey/165487378056?ref=ts or the Millionaire Journey blog at http://1yearmillionaires.blogspot.com

Are You Attracting Abundance?

I got 99 problems, but money ain't one.

I got a praise report from someone on the Millionaire Journey last week:

THE LORD IS GOOD! I got $150.00 PAYOUT! HALLELUJAH! Im sooooooooooo happy right now! ~Brandyn, Minneapolis, MN

By the way, this message came from my 21-year-old daughter who happens to be following MJ on Facebook. She has been tithing religiously her entire life. And I'm always in awe at how she NEVER worries about money, and always has enough to cover all of her expenses. She's a full-time college student, studying criminal justice at a 2-year college. Her plans are to transfer to a 4-year college after she graduates, and then go to law school. She has her own apartment and also works full-time at a bank. And she is as cheap as she wants to be.

Well, I guess I shouldn't call her cheap, but rather discerning about where she spends her money. But, one thing I will say, N-O-B-O-D-Y gets her tithes. Even if she misses church one Sunday, she will put it aside until the next, or mail it in. She NEVER worries about money. She even admits that sometimes she doesn't even know how she manages to meet all of her financial obligations. All she knows is that she's faithful and the Lord provides. It's the principles of sowing and reaping. If you sow a seed, you will reap a harvest.

I started this journey with Kim and Tina knowing that I would be a millionaire within 365 days. But, evenso, I refuse to hoard money in an effort to get to my million; I have to give to get. I'm a devout Christian, who believes God's word to be true, "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure-- pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."
Luke 6:38

The Bible is very clear that whatsoever you give, it will be given back to you, good measure, pressed down shaken together, running over. And it's not all about money. If you give love, happiness, peace, joy, then that's what will come back. At the same token, if you give grief, strife, anger, insult, then that is what will be returned to you, pressed down, shaken together, until your cup runs over.

Even corporations believe in tithing or giving charities, as some call it. They believe in planting seeds in the community to reap a harvest to stay in business. Their faith is in their giving.

Where is your faith?

Lisa Maria Carroll, is one of the 3 women, along with Kim Crouch and Tina Fortune, who are on the Millionaire Journey. You can follow us on the Journey by joining the Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Millionaire-Journey/165487378056?ref=ts or the Millionaire Journey blog at http://1yearmillionaires.blogspot.com

Start Saving for Next Year's Christmas Now

Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming! You know, kind of like it did on December 25th last year. But if you're like me, it somehow always manages to sneak up on us every year and catch us by surprise. Now, how can we expect to get to our million if we're constantly being off caught guard by things that we should be planning for? And that means having a cash reserve to cover annual Christmas expenses.

But, next year I'm going to be telling a different story. Why? Because I visited my credit union a few weeks ago and opened up a Christmas club account. I was standing in line waiting to do business with the teller when I looked over and saw the sign, "Open your Christmas club account today."

Quite honestly, I didn't know Christmas club accounts still existed. But, with the stroke of a pen on a few forms, I'm already planning for Christmas 2010. And you can too.

What you should know:

• Start your Christmas account in December (why put it off?). That way if you invest a small amount ($5-$10) every week, you’ll be looking at a sizeable amount come November when your funds become available.
  
• Many banks and credit unions don’t advertise Christmas clubs, but almost all offer them. Talk to a teller or banker about opening one.
  
• Start a budget for next Christmas now, and stick to it. Then, whatever is accumulated by November 1st, is all that you will spend for the holidays--nothing more. I committed to $20/bi-weekly, and I have it direct deposited directly into my account from paycheck. Plus, the credit union will make my last payment for me. That's a whopping $500 that I'll have saved for Christmas next year.

Lisa Maria Carroll, is one of the 3 women, along with Kim Crouch and Tina Fortune, who are on the Millionaire Journey. You can follow us on the Journey by joining the Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Millionaire-Journey/165487378056?ref=ts or the Millionaire Journey blog at http://1yearmillionaires.blogspot.com

Keep the Spirit in Christmas, and Out of Your Wallet

Drinking and driving is not a millionaire mindset. It sounds like such a no-brainer, but there are still lots of people who don't get it.

It's that time of the year when most of us like to celebrate, party, eat, drink and be merry. From holiday parties at work to dinner with the in-laws, most people will declare any occasion an opportunity to indulge in alcohol. But what happens when that indulgence turns to excess? Excess to the point where you jeopordize your health, someone else's health and your source of income?

For over decade I worked as an executive assistant, planning everything from backyard barbeques at the boss' house to sales banquets at local hotels to holiday parties at convention centers. And without fail, I could always count on at least one employee indulging a little too much on the alcohol. Fortunately, companies recognize the high probability of this happening, along with their liability if something happens as the result of their employee's indiscretion.

That's why companies now tell employees to call a taxi if they're going to drink, even if it's not at a company function. Employers realize that the holidays affect people differently. It's not a happy time for everyone; some become depressed, some bitter, and some angry. And alcohol is often their drug of choice to dull the pain. And then you have those who drink just because it's available.

There's nothing wrong with adults enjoying an adult beverage. But, responsibility and good old common sense can go a long way in helping you keep the spirit in Christmas and out of your wallet.

I still remember the day my boss called me into his office, and told me to call a cab and have them at our office at 10AM the following morning. Being the good assistant that I was, I asked who would they be picking up? Would it be cash or charge? Blah, blah, blah... He gave me the name of the employee and said tell them that you're paying cash, and that they should take him wherever he wants to go.

~Hmmm... ~

As it turned out, this employee had attended a cookout at the boss' lake home the weekend prior and had had a little too much to drink. I guess his overindulgence came with an extra dose of courage and he chose that time to not only tell his supervisor how he really felt about him, but also to start a physical fight. This employee was a territory manager with a company car. And his actions resulted in him losing his job.

Do you think it was worth it? I know it wasn't. And I know the rest of you on this millionaire journey agree.

So, what can you do to keep the spirit in Christmas and out of your wallet?

1. Offer a cash bar. People have a tendency to drink less when they're spending their own money.
2. Don't drink and drive. If you know you're going to drink, designate a driver BEFORE you go out. This is such a no-brainer, but there are still far too many people who don't get it.
3. Offer non-alcoholic drinks. I don't drink alcohol, but I love Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice during the holidays. I also like drinks mixed with ginger ale. A few other recipes to try:

Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 3 oz fresh strawberries (you can also use frozen strawberries or strawberry syrup)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Cracked ice

Directions:
Fill lime juice, strawberries, and sugar into a blender. Blend until smooth, then add the cracked ice and blend again until smooth.
Pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with whole strawberry or mince leave.
Serve with a straw.

