Chronic Disease and How We Can End It

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chronic disease

Chronic disease is something that is getting worse by the day. Let’s take a look at how we can end or at least start reducing the toll it has on society.

Chronic Disease and Food

Most of us think about our bodies a bit like cars:

They’re either working — in which case we take them for granted, or they’re broken — in which case we take them to the repair shop and spend whatever it costs to get them working again.

But what if we didn’t wait to feed our bodies the right kind of fuel?

Almost everyone I know is trying to eat well, or to eat better (at least most of the time). Yet as a society, we keep getting sicker and sicker, with rates of chronic illness that are off the charts.

Why?

A big reason for this global health crisis has to do with the four most dangerous food lies that many people still believe.

Good news, though — more than 10,000 scientific studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals make it clear: Food is the foundation of health.

You can slash your risk of cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other chronic diseases just by eating certain foods (and avoiding others).

>> This week, watch the free Food For Health Masterclass with John Robbins.

John is widely considered one of the leaders of the modern health food movement.

His books have sold millions of copies.

In this must-see Masterclass, you’ll discover the four most dangerous food lies that many people still believe.

You’ll also find out about ten mighty plant-powered breakthroughs that could save millions of lives.

>> Find out how to take advantage of these thrilling health breakthroughs in the Food For Health Masterclass.

P.S. Ever heard of Baskin-Robbins?

John walked away from his family’s multi-million-dollar ice cream empire because he discovered the truth about food.

In this Masterclass, he’ll share his incredible story and give you top tips distilled from decades of scientifically backed research.

Click here to watch the Masterclass this week while it’s available.

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The Benefits of Stretching

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The Benefits of Stretching

Benefits of Stretching

The body is flexible. It is supposed to be flexible. You must be able to bend and reach that something you dropped on the floor. You must be able to zip the back of your favorite dress on your own. You must be able to reach that book you need to read at the top shelf.

These are simple activities. Nothing grand about them, you merely stretched out a bit. However, if there are difficulties in doing such simple motions, then you have to stretch your limits. You already need a stretching program.

What Is Stretching?

Stretching is simply the act of extending to full length the body or simply a part of it. This activity involves straightening or stretching the structure or the limbs.

How Does One Do the Stretching?

Stretching is fairly easy. As mentioned in the introduction, it is involved in the normal activities. It can be done by any people, regardless of age.

However the extent of stretching and flexing differs. The muscles tighten as a person ages. The range of joint movements can be minimized. This can very well obstruct an on-the-go lifestyle. That is why as the person grows older, bending or flexing becomes more limited. This is why stretching regularly, as part of a routine is very important.

Simple stretches can be done everyday. It can be incorporated in the lifestyle and the daily activities. It does not require much of your time.

Stretching exercises can also be done while training. Actually, stretching is an essential part of any training or sport. It must be done first before anything else. Stretching the body and the limbs is a good preparation for a more rigorous activity.

Most athletes would do the sit and reach, wherein they position on the floor, extend their legs and reach the tip of their foot with the tip of their hand. Actually, most trainers actually require their athletes to really do the stretching before playing.

There is actually an ideal length of time in stretching. It is best to do it in 10 minutes. This will give the body enough opportunity to move and flex the muscles, thus preparing it for more complicated and strenuous movements.

Experts however would frown upon going way beyond 10 minutes. Stretching the exercise to 30 minutes or more will already wear out the body. This will not be favorable if one is preparing for a game.

What Are the Benefits of Stretching?

  1. Increase the Range of Movement
    As one constantly do the stretching exercises, the length of the muscles and the tendons are also increased. This will help in increasing the range of your movement. Thus, the limbs and joints will be able to move, way before an injury can take place. You are definitely physically fit.
  2. Increased Ability to Perform Skills
    When you have a wide range of movement, the more you will be able to do more things. For example, you can jump high without feeling any pain when you land back on the floor. This will also help you start a new sport or improve more if you are in one. Stretching in this aspect also allows you to have a more active lifestyle.
  3. Injury Prevention
    One can prevent injury to joints, tendons and muscles with stretching. When the muscles and tendons are well-flexed, they are considered in good working order. This will help in a faster recovery and decreased soreness. The muscles of the body will be able to take more exhausting and rigorous movements with less probability of being injured.
  4. Reduce Muscle Tension
    If the muscles are given their regular exercises and stretching, it is less likely that they will contract. This will definitely relieve you of any muscle pain or problems.
  5. Enhance Energy
    Being able to move more will also give you more energy. Stretching will also help enhance your awareness, like knowing that you have a body that is capable of doing many things. As such, you are going to be more driven to move rather than sulk in the corner.
  6. Reduces Cholesterol
    Research also shows that doing prolonged stretching exercises, like yoga, will help reduce the cholesterol in the body. This of course must be done with a healthy diet at hand. This could prevent and even reverse the hardening of the arteries, allowing you to avoid coronary diseases.

