Think Enriched

Social media and your money?  Oh yeah!  They are connected.  Today we talk to social media expert, Pauline Stockhausen, who shares her money story and how she uses social media the smart way.   We discuss: How meeting a minimalist impacted her entire family. How she moved from a large 5 bedroom home to a 2 bedroom and the change that has made on her family & perspective.  Pauline describes how being "house poor" has added so much stress and what that felt like to eliminate it. In just a few quick months they've been able to pay off $10K That six month rush of working to pay off the debt...then fall off the plan of discipline. "The poor mentality," how people struggle and buy more than they can afford to keep them in a poor situation. "Saying no I don't need that was really hard!" I stopped shopping to avoid the temptations. When you do a budget, you think you are going to miss out on stuff...Being broke has been such a great thing for our family because we've been together on the beach, swimming in the o

In this quick episode, you'll get a brief introduction to the challenge of February:  Make the Connection. This week we are focusing on connecting with influencers in the world.   Consider Oprah, Tony Robbins and financial gurus who teach to help others. Follow one influencer mindfully knowing the opportunity cost of your time.  (Opportunity cost is understanding the decisions that using your  How do you use social media to do better in the world.  Take this quick quiz to review exactly what kind of message you are sending out to the world.   This week's challenge is: Pick 1 or 2 influencers (worth your time) to learn from this week. Read their blog, watch them on YouTube, listen to their podcast. Eliminate mindless scrolling. Create more meaning with those in your circle of influence. Later this week we'll have an interview with a social media expert who is maximizing influence online. You know about the Think Enriched Crew, but are you in yet? Subscribe in iTunes.  Or Stitcher Radio. Rate & Review the

Tiffany Han, host of Raise Your Hand Say Yes, and my former coach, shares her powerful money story with us today.  We talk in depth about how to focus on changing your behavior, how to move forward and what our real limited resources are.   She is one amazing human! Today we discuss: Her money story.  How she ignored it until she had communion with money. To welcome money & abundance in her life, she set 2015 as the year to fall in love with money. She had a once a month "Money Love Day." Tiffany made it a positive experience going through the books. How to make the budget match your real life. What is on paper needs to find the system that works for you. Finding someone else's system is a great place to start.  Build on that and make it work for you. Tiffany's parable of the planners. The power of baby steps to make progress.  The needs to wants things. The awareness of the lack of habit makes you uncomfortable.  The shame, emotion & guilt can hold you back.   Self-talk influences every facet of lif

"Drive Your MoneyBus," a phrase I say regularly.   You were given a MoneyBus as an adult.  No one can drive that bus but you. Your MoneyBus may look different than others.  It doesn't matter, you are the one driving. You have to study and practice to get an actual driver's license, but it's not like for money.   Money matters, but it's only part of the equation.  A life that hase The MoneyBus is a powerful piece of machinery.  It's always moving either forward or backward.  You have to control it.  The gas that powers this engine is your income.  Use it wisely.  Make smart decisions.  Determine wants/needs.This gives you more to use. You need a map or GPS, your budget.  This is your plan to get you from this paycheck to the next.   If the conditions change, you stop, make adjustments and you "recalculate" the plan. Driving the MoneyBus is a big responsibility.  It can take you directly to the destination or run straight in the gutter. Your MoneyBus doesn't look like others.  Start with where you are, with th

 Make 2016 your Enriched Year!    "How you think matters."  When you are talking to yourself, you make all the difference in your life. This podcast is part personal journal of my ups and downs as we are paying off all of our debt and getting our finances completely in order; and, in big part, it is learning from those who have been successful with money.  We talk to money experts and regular Joes that have made significant strides with their financial situations.  Imagine a pie chart of life, all the important things in your life are in there.  Money is like an oval that touches every aspect of that pie chart.  When your finances are in order it directly impacts other parts of your life.  What you are learning from money management strategies? Christmas 2013, we made the goal to pay of $5,000 of credit card debt in 2014. We are a single income family household and we have been able to: Learn how to set up our own budget We made a budget, worked through trial & error.  And the fights.  Oooh, the fights.

