Money & Business

2005 Worst Cars to Have

2005-12-30T20:10:00.000-05:00

Provided is an article by Forbes Online magazine showcasing the worst cars in 2005.

To view a slide show of the Worst Cars in 2005 click here.

Full article The Worst Cars 2005.

The Face Behind Facebook.com

2005-11-20T23:53:00.000-05:00

This is an incredible story. Everyone I know that is in college has heard of TheFaceBook.com. It is a very addictive social network where students can link up with other students and share information with each other.

Well today I received my Fortune magazine issue for November and an article on Mark Zuckerberg was in there. A 21 year old that has a business that is worth $100 million. That only does 1 of 2 things; 1) Motivates you to do better in life so you can eventually reach that level or 2) Envy him greatly and do nothing with yourself but sit back and hat on him.

For the full article visit Facebook Stares Down Success.

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Google Stock Now $400

2005-11-17T23:10:00.000-05:00

Google stock closed a little over $400 today. I remember watching the Jim Cramer's show Mad Money this past summer when the stock was around $300-350 and he said that their stock woould reach $400. However, there were a lot of skeptics who did not believe him and actually hiw creditbility was question since the very next few days Google stock dropped. But looks who gets the last laugh now.

If you would have listen to Cramer this summer you would have at least profit $50-100 if you bought it this summer. Though just imagine if you bought this stock a year ago at $160 and even better their IPO at around $85. You would be real excited about today.

Check out the full story: Google Stock Crosses $400 a Share Threshold

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DealCatcher.com

2005-11-15T10:24:00.000-05:00

Though, I shouldn't be helping this company promote because the did not hire me for a job. At first everything was good the lady wanted to know my schedule, so I can come in for an interview. The following day which was Monday because the lady called me on Friday she sent me an email saying the position was already full. How messed up is that.

Anyway this website I think is good for you if your the market for new computer, ipod or just anything. This website obtains coupons from all these major companies and puts it on their website so you can walk away with a nice deal.

The company name is DealCatcher.com and the are a Wilmington base company. The founders went to University of Delaware, however one of them didn't fully graduate.

Check it out! You might find something you like.

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Falling Demand = Falling Gas Prices

2005-10-23T22:01:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in my post on Tips on Saving Money and Gas under Don’t fill your car up when the price is high, that gas station owners and other people in the oil industry will lower prices if you decrease gas consumption. And, here is an article to prove it from AOL Business News.

Please, post any comments below.

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More Tips for Sizing that Stock Broker

2005-10-15T01:51:00.000-05:00

After completing the previous post about how to find a good broker for you I came across another website that I think gives a little information. From AOL's Personal Finance page I discover a 10 more tips that I believe give a little more insight on how to choose the right stock broker for you.

Please, visit AOL Personal Finance for the article.

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10 Tips for Choosing a Stock Broker

2005-10-14T22:41:00.000-05:00

For a long time everyone has been telling you should invest in this or that, but the problem you had was not investing it was how to start. Well at least that was the problem I had before I got started. And, I am pretty sure some of you had the same or similar problem. My personal experience and an email that I received from a friend about learning how to invest led me to create this post. A post that offers 10 tips on how to choose that stock broker that is perfect for you.

Discount vs. Full-Service Broker

A discount broker is a broker that offers very little any advice and only gets commission from purchases. A full-service broker offers more investment assistance, but at some fee. So if you are a person that might need help with you investments, then a full-service may be the better choice. However, if you plan on making all the decision by yourself than a discount broker may be the better choice for you.

Broker Accessibility

Can this broker be reached easily, if not will there be someone cover for him or her. On a real busy trading day it is very significant to know if you broker can be reached.

Shop Around

Meet several brokers and talk to them. It is very important for you to build a rapport with them and to feel very comfortable. This person will be handling your money and investing it, so it won’t be a good idea if you feel intimated by him or her. If that is the case find someone else.

Get Referrals

Do some research and find out which brokers other people used and why they choose them. It’s always advisable to work with someone you heard good things about.

Broker that understands your needs

Having a broker that really understands your financial goals and needs can be very beneficial. They should be able to determine which investments best suit your needs and what type of investor you are; conservative, aggressive or somewhere in-between.

Background Research

Find out the brokers background and strategy. Make sure they are properly licensed, and then find out about his or her experience, training and certifications. After that determine their technique towards investing and what criteria they use to make their decision.

