Also, as far as general contractors, we got 3 bids, all within 1K of each other. 1 large company, 1 mid size, and 1 self employed/businer owner contractor. Any recommendations on which to go with? I have my preference, but any real world experience advice would be welcome.
Source: http://www.thehulltruth.com/dockside-chat/475304-hel-heloc.html
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Think you'll be the same person in 10 years that you are today? Think again. Most people realize they've changed in the past, but few expect to change in the future, a new study finds.
Instead, while acknowledging that their tastes, values and even personality have varied over the past decade, people tend to insist the person they are today is the person they will be in 10 years ? a belief belied by the evidence, said study researcher Daniel Gilbert, a psychologist at Harvard University.
"It's not that we don't realize change happens, because we all admit at every age that a lot of change has happened to us in the last 10 years," Gilbert told LiveScience. "All of us seem to have this sense that development is a process that has delivered us to this point and now we're done."
Permanent personality
In a new study published this week (Jan. 4) in the journal Science, Gilbert and his colleagues dub this mistaken belief the "end of history" illusion. No matter what age, Gilbert said, people act as if history shaped them and ended, leaving them in their final form. [7 Ways the Mind & Body Change With Age]
The illusion emerged when the researchers recruited participants online to fill out various personality, preference and value surveys as themselves 10 years prior and as themselves 10 years in the future. Over the series of studies, more than 19,000 people participated.
In each case, the researchers compared the look-ahead answers of 18-year-olds with the look-back answers of 28-year-olds, and so forth (comparing 19-year-olds with 29-year-olds, and 20-year-olds with 30-year-olds) all the way up to age 68. The older ages always reported changing in the past decade, but the younger ages did not expect to change nearly as much in the future as their elders' experiences suggested they would.
"When a 40-year-old looks backward, they say, 'I've changed a lot in terms of my personality, in terms of my values, in terms of my preferences,'" Gilbert said. "But when 30-year-olds look forward, they say, 'I don't expect to change a lot on any of those dimensions.'"
To make sure the results weren't a consequence of people overestimating their past change rather than underestimating their future change, the researchers analyzed the actual personality change of 3,808 people who filled out personality questionnaires in 1995-96 and then again in 2004-05. Sure enough, the measures of actual change in this group were nearly identical to the reports of change among the current study participants. In other words, people are good at gauging how much they've changed in the past. It's the future that gives them trouble.
The "end of history" illusion may be driven by two factors, Gilbert said. One is that people find it comforting to believe that they know themselves and that the future is predictable. Thus, people are motivated to see the present as permanent.
The other is that it's simply harder to imagine the future than to remember the past. People may struggle to imagine how they might change and mistakenly conclude that since they can't figure it out, they won't change at all, Gilbert said.
Consequences of changing
This misjudgment can have real-world consequences, Gilbert said. For one thing, people make a number of life choices, from marriages to careers, assuming that decades from now they'll like the same people and activities they do today. The researchers even demonstrated some of these consequences by asking 170 people, ranging in age from 18 to 64, how much they'd pay today to see their favorite band perform in 10 years. They also asked how much the people would be willing to pay to see their favorite band of 10 years ago perform this week. [7 Personality Traits That Are Bad For You]
People were willing to shell out $130 to see their current favorite band in a decade. But they wanted to part with only $80 to see their former favorite band play now. The gap suggests people are overestimating how similar their future preferences will be to their current ones, Gilbert said.
Psychologists actually know quite a bit about how personality and values change over a lifetime, Gilbert added. For example, people tend to become less open to new experience over time but more conscientious, he said. And the older you are, the less you're likely to change in the future ? though you'll still probably change more than you expect, this study suggests.
"If we know that our preferences are likely to be less stable than they feel, we can take great care when we make decisions. We can build in a margin for escape? ?? so, for example, if I am going to buy a ticket to see a concert in 10 years, I ought to buy a refundable ticket," Gilbert said.
But before you write a 10-year opt-out clause into your wedding vows, take heed: Gilbert's other research has found that when people feel they have the ability to change their minds, they're less happy with the choices they've made. People who make irrevocable choices tend to be happier with them than those who can flip-flop later, Gilbert said.
