Every since serving a hitch in the military, I have been nagged by the question that's been hanging around leadership since time immemorial: How can some leaders persuade people to believe in them and follow them and other leaders can't? But it wasn't the military that provided me with a framework to answer that question. It was Albert Einstein and his quest for the unified field theory of the universe.Einstein is well known for his special and...more
Business cost for everyone can get out of control very fast. Here's ten simple yet POWERFUL ways to reduce cost that can have a GREAT effect on the health of your business.1. Barter If you have a business you should be bartering goods and services with other businesses. You should try to trade for something before you buy it. Barter deals usually require little or no money.2. Network Try networking your business with other businesses. You could...more
Homeownership, in any form, is a big step for most people. In fact, it's often one of the biggest financial decisions of our lives. Despite that, sometimes a homeowner in one country will want to buy a second home in another country, whether for a vacation home or future retirement. Usually they make this decision after realizing they visit the same country every chance they get, but sometimes it's because they have relatives or friends nearby too. Anyone considering buying a second home overseas will of course want to make sure they're comfortable with the cultural and language differences they're bound to encounter. If you're used to visiting the area regularly, you will no doubt already be familiar with some of these. To be sure, you may want to rent a home in that area first, maybe even for a few years in a row, before purchasing your own home. When you're certain you want to buy, be sure to enlist the help of real estate and legal professionals in your chosen country. This is a good idea of course even in your home country! When shopping, you will want to be as thorough as you would when shopping for your main home. Inspections, neighborhood comparisons, and location...more
Due in part to the popularity of the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)'s home auction program, more potential homebuyers than ever are buying homes at auction. Homes for auction aren't limited to just HUD, however. Many government entities auction homes for payment of back taxes, and some homeowners even auction their homes on...more
Historically, real estate agents have represented the seller of a property. The seller, after all, is usually the one who pays their commission, and agents therefore have a fiduciary relationship with the seller. This in no way means that agents may operate outside the bounds of the law and ethical conduct of course. It just means that the real...more
One of the most common terms found in a new home loan is a prepayment penalty. This type of penalty says that if the borrower pays off the loan early, commonly during the first five years of the loan, then the borrower will be responsible for paying an additional amount of money, typically about six months interest on 80% of the mortgage balance. Sub-prime market loans will typically carry prepayment penalties more than standard mortgage loans.You may plan on keeping the house for the entire duration of the prepayment penalty, and be tempted not to worry about it much. But sometimes life circumstances change, so it's wise to avoid any type of prepayment penalty if you can. A typical prepayment penalty might equal five months worth of monthly loan payments, so it's worth checking on. Of course, you should always ask (before you sign) if a new loan has a prepayment penalty. In fact, ask the lending officer to point out to you in the document where a prepayment penalty is discussed. Most items in a loan are subject to negotiation. If you haven't signed loan papers yet, and you find that your loan has a prepayment penalty, you might offer to pay an additional closing point or so to see...more
That Monaco is crowded with celebrities is no piece of news. Since 1869, when the personal income tax policy became favorable, Monaco attracted very many individuals with high net income, such as movie stars, sporting stars etc. who became residents...more
There is a steady stream being written and taught about leadership these days. There are tips about leadership, courses about leadership, books, retreats, and continuing education - all focused on leadership. While all of this material is useful...more
After purchasing Anthony Robbin's Get The Edge program, I was a bit skeptical that it would provide much value. I can honestly tell you that it has dramatically changed many areas in my life. Many of my new or old goals are finally in clear focus,...more
Is accumulating wealth as easy as following a 3-step plan? Yes it is and no it isn't. As with many things in life, accomplishing a goal such as accumulating one million dollars (or even $100,000) depends on your desire, your personal choices and your...more
Starting up a new venture or business can be one of the most exciting times of your life. It can also be one of the most stressful. In the early months, or even early years of your business, cash flow is often not what you would like it to be. If...more
Passwords have a strange dual nature. The stronger and safer the password the more likely it will be undermined by human weakness.It is widely known that passwords are the most common means of access control. It is also common knowledge that...more