7-UP Christmas Bowl Recipe

20 oz frozen raspberry in syrup
12 oz frozen lemonade cocentrate
46 oz pineapple juice
64 oz chilled 7-Up® soda

Place raspberries and lemonade in blender, process till smooth. Strain into punch bowl. Discard seeds. Stir in pineapple juice. Just before serving, add 7-Up.

Amaretto Stone Sweet Recipe

2 1/2 oz Blanks® amaretto
2 oz cherry syrup
4 oz orange juice
4 oz 7-Up® soda
ice

Blend with ice.

Lisa Maria Carroll, is one of the 3 women, along with Kim Crouch and Tina Fortune, who are on the Millionaire Journey. You can follow us on the Journey by joining the Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Millionaire-Journey/165487378056?ref=ts or the Millionaire Journey blog at http://1yearmillionaires.blogspot.com

Start Over Finish Rich: 10 Steps To Get You Back On Track in 2010

I got an email today from David Bach about the release of his new book. I had been looking for to its release and even read the first chapter of the book which was posted on and still remains as an excerpt on the Facebook Fan Page for the Millionaire Journey. What I liked most about the email is that David Bach is giving away a variety of bonuses for people who purchase the book that I think would appeal to those of you on the Millionaire Journey. According to the email, for anyone who buys one book they will be entitled to the following:

• 3 Group Teleconferences with David Bach: You will have the opportunity to work through all 10 steps in Start Over, Finish Rich with David Bach right by your side! These three sessions will be scheduled for early 2010 and will be recorded for your convenience.

• A FREE download of his 2009 bestseller, Fight for Your Money: Bach is giving the whole e-book away. This book is your battle plan to put thousands of dollars back in your pocket--where it belongs!

• A 50% discount coupon to attend his upcoming Finish Rich University: David Bach is planning a LIVE 3-Day event for October 2010 and you'll be entitled to register for half price! (exact date and location to be announced.)

To get the Thank You Package of bonuses, simply email your receipt to OneBook@finishrich.com


I figured since many of you would be purchasing the book anyway, you may as well get these additional bonuses.

If You Want to Get Rich, Read, Read, Read

It's been said that if you want to keep something from a Black man, put it in a book. Although I don't know who said it, I do know that in my world, the words Black and ignorance don't mesh together well. So I'm here to set the record straight.

I'm a Black woman and an avid reader of books, magazines, newspapers, and yes, blogs. I read for enjoyment as well as knowledge. Reading is my way of waging war on ignorance. You know, kind of like Tina did when she PUNCHED FEAR IN THE FACE.....POWWWWW!!!! With the Internet, libraries, free seminars and teleseminars from the comfort of my couch, there's no excuse for me to not know how to manage my money. (I'll leave that for the professional athletes.) And there's no excuse for you either.

I've never let my African-American heritage get in the way of my learning. Neither of my parents graduated from high school. As a matter of fact, my dad dropped out of school in the third grade. But, I remember going to work with him and watching him calculate the money he was owed in his head. I was amazed at how he couldn't add or subtract on paper, but he sure knew how to do it in his head. That's why there are no excuses for me.

I grew up around books. I graduated from high school and business school, and I've worked in the financial services industry for more than 25 years. But even with all of that, my knowledge about investments, stocks, bonds or trading only scratches the surface. The industry is always changing, so I've got to keep learning so I can keep earning. That's why I've been renewing magazine subscriptions like crazy on Amazon this month: Smart Money, Black Enterprise (I got an instant $3 off promotion when I ordered this one.), O, The Oprah Magazine. (Can you believe this was only $5 for a one-year subscription?)

At these prices, I knew what my broke family and friends were getting for Christmas. I empowered them with an entire year of reading so they can learn how to get their money straight.

When is the last time you read something finance-related: a book, a magazine, The Wall Street Journal?

Lisa Maria Carroll, is one of the 3 women, along with Kim Crouch and Tina Fortune, who are on the Millionaire Journey. You can follow us on the Journey by joining the Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Millionaire-Journey/165487378056?ref=ts or the Millionaire Journey blog at http://1yearmillionaires.blogspot.com

Make Money Blogging Part 2

In my first article, Make Money Blogging: 10 Ways You Need To Know About Now, I discussed with you some of the steps necessary to build a good blog or website and I discussed the concept of making money blogging by affiliate marketing. I also provided you a list of affiliate marketing companies to get you started (See Make Money Blogging: 10 Ways You Need To Know Now).

This article will focus on article marketing and other methods of income generation that will help you make money blogging. But first, just a brief reminder. The key to making money blogging is to have a blog or a website and building a community of followers. Remember you can register a blog at blogger.com or at http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3713745-10378406.

For many of us with blogs, the primary reason we blog is because we’re passionate about a specific issue and the blog is our opportunity to share our thoughts with the world. But if you’re going to blog, you may as well make money with it. As I’ve said before, you won’t get rich but you can make a decent living at it.

I believe in the concept that the way to accumulate wealth is not to do 4,000 things one time, but to do 1 thing 4,000 times. As such, when I write a blog, my initial purpose in writing it is to post it on my site to educate and spark conversation amongst my readers. After I’ve done that, I usually will then post that article on several article writing sites where I can get paid.

ONLINE PUBLISHERS

These are online publishers that pay you for content. A few -sites require that the articles be original articles exclusively published with them. However, most don’t.

1. Associated Content. They don’t require exclusivity in order for you to publish. They are one of the best companies out there to me for online publishing. They have two avenues of pay: performance pay, where you get paid based off the number of views and advance pay where they pay you for writing assignments or selling them original content. I’ve done both. I must say again, you won’t get rich but you’ve already written your post for your site so why not post it on Associated Content and get paid for it as well. To sign up for Associated Content, click HERE.

2. Examiner.com. They are probably the best online publishers to me because they are an actual newspaper. They have a fairly decent sign up process and even do a background check, which is free and actually very simple. You sign up to write about a certain area. Since I often blog about parenting and education issues, I signed up to be an Education Examiner. You also get paid on a performance pay basis based off the number of people who read your article. To sign up for the examiner, click HERE. In the referral box, please list me as a referral. You can search for me under the name Kim Crouch or put in Examiner ID Number 32461.

