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Written by Stephen Grimes
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Thursday, 04 February 2010 09:16 |
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 SoMoney
By Stephen Grimes
I usually do not write about anything except investments, but because we have been flooded with questions regarding debt and loans, I thought I would address some of these issues.
The $30,000 millionaire is a term that most have probably heard thrown around once or twice. It typically refers to a person that acts and lives beyond their financial means. Quite simply, this is someone who spends like a millionaire, but has a median income. This is not meant to criticize, in fact, I think most people have probably fallen into the trap at least once in their lives when they made a purchase of some sort that was not in the budget. Many times, these purchases are made on credit cards. The following is an example of what those decisions might actually cost in the long run.
Before you reach into your wallet or purse and bring out one of the five credit cards that the average American owns, I want to give you a quick example of how much $5000 in credit card purchases might actually cost you. Let me be clear, credit cards can be useful tools that allow many conveniences, but they should be used as an alternative to cash that you currently have, and not as an ATM or a loan. Currently, some of the credit card interest rates range from 13.99% to 21.99%, and this is for people who pay balances on time, every time. Quite frankly, that is not what this article is talking about. This article is intended for those who only pay the minimum payments which the card company allows.
Let's say, for example, you have a credit card on which you owe $5,000. That doesn’t sound like a lot of money to most people today, and is actually much much lower than the average person's credit card debt. You have been using the card in the past to make purchases, and have been making payments which are usually close to the minimum, and have not thought about paying the full balance off soon. Below is a break down of credit card debt with an interest rate of 21%, and what it actually will cost you to pay the balance off using minimum payments. Remember, these numbers do not include the fees for cash advances, late penalties, and over the limit and balance transfer, which can add substantial cost to your card.
Paying $100 minimum until balance is paid off.
$5,000 takes 279 months - $8124 in interest
$10,000 takes 348 months - $16,874 in interest
$15,000 takes 389 months - $25,621 in interest
($15,000 is the U.S. average for people under 40 with more than 3 credit cards)
It is understandable that during these tough economic times, it is easy to turn to the cards in your wallet, but be aware of what you are signing up for in the long term as you sign that receipt.
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Written by Dave Johnson
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Thursday, 04 February 2010 09:05 |
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 Reshaping Fitness
Fitness has come a long way in the past few years, and we are now figuring out that a one dimensional workout routine has many weaknesses. Our body needs several things when it comes to fitness. Some types of work outs can actually prevent our bodies from having easy, fluid movement. Other types of training can hurt our bodies from a strength perspective.
In my opinion, the best way to receive positive benefits from fitness is with a technique called muscle confusion. It’s simple; just mix things up a bit. I recommend three different types of fitness training per week, several times each week. For example, Jiu Jitsu 2 times per week, weight training 2-3 times per week, and cardio training 2-3 times per week.
Your body needs traditional weight lifting for strength, aerobic activity for conditioning, and yoga or Jiu Jitsu for stretching and lengthening muscles. There are several new programs, like Cross Fit, that put them all together in one workout, or they can be done separately.
Not only are there different formats for fitness, there are also different styles of training in each format. For example, if you lift weights 4-5 days per week, every week, use a different style. One week may be power week on weights, the next week may be Tabata, superset, intervals, circuits or pyramids. The main purpose for the variations is so your body doesn’t get used to any one style, and as a result, your training is more effective.
Inside the different formats and styles, it is important that you are using the right amount of weight and lifting properly. For example, you may do dumbbells one week and jump from a bench to a ball to work on your stabilizing muscles. You could also do negatives, static holds, or explosive power lifts for different results as well. The point is, don’t let your workout get stale and boring because it doesn’t need to be. Amazing results are out there, you just have to reach out and grab them. Remember, there are no limits to what you can achieve with hard work and dedication.
Dave Johnson is the owner of No Limits Gym. No Limits offers Cross Fit, Fighfit, Agility Training, Strength Training, Yoga, Zumba, Boot Camps as well as MMA, Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Submission Grappling and Muay Thai. Visit them online at www.nolimitsgym.com
Dave Johnson
Nolimitsgym.com
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Thursday, 04 February 2010 09:02 |
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SoApp’d
By Brock Baum
So, you finally got an iPhone or similar smart device. Now its time to go through the thousands of apps out there for your phone to make your day more productive, fun, or just more interesting. Here are some phone apps I think are worth checking out;
Ten Apps for 20Ten
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Yelp
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Sportacular
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iFitness
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Mint.com
Personal finance app that tracks your spending, savings, stocks, 401K, and just about any other financial account you have. Great tool for those of us fortunate enough not to be a trust fund baby, or a credit card millionaire.
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Pandora Radio
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Photoshop.com
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Bing
New MSN search engine that features a daily image with facts and lets users search the Web by voice.
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iTranslate
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Evernote
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Pocket First Aid & CPR
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Written by Jackie Brenner
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Thursday, 04 February 2010 08:59 |
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Ice Skating for Fitness
Ice skating is a wonderful form of exercise in Oklahoma City. With Arctic Edge Ice Arena in Edmond and Blazers Ice Centre in South OKC open daily, there are many opportunities to become physically fit. Junior ice hockey leagues, adult league play, recreational or competitive figure skating and curling are available year round at both facilities.