Incorporate stretching in your everyday lifestyle. The benefits of stretching you cannot deny. It also does not require much. It can be your usual activities, bending and flexing every now and then. After all, your fitness is everything so do what it takes to keep the body healthy.

Stretching, exercise, diet and natural nutritional supplements will help you achieve maximum health.

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Benefits of Resistance Training

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Benefits of Resistance Training

Do you want to have a stronger and more beautiful body? Then the best thing to do is get on your feet and start doing the resistance training.

What Is Resistance Training?

Resistance training involves activities that use weights, machines and even body weight to work out the muscles properly. It is also known as strength training or weight training. This can be very helpful in achieving a healthier body.

This kind of training is usually associated with athletes who have to build up their bodies. Most people would think that when resistance training is done, the body will grow bigger. Actually it will not. Resistance training is simply about increasing the strength of the body, not its size.

Actually, this can be practiced by anyone. It basically builds and tones the muscle to give the body a better look. This training program is even very much advisable to the elders. The usual training programs undergone by the elders are standing free-weights resistance or the moderate-intensity seated machine training.

How Does Resistance Training Work?

A resistance training program will include the use of various exercise equipment and machines like the bench press, dumbbell or barbell. When the equipment is used, the muscles of the body will be pitted against the weight. The cells of the body will then adapt to the extra weight. This will then result to hypertrophy or the enlarging and increasing of the nerve cells to help in the muscle contraction.

Before doing any resistance training, it will be best to consult first with the doctor. This goes especially for people who have medical conditions or are overweight. This kind of training is not something that you can explore on your own. You have to know the proper equipment for the needs of your body. The body must also be conditioned first before taking in the weights.

Resistance training can also be done without resorting to the equipment. Doing push-ups is one good example. You can do it just about anywhere where there is enough space for you to move. This time it is your own body weight that will be pitted against the muscles. So those who are a bit constrained in the budget can still do resistance trainings.

What Are the Benefits of Resistance Training?

  1. Increase Bone Mineral Density
    Bones are constantly remodeling, meaning the tissues break down at the same time they build up. The peak of remodeling takes place during puberty. However, as a person ages, there may be problems with the bone mineral density as the remodeling may not be as active anymore. This is especially a problem to post-menopausal women.

Bone mineral density is usually supported by the hormones. To address the problem of not having the hormones to maintain the bone mineral density, physical activity is the next best option. Resistance training is one physical activity that can address this.

  1. Increase Strength
    Strong bones and strong muscles will be developed as you undergo the resistance training program.
  2. Increase the Range of Activities
    When your body is strong enough to carry some considerable weight, then definitely you will also be capable of doing more strenuous activities. You are less likely to be lazy and you can live a more active lifestyle.
  3. Reduce the Body Fat
    Pitting the weights on your muscle will definitely give it the body the exercise it needs and get rid of the undesirable fats. Thus expect the tone of the body to improve. Even more, expect the body to look better, to be leaner.
  4. Improve State of the Elders
    For the elderly, undergoing a resistance training program will help improve their health and decrease the risks brought about by the age. They can be more independent, without needing to rely on other people for doing simple things. Being able to do so will also decrease the risk of injuries in the elders
  5. Improve Heart Condition
    Regularly doing resistance training can result to a lowered heart rate and lowered blood pressure, especially after exercise. The risk of heart diseases is reduced to a considerable extent.

This kind of training however must be properly done. It requires commitment and consistency. It will have to be done in a regular basis, following a schedule that the doctor or the physical trainer would recommend. If done incorrectly, the benefits of the program may not be enjoyed and it can even result the injury.

The key here is to simply take your time. Do things one step at a time correctly. As your body condition improves, then move on to more challenging tasks. The strength of the body and its overall look are at stake in the resistance training. So you better be sure to do it properly.

Expedite your results with some natural nutritional supplements.

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How to Read Food Labels

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How to Read Food Labels

You cannot measure every morsel that passes your lips, but it is a good idea to measure most foods and beverages until you get a feel for portion sizes.

It is a supersized world out there, and most people are surprised to find that their idea of a single serving is actually two or three.

If you are into bells and whistles, there are food scales that are preprogrammed with nutritional information, as well as scales that will keep a running total of your daily food and nutrient intake for you. The only tools you really need, however, are a simple and inexpensive gram scale, dry and liquid measuring cups, and idea on reading food labels.