"The best of all possible worlds would be a world in which you're allowed to change your mind but you don't know it," he said.
Follow Stephanie Pappas on Twitter @sipappas?or LiveScience@livescience. We're also on Facebook?&?Google+.
Copyright 2013 LiveScience, a TechMediaNetwork company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Source: http://news.yahoo.com/may-not-recognize-yourself-10-years-191147723.html
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Having been in the company of several self-made millionaires over the years in my travels, I have been fortunate enough to gain some insight into how they were able to reach a point of being financial free.
Here is a collective summary of their top 7 golden nuggets of wisdom:
1. Become a lifelong learner. Invest in your education throughout your life. Focus on taking courses or buying programs that show you the ?how to? steps and processes as opposed to primarily theory or general concepts.
2. Master a financially valued skill that our North American society is willing to pay you well for. Pursue a passion that can generate consistent financial rewards for you down the road. Strive to be good at what you do. This will also build your confidence over time.
3. Early on establish the work ethic of arriving early, working harder than your colleagues, working smarter and letting decision-makers know. Many of the self-made millionaires I?ve talked to worked 50 to 60 hours per week for several years before reaching a point of being financially free.
4. Live modestly. I?ve been told that the cost of your house determines the cost of your lifestyle and thus impacts on your ability to create wealth. By living within your means and being moderate in your spending you increase your chances of reaching a point of being financially free.
5. Be extraordinary in your saving. Keep reminding yourself that when you buy a depreciating asset such as a car, TV, or camper you are becoming poorer. Get into the habit of paying yourself first rather than budget and pay others first. With your savings either invest in your on-going education, a systematized business that you are creating or in investment vehicles such as stocks and real estate.
6. Keep track of your money. Get into the habit of monitoring your cash flow. As well, on a quarterly basis calculate your net worth. In doing so, you are able to see what the fruits of your labor have produced thereby motivating you to keep up the great work.
7. Have multiple streams of income; one of which you are able to do extremely well. Learn to quickly convert your earned active income into passive income by investing in the stock market, rental real estate or systematized businesses where your presence is not necessary in order for you to make money.
Focus your attention on investing in opportunities that generate cash flow. With cash flowing into your bank account from multiple sources every month you will reach a point of being financially free as soon as your monthly expenses are covered by your passive income streams.
The most important lesson that I have taken away from all of this advice is to believe in yourself and your capabilities. Have the resolve to strive to make a difference in the lives of others and your life will be richly blessed in return.
As a parting thought, all of the self-made millionaires that I have had the privilege of chatting with have re-iterated the same words of advice: ?Find a financially valued skill that you are passionate about and then pursue that passion with enthusiasm and purpose.?
Read more posts like this in our Wealth Creation Category.
Please share this post.
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SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) ? A major Southern California newspaper is defying conventional wisdom by spending heavily to expand in print.
The Orange County Register is adding about 100 journalists and expects the paper will soon be 40 percent larger than it was under previous owners. Thicker pages with triple the number of colors will produce crisp photos and graphics.
The Register introduced or expanded sections for business, automotive and food coverage. High school sports, community news and investigative reporting are getting more attention. Even color comics are back.
Aaron Kushner leads an investment group that bought the 107-year-old Register and parent company, Freedom Communications Inc., in July. The 39-year-old, first-time newspaper owner says readers will pay for high-quality news.
A big test comes when the Register begins charging for access to its website.
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/california-newspaper-defies-trend-shrink-costs-155729605--finance.html
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This post originally appeared on the American Express OPEN Forum, where Mashable regularly contributes articles about leveraging social media and technology in small business.
For the entrepreneur, this time of year typically means a mad dash to wrap-up remaining projects, close deals, and squeeze in time for family and friends. As the days get shorter, it starts to feel like time accelerates faster than ever -- leaving you less and less time to accomplish your year-end goals.
However, amidst the holiday chaos, it is possible to stay grounded and set the foundation for a successful year to come. Here are six ways to help you recharge your business in the New Year.