All forms of ice skating improve cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and range of motion, creating long and lean muscles. The lateral movement of proper skating technique, utilizing the resistance of the blade pressure against the ice surface, employs all the lower body and core muscles. Ice skating can meet both your aerobic and anaerobic training, depending on the intensity and duration of your sessions. Studies prove that resistance and weight bearing exercises improve joint and heart health, muscular strength, and overall fitness. Learn how to skate with a few lessons, and come join us 3 to 5 times a week for at least 30 to 45 minutes daily to meet your cardio needs. Public sessions and skate rental are available daily. Year round “Learn to Skate” group and private lessons, birthday parties, and events are our specialty.
Arctic Edge Ice Arena and Blazers Ice Centre house the best programming in the southwest region. Hockey Director Mike McEwen, former NHL and 3-time Stanley Cup Champion, oversees all youth hockey development. Adult hockey leagues are coordinated by OU Hockey Assistant Coach Larry Donovan. Our international figure skating coaching staff will design a training plan to meet your individual fitness goals, regardless of age or ability. Both facilities are affiliated with USA Hockey, U.S. Figure Skating, and Professional Skaters Association International (PSA).
For further information about Arctic Edge Ice Arena or Blazers Ice Centre programming, please call or visit our website.
Arctic Edge Ice Arena (405)748-5454
Jackie is the 2009 PSA Lifetime Achievement award recipient and Coach of regional, sectional and national medalists. Serving as U.S. Figure Skating Coaches Committee Chair, Jackie holds 3 PSA Master ratings, Level IV ranking and is a former power skating professional for the CHL Blazers.
www.arctic-edge.com
www.blazers-icecentre.com
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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 04 February 2010 08:54 |
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Monthly Horoscopes January 2010
Aries
The mental confusion over relationship issues is passing this month, but your new identity is emerging as a result. Loved ones may have wanted you to change, and in doing so, they may not have been prepared for the outcome
– the new you! Adjusting to this new identity will be just as difficult for you as it is for them. Be realistic, especially between the 12th and 15th.
Taurus
A lifestyle change requires a shift in mental attitudes, not just a new wardrobe and furniture. Ask yourself the true motivation for assuming this novel cultural outlook. If it is a natural progression in your life, fine, but if you
’re doing this to win brownie points by impressing someone, you’ve got it all wrong. House moves after the 20th are on the cards.
Gemini
It
’s time to put a friend in the hot seat and test their loyalties this month. Actually, you won’t be surprised to find they pass with flying colors, but there’s no harm in putting others on notice and increasing your own self esteem. Also, a financial plan you’ve been mulling over is about to launch.
Cancer
Don
’t let sub-titles on foreign films bother you too much. There’s a lesson or message for you in some foreign film or art form, but you have to fling open the doors of your mind and look deeply at what is being offered. You may have started to slip into a comfort zone in which you could stagnate. Try something different in the way of entertainment during the first month of the New year.
Leo
Self-love sometimes means pampering yourself and putting your money where your mouth is. Spend a little now beautifying yourself and making a statement about how you truly see yourself. By making a gift to yourself, you assert your worthiness to the universe, and this in turn comes back to enhance and ennoble you through the very statement you make!
Virgo
Your ruler, Mercury, enters your work zone this month after the 6th. This is significant, and re-affirms the qualities which make you who you are. This is the beginning of a new career cycle in which you assert your dreams and ambitions. Long-term plans will be a strong focus over the coming month, so start fine-tuning those strategies once again for this new phase.
Libra
Your career ambitious and work schedule require more of you than you expected. Your employers certainly want their pound of flesh. If you are committed to the profession and ideals of your work, this will strengthen you. If you
’ve sold your soul for the ‘buck’ and only work for money, this is a tough period. Start doing what you love, especially after the 4th.
Scorpio
Any gloominess or pessimism about your love life requires immediate attention, Pisces. Stop meandering through the mental scenarios of how it should of, could of, or might have been, and look at the person eye to eye and tell them how you feel. Your circular emotional arguments aren
’t going to change the reality of the relationship; communication is the key.
Sagittarius
You have an unexpected ally in your midst. Don
’t blow off a rival too hastily this month. Someone once said that you should keep your enemies even closer to you than friends – if only to know how to strategise your next move. A dispute or re-negotiation may eventually work out in you favour. Hold onto your horses.
Capricorn
Check your frequent flyer miles or other travel bonuses today. You
’ve assumed all the points have been credited, but may find something amiss. If any debt or favour is owed to you, it’s time to approach those responsible and make them to cough up. This is a pay back cycle and I’m pleased to say it works in your favour this month.
Aquarius
Financial loopholes don
’t often slip by your critical mind and eye. Today, however, remain alert to the possibility of some veiled or hidden clauses in contracts and discussions. Re-phrase your questions and don’t be afraid to ask the pertinent questions. It’s a day of disclosure and truth for you.
Pisces
A pressing problem arises on the domestic front and intensifies after the 25th. Family members, probably older women, need help and guidance through a tough period of their lives. You don
’t need to say a word – simply being there and sharing your time and love will be ample support for the person in question today. Give them a call first. |
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