The weather isn’t the only thing heating up in DC this summer. Health care reform is already a hot topic, and as legislation moves through Congress, Americans across the nation have questions about how costs will be brought under control to make quality affordable health care accessible to everyone.
That’s why the White House is taking another step to connect with people outside of Washington and answer some of the most common questions you have. In the coming days, we’re going to focus on your questions about health care, with President Obama and some of his top health care advisors providing answers.
On Wednesday, the President will hold another online town hall to answer more of your questions. This online town hall will be a little different than the last one. This time around, we are engaging online networks outside of WhiteHouse.gov, such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
I’d like to take a quick break from the Dad posts to bring you a message from President Obama. In this weekly address, the President explains his plan to address one of the major causes of the current economic crisis — the breakdown of oversight leading to widespread abuses in the financial world. The new Consumer Financial Protection Agency will have the sole job of looking out for the financial interests of ordinary Americans by banning unfair practices and enforcing the rules. This is a cornerstone in America’s new economic foundation.
In part one of my Staying Organized series, I mentioned some of the ways I planned on going e-organized for the new year. It’s been fun and I’ve actually learned a lot about what it’ll take for me to better manage my time. Since the first post some things have changed, so I thought I’d update you on how it’s going.
To get a better plan with Sprint, I ended up renewing my contract and got the Blackberry (BB) Curve 8330. I was reluctant because I was so used to my Windows Mobile phone, but I quickly learned what the BB could do. Under my Google account created a calendar for myself, my wife, the kids, and church. Each have their own assigned colors and I can show/hide which I want to see at any given time. I also created a Google account for my wife, so she would have access to my calendars and the events I entered. I set up the browser on her phone to pull up the mobile Google calendar site when she opened it. That way she’d know what I had planned for the day (I always forget to tell her about stuff I need to do). I still use Google Sync to sync the Google Calendar with the BB calendar on my phone. Trust me, it works great.
I just recently listened to the audio book “Getting Things Done” by David Allen. With the tips in this book, I was able to find a way to fine tune my e-organization plan and add some efficiency to what I was doing. I changed how I used the The Remember the Milk (RTM) app I mentioned in the first post. I used the BB application they created to sync all of my tasks every hour from the website to the phone. Any task, big or small, goes in RTM and I assign date if it’s something that needs to be done soon. This works nice because it allows me to clear my head of all the “stuff” I need to do. It also gives me an organized repository where I can visually see the tasks that need to be done for the day. To make sure the list stayed current, I had to set a goal that all tasks for the day must be completed or rescheduled before I go to bed.
I’ve also started using an application called Evernote that allows me to access/capture ideas, notes and information from my PC or phone. But I’m going to save how I use this for another day because I’m trying to decide whether I’ll post it here or at Liberate Magazine.
Well, that’s all I have for now. I’d be interested in hearing your comments or questions. This may sound like a lot to keep up with, but for me it’s been working. My planner was never with me when I needed it, but I always have my phone. There is a slight learning curve in getting the system together, but the geek in me loves it.
I do have plans on going into each online app I use in more detail, but why do that now when I can have you come back for part 3?
For a while, I’ve been looking for a way to securely store documents like wills, birth certificates, photos, passports and other sensitive information online. There are a lot of companies who provide online storage services, but I was never comfortable enough to give it a try. That is until now.
Wells Fargo Bank has just released a new service called vSafe that offers secure 256-bit encrypted online storage for you to safeguard, organize, and access electronic copies of important documents from any place you have an Internet connection. I’ve been using it for almost a month and I’m impressed. It was easy to get set up and I was able to login in immediately to start uploading files.
Wells Fargo has a strong commitment to security (https://www.wellsfargo.com/wfonline/wellsfargovsafe/security), so I feel comfortable uploading sensitive information on their server. I was also impressed with the number of ways you could access your account. After logging into your bank account area, you have to have advanced access (https://www.wellsfargo.com/privacy_security/online/advancedaccess) to get to your files stored on vSafe. You can have the security code (only good for five minutes) sent via text message to your cell phone or you can purchase a RSA SecurID Device which resets your security code every couple of minutes. Both work great and you better believe I tested whether an old code would let me in.
Organizing my files was very easy. It was very similar using Windows Explorer and you could add notes to the folders explaining the contents. Some of the site’s functionality didn’t work as well as I’d liked with FireFox, but Internet Explorer worked fine. I scanned and uploaded anything I thought was important and would hate to lose in a disaster. I feel comfortable knowing my documents are safe and accessible in times of need. Just recently, they’ve added a feature that allows you to upload multiple files. I was shocked to see it wasn’t there from the beginning, but it’s a welcome addition to a developing product.