A Broker With Your Interest In Mind

Some brokers may persuade you to investments that may give them higher commissions, but don’t give you any value. If the broker acts like he or she is offering a “sure thing” be very suspicious. Stocks are never a guarantee.

Defining Commission Fees

Find out what are the commission fees and how are they determine. Make sure you obtain a fee schedule that details are their fees. Keep in mind that an annual fee, rather than a transaction-based fee, can eliminate "churning," a practice whereby a broker is running up commissions by making unnecessary transactions.

Additional Charges

Discover all additional fees and charges you will be expected to pay.

“Deep Discount” Brokers

Be cautious when you hear of “Deep Discount” brokers. Only use ones that are reliable and that you heard someone else uses them. And, remember always read the fine print. Lastly, if you do end up with someone you really are not satisfied with, you can always change.

If you have any other helpful tips or advice, please post them in the comment section. Thank you.

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Common Credit Card Myths

2005-09-22T17:57:00.000-05:00

One of the problems dealing with credit cards is people don’t fully understand them. Below are some common misconceptions that can trap the unwary.

Myth: “As long as I make my credit card payment, the interest rate won’t change.”

Reality: That’s not necessarily so. More card issuers are adopting “universal default” clauses that let them jack up rates even if you stay current on your payment. Falling credit scores, missed payments to other creditors, bounced checks and spending above the card’s limit all are factors that can trigger higher rates.

“(Banks) can increase the rate if you’re messing up elsewhere,” said Mike Sullivan, director of education at Take Charge America, a Phoenix debt counseling firm.

Myth: “Card issuers need my consent to change key terms.”

Reality: Card companies can make unilateral changes with 15 days’ notice. Even finance companies offering supposedly fixed-rate cards can boost rates, impose new penalties and alter other terms.

Myth: “Interest rates on credit cards stay the same for people who pay their bills promptly.”

Reality: Rates can and often do change on variable- and fixed-rate cards. Both are driven by the prime rate, which has been rising for the past year.

“Having a fixed-rate card is not the same as having a fixed-rate mortgage,” said Greg McBride, senior financial analyst at Bankrate.com.

Myth: “It’s important to report lost cards immediately to minimize financial liability.”

Reality: It is wise to report missing cards promptly, but you won’t face unlimited losses. Credit card holders are on the hook for, at most, $50.

With debit cards, it’s different. You could lose all the money in your account, plus overdraft protection, if a loss or theft goes unreported.

Myth: “The federal government caps the amount of interest that can be charged on credit cards.”

Reality: Uncle Sam doesn’t regulate card rates.

All content is presented to you courtesy of The Desert Sun.

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Ways to keep a disagreement from being an Argument

2005-09-14T22:36:00.000-05:00

1) Welcome the disagreement - Sometimes there may be a point that you may not have thought about, so be thankful if someone brings it to your attention. You never know, that disagreement could have prevented you from making a serious mistake.

2) Distrust your first instinctive impression - In most cases our first reaction in a disagreeable situation is to be defensive. Watch out because and keep calm because it may be you at your worst and not your best.

3) Control your temper - Always remember you can measure the size of a person by what makes him or her angry.

4) Listen first - Give your opponents a chance to vent and let them finish. Do not resist, defend or debate because this will only raise barriers. Try to build a relationship with understanding and not misunderstanding.

5) Look for areas of agreement - When you have heard your opponents out, dwell first on the points and areas on which you agree.

6) Be honest - Admit any errors you made and apologize for your mistakes. This will disarm your opponents and reduce defensiveness.

7) Promise to think over your opponents' ideas and study them carefully - I know you hate to hear "We tried to tell you, but you wouldn't listen." or "I told you so." With that in mind, please think about their points before you move rapidly ahead and find yourself in that position.

8) Thank your opponents sincerely for their interest - Anyone who takes the time to disagree with you is interested in the same things you are. Think of them as people who really want to help you, and you may turn your opponents into friends.

9) Postpone action to give both sides time to think through the problem - Reshecdule a meeting with that person later on that day or the next day, when all facts may be brought to bear. When preparing for this meeting ask yourself some hard questions like:

Could my opponents be right? Is there truth or merit in their position or argument? Will my reaction drive my opponents further away or draw them closer to me? Will I win or lose? What price will I have to pay if I win?

