How to Set New Year’s Financial Resolutions You Can Keep
Each year we do the same thing...making the same resolutions...and every year it’s the same old thing. No matter how much you start with the best of intentions, you never manage to pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat to fulfill your New Year’s Resolutions. Maybe you just don't know what kind of resolutions to set...or how to get started. Certainly as it pertains to your finances, especially in this economy, it is important to set the right resolutions to get your financial house in order! Even more so, it is important that you start now, so that you can meet specific deadlines that occur throughout the year. I've put together a plan for myself that I wanted to share for others in case you too are in need of keeping a resolution or two. You might find you can actually keep a New Year’s Financial Resolution this year.
Common sense tells you that your goals need to be specific with details and timelines to their fulfillment. For example, if you put on a few pounds in '08, you can't just buy a gym membership and say you want to get back in shape. You should instead set a weekly workout regime, sign up with a personal trainer, and decide to lose x pounds by x date...working out a set number of days each week.
As it pertains to your personal finances something more than a generic plan about your money and where is goes is an absolute necessity. You should set a simple, realistic budget that reflects what you have spent in previous months.
In this shaky financial market, credit is king! Maintaining good credit is an important foundation for achieving the rest of your financial goals. So start by finding out where you currently stand with a credit report from Get your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com (completely free) or www.myfico.com (charges a fee, but includes the same FICO scores that your mortgage lender will use). Any other “free credit scores” are NOT true Fair, Isaac, & Co. (FICO) scores, which are the only scores that matter. If your credit score is lower than 680 due to some outstanding debt, see if you can get those bills paid off as early in the year as possible. Pay the credit cards with the highest interest rate first and then move on to the ones that can be paid off in full so you can start with as clean a slate as possible. NEVER CLOSE AN ACCOUNT IF YOU CAN HELP IT! Keeping an account with no balance open will help with your credit history. About once ever 6 months, take the card out, charge something small on it, then pay it off in full when the bill comes.
Experts in “getting things done,” agree that it is best to list small, attainable goals rather than go for a lifestyle change overnight. By giving yourself simple tasks that you can even complete in five minutes, once a day, you will make headway over the course of a month. Each time you complete a task you should celebrate! Get up and do a little "end zone" dance or gig. Pat yourself on the back. Send an email to yourself congratulating your accomplishment. This will go far to helping you stay motivated to reach the next task.
Below are some questions to aid in getting you to hone in on what specific, measurable goals, within different aspects of your finances, you need to be working on. Feel free to call or email me for a free consultation to help you on the right path, or for direction to gain insights into your spending patterns and come up with answers to these questions. If you have ideas that have worked for you, feel free to share them in an email or comment as well as sharing links to appropriate articles or sites that have helped you.
What is the category of spending that concerns you the most?
How much did you average spending in this category last year?
What was the highest month within this category?
What was the lowest month?
What are your spending goals for this year compared to last year. In which categories and months can you lower your spending?
Who is going to hold you accountable? Email or call them now. (let it be me!)
What are you going to do with the amount you save within this category (make it automatic thru electronic debit) – save or give?
How much money did you have in emergency savings at the beginning of 2008?
How much money do you have in emergency savings now?
What is your goal for the end of January for your emergency savings account?
By the end of February?
By the end of the 2009?
Have you seen a recent credit report? If applicable, list the most annoying and/or severe derogatory item on the report (i.e. collection, judgment, late credit card, car that was reported late but was actually on time).
What is one action step that you can take TODAY towards resolving this (i.e. Make an initial phone call, draft a letter to the credit bureaus, calling me to review your credit with you)?
Do you currently own a home? If so, do you have someone managing your mortgage for you? (feel free to ask me about this) If you do not, now is the time to plan to buy. Ask me about helping you set up a plan.
Write down the next action step and the date that you are going to do this by. Write out a simple agreement with yourself such as, " I, Darren Orshoff, will immediately take 10% of every one of my paychecks and put it in a savings account not associated with my other accounts. Once the account reaches x dollars, I will transfer that money to my eTrade.com account and buy more of OEHY stock. I will reach x dollars by February 21st, 2009. I will continue to save 10% in the same manner after this date and from then on." Then sign and date it, and give a copy of it to someone you trust who can give you reminders. Do the same for them as well.