They have three price tiers:
* Base Plan: 1 GB – $4.95/ month
* Upgrade Plan: 3 GB – $9.95/ month
* Premium Plan: 6 GB – $14.95/ month
This is definitely a good service at an affordable price, but there are a couple of disadvantages. If you don’t bank at a Wells Fargo, the service isn’t available to you. I’d be interested to see if they would open it up to everyone as an additional revenue stream. Another is you have to have access to a scanner if you don’t have electronic copies of the files you want to store. This can be a tedious process, but well worth it if you have some time.
That’s my personal experience with Wells Fargo vSafe. If you are not a Wells Fargo customer, there are other places to store your files online. But I’m going to leave that to another post
I decided to write this post in response to a blog post I read at Liberate Magazine. The question was “How do you balance work with everything else going on in your life?”. You can leave your comments at liberatemagazine.com.
Finding work-life balance is something that my wife and I’ve been trying to do for a while. There are many times when I wonder if it’s even possible. When you are an entrepreneur with a full-time job, finding that balance becomes a lot more difficult. As soon as we get home, the kids need to eat, get ready for bed and we need to get ready for the next day. To be successful at even finding something close to balance takes a team effort to get it done.
I’ve found that the night time is my best friend because that’s the time when I begin working that “second job”. This can be hard if you’re not a night person and means there are times when sacrifices have to be made. This is why finding something you love to do is very important. When you’re doing something you love, it really doesn’t seem like work at all. You’ll still experience the stresses that go with running a business, but the motivation to success will definitely keep you pushing forward.
Instead of a balance, I tend to see managing work/life as a seesaw. At any point and time either side will get more attention than the other. The support group around me is important and I try to bring keep them informed on what I’m doing and I try to be aware of how I manage my time. I’m always looking for better ways to get things done and I try to keep my life as close to what I feel is balanced as possible. When the scale is tipping too far in one direction, you’ll know. That’s a lesson I’ve had to learn the hard way.
If you live in the DFW area or know someone who is currently looking for a job near the area, feel free to pass this along. This economy is rough and jobs are scarce, but it will turn around. The fair is also open to businesses wanting to look for talented individuals to work at their company. This is the first time the Richardson Chamber of Commerce is conducting a job fair. To register, please click here and fax the form to (972) 792-2825. For details, contact Manuel Tellez at (972) 792-2814.
For the first time ever, the Richardson Chamber of Commerce is conducting a Job Fair! Here are the details:
What: Richardson Job Fair
Sponsor: Richardson Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Richland College and Texas Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas
Date/Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Wednesday, June 10
Location: Richardson Civic Center, 411 W. Arapaho
Employers: Approximately 60+ major area employers
Cost for Booth: $100, payable to Richardson Chamber of Commerce
I heard about Tracy’s book via LinkedIn and thought I’d share it with the readers of this website. This post is all about showing love to our black authors, especially when they have a post worth talking about. Check out her website at traceymichaellewis.blogspot.com for more information on the author and the book.
Philadelphia, PA – May 19, 2009 – On June 9, 2009, one of the summer’s most highly anticipated novels will finally hit the shelves. Interruption: The Gospel According to Crystal Justine by Tracey Michae’l Lewis (Spring 1995 – Iota Mu Chapter) is the long awaited sequel to 2004’s The Gospel According to Sasha Renee. It is the second book in the “Gospel” trilogy. Each book examines the deeply rooted issues that have plagued three generations of women in one family. Pre-orders for the book are now being taken at the author’s website: http://traceymichaellewis.blogspot.com
The story is a fascinating journey through the life of Crystal Justine (CJ), a young woman who has, for most of her life, been compared to her mother, Sasha Renee, in both the best and the worst ways. Even as she struggles to escape the image and legacy of this enigma of a woman, she finds herself unconsciously acting out her mother’s (and grandmother) past mistakes. Her relationships with men, although few and far between, has been tainted by “the thing she cannot say” and her faith has been weakened by the emotional and spiritual blows her life has taken. This dynamic story of deliverance keeps readers, page by page, on the edge of their proverbial seats, wondering if CJ will simply succumb to the darkness that has chased her soul for as long as she could remember or if she will be the one to finally put an end to the generational curse that has tried to consume her family. Will she find true love, joy, and peace for the first time?