Of course there is many more questions you can ask yourself, but at least these will get you started.

This word of wisdom has been brought to you courtesy of Dale Carnegie, Principle 1: The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it. To find more content and books from Dale Carnegie just copy and paste his name into the Amazon search box below. Thank you.

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1 Good reason for being your own Boss

2005-09-07T22:38:00.000-05:00

Enough said... Please post any comments below. Thank you.

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Tips on Saving Money and Gas

2005-09-06T15:13:00.000-05:00

Don’t use the AC

I’m pretty sure you already know that turning on the air condition eats up a lot of your vehicles gas at least by 10%. Some other solutions for driving and staying cool is rolling down the windows, open up the vents and rolling back the sunroof to allow air end. Doing this will allow all the hot air out of the vehicle. Also, when you first enter you vehicle do not blast the AC, which will in return cost you a lot of money and waste a lot of gas. However, there is one and only one situation where it may be okay to turn on the AC and not waste gas or your money. It is driving on the highway at speeds 55 mph or above. At this point having the windows down decreases your fuel economy 20% or higher, mainly because the aerodynamics and the wind increasing the drag on your vehicle.

Find the best gas prices in your area online

The Internet as you all know is a great tool for everything. If you surf the Internet you will also find the cheapest gas prices in your area. Here I’ll give you a jumpstart:
Gasbuddy.com.

Hybrid or Not?

At first it sounded like a good idea, but Hybrid vehicles may not be the best route in saving gas. First, Hybrid cost about $2,000 more than a normal vehicle. Plus, the performance is not as great and the battery on average last up to 80,000 miles, which then you have to buy a replacement that cost $5,000-8,000. There is a tax deduction for having a hybrid car, but it is only limited to a certain number of vehicles. And, that number is substantially low.

Don’t fill your car up when the price is high

Gas station owners and supplies know people will pay high prices for gas so at times the will jack the prices up. The owners monitor how much people put in their gas tanks and if the gas price does go up and people are still filling up tanks then they’ll keep jacking up the prices. As a counter only adding a few gallons to your vehicle sends a message that the you are not willing to pay for gas at these high levels.

No Idling

Do not put your car in idle. When you vehicle is in idle you fuel economy drops straight down to zero. Most modern, good working cars today don’t need to be warmed up. Even if you are just shooting into WaWa, still turn it off.

Addition saving tips
-Travel light, the more weight you have the more gas you guzzle
-Check tire air pressure weekly
-Avoid stop-and-go traffic
-Avoid driving completely or just car pool
-Drive the speed limit

If you have anymore cost savings tips, please add them in the comment section thank you. Also, this information is taken from my newsletter Our $avior, so if you would like to subscribe to it add your email and name in the comment section. Or send me an email to pedromooreltd@aim.com.

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Jay-Z worth $300 million

2005-08-24T12:14:00.000-05:00

In Fortune's August issue The Power of Diversity there was a little blurb about Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter being one of the most influential people of 2005 among the diversity list. He is located under the Artists in Residence section.

I was always a big fan of Jay-z since his beginning with Reasonable Doubt LP, but what made me a bigger fan is his business savvy. I read an article a while back about Jay-Z stating that he always wanted to be a businessman. His original plan was to release one album and just make a lot of money off of that and run his company Roc-A-Fella along with his 2 other partners. However, I never really ended up like that as we all know.

S. Carter is now someone who I look up to and admire. He encompasses everything that I want to have and more. He is definitely a rapper that people should pick as a role model. He is no longer a typical rapper that just rap about sex, drugs and money. He rap's about his accomplishments, investments and future endeavors. For example a song he release earlier this summer called Dear Summer. He spits a line "I don't give a fu*k about whips and chrome rims, I got apartments that you can put your home in." That is the first statement from a rapper that I ever heard talking about the right way to make money because most rappers or people in generate don't get the concept about money. Jay-z does. In that line he basically state automobiles I not worth anything because you lose value in them. He [Jay-z] is saying that he invested in apartment buildings which bring him value and hopefully enabled him to flip his investment.

So, for the readers checking out this post if you need so someone to model your life after, Jay-z is the man. Any information that has his name on it, you should pick it up and consume as much as possible. Some of Jay-z current business ventures are the Audemars Piguet watch deal, the Reebok sneaker deal and a partnership with Roc-A-Fella. Oh and of course he the president of Def Jam Records.