Put some focus on the real estate market. If you are not a homeowner, then ask yourself why not. Create a plan like the above to get there. Set up a time to meet with me to dicuss this. If you are a homeowner, make sure you have the right loan on your primary residence. This is SO important in this market when home prices have been in, and will likely continue to, decline.
If you have an adjustable loan that is going to adjust in the next two years and you have equity YOU MUST REFINANCE IN TO A FIXED RATE LOAN IMMEDIATELY!!! Do not delay - do not pass go -- do not collect $200 -- CALL ME NOW! If you do not have equity, then you should immediately consider doing a Loan Modification. Be careful of the advertisments you get in the mail. Loan Mod companies are popping up right and left. ONLY deal with one who is approved by the Department of Real Estate and has a money back guarantee! The attorney-based loan mods I am associated with have both of these! I can let you know if you qualify within 48 hours.
If you are looking to purchase a house you MUST get preapproved BEFORE you start looking for a home! Call or email me to find out why.
Call me today at (888) 823-2261 for your no obligation, free consultation.
Print out goals/resolutions and put it where you will see it every day. Read (aloud) the agreement with yourself daily. This will keep you focused on it and embed its success in your subconscious.
This should hopefully get you started, and help you to consider other areas of your finances (or other aspects of your life) that you want to transform in 2009. I look forward to hearing from you, about your resolutions and goals, what your plan of attack is, and how I can help you get there!
I just wanted to wish everyone a very happy new year! Are you ready for another bumpy ride in 2009? It is gonna be. We would like to be here for you to aid in your success.
Well, the candle is out on 2008, and thank goodness! What a year it has been! We have seen the financial and real estate markets crumble, and turbulence abound for so many across the Country and around the world.
While there were many trials and tribulations in 2008, we made it through...perhaps bruised a bit, but wiser, stronger, and ready for action.
Not everything has been bad news...together with my associates we have saved over 1200 homes through loan modification, put hundreds of positive cash flowing properties in to investor's portfolios, and financed even more homes (primary and investment) in solid loans that will weather the storm.
I've had a terrific radio run on 97.1 FM Talk (I'll continue to be on via commercials and special events, etc), and continue to serve those loyal listeners as CBS has moved us to KFWB 980. We have broadcast throughout California, Oregon and Washington, and look to 2009 with our sights on reaching even more listeners. It continues to be my great pleasure to educate you each week on the radio and in seminars about the goings on in the Real Estate Market, and provide opportunities for us all to succeed.
The struggles are not over. 2009 still has some turmoil in store for us, but it also promises to bring many opportunities as well. I promise to stand by my listeners and clients for years to come, to help you get through these times better, richer, and more stable than ever before.
I will continue to keep you up to date on the latest real estate facts, myths, and trends, educating you each week throughout 2009. I am very excited about the local Inland Empire opportunities in Real Estate in 2009. There is a lot of profits waiting for us!
I am always available for one on one consultations about your home financing, buying or investing in real estate. I look forward to continuing to serve you, and your family & friends throughout the new year.
On behalf of my partners on The Home Ownership Roundtable, I want to wish you and yours a very safe, happy, and prosperous new year!
Sincerely,
Darren Orshoff The Home Ownership Roundtable Darren Orshoff | 231 E. Alessandro Blvd. | Ste. A-101 | Riverside | CA | 92508 Check out my blog online at http://www.tadaco.com
Have you ever had days, weeks, or even months go by when you were frustrated in your work activities because you failed to implement the things that you know you need to do in order to be more successful? Perhaps you've taken pages and pages of great notes at seminars on the subject of how to improve your business, only to return to the office the next day and implement none of it. The reason this happens to people is because they lack a plan. More importantly, it happens because they are not practicing ON-Time.
ON-Time is a time you set aside to work on your business instead of in your business. The simple fact is that in our daily routine, we are typically in a reactive state. The phones are ringing, the emails are coming in, there are voice mails to check, clients to meet with, staff members to assist. On and on it goes. During all this reactive behavior, we have very little time to work on the things that we need to put into place to take our business to the next level.