Other online publishing places you can submit your articles include: e-how.com, suite 101.com


PAY PER POST
There are several companies that will pay you a fee to post and/or write reviews about their products and services. With many of the companies, you set your own fee and the advertiser will determine if they accept that fee and whether your blog meets their needs. I recommend that whenever you engage in a pay per post you make clear to your readers that you’re getting paid for the post. The FTC regulations also make clear that you need to have some type of disclosure statement when you get paid to advertise products. The following are pay per post companies:

1. Payperpost.com. Payperpost.com is known as the pioneers of the getting paid to blog concept. Of all the companies, they seem to have the most jobs available. You can get paid anywhere from $5 to $100 per approved post.

2. Bloggerwave.com
Bloggerwave is the most user friendly of all the sites. It’s a smaller company but you can still get paid a decent amount. They usually pay a minimum of $10 per approved post.

3. Smorty.com
Smorty pays out weekly between $6-$100. They look at the page rank of your blog in determining how much you make.

Other pay per post sites include: blogvertise.com, reviewme.com, loudlaunch.com, and blogitive.com.

AD NETWORKS

These sites pay you to run ads on your site and pay on a per impression basis. My experience with these companies have been that in order to be accepted into their programs you need to have a high volume of traffic. Some of the best companies in this field include:

1. Blogherads.com (they currently aren’t accepting new applications but you can sign up to be on their waiting list)
2. Tribalfusion.com-requires 5,000 visitors by day
3.Gorillanation.com

Become A Millionaire Series: Who Is The CEO Of Your Company?

Who is the CEO of your company? I came across this video the other day, and it was a reminder to me that you are and should always be the CEO of your own company: ME INC. After all, let's be real. You are your ultimate shareholder and it is your goal to increase shareholder value.

This is easy to forget especially when times are good. After all, the company is taking care of us. We are making good pay, great benefits and we seem to be progressing. But what happens when times aren't so good such as when there is a recession and companies have to make decisions about who stays and who goes.

As Roland Martin says in this video, if you think like a CEO during good times, you will always be prepared for bad times.

Here are 5 things you can do to think like a CEO that increase shareholder value:

1. Find multiple streams of income. If you don't have your own business, you should always be involved in something that generates additional streams of income that aren't limited to your salary as an employee. This can include MLM programs, real estate, or a part time internet business. (See also article Making An Income Stream Put Of Taking Surveys).

2. Obtain marketable and transferable skills. If you work for someone else, take as many free classes as you can. Go to every training offered by the company from everything to How To Use Microsoft Word to Becoming A Great Leader. Also take on projects that challenge you so that you acquire skill sets that will become useful later.

3. Establish Good Relationships. Even if your goal is to one day be an entrepreneur, always do a great job for your employer and develoop a good working relationship with your colleagues. Despite their being more than 4 billion people in this world, I have found that the world is quite small. While you're working for someone else, develop good relationships that you can use to help your business grow later. I've been amazed by the number of people who leave their employer only to end up doing consulting or some other services for that same employer as CEO of their own business.

4. Learn the industry, about market research and sales. Do what you can to learn about the industry, corporate structure and market research. These traits will prove beneficial as you move from employee to CEO of your own company. No matter what type of business you start, understanding the fundamentals of business growth and client or customer base will be critical to your success.

5. Acquire Project Management skills. To me, this is the holy grail of skills needed to be CEO of your own company. Volunteer or take on assignments that give you project management skills. Believe me, you will work harder for your self than you ever will be the company you currently work for. To that extent, project management skills will be invaluable to help you juggle multiple projects.

Recommended Program & Books to help you think more like a CEO

Join Brian Tracy LIVE for "Reinvent Yourself and Thrive in 2010" December 17th, 2009. Register Now!


How to Think Like a CEO: The 22 Vital Traits You Need to Be the Person at the Top

Creating You & Co.: Learn To Think Like The CEO Of Your Own Career


(Kim Crouch)

Make Money Blogging: 10 Ways You Need To Know About Now

Several of you have asked me how you can specifically make money blogging online. There are many ways to make money blogging online but I will tell you the top ten things I do to make money online. But, before I do so let me say that contrary to published reports very few people get rich quick blogging. However, you can make a decent living blogging but like anything else it takes time, consistent effort and a good strategy.

The truth is I spend a lot of time and effort working at it. I get up at the crack of dawn and go to sleep very late. I’m consistently writing and experimenting with ideas. Before I tell you what I do I want to say three things that I believe are prerequisites to making money blogging online:

1. Select a market or a niche. What is it that you want to blog about? Is it kids, pets, education, healthcare reform, etc. Whatever it is do some research to see what other blogs or websites already exist on the subject just so that you have an idea as to what's out there and who is your competition.

2. Register a blog or a website. If you don’t already have one, you can create a blog at blogger.com, wordpress.com or typepad.com. These are the three most common platforms. If you prefer a website, then I would recommend www.GoDaddy.com . They are reasonably priced, reputable and offer a host of other supporting services.

3. Determine a strategy for building traffic. Traffic is key to making money on your blog. You may have a wonderful blog with great content but it will mean little if you have no traffic and no one reads it. In reality, you won’t begin to generate money until you’re getting a substantial number of visitors a day to your site. If you're only getting 5 or 10 visitors a day this is not likely to generate any real income so I suggest you invest some time and effort in building traffic. One way to do that is with good content or to become known as an expert in a particular area.

Here are the ten ways you can make money blogging, but as I've mentioned previously what makes it work for me is doing these ten things in concert and not one exclusively. The sites below can be divided into three categories for revenue generation: Affiliate Marketing, Pay Per Click & Inline Contextual Ads.

AFFILIATE MARKETING

In my opinion, Affiliate Marketing of the three categories provides the best opportunity for revenue generation because it allows you to control which products you market and to some extent how you market the products, services or programs. Now note, the way Affiliate Marketing works, all with the exception of Amazon Associates, even if you're accepted into the Affiliate Marketing Program you still must apply for acceptance into the affiliate programs of the companies that are participants in the programs.

1. Amazon Associates. When people think of Amazon, they think of books. However, you can purchase virtually anything from Amazon from electronics to baby toys to jewelry and magazine subscriptions. Amazon in many ways has become the online supercenter. Amazon’s Affiliate Program is one of the easier to use and they’ve created a lot of gadgets from allowing you to link to a page and a product to allowing you to tweet items that your readers or customers may want to purchase. Amazon’s affiliate programs pays a percentage based on sales starting at 4% and increasing to 6% depending on the number of items sold each month. The good part is you can promote just about anything. To sign up, click HERE.