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Mamma I'm on TV

2005-06-26T22:55:00.000-05:00

Sunday, June 26, 2005 I had my first television interview, it was done by the state treasurer Jack Markell on Comcast Cable channel 28. Our relationship started about a month ago after being referred to him by a friend of mine, Garth Spencer. Mr. Markell and I set up a meeting to discuss this business proposal I needed some extra assistance. He helped me out and gave me some valuable contact people.

So, a month later he emailed me asking me how were things going and I replied well. Explaining to him the 2 businesses I was planning to form, a magazine and a new student organization at the University of Delaware. He thought my ideas were interesting, so he asked if I would like to appear on his show and of course I said yes.

In preparing for this interview I bought a nice 2 piece suit, with a white collar shirt and a power tie (a red tie with black trimming). Not, to blow my own horn, but that outfit really made a statement. After I left the show and went to church, older men that never spoke to me before kept going out there way to greet me. I think all because of the suit. So, in closing your appearance does matter. And, hopefully that was the beginning of many more TV appearances.

Below are 2 pictures of me after the show.

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6 Fundamentals of Success

2005-05-26T11:29:00.000-05:00

Here are 6 fundamentals of success that I obtained from the book written by Stuart R. Levine.

Fundamental #1 - Make sure you add value (i.e. know your industry)

Fundamental #2 - Communicate Up and Down, Inside and Out (i.e. listen actively)

Fundamental #3 - Know How to Deliver Results (i.e. learn from your mistakes)

Fundamental #4 - Conduct Yourself and Your Business with Integrity (i.e. treat others with respect)

Fundamental #5 - Invest in Relationships (i.e. what goes around comes around)

Fundamental #6 - Gain Perspective (i.e. know what you want)

For more in-depth meaning of each fundamental, use the link on the side bar to direct yourself to Amazon.com, which will enable you to purchase the book, "THE SIX FUNDAMENTALS OF SUCCESS" by Stuart R. Levine.

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A Paint Brush and a Dream

2005-05-24T23:44:00.000-05:00

Cyril Donkor is a former co-worker of mine at Wal-Mart, now he is on the verge of becoming a successful entrepreneur. His gift is creating African art, which he has been doing for a very long time. Wal-Mart was his first job after leaving Africa, but he knew in his heart that being an "employee" wasn't him. So, he started saving up his money and putting more work into his art. Eventually he was able to quick Wal-Mart and live comfortably, not great, but enough to get by.

His work was presented at various art galleries throughout the tri-state area. Right now he is trying to learn the concept of a businessman and every time I see him, I try to educate him as much as possible and refer him to some other people that could better assist him. It work is very good, everything including the tools and material is straight from Africa. His friends continuously ship him wood and additional supplies if needed.

For more viewings of his work click here. His contact info is: Cyril Donkor, 302.521.7223

Soulfood

pen holder

Make money off your roommates

2005-05-23T23:51:00.000-05:00

After graduation a lot of people are moving in with their friends and spliting the rent for the house or apartment. Here is a secret that I learn from several real estate investors. First never rent always buy, because when you rent you're just throwing away your money. Secondly find a home and purchase it under your name, then find several roommates and have them split the mortgage. This reduces your monthly payment or even elminate your montly payment all together, which leaves you with more playing money. Your roommates basically pay for your home.

Just something to keep in mind.

I wanna be a Rapper...

2005-05-23T16:57:00.000-05:00

First it was Deion Sanders, then it was Shaq then most recently Ron Artest now Brandon Lloyd of the San Francisco 49ers. I personally don't know what to say. These athletes become famous, obtain lots of money and now I guess that meets the requirement for becoming a mulitplatium artist. Don't they realize that it is highly competitive and the fans are fierce. Click here for more...

Some other pro athletes that I know of are: Kobe Bryant, Roy Jones Jr., Allen Iverson and several more. Please, if you know of any other athletes that also try to pursue a music career put them in the comment section. Thank you.

10 Ways to Ruin your Career!

2005-05-21T23:54:00.000-05:00

Here are 10 ways to ruin your career, courtesy of Forbes.com.

