Gaming the System

I've been attempting to follow the Rich Idiot's guide since May of this year - well - it did get me started on this blog, and stumbled upon this related web-site: The Rich Idiot Game. An interesting concept to say the least. The game takes tasks - or to-do items - from the Rich Idiot book and puts them in game form. You complete the tasks and earn points for doing so, such as: write a mission statement (100 points), contact a financial planner (500 points).

Alas they started - as of October - charging $14.95/month to play the game. Boo-hoo. Why does everything cost $14.95/month on the web, anyway?

I can't really recommend joining unless you want to try it out for yourself - buyer beware. They still have a few kinks to work out. For the clever of us; maybe we can design our own games.

Lesson learned: If you make your tasks a game, it's not so bad (maybe you can reward yourself).

Bonus lesson learned: You don't have to make tremedious strides towards your goal everyday, just do one or two little things.

On Financial Planning...

Financial Planner

I - as in my wife and I - recently had a visit from a financial planner. You know, it's one of those things you should have done - married or not - about 20 years ago kinda like exercising. We sat down, discussed goals - fortunately I had been thinking about them quite a bit lately, which is why I wanted a planner. We talked about how to finance those goals, he worked some magic and 'voila!'. Funny, I don't have more money than when I started, but I feel like I do. I guess that's the main point.

There are three things I learned from the experience:

• He doesn't print money - he can only tell you how to allocate the money you have.
• He doesn't finance goals - he can only recommend the one's you can afford now.
• If you want to achieve your financial goals - you're going to have to make the wealth.

Actually in retrospect it was a good meeting, and "whack on the side of the head". I would highly recommend it.

Life lessoned learned: "You can't print money; you can only allocate what you have. If you want more - earn it" (same could apply to most any goal)

If anyone is in the Southern California area - let me know, I'll give you his name. Sadly, I don't get any kick-backs, but I did promise him referrals every chance I get.

Success Tip: Toastmasters

You've heard about them, you may know people who are members. But have you ever really considered Toastmasters?

I was invited to attend Toastmasters about 10 or 11 years ago, but I didn't take up my co-worker's invitation. I thought - quite silly now - that Toastmasters was a group of cigar smoking, older gentlemen, like you use to see on Dean Martin's variety roast shows. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Toastmasters is made up of ordinary people - like your co-workers, or friends in what one has called a "laboratory of speech giving". In fact, my particular club is hosted by the Boy scouts of Glendale called - the Prepared Speakers.

I would urge you to look for clubs in your area and examine them - each club is made up of local people based on a theme - some are dinner clubs, some are affiliated with a particularly company, some are general in nature.

It's a good place to meet people, and practice speaking skills in a friendly, and unfettered atmosphere.

Are you a member? Do you have experience? Or if you have joined one recently I'd like to hear from you?

BM-