Get into a good habit by practicing ON-Time!
Leaving the office on a regularly scheduled basis to work on your business in a totally quiet, serene, and proactive environment is critical to your success in the long run. All successful business people practice some form of ON-Time.
Here's a suggestion on how to construct your own ON-Time schedule. Take out a folder and put it in your briefcase. Call this your ON-Time Folder. Every time during your normal work week you come up with an idea, hear about something or see something that could increase your business, throw it into your ON-Time Folder.
At least one full day per month, schedule time to leave the office and spend that entire business day somewhere outside the office. Make sure it is a serene place, or a meditative place, where you can practice ON-Time with a clear head. That means no cell phones and no interruptions! Take out your ON-Time Folder and work on the things you need to address to take your business to the next level. If you discipline yourself to doing this 12 times per year, the difference will be profound. Your level of success and your ability to take your business further will increase, hand in hand.
Email me for more tips to handle yourself or your business. Darren Orshoff at darren@971roundtable.com
It’s pretty crazy how in the last 3 weeks the following has taken place:
• Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac were seized by the government • Leman Brothers files for bankruptcy • Bank of America bails out Merrill Lynch before they have to file for bankruptcy • AIG bailout by the Federal Reserve in the amount of a $85 billion loan • President Bush seeks a $700 billion Bailout and it fails to pass • Goldman Sachs & Morgan Stanley turn into regulated commercial banks • Warren Buffet buys $5 billion of Goldman Sachs stock • Washington Mutual is seized by the government & sold to JP Morgan Chase • Wachovia is bailed out and purchased by Citigroup
The next question is, what’s next?
Monday showed a 777 loss in the Stock Market...Tuesday showed over a 400 point gain back...will the adjusted $700 Billion "Bailout Plan" (or better termed and Economic Stabilization Plan) pass this week now that some changes have been made to gain bipartisan support?
What does this all mean to the average homeowner? In the midst of this country wide "crisis", remember that most banks are doing just fine. Most people are paying their mortgages on time. Most of your neighborhood will go on in the days to come like they always have. And everyone in every neighborhood needs a place to call home.
Some people say that any government "bailout" will lead to more people walking away from their homes. Bruce Norris, a well renowned real estate investor and California market statistician (and one of my personal mentors), has numbers and a viewpoint (of which I agree) that basically states that homeowners who are paying their mortgage on time every month, who are just as upside down as their defaulting neighbors, will be more apt to default themselves if they can get access to government funds or loans to cut their mortgage in half.
Furthermore, if they are not eligible for government assistance because they actually qualified for a real loan with their real financial picture, rather than an adjustable "liars" loan at 100% financing, they might just walk away from their upside down home throwing their hands up in disgust at what is happening next door.
I believe that anything the government does, while it may help the problem, will only prolong the market recovery. This "bailout" plan will eventually be profitable for the government (read this) it will take years for the effects to be realized. What do we do in the meantime?
The short answer: INVEST IN REAL ESTATE!
It will not be the government who will make the biggest dent in this crisis. It will be the real estate investor. It will be the savvy investor. It will be the novice investor. It will the be the entrepreneur who will look at the opportunities to not only make money, but put people back in to homes and home ownership who are already coming out of the woodwork bringing their cash and business savvy to create solutions.
I am doing it. Many of my clients and listeners of The Home Ownership Roundtable are doing it. I am even pooling funds from friends, family and associates to leverage our smaller individual dollars in to larger collective powerful bucks to buy more and provide profits to all.
Yes, this is a pretty crazy time right now...scary, even for me, and I know for you...but do not let your fear prevent you from taking action! This is the time to do it!
If you would like to talk about what action is right for your fee free to contact me through this site or via email at darren@971roundtable.com. I look forward to hearing about the action you are taking, want to take, or if you want to take some action with me!
This is your last chance to sign up for this AMAZING FREE educational event! Tonight in Woodland Hills and Tomorrow in Irvine!
Register below and when you get there let the check in counter know you are from The Roundtable! We look forward to seeing you there!
FREE Foreclosure / REO Workshop with Legendary Dr. Albert Lowry. Don't miss out on this incredible educational opportunity to get in front of one of the true, real estate masters! It is very rare to be able to go to an event with Dr. Lowry. Be one of the privileged few who benefit from his wealth of knowledge.