1) Know what's expected - If you don't know the corporate culture and you don't know whats expected of you, you're gone.
2) Money isn't everything - Don't make the impression that you are there just for a paycheck. This mindset will kill your chances of advancement.
3) Leave the gossip to the supermarket tabloids - Small chit chat is okay, but don't chatter endlessly about who's in and who's out.
4)Flubbing deadlines - Deadlines must be met, no if, ands or buts about it.
5) Cubicle etiquette counts - Don't complain about the cubicle space and no personal phone conversations that you do not want people to hear.
6) Personal e-mails are death - Don't use company email for gossip or sending messages that you do not want the world to hear.
7) Isolation leaves you vulnerable - You don't always have to hang with co-workers after hours, but don't act like your antisocial towards them. Extend the simple courtesies to your co-workers: good morning, good night, please, thanks.
8) Don't climb ego mountain - No one likes an egomaniac, and for good reason: They're boring, obnoxious, trivial people. Listen to what your co-workers tell you. Ask questions. Learn from the experienced hands.
9) Don't take credit for others' work - The office go-getter takes credit for other people's work. Such people overlook a basic point: It's dishonest. If you do this, word will eventually reach the boss, and your standing will crumble instantly.
10) Office romance invites catastrophe - We all work long hours, and sometimes work becomes our social life, leading to romantic entanglements. Don't risk, the outcome will not be good for either of you.

Yasmin Shiraz is in Ebony Magazine!!

2005-05-20T18:47:00.000-05:00

What's up everyone? The young lady I will be interning with this summer is in the June 2005 issue of Ebony magazine, page 33. The magazine talks about her new book for teen girls, The Blueprint for My Girls in Love: 99 Rules for Dating, Relationships and Intimacy.

Yasmin Shiraz is such a good business woman. She is always thinking of some new business venture and guess what she never took one business course. She was a sociology major that just loved to write and made a fantastic career out of it. Don't forget to pick up a copy of her book "Exclusive" (located on the sidebar) in addition to her others.

June '05 Issue of Ebony Magazine

What to do...What to do..with $1000?

2005-05-14T18:45:00.000-05:00

A couple of days ago I had a conversation with an attractive lady about investing. A relative of hers passed away and left her $1,000 (Not Bad). Anyway, she came to me and ask what would be the proper investment that she could tackle and get the best return.

I first had to figure out what type of person she is, meaning is she a person that very conservative or a person that doesn't mine taking a risk. The reason being is because she could have did a direct investment with one stock that she has confidence in or buy a mutual fund, the conservative approach. I also found out that she is an economist major, so she should know a little about the market.

I gave her some options, first one was to open a Roth IRA and the other was to open a ING Direct savings account. I told her she doesn't have to put the $1,000 in to those accounts, but they are essential accounts that she'll need regardless of what she does with the money. For those who don't know, the Roth IRA is a retirement fund and the ING Direct is a online savings account that has one of the highest yields in the U.S.

The conversation was going well, but I may have scared her with it because I was giving her a lot of options. And, I think she was just scared because she didn't want to loose any value in the money. She wanted to see a return in 10 years, so I suggested a mutual fund because it's an conservative approach and most likely in 10 years she'll have a good return.

As the conversation ended she decided to put it in to her Wilmington Trust savings account, which I believe has a lower interest rate than ING Direct. So, I guess we'll see what happens in a few weeks if she takes my advice or just leave it as is. Which I notice with a lot of young people. You tell them what to do with money, but they don't never do it. They act like they're interested, but the actions say something else. Like I said, we'll see what happens.

Loosing Faith in my Business Venture...well maybe not

2005-05-11T22:19:00.000-05:00

For the past several weeks I've been deciding whether or not my business venture will be a good idea. Yesterday, I felt after talking to my roommate that maybe it wasn't a great idea. Today, I rethought it I just can't imagine this venture being a failure. I just see a great need, plus when I was at that age I would had love this product. I'm not mentioning this product because I don't want to take the chance of someone stealing the idea. Should I keep pursuing the possible business idea or should I just call it quits?

Not for Profit teaching kids Money & Business

2005-04-25T17:56:00.000-05:00

Having a Non-Profit Organization for young kids ages 11-17 that teaches them about personal finance and entrepreneurship, is that a good idea or not? If so, how can I make it attractive and entertaining so kids would be interested in attending? This program will have to compete with various other programs (i.e. art, sports, fashion etc.) which are obviously more attractive than business. Please add comments and advice. Thank you.