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

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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

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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)