Among all of the mentioned tools, reading food labels seem to be the most effective way of determining the right kind of food to be bought in the supermarket. It lets you make sensible food selections. Through the “Nutrition Facts” section in a particular item in the grocery, you can identify the amount of serving sizes provided in that product.

With food labels, you can clearly understand the amount and kinds of nutrients that are provided in the item. Usually, it contains the information on saturated fat, sodium, total fat, fiber, and cholesterol amount “per serving.”

However, understanding and reading these food labels can be very perplexing. A typical consumer would definitely ask what those numbers mean and how it will affect her diet intake if ever she will religiously follow the serving guide as stipulated on the food label.

To further have a clear and more comprehensive understanding of the items stated in the food label, here is a list of things that you need to know:

  1. Serving size

This is the primary item you will see in a food label.

The amount of servings stated in the food label refers to the quantity of food people usually consume. However, this does not necessarily mean that it reflects your very own amount of food intake.

Moreover, serving size determines the amount of nutrients that enters the body. This means that if you will follow strictly what the serving size is, you will obtain the same amount of nutrients according to the serving size that was given in the label.

For instance, if the serving size says one serving size is equal to 54 grams, that would mean you have to measure 54 grams and eat that and you have just eaten one serving. So to speak, the amount of nutrients stated in the food label is the same amount that has entered your body considering the fact that you have just eaten 54 grams.

However, if you have eaten everything, and the food label says that each pack is equivalent to 4 servings, you have to calculate the amount of nutrients that have entered your body. This means that if the food label says 250 calories per serving that means you have to multiply it to four to get the total amount of calories you have taken.

  1. Nutrients

This refers to the list of available nutrients in a particular item. It is also where the nutritional claims of the product based on the recommended daily dietary allowance are stated. Usually, the nutritional amounts are based on both the 2,500-calorie diets and the 2,000 recommended dietary allowances.

In order to understand the numeric value of each item, you should know that the “% daily value” that the food label indicates is actually based on how a particular food corresponds to the recommended daily dietary allowance for a 2,000 calorie.

If in the event that you have purchased an item that has a dietary allowance different from the 2,000-calorie diet, you just have to divide the stipulated amount by 2,000 and you will be able to identify the “%daily value” for the nutrients.

  1. Ingredients

This refers to the list of the ingredients that were used to manufacture the product. The listing is usually arranged from the main ingredients that have the greater amount by weight up to the smallest quantity. This simply means that the actual quantity of the food includes the biggest quantity of the main ingredient or the first item and the minimum amount of the very last ingredient.

  1. Label claim

This refers to the kinds of nutritional claims of a particular food item. For instance, if an item says it is sodium-free, it has less than 5 milligrams per serving or a low fat item actually contains 3 grams of fat or less.

Indeed, reading food labels can be very tedious and confusing. Nevertheless, once you get the hang of it, it would be easier for you to watch your diet because you can already control the amount of food that you take.

Reading food labels can be a key factor in your journey to staying healthy and fit. If you need a some help and a natural head start, see if this is for you.

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Diet Secrets of the Stars

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Diet Secrets of the Stars

7 Diet Secrets of the Stars

Celebrities always look fabulous. Whether appearing in television or films or strutting down the red carpet during movie premiers and awards, they never cease to fascinate us with their larger than life presence. The truth is, it takes a lot of effort to look the way they do, and being the public figures that they are, they cannot afford to slack off when it comes to taking care of their physical appearances. Their livelihood largely depends on how they look. Aside from the clothes, the hair and the makeup, celebrities have to take good care of their bodies.

So it is no surprise that these stars have their own secrets when it comes to staying fit and gorgeous. Their health agenda can range from extreme workouts to well-planned meals. Who doesn’t want to know their secrets in staying absolutely sexy? Here are some of the diet secrets of seven women stars.

Jennifer Aniston


The star of the phenomenal television show Friends not only mesmerized audiences with her adorable comic sense and her famous hairstyle, she was also known for having one of the sexiest bodies in Hollywood, as she appeared in countless magazine covers. To stay trim, Jennifer follows the 40:30:30 diet method. The diet consists of:

40% Low glycemic carbohydrates
-Foods such as beans, fruits and vegetables, legumes

30% lean proteins
-Tofu, fish, chicken, turkey, beef and low fat dairy products

30% essential fats
-nuts and seeds, fish and olive oils

It is essential that every meal should contain macronutrients to attain the balance of hormones and maximum weight loss.