Lewis is a successful freelance writer, author, and entrepreneur based out of Philadelphia, PA. She is also prominent speaker whose wit and transparency has blessed audiences across the country. The following quotes are just a couple indicators of the excitement building around Lewis in the publishing industry and beyond.
“It is always good to see flowers spring up from the density of the forest. Tracey Michae’l Lewis is the newest flower on the forest floor. It will be wonderful to watch her grow.” – Nikki Giovanni, Legendary poet and professor at Virginia Tech University
“Tracey Michae’l Lewis has been given the gift to create a living, breathing reality that does not simply cause you to identify with her words. No, [she]…leads you to the highest Truth there is. And it is that ability, to weave together so many different pieces, from intellectual stimulation to spiritual enlightenment that propels Tracey past simply being good…If she continues on her path, she will be known as great. Indeed, even now, she is nearly there.” – John Gray, Inspirational Speaker and Filmmaker
For more information about Interruption: The Gospel According to Crystal Justine or to invite Lewis to your church, group, or chapter meeting, please contact NewSEASON Books at (215) 301-3202 or via email at newseasonbooks@gmail.com
I found out about Dallas South Blog via Google while searching for more information about Tavis Smiley’s visit to the Dallas area. I started reading the articles and was hooked on the very well-written, informative posts about the southern sector of Dallas. Due the fact that South Dallas had a large African-American population, the blog became my source of information for what was going on in the community.
Over the last couple of years, Dallas South Blog has grown into a popular online destination for those looking for stimulating political/social dialoug on a local and national level. This growth is largely due to the efforts of blogger Shawn Williams. But with growth, comes new oppotunities to take what you do to a higher level. This is where Dallas South News comes into play.
The Dallas South News will be a nonprofit organization utilizing technology, journalistic principles, and social media to empower and inform diverse communities. It will provide news coverage in the areas of local politics, education, health, housing, as well as commentary on state and national politics. As with all nonrpofit organizations, help is needed to keep it running and there are three things you can do to get involved.
In a time when jobs are scarce and people are nervous about losing the job they have, networking is becoming all the more important. There was a time when you had to join professional societies (which I still recommend) to get your network on. But now, connections with people all over the world can easily be made from the comfort of your cozy couch.
If you don’t know what LinkedIn is all about I’d recommend starting here first. From there, check out a post shared by Mario Sundar called Ten Ways to Use LinkedIn by Guy Kawasaki. That should get you stared and hopefully will convince you to open up an account. The world of social networking is growing on a daily basis and it’s becoming an easy and affordable way to get attention for a service or product you offer. I started using LinkedIn to keep up with friends and advertise my business. I made some good contacts and my network has grown over the years to include business relationships with people all over the world.
After getting schooled on the world of LinkedIn, here’s the article you came here to see.
In a time when bailouts are going to banks, yet credit is still hard to come by, it’s good to know there’s a place that can show you the money. There’s a website called credit-land.com where you can find some really good deals on cash back cards, introductory rates and balance transfers. I did a post a while back regarding the fact that I paid off all my credit cards and it was a big deal for me. But sadly it was short lived. Over a six month period my car needed some major maintenance, new tires (on both cars) and my wife’s car was due for one of those 100,000+ mile services. In each case the fastest way to get it done was to put it on the card.
This of course drove the balance back up and we were forced to pay 19% a month in interest for something we hadn’t planned for in the budget. I’d been in this situation many times and had gotten some really good low interest, no fee balance transfers from Citibank. But in this crappy economy, no deals at the time were being offered. I tried to get Wells Fargo to lower my rate, but they said “No Deal”. I called some other banks and all turned my offer down. Now I have a good FICO score, so it couldn’t have been that. But after a couple of weeks I found a balance transfer deal that I could live with. It wasn’t like the deals of the past and it took some time and patience to get it.
It sucks to have to rob Peter to pay Paul, but sometimes the situation calls for it. Check out this site when you get a chance because there’s a lot of good information on it. They can help you find any type of credit card you’re looking for, so you don’t have to go through the runaround and waste time like I did. While there, you can get the latest credit cards news, tips on how to improve your credit score and answers to other financial questions like the best way to manage your credit debt. It’s all about being informed because that’s what’s going to help you make better decisions. I wish I had known about this site earlier myself.
Finally, I’d like to say, this is not financial advice. This is just something that worked for me and my family in our current situation. I just couldn’t see paying 19% when I could consolidate to 0% for a year. Be wise about your finances because money doesn’t grow on trees (I sound like my dad) and it takes more time and effort to get out of a bad financial situation than it does to get into one.