2. Commission Junction. CJ as many people call them is probably the best known of all the affiliate marketing programs online. Through CJ, you can promote everything from financial services to baby clothes to electronics. To sign up, Click HERE.

3. Logical Media. Although CJ is probably the largest, "Click Here">Logical Media is my favorite affiliate marketing company. It is one of the most innovative companies in the affiliate marketing arena. With Logical Media, you place ads within your blog and you are paid each time a visitor either clicks on the ad or takes some action like sign up. "Click Here">Logical Media also pays $25 for just signing up!


4. Linkshare. Linkshare is very similar to CJ and offers a variety of products and services you can promote. LinkShare Program

5. Flexoffers. This is one of the newer companies that I’ve signed up with. They seem to have a lot of financial related products but the payout is pretty good. To sign up, click HERE.

6. Clickbank. Like the others, it offers a wide variety of products you can promote but the products seem to be lesser known products. To sign up for Clickbank, click HERE.


Pay Per Click

Pay Per Click (“PPC”) ads are those that pay out when a reader clicks on an ad.

7. Google Adsense- Adsense is probably the most well known of all the online programs that allow you to make money. Bloggers make money by inserting Adsense code into blogging site and can begin earning money immediately. To sign up, click HERE.

8. Bidvertiser- When most people think of PPC ads, Google Adsense usually comes to mind. However, Bidvertiser is an alternative to Adsense. Bidvertiser pays out at $10 vs. $100 for Adsense, which could take a while. Also, Bidvertiser will pay you for referring other publishers (bloggers). However, I like the quality of Adsense’s ads much more. To sign up for Bidvertiser, click HERE. (Once at the site, click on the button at the top that says Bidvertiser).

9. Chikita. This is another PPC program where the ads are based on the subject of the post or blog in which they appear. Sign up HERE.

Contextual Inline Ads
These are programs that allow you to add code to your blog that automatically searches each article and create text links on keywords to promote products. Revenue is generated when a reader clicks on one of the links. Once you install the code, no additional code or work is required. All you do is post your blog and the ads are automatically synched up with the keywords. Two of the better known companies in this area are
10. Infolinks & Kontera. You can check out a demo of Kontera here. I have found more success with Infolinks than Kontera in terms of payout. To sign up for Infolinks, click HERE. Kontera, click HERE.

In part 2, I will talk about other ways to make money blogging include pay per post and article generation companies.

To learn more about making money online, check out the comprehensive e-book: 20 Ways To Make a $100 per day online.

Kim Crouch, is one of the 3 women, along with Lisa Maria Carroll and Montina Fortune who are on the Millionaire Journey. You can follow us on the Journey by joining the Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Millionaire-Journey/165487378056?ref=ts or the Millionaire Journey blog at http://1yearmillionaires.blogspot.com

How Well Do You Know Your Neighbors?

How much do you know about your neighbors? (Thanks S Capri Edwards and Lorraine Smith for guessing this week's book selection on our Facebook fan page.)

I'm a huge fan of The Real Housewives series, especially Orange County and Atlanta. It's easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of the show but, if there's one thing you can glean from them, that is everything that glitters, isn't gold; people aren't always who you think they are; and some things are just an illusion.


Take NeNe Leakes of the Atlanta Housewives. In Season One she presented herself as this highfalutin socialite whose husband was a real-estate investor. No sooner than the tapes stopped rolling that season, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that Leakes and her family were being evicted from their RENTED home....WHO KNEW? (Check it out here.)

And if that weren't enough, now you've got the White House party crashers, Tareq and Michaele Salahi (true examples of fakeness), not only attending a dinner uninvited, but also project this image of success and having arrived, while, in reality, they're millions of dollars in debt.

STOP THE MADNESS! Join us in reading our current book selection, The Millionaire Next Door, as we discover and discuss how true millionaires really live.

Gail Perry-Mason on Blog Talk Radio

Join the 1-Year Millionaires on Sunday, December 6, 2009, on their Blog Talk Radio show when they'll talk investments and finances with Investments advisor, Gail Perry-Mason.

Gail is the author of Girl, Make Your Money Grow! and is well known in the securities industry where she has climbed the corporate ladder from receptionist to Senior Director-Investments of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Service, education and economic empowerment are first and foremost for her clients. Gail assists non-profit organizations, churches, individuals, families, and small businesses in their effort to achieve long-term financial goals. She organized and sponsored several trips to annual shareholders meetings of companies that her clients hold to educate them about the right to vote by owning stock.

Alternatives for Girls recently honored Gail as Community Role Model of the Year in 2009. She is a sought-after speaker for many corporations, government agencies, labor unions, religious groups, non-profit and youth organizations, women’s groups, high schools and universities. She founded and directed the first Youth Investment Club through the NAIC along with the original Money Camp for Teens called Money Matters. The Money Matters program has instructed over 3,000 youth in the Detroit-Metro area and has mentored over 20 young women who are now professionals in the financial industry. She currently has an after- school program in three Detroit Public Schools that includes teaching financial literacy and starting a business that would further expose our youth to the world of finance.

Gail’s affiliation and memberships include Childhelp USA, The Wall Street Journal Youth Investment Club, National Association of Securities Professionals, Business Women’s Alliance, Who’s Who Among African Americans. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Spaulding for Children, Star Commonwealth, and DSA-Detroit Public Schools, Board of Advisors for Women, Chairperson for Tavis Smiley Youth to Leaders since its inception in Detroit, Honorary Chairperson for COTS Homeless Shelter Annual Fundraiser and Chairperson for Celebrity Chef Spaulding for Children. She is also an honorary member of Elliottorian Business and Professional Women’s Club and author and co-author of two books.

1-Year Millionaires

Want Rich Kids? Give the Gift of Financial Freedom

Let’s admit it. Many kids are being raised without understanding the value of saving and spending wisely. And even fewer children are being taught the concepts of entrepreneurship and wealth accumulation. Instead of buying children a lot of toys that they will cease playing with a few days after Christmas, consider giving the following as holiday gifts to the children in your life that will go a long way to teach them to be financially savvy or that will start to help them generate wealth.