Holiday episode, Paul Sating, creator of multiple podcasts, shares his financial journey. He has retired from the military, has a full-time job, real estate income, and shares highs and lows through it all. We discuss: His wealth-building mentality & the mentors who walked him through the mechanics of finances. The power of a 15-minute conversation to help his financial foundation. The most important principle for him with finances is simply debt management. Looking at debt can be overwhelming. When it comes to debt:  "Mitigate then Eliminate." Learning the value of hard work in a farming community. His first job at $3 per hour, then working 3 jobs when he was 16. How you make a goal about your finances so that you can live the life you really desire. How you have to define happiness for you. The sleeplessness that comes through having debt. He owns 3 homes and is earning income from most of them. When you are moving regularly, consider purchasing a home in each area. The housing market conditions can wo

Remember in college Psych class you learned about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs?   Basically, there were 5 levels when Maslow first defined it.  Now, they've added a few more for a total of 8 levels of needs to achieve self-actualization.  And, Maslow hypothesized, that only 2% of our society achieve this.  Where are you in the levels?  Biological/ Physiological Needs:  air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sex, sleep. Safety Needs:  protection from the elements, security, order, law, stability, freedom from fear. Love/ Belongingness Needs:  friendship, intimacy, affection & love, from work group, family, friends, romantic relationships. Esteem Needs:  achievement, mastery, independence, status, dominance, prestige, self-respect, respect from others. Self-Actualization Needs:  realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth & peak experiences. Now let me tell you my story. Point is: If your basic needs (level 1 & 2) are not being taken care of, personally or financially, you

Dave Lee, from Waves of Tech, is usually talking tech and what's happening in the industry, but have you heard his money story?  Wowza.   This guy gets it.    We talk about: Waves of Tech, part of Modern Life Podcast Network Dave & Steve's integrity really shines through!  We talk about their public discussion of the award show that was in poor taste. You control your own identity & reputation.  Make sure you are choosing wisely and are sending out the message that you want to be known. His credit card debt was up to $14,000. He studies personal finance continuously, why?  To keep himself honest. "I'm just fed up with not having the money that I earn in my bank account." How he did the envelope system:  Every Monday he "It's called personal finance for a reason!" Ask yourself these 3 questions on every payment you make: Can I live with this payment? Can I live without this item? Can I make the payment lower? He went to the local credit union every week:  He paid off the payments in cash to see the

Looking at the calendar, there are only 6 weeks until the holidays are here!  That means (for most of the us) you have 3 paychecks to get ready.  Here's a suggestion on how to prioritize, shop, and get ready so you can enjoy the holiday cheer!  Make your 2 lists.  (The first list will be split down the middle): Column A:  Names of those you absolutely MUST buy a gift for Column B:  Those who it would be really nice to give to. List 2:  Realistically, write the amount of money from each separate paycheck between now & the holidays you can spend on gifts. Understand the consequences: You can buy it all on credit cards, but you'll have to pay interest.  This could really set you back for your 2016 goals. Shopping & delivery:  How valuable is your time? Handmade goods, baked goodies are fun to make:  How much time do you really have? Shopping online:  Consider paying a couple bucks to pay for wrapping, instead of spending days wrapping all the gifts. Delivery time:  Are the gifts going to the neighbo

Chris Peach, of MoneyPeach, joins Think Enriched today.    We discuss:  Chris, first is a firefighter & paramedic, then started looking at his finances & found they were out of money. When they started doing the opposite of what everyone else was doing it started to work! In 2011, they had $52K in debt: credit card debt, auto debt & student loans. "I thought that's how life was: you worked; money came in; you spent it all." They paid off all $52K in 7 months! "When you stop your life, and you re-start it, and you do things so outside of normal, you can do these kinds of things!" "That light that you hear about at the end of the tunnel?  It is way brighter than you believe it is!" Student loan debt: refinance to be smart & get a lower interest rate.   Why Chris recommends SoFi; they work for the people, not just the bank and interest rates. Debit cards are not the Red-Headed Step Child of the finance world! The thing about car payments?  They SUCK. Hear Chris's thoughts on car payments. How ol