Wednesday, September 17th at 7pm in Woodland Hills Hilton Hotel Woodland Hills 6360 Canoga Ave Woodland Hills, CA 91367 CLICK THE FOLLOWING LINK TO REGISTER NOW!!! http://realestate.meetup.com/1446/calendar/8653706/
Dr. Lowry has written and published over 20 books. His first, How You Can Become Financially Independent by Investing in Real Estate, earned the distinguished Best Sellers List of the New York Times for three consecutive years. Aside from attaining many professional real estate designations, Al Lowry has a doctorate in Business Administration and was recruited to teach the very first Masters Degree Program in Real Estate. Al Lowry was added to the Academy of American Exchangers "Hall of Fame", perhaps the highest single honor accorded any individual engaged in real estate.
Foreclosures are happening now more than ever! Banks own more houses than they know what to do with! Be a part of the solution and make tons of money doing it! Join The Roundtable on September 17th in Woodland Hills (or 18th in Irvine - see the other Meetup) at a FREE Foreclosure/REO workshop taught by the master himself, the legendary Dr. Albert Lowry! Tune in to our show on August 6th and August 13th to hear Dr. Lowry on the air and get a preview of what you will learn at the event (the shows will also be posted to our site at www.971roundtable.com)
Dr. Lowry has hared the stage with the likes of Donald Trump, Anthony Robbins and Robert Kyosaki. Dr. Albert Lowry will teach you the fastest, smartest, and easiest way to make A FORTUNE in today’s market. It doesn’t matter if you are an amateur or professional, you WILL learn NEW insights and strategies that can make you money! What have you done today to take action to control your financial destiny? It’s not too late to take action!
Dr. Albert Lowry will teach you:
Financial Independece
Buying at Government Auctions
Controlling Your Credit
Making Money With Corporations
Tax Sales and Certificates
Buying Real Estate at Auctions
Buy Real Estate from the Banks
Real Estate Investing
Real Estate Financing
Financing, Improving and Selling
The Fastest, Smartest and Easiest Way to Make a Fortune in Today's Real Estate Market
You will learn new insights and strategies that can make you a fortune - if you know the secrets!
Seating is limited! We are not the only ones filling the room! Lock in your spot today!
Maximize Your Drive Time Tips & Tricks to Ease Your Commute
As the population continues to grow, more and more people will be clogging the highways during your commute. Rather than becoming increasingly frustrated and discouraged, why not use this time to do something productive? There are many ways you can achieve this, and here are some technologies to help you do it.
Have you ever been traveling along and suddenly had a great idea? Since it's generally not safe to jot down notes while driving, make sure you have a digital mini recorder to get those ideas down. Another solution is to put your office voicemail on auto dial and leave messages for yourself.
A great way to utilize your drive time to the fullest is to listen to audio books or enhance your professional development with informational CDs. There's a wide range of options available for download or purchase.
I have a wonderful series of Gift of Knowledge Interviews which cover a variety of topics. Please contact me if you would like to learn more and obtain some editions on CD! I also can help you with your Short Sales...I can process them through the system like nobody's business! Just call to find out how I can get you PAID! Call Darren @ 909-856-6878
Are you looking for a better way to separate you from the pack in this crazy declining market?The Home Ownership Roundtable has a proven track record and following on the radio and internet reaching thousands and thousands of listeners and generating crowds and leads for their own endeavors.Their successful award-winning radio show is about educating listeners about all things real estate, real estate finance and real estate investment.They provide real solutions for real people leading to real success!
You can join them, and their HUGE megaphone, with their marketing machine that would cost you $750,000 a year, and tons of working hours, to come close to duplicating.They are, for a limited time, opening up our program to sponsors and advertisers.
Read on to explode your business with an instant radio presence, immediately enjoying the benefits of all that brings, including instant credibility.
CALL DARREN AT (909) 856-6878! EMAIL DARREN AT darren@971roundtable.com
The Roundtable is a radio show on KLSX 97.1 FREE FM in Southern California, KNEW 910 AM in Northern California, CBS, NBC News Talk, Independent and Clear Channel radio stations throughout California, Oregon and Washington.