1. Financial Books. There are a wealth of financial books out there for kids. More and more parents are starting to realize that they must start earlier if they want to raise financially savvy kids. As such, there are a plethora of financial books available for kids. Two of my favorite are What Color Is Your Piggy Bank?: Entrepreneurial Ideas for Self-Starting Kids (Millennium Generation Series) (Millennium Generation Series)
by Adelia Cellini Linecker, for kids 10-14 contemplating entrepreneurship, and covering the world of jobs, starting a business and managing money, and The Berenstain Bears' Trouble with Money (First Time Books(R)) by Stan and Jan Berenstain for 4-7 year olds. Costs: What Color is Your Piggy Bank $14 and Berenstain Bears $4.

2. Piggy Banks. The evolution of piggy banks over the last several years has been remarkable. Take the Money Mama & The Three Little Pigs bank. A four chambered bank with separate compartments for spending, investing, saving and donating. Also consider the Moonjar, a bank with three compartments: one for saving, spending and giving. The bank comes with a passbook for recording transactions. Both banks cost between $25 and $30.

3. Board games. Let’s face it. Kids love toys. This year instead of giving them video games or noneducational toys, consider giving board games like Cashflow for Kids and Monopoly, both of which teach kids about the principles of money, cashflow, and entrepreneurship. Costs: $15-$40.

4. Open a savings account. Every child, if possible, should have a savings account. This is a real life, hands on way to teach kids about money and financial principles. It’s also a way to teach children about the concept of compound interest, keeping track of money and visiting financial institutions. ING DIRECT is running great deals right now if you open an online savings account. ING DIRECT - High Yield Savings with the Orange Savings Account.. You can also investigate opening a savings account with your local bank or credit union.

5. Purchase savings bonds/stocks. This year give something that will increase rather than decrease in value like savings bonds and stocks. These are gifts that will last children well into the future. Savings bonds can be purchased through your job and deducted from your pay. Check with your payroll department or you can buy them direct from Treasury Direct. You can also begin investing in stocks for as little as $4 via sites like Sharebuilder.com.

Kim

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What Could You Buy With $4?

I committed the ULTIMATE millionaire no-no today.......It's so bad I'm embarrassed to admit I did it........I took money out of a foreign ATM. (OUCH, did I say that out loud?) I knew my bank was going to charge $2, but I almost went into cardiac arrest when I saw that the ATM's bank was also charging me $2. In the blink of an eye, a $200 withdrawal turned into $204.

Did I know that already? YES, that's why I don't do it. (I can honestly say that it's probably been AT LEAST a decade since I've paid an ATM fee.) But, sadly, that $4 upcharge came as the result of my poor planning.

Now, $4 may not seem like a huge deal to most people. But to someone like me (and I'm not NEARLY as bad as Tina and Kim), who is always looking for bargains and don't believe in blowing money PERIOD, I'm now thinking about all the things I could have with $4, and how paying that fee won't happen again anytime soon.

Let me say that I'm still outraged by all those government bailouts that happened last year, and think that none of these banks should be getting a dime from me, you or anyone else. Banks make billions of dollars from ATM fees each year, and then have the nerve to take millions more in bailouts, while kicking people out of their houses for being $1000 behind on their mortgage.

But, this blog isn't about that, so I'll move on....begrudgingly.

As you may already know the 1-Year Millionaires are investors. So, Iwent to ING Direct's website, and saw that I could have bought stock...FOR $4! (Kicking myself a little harder now.) I also looked around my house and found a few other necessities that cost less than $4: toilet paper (gotta have it), dental threaders (I have braces), tuna, soap, tampons, oatmeal, cans of soup, shampoo, deodorant....well, you get my drift. And just in case you're thinking that you can't get all of these items for under $4, you need to visit Kim's Recession Lessons blog. Hang out with her long enough, and she'll show you how to get these items for FREE.

I'm not going to pine over the $4 any longer. I'll just plan better next time so I can get more out of my own money than the banks do.

What could you buy with $4.

Lisa

Great Deal: Get Brian Tracy's 21 Secrets of Self Made Millionaires

Brian Tracy Audio Programs - Now all are FREE!

Become a millionaire quicker and faster. Check out these Brian Tracy Audio Programs. Tracy is allowing you to select one of his audio programs for free. I selected his 21 Success Secrets of Self Made Millionaires. You will have to pay shipping and a small $3 processing fee but the price will show as free once you move to checkout. I've heard good things about this CD. To get the CD click on the NOW ALL ARE FREE WORDS ABOVE.

How to Develop a Millionaire Mindset and Dump the Broke Mentality

In 365 days, Lisa, Kim and I will be millionaires. We firmly believe that by having the millionaire mindset, taking massive action, playing to win and with the power of association, that the journey we've embarked on to become millionaires is possible.

When I say this to others, they often ask me how we're going to do it. Why do we believe that $1 million is such a large number? I can remember making $4.25 on my first job. Why is it that $20k, $30k, $40k and $50k seem achievable while the six and seven figure statuses seem so far off? I believe it all is in the MINDSET.

According to the Ehow, article How to Escape the Broke Mentality, the broke mentality is when:

• Someone broke plays the lottery and wins 3 million dollars then a year later, broke again.


• Someone lives in an apartment but has flat screen T.V.s, iphones and bills.


• People with a broke mentality are stingy with their money.

Read the full article here.

Russ Whitney states " Your attitude toward money - how you think about it, make it and manage it- is a key part of developing the Millionaire Mindset and building wealth".

Seven simple components of the mindset that creates millionaires:
1. Integrity
2. Sustained Unwavering Belief
3. Self Confidence
4. Showing up- Becoming more active
5. Clear vision
6. Definite plans
7. Doing what is right

Enjoy this book from Bob Proctor The Millionaire Mindset and begin today to focus on the big wins in your life. Our affirmation for today: I am secure in the knowledge that I'm on the path to financial freedom.

When we think of millionaires, we refer to them having a mindset. When we think of those that are broke, we think of mentality? WHY?

Ways to Find Extra Cash

Becoming a millionaire requires stretching your dollars as far as they can go, so you can stay on top of your money game. Here are a few ways to find some extra cash:

Use coupons: Kim is our coupons expert, hands down. Websites like recession-lessons.blogspot.com, coolsavings.com, coupons.com or smartsource.com can help you save while shopping. For additional savings, shop during double coupon days.

Buy generics: From dish detergent to paper towels, bread to orange juice, you can save big bucks by buying store brands.

Library: Movies, books, music, newspapers and magazine are free at your local library.

ATMs: Avoid ATM fees by using your bank's ATM or get cash back when making purchases with your debit card. If you travel a lot, check to see if your hotel will let you write a check for cash without a fee.