1. Get your priorities in line: Time management is a year-round challenge for business owners, but schedules get even tighter during the holidays. That?s why it?s more important than ever to know your priorities. Set a stopwatch for 20 minutes and write down everything that needs to get done. Then, give yourself another 10 minutes to assess which of those tasks are the most important to yourself, your business and your family. Keep that list in mind as you start each day -- and make sure all your activities are centered around those core priorities.
2. Ditch the New Year?s resolutions: A FranklinCovey survey found that 80% of people who make New Year?s resolutions will break them. And a third never make it to the end of January. If you?re one of the many people who have left a string of resolutions behind, it?s time for a new approach.
Rather than creating your resolutions for 2013, use the end of the calendar year to reflect on your business and market. What were some of the best things that your business accomplished this year? What were some of the biggest mistakes? Don?t rush to begin planning the new year until you?ve celebrated your wins and acknowledged your mistakes.
3. Evaluate your year as a business leader: In addition to reflecting on your business, this is a good time to reflect on yourself. After all, as an entrepreneur, you don?t exactly get a yearly performance review. Being as objective as possible, write down your strongest characteristics as a leader -- and your weakest. Then, think about how each of these characteristics impacted your business, team members and partners during the year. This type of objective self-assessment can help you pinpoint areas to improve in 2013.
4. Build important connections: As a good entrepreneur, you?re looking out for interesting opportunities around every corner. And the end of the year offers a bevy of parties and events. Make some time to take advantage of these networking events and meet new people. Sometimes a simple party is the key to a great new client, collaboration or partnership that will pay dividends in the new year.
5. Show the love: During this hectic time, it?s all too easy to become inwardly focused -- where you?re thinking more about crossing things off your list than what (or who) really matters. Of course, holidays are the time for family and friends, but I?m also talking about the professional relationships that matter to you.
Think about the most important people you?ve worked with throughout the year -- whether it?s a devoted assistant or a colleague who keeps introducing you to great contacts. Then, let them know just how much you appreciate them.
6. Unplug and recharge your batteries: No matter how busy your schedule gets, every entrepreneur should take some much-needed time away from the office and digital devices. Take advantage, since this is often the one time of year when people expect you won?t be working (unless, of course, you?re involved in some kind of seasonal business). Downtime is the only real way to hit the reset button, both personally and professionally. And it will open the door to fresh perspectives and new inspiration.
How will you refresh and recharge your business this holiday? Tell us in the comments.
More Small Business Resources From OPEN Forum
- How to Use Hashtags to Promote Your Small Business
- 10 Things You Didn't Know About Yelp
- How to Master Social Media Like a Famous Comedian
Image courtesy of Flickr, leehaywood
Source: http://mashable.com/2013/01/01/recharge-your-business/
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Alabama's Department of Homeland Security has released a video that is designed to show civilians how to react in the event that they are involved in a mass shooting.
According to the AP, the video was produced after a request from Governor Robert Bentley following the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting in December.
The video, originally produced for the Houston Police Department and re-edited for Alabama audiences, shows a shooting inside an office building. It is titled "RUN HIDE FIGHT", after the order in which citizens are advised to react.
The video was uploaded to YouTube days ago and has seen a flurry of discussion over the tactics in YouTube's comments.
Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/alabama-homeland-security-run-hide-fight-2013-1
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1) Macroeconomic effects
Many economists worry that the rapid increase in taxes for essentially all Americans will dramatically decrease consumer spending and tank the economy, sending us back into recession or worse.? I?m not smart enough to know if this is actually true or not, but a bad economy tends to be bad for my income and bad for my investments.? A recession would also encourage the government to maintain interest rates at rock bottom levels, which is bad for me since my only debt is a mortgage that has already been refinanced at a ridiculously low rate.
2) No Doc Fix
This week I emailed the president, my two senators, and my representative to quit screwing around with the doc fix.? Most importantly, dramatically cutting Medicare payments by 27% will decrease access to care for many patients.? My parents already can barely find anyone in their town who takes Medicare.? That phenomenon is gradually spreading throughout the entire country.? It also makes it harder for me to find people to follow-up on patients after their ED visits.
The effect on my income is also significant. Something like 20% of my patients are on Medicare or Tricare.? 27%*20%= 5.4%.? I?m about to have my pay cut by 5.4%.? That sucks.? Many people think Congress will get this fixed in the first quarter of 2013.? I guess that?s better than not fixing it at all, but even so, it will have rather severe effects on cash flow in physician practices.