The Home Ownership Roundtable is an educational radio show demystifying the home ownership process….regardless of whether you are buying, selling, refinancing, investing or building your wealth through real estate.
The Home Ownership Roundtable is four seasoned professionals in the real estate investment, credit, financing, and real estate industry who provide free advice, definitive solutions, and in depth analysis of the personal real estate and financial goals of our listeners and clients.
We broadcast from the KLSX 97.1 Free FM studios in Los Angeles reaching audiences throughout California (CAL Trans reports there are an average of 3,827,662 drivers in the broadcast zone during our time slot), Oregon and Washington, and beyond.
We also stream live to anywhere in the world (692,812 listeners streaming online per month as of July. 2008) on the internet at 971freefm.com and at 971roundtable.com.Our show is also available via Podcasting at the same web location and via our website and iTunes.
Our website, 971roundtable.com, has an average of 1187 unique visitors each day.That number is rising.Our supporting websites with click-through banners to us have a combined total of 83,521 unique visitors per week per a Webtrends Analysis Report in March 2008.
CALL DARREN AT (909) 856-6878! EMAIL DARREN AT darren@971roundtable.com
In determining the statistics from the first 2 years on the air we are generating over 163 solid leads per week on average, resulting in 28% of our closed deals which include investment opportunities, loan transactions, referrals, home sales, etc.Our investment client has pushed us beyond our expectations.Out of California property opportunities have dominated our closings to date.California investment opportunities are now on the rise.
Our seminar and webinar series has resulted in additional dramatic results.54% of our attendees entered in to contract with the Roundtable for a refinance, loan mod, short sale, new purchase, or investment deal.We have put an additional 39% of the attendees on a roadmap to improving their credit or situation with the potential of a future deal.
Our seminars and webinars will continue throughout 2009, focusing on Out of State and in California Real Estate Investing, The Right Kind of Financing, Short Sales and Foreclosures, Loan Modification, Building Wealth, and Strategic Equity – utilizing equity to build wealth through the purchase of additional real estate.Other topics include:Credit Building, Adjustable Rate Mortgages coming to the end of the fixed rate period, First Time and Move Up Home Buying, and Investing to Build Wealth.
The Home Ownership Roundtable has aligned with some of the top leaders in supporting fields.Our Out-of-State Investment Programs have resulted in staggering results generating over an 80% conversion rate.Our credit restoration system, aligned with the leading credit repair attorney in the country, is unsurpassed. Our loan modification system has a 91% success rate of qualified clients.Our loyal listenership continues to expand as we have become a staple of, and the leading weekend programming on KLSX in Los Angeles and Southern California, a leading following in Northern California, and growing presence in Oregon and Washington.
CALL DARREN AT (909) 856-6878! EMAIL DARREN AT darren@971roundtable.com
Sponsorship Levels
Show Sponsor (1)
1 – 30-60 sec. Optional Spot During our Show
2 (minimum) – Company Mentions on the show 1 – Mention Headlining at Beginning of Show
1 – Click through logo displayed on our website
1 – Video Link on our website (we will host)
Your Logo on our marketing materials and Your marketing on our weekly webinars
Co-branded marketing letter out to our database, Co-branded marketing letter to your database
Commercial Podcast Sponsor (1)
1 – 30 second Spot Before All of Our Podcasts
1 – 30 second Optional Spot During our Show
1 (minimum) – Company Mentions on the show
1 – Click through logo displayed on our website
Co-branded marketing letter out to our database Co-branded marketing letter to your database
Segment Sponsor (4)
1 – 10-15 sec Optional Spot During our Show
1 – Company Mention on the show
1 – Click through logo displayed on our website
Co-branded marketing letter out to our database Co-branded marketing letter to your database
On Location Sponsor (1 Per Live Remote)
The Home Ownership Roundtable Broadcasting Live from your Saturday event (1-3pm On the Air)
20 – 30 second Commercial Spots in the 2 weeks prior to the event
Company Mentions During All Event Promotion(s) On The Show
Company name and/or logo and contact info on all Event emails
Company Logo in Email Blast to over 70,000 97.1 Listeners