Healthclubs: Your employer may offer discounts on healthclub benefits. Otherwise, you may be able to use your local community center for a low fee, or free. Or, for a totally free workout, walk outside or buy hand weights and make good use of whatever space you have at home.

Movie matinees: Get there by 6pm and pay half the price.

Manicures/pedicures: Go to the salon midweek to take advantage of half-price specials. You can also save big bucks by getting your nails done at a beauty school.

Lunch: Bring last night's dinner for lunch and watch your dollars really add up.

Snacks: Avoid vending machines at work by bringing your own snacks.

Extended warranties: Read my lips: A WASTE OF MONEY. Protection plans are pure profit for the retailer, so skip buying the extended warranties when buying appliances. Your manufacturer's warranty will cover you for the first year. Save the money you would have paid for the warranty, and then use it for repairs if needed. Otherwise, invest it.

Cable: Eliminate premium channels. (How many of those channels do you really watch anyway?) You may even be able to watch your favorite show online.

Prescriptions: Buy generic when possible. Also, check online prices and mail order outlets for up to 30 percent savings at U.S. pharmacies.

Fees: Avoid late fees and overdraft fees at all costs. They really add up.

Child care: What is your backup plan if you have a sick child? Check with HR to see if your employer pays for sick child care.

Now that you've saved all these dollars, how do you plan to invest them?

Lisa

A Closed Mouth Doesn't Get Fed

Ask. Believe. Receive.

What are you expecting from life? Wait, I have a better question: When is the last time you asked from life what you want?

It's been said that a closed mouth doesn't get fed. And I know this to be true. No one is going to give you what you think you deserve. And the only person who will ever truly look out for your best interest is you.

I've been coaching a peer for almost two months now on how to transition from the temp agency she was working for, over to the consulting firm that I'm with. Basically, she's been getting screwed by the company she's temping at with them stringing her along with promises of full-time employment for over a year. Side note: we're working at the same company. She took my advice (at least most of it), which included talking to the temp agency about the terms of her contract: Would the consulting firm have to pay a fee? Was she under a Do-Not-Compete Clause? Blah, blah, blah... And it looks like the transition will take place on December 1st. But, there's one big problem: she is not happy.

I approached her about her progress a couple times over the past month because I know the importance of placing a sense of urgency on your goals and your money. During that time she seemed sort of stand-offish and didn't want to discuss, so I left it alone. I didn't want to push. So, she finally came to me last Friday and said it's a go; they're going to bring her on. I asked if they'd given her benefit options, and she said no. So, I forwarded the packages that they offered me (yes, as a consultant), and told her to go back and let them know that she needs benefits and PTO.

It is with great sadness that I must report that she pulled me aside today to tell me that they would only give her a one-year contract, with no benefits, and no PTO. To make matters worse, she'll transfer over on December 1st, and won't get her first check until December 31st...OUCH!

I stood in the hallway shaking my head at her because I know the game so well. Now she's mad...AT THEM. But here's the deal, that's not how the game is played. Plus, I told her ALL of this up front. No company will ever pay you what you think you're worth; you have to demand it. You may as well stop thinking these recruiters are your friends and that they're sitting on the other end of the phone line holding their wallets open, just waiting to rain money down into your bank account because you're so awesome and wonderful. At the end of the day, you're going to have to look out for the YOU Corporation.

When I signed my contract two months ago, it was for two years. During that time it has been extended to 8.5 years, if I want it. Remember, I have some sayso in this too. My recruiter and I also negotiated and agreed to a salary before I even interviewed with the company. When it came time for me to sign my contract, the rate had been dropped by $2. Oh, hell no! By the time I got finished with her, I had my $2 back, plus they were paying $40/week for my Metro.

Now, here's the deal, do I get tired of being perceived as the angry black woman when I ask for what I want? Absolutely. But that doesn't mean I'm going to stop asking for--and receiving it.

Stop expecting life to just walk up to you and say, "Hey, here you go. Thank you for existing," and start asking...and getting what YOU want. Because, remember, a closed mouth doesn't get fed.

Lisa

The Millionaire Journey T-shirts

Have you gotten your Millionaire Journey t-shirt yet? What are you waiting for? Click here to get yours today.

Who's in the Driver's Seat of Your Life?

Can you believe it's been a month since we kicked off the Millionaire Journey? To recap the last 31 days: we've discussed The Top 10 Distinctions Between Millionaires and the Middle Class; Rich Dad, Poor Dad; and our current book is Do You. We've hosted a telerally, had our first giveaway, and identified ways that we can make money online.

So, as you can see, WE are well on our way. Tina, Kim and I believe in ourselves. We believe in you. And we know that you believe in yourselves as much as we do.

We're continuing to develop our millionaire mindset, and that means living without fear, as well as living life on our terms. It seems that an overwhelming number of us--yes US--have allowed our fear of what others will say or think about us living a life of financial independence to restrict our financial growth. We've acquiesced to other's limitations of who we should be and what we should have. So, let me ask you:

Aren't you tired of being BROKE?

Aren't you ready to build wealth for yourself, your children, and future generations?

Aren't you tired of meandering in mediocrity?

My answers are yes, yes, and YES! And you know what else I'm tired of? Going along, to get along, instead of sitting in the driver's seat of my life! But, being tired is not enough. We've got to keep the momentum going. It's time to kick some butt!

So, I'm challenging you now to:

• Read the Millionaire Journey pledge daily. Join our blog subscription list to get the pledge delivered to your inbox.
• Join the Facebook fan page, and interact with us and the other fans.
• Surround yourself with like-minded people. Remember, if you hang around 10 broke people, you're guaranteed to be the 11th. So, you've got to get away from broke-minded folks and start hanging out with folks with a millionaire mindset.
• Reaffirm yourself daily. A few years ago I realized I needed to get back in the driver's seat of my life after realizing everybody was in control of my life but me. I wrote the following pledge and read it daily. I encourage you to do the same.
• Start that business you've always wanted to start. Every book I've ever read about becoming a millionaire tells me that I won't get there working a 9-to-5.

I DEFINE ME

I am the President and CEO of my life. My life is a reflection of my choices, so I will make wise choices and be accountable for my actions. I am a divine being created with a purpose that I strive daily to fulfill. God made me an original, so I will act original, think original, BE original; I will not die a cheap copy!

Dreams are seeded inside of me that I will make my reality. I'm not afraid to think for myself because I have the courage that it takes to be ME. The criticism of others will not subvert my purpose because I'm in the driver's seat of my life. If I should ever question who I am, I will seek validation and guidance from my Creator.