Kate Hudson


The gorgeous daughter of actress Goldie Hawn gained 60 pounds during her pregnancy, which she needed to shed quickly before commencing on her next film. From her previous eating plan, she switched to a higher protein diet. She consumed high protein meals in smaller portions, and she combined this diet with an exercise program that includes weight training and cardiovascular workouts. After getting a lot of flak because of her post-pregnancy figure, Kate removed all that baby weight in only four months and has gained abdominal muscles that gained the envy of many in Hollywood.

Oprah Winfrey


As one of the most successful talk-show hosts in the world, there is no question that Oprah needs to maintain her physical appearance for her millions of audiences. Known as one of those celebrities who are constantly battling weight gain, she has recently toned up her figure and has never looked figure in age 50 by combining a regular exercise regime and diet plan. Oprah works out five days a week, spending 30 minutes on the threadmill and doing free weights. Her eating plan consists of legumes, fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables, chicken and dairy products that are lowfat. She limits her consumption of white sugar and flour. Oprah also credits her trim figure to her habit of not eating anything after seven in the evening.

Gwyneth Paltrow


A lot of people may find it hard to believe that the perpetually slim Academy award-winning actress actually needs to diet. Gwyneth actually follows a healthy eating plan that resembles Oprah’s, avoiding sugar and white flour. She usually follows a macrobiotic diet, eating foods like vegetables, brown rice, and lean meat. She also eliminated dairy from her diet, and does yoga everyday.

Madonna


The pop star known as the Material Girl has always flaunted a body that is to die for, and has become a true fitness paragon over the years. She keeps herself in tip-top shape by having Ashtanga Yoga, and follows a strict diet that mostly shuns junk foods. She adopted a macrobiotic eating plan that includes organic foods rich in lean protein.

Claudia Schiffer


The bodacious German supermodel eats salad and steamed vegetables for dinner and eats only fruits before the afternoon. While on locations, she prefers to eat black grapes and drinks tomato juice and herbal tea.

Christie Brinkley


Long-time supermodel maintains her all-American good looks by being a vegetarian. She does not keep junk foods of any kind inside her home to make sure that she does not eat them when cravings occur. She snacks on sweet potatoes in place of candy bars, and she adopts a liquid juice diet when she needs to slim down fast.

Celebrities are just like ordinary people. They need to maintain their figures just like anyone else, and there is more pressure on their part since they are constantly in the public eye. Ordinary folks can have celebrity-like bodies, too, and by following these diet and fitness plans, they can also look like red-carpet worthy. Hopefully, you can apply some of these diet secrets of the stars to your life.

Looking to kick start your total body transformation journey? Take a look at this exciting new natural supplement and see if it’s for you.

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Are You a Spender or a Saver? Take the Quiz to Find Out!

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Invest in Your Future Starting With Just $5!!
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Is There Really a Connection between Drinking Certain Tea and Losing Weight?

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There I was standing in the wilds of Africa with a massive, red, venomous snake looking right at me and a single thought racing through my mind –“why in the world did I risk my life for this cup of tea?”

The truth is I was looking for what I considered to be the weight loss “holy grail” – a tea that legend claimed completely erased hunger pangs.

The story so intrigued me that I decided to leave the comfort of my home in the US and venture into a remote area of Africa populated by a Kenyan tribe to find out if the tales about this ‘voodoo tea’ were true.

What I discovered changed my life, in that it has allowed me to lose 41 pounds of unwanted fat.

That’s right, not only did the tea really exist (and it’s definitely not ‘voodoo’) but it turned out to be even better than the stories let on.

You see, not only does the tea get rid of hunger pangs; it also activates your body’s natural ability to burn fat. On top of all that, it also boosts your energy without containing potentially harmful caffeine.

I’m going to tell you all about this incredible tea, including how you can get the recipe, in just a minute. But before I do that, let me explain in a little more detail how I ended up in the jungles of Africa.

The first thing you should know about me is that I have degrees in both Psychology and Naturopathy and for over 10 years, I’ve been a practicing Naturopath (ND) specializing in healing through nutrition.

Basically, what that means is, I help people lose weight and improve their health through their diet. Naturally, when I heard about this amazing tea, I was excited.

The fact that I heard the story while I was battling excess weight myself is ultimately what led me to Africa.

At that time, my pregnancy had really taken a toll on me. After multiple complications, I was put on bed rest … I spent 80% of my time stuck in bed, and I was forced to give up the active lifestyle I loved.

I became sluggish. I felt exhausted all the time. Eventually, I developed a sweet tooth, and I absolutely lost control of my weight.

I felt like a fraud. Here I was helping people all over the country lose weight and get the bodies they wanted while I was lying in bed looking worse than I have in my entire life.