1 – Click through logo displayed on our website on the seminar page
Co-branded marketing letter out to our database Co-branded marketing letter to your database
Seminar Sponsor (1 Per Seminar)
3 – 60 Second Spots to run each week prior to the Seminar
Company Mentions During All Seminar Promotion(s) On The Show
Company name and/or logo and contact info on all seminar emails
Company Logo in Email Blast to over 70,000 97.1 Listeners
Table to display company info at seminar
1 – Click through logo displayed on our website on the seminar page
Co-branded marketing letter out to our database - Co-branded marketing letter to your database
Single Show Segment Guest Sponsor (scheduled out)
1 – 12 Minute Guest Spot on our Show and One 60 Second Promo Ad
2 – Company Mentions on the show
Co-branded marketing letter out to our database
Co-branded marketing letter to your database
Sponsored Webinar
Single Show Hour Guest Sponsor (VERY LIMITED)
1 – 42 Minute Guest Spot on our Show and Two 60 Second Promo Ads
3 – Company Mentions on the show
Co-branded marketing letter out to our database
Co-branded marketing letter to your database
Sponsored Webinar
CALL DARREN AT (909) 856-6878! EMAIL DARREN AT darren@971roundtable.com for more information or for SPECIAL Deals!
Ok! Here is one that I am sure will cause some controversy.
I am a die hard APPLE fan! I have been ever since my first MAC SE in 1987. Actually before that using a girlfriend's Apple in 1984.
Since then I have had an Apple II, the first PowerBook, the PowerComputing Apple Clone (short lived), a G3, G4, Clamshell Mac Laptop, PowerBook G4, Desktop G5, and now a 17" MacBook Pro running both Windows XP and MacOSX Leopard effortlessly at the same time.
Now I do graphic work and wouldn't dream of doing it on a WinTel PC, and I do have to use Windows for things like Point, but everything else is just better on a Mac. 2 Computers in one & more powerful than both combined! Well worth the price.
iLove my iPhone too! My only complaint is the battery life. So I have slightly adjusted my use and have it plugged in to my laptop when ever I am on it. It is always synced, and always charged. And it integrates with my Gmail, Mac Mail (MeMail), Yahoo, MS Messenger Live, Outlook, online and hardline syncing with all calendars, and it has the best browser any phone could ask for...and, for that matter, many computers could ask for.
The best of all...I can blog right from my phone with a simple one touch process. Check my iPhone blog at www.tadaco.com.
I am so excited about remodeled homes like this one! When you look at the other homes that are available in the same area nothing compares!
Price : $171,000.00
Property Number : 147 County: Riverside
Address:
Moreno Valley , CA 92553
Type: Single Family Home Building Type: Other
Year Built: 1986 Square Footage: 1526 Central Heat/Air (CHA): Yes Beds: 3 Baths: 2.5 Garage: 2 Car Pool: No
Move-In Ready!
This newly remodeled home features 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, one half bath, and a 2 car garage. The recent renovation includes new cut berber carpet, two-tone paint, new stainless steel appliances, granite countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, new electrical and lighting, new paint inside and out, and new lanscaping in the front and back yard. Best value in the neighborhood.
The property sits close to schools, shopping, movie theaters, numerous restaurant choices, and several recreational locations in Moreno Valley.
This is the kind of remodel every house should have!
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
Have you ever had days, weeks, or even months go by when you were frustrated in your work activities because you failed to implement the things that you know you need to do in order to be more successful? Perhaps you've taken pages and pages of great notes at seminars on the subject of how to improve your business, only to return to the office the next day and implement none of it. The reason this happens to people is because they lack a plan. More importantly, it happens because they are not practicing ON-Time.
As the population continues to grow, more and more people will be clogging the highways during your commute. Rather than becoming increasingly frustrated and discouraged, why not use this time to do something productive? There are many ways you can achieve this, and here are some technologies to help you do it.
You can join them, and their HUGE megaphone, with their marketing machine that would cost you $750,000 a year, and tons of working hours, to come close to duplicating.
I am a die hard 
The best of all...I can blog right from my phone with a simple one touch process. Check my iPhone blog at 
;)
;)