I add value to any environment that I enter; therefore, suicide is never an option--I know this world is a better place because of ME.

To your continued success...

Lisa

I Like to Let Other People Spend MY Money

Say No! Did you say it? How often do we say "YES" only to wish that we would have kept our mouths closed? I have been exercising my jaws lately and saying an emphatic "no" without apology. I have more time for my kids because I TAKE more time. I have more freedom because I give myself the freedom.

We are coming up to the Holidays which usually means more purchases outside of our budget. Your friends and family may expect gifts. What are you going to do? Exercise your ability to say “no” right now and stop allowing other people to spend your money.

I made a mistake that cost me over two-thousand dollars because I allowed someone else to spend my money. Click here to read about my stupid tax. How? They suggested that I needed an Interior Designer. Did I? Not when I had credit card debt, a car loan and no blinds on my patio sliding door. Yet, what did I do? Allow the weed seed to be planted in my stinking thinking. Just recently this same well intending friend informed me she was hosting a clothing designer party at her home and that I was invited. Of course I exercised my right to say “no” and did. Yet, she came back with the perfect rebuttal. “The clothes are for ‘little people your size’ and I get 50% off the clothes!” she said. Of course I said “no!” right? Nope, I responded “Wow! That sounds great, okay, I’ll be there” thus allowing her to SPEND MY MONEY.

So, I am saying to you (and me) that in order to get to the first million, we have to take back control and say “no” when we need to, “yes” when we can and stop allowing others to spend our money. I hope that today I brought to your awareness how you allow others to spend your money. Don’t think so? Do you buy items because they’re “on sale”, “half off”, “closing for business” oh…you’ve been allowing others to spend your money too! LOL! Don’t fret, you’re not alone. Take back control and repeat after me “no, no, no!”

On the Millionaire Journey, it is extremely important to continue developing the Millionaire Mindset. You are developing the Millionaire mindset. Now it's time to have what you believe in the spiritual, manifested in the natural.

You cannot do everything, but you can do one thing, the most important thing, and you can do it now.-Brian Tracy

Frugal Living: Free Shipping & Finding Coupon Codes

As I mentioned in a previous article, I love to shop online. I’m a big fan of shopping online. In order to make shopping on line feasible, there are two things that are must haves for me: one is free shipping and the other is a discount.

1) Never pay for shipping. You should almost never pay for shipping when you buy online. Honestly, it’s not worth it to shop online if you have to pay shipping costs. Many merchants offer free shipping year round on a minimum order or they offer free shipping codes throughout the year. Check FreeShipping.org or go to the Free Shipping page at ShopATHome.com to find free shipping codes and offers available at thousands of stores online.

Two great sites are available to assist you.When I order online, I pretty much refuse to pay for shipping. It's just not worth it to me to have to pay high shipping prices--even if the online deal is spectacular. On Decembmer 17, 2009 dozens many sites will be participating in Free Shipping Day and they guarantee they will deliver to you by Christmas Eve. To find out which stores are participating, click HERE.

2) Find coupon codes. Coupon codes are all over the internet. You should ve able to find a coupon code for any purchase you want to make. One good site to look at is RetailMeNot.com. You only need to go to their site, search for the store you want to shop at and you will get a list of coupon codes.

Between getting free shipping and coupon codes you should be able to get significant discount on the item purchased.

Frugal Living: Using Cashback Sites To Stretch Your Dollars

The holidays are right around the corner and with it comes a good deal of shopping. Unless money doesn’t matter, there is never a reason to buy anything for full price. Between cashback sites and coupons you can always get a discount. The way cashback sites work are they pay you a rebate-usually between 2% and 6%- to shop a specific retailer through their site. These sites are “must use” if you shop online because they don’t cost anything to use and you may as well get paid to purchase the items you were already going to purchase.

I use several sites and each one has a different rebate percentage. I recommend that you sign up for each of them and then when you’re ready to shop compare who is offering the best rebate with the particular retailer you are planning to shop with. The ones I use most often are:

Ebates. Ebates is the site I’ve used the longest. They pay you $5 upon sign-up and you can cash out when your account reaches $5.01 so only one purchase is required. Payment is sent out on a quarterly basis. The list of retailers is extensive. Sign up at: http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=rW6YfCjMfgU%3D

Cashbaq. Cashbaq also offers a $5 bonus for signing up. Payments are made on the 20th of each month to all members whose accounts have accrued at least $10. Also, Cashbaq offers the deal of the day, which is a bargain deal that’s 50-90% off the retail price after the bargain price and cashback. Sign up at http://www.cashbaq.com/?refer=487680

Mr. Rebates. This site has to be one of the best ways to make money. In addition to giving you a rebate for your purchase, you can also earn 20% of your referred friend's cash-back rebates on every purchase they make through Mr. Rebates (at no cost to them). You get that extra 20% for every purchase your referred friend makes. You just can't lose on a deal like this! Sign up at: http://www.mrrebates.com?refid=266494

Blastoff. This is one of the newest cashback sites. It actually combines cashback with multilevel marketing but without any sign up cost. You get a rebate not only when you shop at merchants through their online mall but you also get paid when the 20 people in your circle shop through the online mall. Click here for sign up.

To make certain that you receive credit for your purchase, you must find the store on the cashback site you’re using and click through to the store from the link provided by the cash back site.

I will teach you to be rich Part II

Can anyone truly teach you to be rich? What does being "rich" really mean? For me it simply mean financial independence. Monday my daughter called me from school and informed me that her glasses broke in half. Without hesitation, I hung up from her and immediately called in to the Ophthalmologist to set her up an appointment. Well, time is more important to me than money so I scheduled my other two children appointments too. My oldest daughter wears contacts and is begging for colored contacts. My son was whining because he couldn't get glasses and my baby daughter had a pair already picked out (and they were not on sale!).

Sure the insurance covered all except $20 of the visit. Sure, I picked up the glasses yesterday and the total was just $117 after they showed me the total of $300 plus dollars. Good thing I have insurance...right? In the past, I would have stressed out over the visit and the amount to pay. Yet, because I have a budget and a larger salary, the visit was a breeze and neither I nor the children were frustrated.

See financial independence is more than the money. Financial independence is the confidence you carry knowing that you can support yourself, your children, family members, the homeless, those in-between, etc. Ramit Sethi's blog I will teach you to be rich is about more than becoming rich. The information he share is about changing your MINDSET which in turn releases stress and frustration. Financial independence is freedom from debt, freedom from lack, freedom from living a mediocre life and freedom from being tied to a meaningless job.