Have you ever walked into a store to buy one thing, like a towel, and left with entirely new bathroom decor?  There's a name for it.   It's called the Diderot Effect.   In this episode we talk about: Our last episode, my husband joined us. We discussed our family's financial situation, progress, the highs & lows.   Here are the numbers:  January 2013, we had $57,000 of debt.  We have paid off $41,000 total.  We paid off $25,000 in 2014 and $16,000 in 2015.  We have just the final $16,000 left on my student loans. The Think Enriched Review: Share the one thing you have learned about money this year!  Send me an email to: amy@thinkenriched.com to share your Enriched Review! The Diderot Effect: consumerism wasn't invited this year.  We can get caught up with one new thing which triggers us to buy another new thing and another. Diderot's Essay, written in 1769, "Regrets for my Old Dressing Gown, or A warning to those who have more taste than fortune." "Poverty has its freedoms; opulence has its obstacles." H

Sure, we all wonder about how money works in other homes.  Today, we open the curtain and share our struggle with money: the headaches & heartbreaks (that we can now laugh about); working through the fights; making a budget work; and finally, being able to see the finish line so close. It is nearly an understatement to say that our marriage has completely changed from figuring out the finances.   Raul & I examine:  What we remember of the early days of our marriage trying to figure out our budget.   The resentment I had at that time. The turning point that was the biggest fight of our marriage: "the car fight" that changed our lives How I went to the first session of Financial Peace University by myself...and why Raul insisted I go. The discussion after that first session & insight to our desire to change our family tree. Instill hope: The reason I created this blog & podcast. Learning & getting on the same page, working together as a team; our marriage is better for it. The brutality of

Jim Collison, of The Average Guy Network, shares his insight on money mangement, working your strengths and how you can win no matter where you are in your financial situation! We discuss: How Jim & his wife, Sarah, learned about money while they were young & he was still in the military.  How car payments forced them to pay for life on the card, which quickly added up to serious debt. Feeling guilty about debt?  It seems like the easiest answer is to spend more money. Larry Burkett's book, The Complete Financial Guide for Young Couples, changed his entire financial perspective.  "How we spend our money is outward indicator of an inward spiritual condition."  Larry Burkett The budget can get blown out of proportion, but you fix it and move forward. In 18 months they were completely debt free. How he found confidence & hope to fix his finances that directed his family to live on an established budget for 15+ years. How Jim stopped doing the budget 8 years ago, and put it on autopilot with his tran

While in your journey to fix the finances, you've got to examine what are the desires of your wants.  We all want...something.  But can that want be just too, too much?   This is a question is only you can answer.  Consider: Greed is about wanting more.  It is selfish & excessive. Desire is wanting more of something. Finding out the motivation and the purpose of this desire is what will keep you focused on your path. You've heard of the Think Enriched Crew, but are you in yet? You can win a $50 Amazon gift card! Take the survey. Give the show a RATING & REVIEW. Email me amy@thinkenriched.com.  In the subject line, simply put DONE + your iTunes Username. That's it!  You are now entered to win $50 gift card to Amazon (just in time for the holidays.) Don't forget to join me & Steve Stewart on BLAB this week: BLAB Session: October 21st, 7pm Subscribe in iTunes.  Or Stitcher Radio. Rate & Review the show. Have a question.  Send me an email:  amy@thinkenriched.com.

Cesar Abeid joins Think Enriched today to share his insight on how you can use project management skills to maximize your family finances.   Cesar also shares how you can get his new audio book, Project Management for You, for free! We discuss: How one decides to become a project manager. Project management for families?  Think of a family wedding. Consider your stakeholders:  Who has a dog in the fight? A project has a definite beginning, a definite end, and creates a unique result. By creating a project, you can see the outcome, the risks, the budgets, and the big picture to make it work. You decide the project.  Then you apply the principles of project management. Step 1:  Composing.  Define the project.  Make it as detailed as you can to see the finished project.  Answer the question:  What do we want to do? Step 2:  Decomposing.  Take the requirements of the project.  Break it down to manageable chunks.  Don't create actions, create things.  Make lists of nouns, not verbs. Use a mind map, or a sticky n