3) No Social Security Tax Break Extension
While I?m of the school of thought that it was dumb to cut funding for a program that most people like that already was in fiscal trouble, this change will have a significant effect on most physicians.? For 2013, you have to pay Social Security Tax (6.2% from you and 6.2% from your employer) on the first $113,700 of your income.? In 2012, that was 4.2% from you and 6.2% from your employer on the first $110,100.? If, like most docs, you make more than $113K, your SS Tax will go up by $2524, or a little over $200 a month.
4) Elimination Of The 10% Tax Bracket
Many doctors are worried about the rate in the top tax bracket increasing from 35% to 39.6%.? They don?t stop to think about how the loss of the lowest bracket will affect them.? Right now, the first $17,400 of taxable income (post-deductions) is taxed at 10%.? Without changes, that money will be taxed at 15%.? That?s another $870 in federal income tax for a married doc (using 2012 limits).
5) Increases In Other Tax Brackets
It isn?t just the top tax bracket whose rate will increase.? The 25% bracket will increase to 28% (increases taxes by $2160 using 2012 married cut-offs), the 28% bracket will increase to 31% ($2243 increase), and the 33% bracket will increase to 36% ($5127 increase).? A doc in the top bracket (taxable income over $388K), that?s another $9530 in taxes.
6) Increased Investment Taxes
I don?t have much of a taxable investment account right now, so this won?t affect me much.? If you have a taxable investment account, going over the fiscal cliff increases your long-term capital gains taxes from 15% to 20% and your qualified dividend taxes from 15% to your regular tax bracket, which could be as high as 39.6%. For many people, that could increase taxes by thousands per year.
7) Increased Progressivity of Tax Code
Not only will taxes go up (on everyone), but they will become more progressive, hurting a typical doctor much more than a more average earner.? It?s hard to calculate the effects of this, as everyone will be a little different.? Your personal exemption used to be phased out before the Bush tax cuts.? That means the $3800 exemption you get for each dependent starts disappearing at a certain income.? It isn?t entirely clear what income this would occur at, but in 2009 the phase-out started at $250,200 and was complete at $372,700 (married.)? That means for someone with a taxable income over $372,700 and 3 dependents, you?ll owe another $6019 in federal taxes.? But wait, there?s more.? Your deductions (you know, charitable giving, mortgage interest, property taxes, state taxes etc) also get reduced.? Before the Bush tax cuts, this phase-out meant your itemized deductions were reduced by 3% of the total of your income above a certain threshold up to 80% of your total deductions. In 2009, that threshold was $166,800.? So if your taxable income were $400K, and you had $50K in itemized deductions, you?d lose $6996 of them.? At the 39.6% marginal rate, that?ll cost you another $2770.
8) Child Tax Credit Reduction
The child tax credit is being reduced from $1000 to $500 per child.? That?s okay.? If your taxable income was over $130K you didn?t get it anyway thanks to the phase-outs.
9) Marriage Penalty Is Back!
Prior to the Bush tax cuts, it was possible for a married couple with disparate incomes to pay a lot more in tax than a couple with similar incomes, even for a similar amount of income.? They would also pay more than if they hadn?t ever gotten married at all.? The Bush tax cuts fixed this problem.? If they?re rolled back, the problem returns and will affect many of us, particularly if only one spouse is a high earner.
Putting It All Together
How bad could this potentially be?? Let?s take a high-earning physician ($400K taxable income) with a large Medicare practice (60%) and 3 dependents.? His income will be decreased by 16.2% ($64,800) and his taxes could go up by $21,713 or more.? All told, his after-tax income is reduced by $86,513, or about 22%.? Even a good saver is going to have a dramatic decrease in lifestyle with a hit like that.? Most of us will take less of a hit than this theoretical worst-case scenario, but I would guess that the majority will probably have at least a 10% decrease in after-tax income as we plunge over the fiscal cliff.
What do you think?? How will you cope with this drop in after-tax income?? Comment below!? (Keep comments civil and on-topic.)
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