This millionaire journey we're on is more than you becoming a millionaire. There are plenty of stories about those that achieve millionaire status and lose hundreds of millions a few years thereafter. Did you know that within two years of retirement, 78 percent of NFL players are bankrupt or in severe financial distress? Read Chris Chase's article for more information about Why do so many NFL players go bankrupt?

Come on, this is more than about money. The journey is about MINDSET. What does being rich mean to you? (Tina)

I will Teach You to be Rich Part I

I'm beginning to believe that most people in life just want to be spoon fed. I have been a long time follower of Ramit Sethi's blog I will teach you to be rich and have learned quite a bit from his tips. If you're not following the blog, take a moment to go and sign up. He's been writing since 2003 and sharing his quest to become rich.

Last night, I attended his 6-week Boot Camp pre-launch and paid attention to his marketing techniques. For an entire week, he gave us his best information, videos, emails, etc. and finally had a live meeting and told us more FREE information. Yet, free isn't the point. The point is he places a value on information and finally gave us the price for the 6-week Boot Camp. Personally, I like his no nonsense approach. Not only did he just give the price, he politely said he was not going to hard sell us into buying it.

Ramit said, "Either you want it or you don't. If you don't, continue to follow the blog and do nothing." While I followed the live web chat stream, I realized that Ramit appeared to be living in an apartment, he didn't have the "best" camera, we don't even know if he's rich, yet HE'S TEACHING OTHERS HOW TO BE RICH! What's the point? There is someone somewhere that wants your information because they are too lazy to do it for themselves.

They don't even care if you're rich, skinny, fit, healthy, etc. They just want a quick way to improve their lives. Do you really want to be rich? Do you really want to achieve millionaire status? I do and I have for some time been quite diligent at doing those things that will guarantee that I reach financial independence. Just today I ate breakfast here at work (which I must admit, I rarely do) and the cost for an enormous pancake was a whopping $.74! Yes, and I drank water.

In fact, many of the people that eat breakfast and lunch in our cafeteria have purchases that easily reach $7-$10 daily. Now, I must say that you don't have to skip on lunch or your favorite restaurant. Please do not misunderstand me. I do believe that you must put on constraints. If you can not pay all of your bills on time, have credit card debt, no savings and are struggling financially, you should be eating Ramen Noodles for lunch. As Dave Ramsey would say, "rice and beans, beans and rice."

Yes, I said it! I have a lot more to say too. I'm developing a new approach at finances, business and this mission. We can all be millionaires-I BELIEVE IT-yet there must be a strategy. Mindset is FIRST. So, first things first. This journey should feel exciting and a little uncomfortable too. Each day you must first believe and then think about what you can do to achieve financial independence.

Kill the foxes and get moving! We are on a mission to teach you how to become a millionaire as we achieve the status ourselves. We're researching, interviewing and reading everything we can get our hands on. What can you do TODAY to work towards your financial independence? (Tina)

Fear, Don't Live Here Anymore!

I know it’s hard to believe that someone who is an attorney/author/radio show host has fears about much of anything. But I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve let fear punch me in the face, beat me down and even knock me out for the count on more than one occasion.

Take the time I almost dropped out of law school after the first week because I didn’t think I could cut it, or how I almost didn’t write my book Mother To Son because I didn’t believe anyone would listen to someone without a PhD. There are so many things I almost didn’t do because fear began to set in. But after writing my book and seeing the warmth with which it was received, I determined from that time period on that fear would never occupy a permanent place in my head or heart. Nor should it in yours. After all, a wise person once told me that fear is false evidence appeared real. Once you know and really believe this, then you to can begin to make sure fear doesn’t live in your home anymore.

Here are a few things I’ve used over the years to help me overcome fear:

1. Get a cheering squad. Surround yourself with a group of people who can encourage you and root you on in your dreams. Fear can’t occupy the same space as love and confidence.
2. Break down what you want to do into small achieveable steps. Fear sometimes comes from the fact that something seems to big to accomplish. Break it down into smaller steps. As you achieve those smaller steps your confidence will grow and your fear will lessen.
3. Take fear head on. Don’t run. Stand your ground. Ask yourself what’s worst. To live your life trying or to be filled with regret?

In the end, you don’t need to be an attorney or some superstar to punch fear in the face. You just need to be willing to move forward and give your dreams a try.

PRIZE ALERT: Punch Fear In The Face Contest

Want to know the secret to coping in a down economy? If so, you have the opportunity to win a copy of the free e-book How To Stay Up In A Down Economy. To enter:

1. Watch the You Tube video. You can find it on the Millionaire Journey Facebook Fan Page or at

2. Leave a comment on the You Tube page and on the FB Fan page telling how you punched fear in the face or even better, how you think you’ll apply it on the Millionaire Journey.

3. We will pick the best comment from the week and then send the winner the
e-book. We’ll be in touch via email, so be sure to Direct Message us or email us
at 1yearmillionaires@gmail.com so we have a way to contact you.


Come back each day and read how Tina, Lisa and Kim punched fear in the face!

Organization Not Intelligence Makes The Difference

My law school professor use to tell me that in order to succeed I didn’t have to be very smart I just had to be organized. He would say that law school, like life, is more about organization than intelligence. These past two weeks on the Millionaire Journey have proven his words of advice true!

I’m so excited on the Journey that my mind is racing a mile per minute. I have so many thoughts and am doing so many things that it’s easy to become deflated or burnt out if you don’t have a system of organization. Otherwise, it will be too much input and not enough output, and output, after all is the name of the game and the key to success.
Over the last two weeks, I’ve done a lot to get organized and so can you. To stay organized I usually do the following:

1. Get you a clean space to work. It’s hard to work in clutter.
2. Set your goals and determine your priority. Once you know what the priority is then you know what to focus on. So many of us have a multitude of ideas that it’s easy to get sidetracked. To prevent this from happening, make a list of your priorities and rank them in order of importance that you want to accomplish them.
3. Focus. Don’t try to do everything all at once. This is why you’re creating a list of priorities. Work solely on your top priority until it’s complete or else you will never get it done.
4. Create folders for the various ideas you have. When something pops in your mind related to that idea, jot it down and stick it in that folder. But do not start working on it until you’ve completed what you have listed at the top of your list.

At the end of the day, you will find that you will get more accomplished if you stick to the items above. You will stay on task and be more organized; thereby, allowing you to get more accomplished.

(Kim)