Today we are talking about the power you have as a shopper.  I want to share with you a comparison of prices from just one shopping trip & how small decisions add up to an average of 89% savings! October 11-17, 2015 is National Bulk Foods Week 2015 You've heard of the Think Enriched Crew, but are you in yet? 1.  Save money This study, by Portland State University, shows that consumers can save 89% purchasing bulk foods. Just this week I purchased my spices in the bulk food section rather than the main aisle, and you won't believe how much I saved! 2.  Help the environment By buying bulk foods, you are cutting down on packaging waste. As a consumer, buying just the amount you need saves on food waste. 3.  Have fresher ingredients. With bulk foods you are able to smell, see & inspect ingredients to ensure freshness. Buying only what you need allows you to have the freshest, most flavorable recipes. You can win a $50 Amazon gift card! Take the survey. Give the show a RATING & REVIEW. Email me

Have you joined the Think Enriched Crew?     We are nearly to episode 50!  There are some exciting things happening & we'd like you to be part of the conversation.  Send me an email, a tweet, a message with your specific questions for that episode! What is a money mindset?   Mindset as defined by dictionary.com. "Change is always an inside job." How do you create or improve your money mindset? Do this quick exercise to find out what your money mindset is. Share your answer to this exercise using #moneymindset  Three steps to adjust your Money Mindset Step back & decide. (24 hour timeline.)  Establish what you want from life.  Set your plan.  Determine your money mindset. Evaluate & discuss. (Next 24 hours.)  Look at your mindset paper again.  Decide what needs to change in your life to make that possible. Discuss this mindset & plan with your sweetheart or accountability buddy to evaluate, make adjustments, and put these steps in order. Write it.  See it. Live it.  Put the phrase, "Money M

Minimalism. Is it for You?  Minimalism:   a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity You don't have to be a minimalist to make the most of your financial situation. You do have to  Be a smart consumer.   Be a disciplined saver. Be a wise decision maker.   Let's TALK!   Join us on Blab- October 21st, 7pm Topic:  How to NOT Overspend this Holiday Season You've heard of the Think Enriched Crew, but are you in yet? You can win a $50 Amazon gift card! Take the survey. Give the show a RATING & REVIEW. Email me amy@thinkenriched.com.  In the subject line, simply put DONE + your iTunes Username. That's it!  You are now entered to win $50 gift card to Amazon (just in time for the holidays.)  Resources mentioned on today's episode: BLAB Session: October 21st, 7pm Steve Stewart Subscribe in iTunes.  Or Stitcher Radio. Rate & Review the show. Have a question.  Send me an email:  amy@thinkenriched.com.

Heather Shue, of Simply Save Minnesota. shares her story of how she has learned the live teh good life at a cheaper price. Don't forget to Rate & Review the show. You can win $50 to Amazon! We discuss: How she got started.  Just a year ago she was in an entirely different situation. How she spent too much in Afghanistan while serving for her country, and what that taught her. The moment she realized that if the government were to shut down, what that would do to her.   How young kids, freshly new in the military, gives  full-time salary to 19 year-olds and they don't know what to do with it. If kids are not learning money management at home, where are they learning it? "Don't fall prey to 'Rental Car Lust.'" That new car feeling when you rent a car is seductive.  Don't fall for it. Heather re-focused her goals for 2015.  Wait until you hear what she did with those! She has put her retirement payment above holiday spending to complete the goal. The holiday season is not a SURPRISE.  They happen every year

 Erin Chase, of 5 Dollar Dinners, shares her best money-saving tips for the one of the biggest challenges for all of us: getting dinner on the table.  In this episode we cover:  How to hack ingredients and make meal planning work for you "Necessity the is the mother of innovation," How this all came to be. A general doesn't send his troops to battle without a plan- think of grocery shopping that way & take on the challenge. Using the strategies of: having a meal plan, a specific shopping list and coupons she cut her grocery bill (for a family of 4) from $500 to $250! What you need to know about coupons:  they are nothing but a marketing tool The key is to use them strategically (Erin's motivation):  "A dollar off coupon is a dollar you're keeping in your pocket; when you use them strategically at the right time." Just starting out on the coupons?  Set a realistic goal for yourself:  $10 a week using coupons can add up to some real savings. How to watch the sales and get the deep discounts on groceries. T