Honestly, I felt disgusted with myself, and even though my husband was very supportive, telling me he didn’t care what I looked like, I knew deep down he just wasn’t attracted to me anymore.

Finally, I decided to face the music. I got on the scale one day after having my baby and saw that I was 41 pounds over my target weight.

I couldn’t believe it. I went back to bed and cried.

If you’ve ever gained extra fat, if you’ve ever felt like your body was out of control, I know how you feel. More importantly, I now have a solution that works. It’s fast, easy, and it tastes delicious. I’m going to tell you more about this tea in just a second.

This is the very same tea that helped me drop every one of those 41 hard-to-lose pounds. I feel that weight loss coupled with the success stories of so many others who have followed my program more than justify my “crazy” trip deep into the jungles of Africa.

Now, about that tea…

To put it simply, red tea has the most remarkable “fat-flushing” action I’ve discovered in 15 years of traveling the world as a Medical Maverick.

 

I’ve seen some truly mind-blowing fat-loss results, but this red tea is by far the most impressive, most incredible thing I’ve ever discovered.

In studying the tea, I’ve learned that its 5 unique ingredients are scientifically proven to trick stubborn fat cells to open and release hard-to-lose fat.

That means it’s now possible to flush away years — if not decades — of unwanted fat simply by drinking this powerful beverage.

Without getting too much into the science and boring you, the five herbal ingredients basically work in harmony to transmit signals from your brain to your fat cells to burn unwanted fat. It allows you to shrink your fat cells without any feelings of hunger.

Up until now one of the main problems with trying to lose fat (especially around your belly) has always been getting stubborn fat cells to “let go” of the “locked in fat” so the body can “flush harmful toxins and fat away.”

Due to cutting-edge research, we now know that the hormone “Noradrenaline” may hold the key to unlocking fat cells and shrinking them.

 

In a landmark study at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the NIH, researchers showed that Noradrenaline is an arousing hormone known to control cell volume. (NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Brain may flush out toxins during sleep with a pregnancy wedge pillow; Sleep clears brain of molecules associated with neurodegeneration: Study.” ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131017144636.htm (accessed July 2, 2017).

In other words, Noradrenaline is what causes the action of “the incredible shrinking fat cell.” It signals your body to start using your belly fat for energy.

Now here is the really good news:

People who drink this delicious red tea experience increased Noradrenaline production. That’s why they lose a lot of weight, particularly in the typically hard-to-lose belly area.

Let me repeat what I just said:

Results show that fat cell size and fat storing volume actually shrinks when you drink this red tea!

That is revolutionary information – and the benefits of drinking this tea don’t just stop with weight loss.

When I started drinking this incredibly delicious red tea, my entire mood changed. Instead of being exhausted, I had a ton of natural energy.

This red tea was unbelievably refreshing, and when I drank it, I was never hungry.

Drinking red tea also helped me completely eliminate my soda addiction.

 

I also noticed after a few days of drinking the red tea that I was sweating less. And my breathing was easier, in spite of the intense African heat, which often rose to a scorching 105 degrees!

Plus, even though I had to climb a massive hill to get to the village every day, I actually had more energy than ever before.

I started sleeping better, and waking up more rested and refreshed. I was even more relaxed and calm, despite having to deal with the hordes of flies that were in the area!

And that’s still not all the benefits that I noticed, my stress level dropped, and I was happier than I’d been in a very long time.

Of course, the weight loss was what really got my attention. The weight was really falling off me.

I lost almost 20 pounds that first month.

That’s when I knew … I wasn’t crazy for making that trip to Africa. In fact, it was probably the best decision of my life! I think red tea might just be one of the biggest weight loss discoveries of the past 50 to 100 years.

It is certainly working for many people who have struggled to lose weight in the past. To learn about the five ingredients that make up red tea (all are available at the local grocery store) see below. You’ll also learn more about how red tea can help you lose weight and get the body of your dreams.

Grab your 20% RED TEA discount if you act fast!

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Is Acorns Worth It? Invest with Pennies!

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What is Acorns?

It is a mobile app you can download that invests your spare change.  The app is tied to your bank account and credit cards and rounds up your daily purchases and invests the change into a portfolio of diversified ETFs.  It is ideal for young, new investors that are worried about huge fees and initial investment buy ins.  You can start with as little as $5.

It costs about $15 a year if <$5000 invested then .275% beyond that.

Setup is easy.

  1.  Download the app and create an account.
  2. Complete your profile.
  3. Link you bank accounts and credit cards.
  4. Select your portfolio type (conservative to aggressive)
  5. Let the app invest your “round ups” and any recurring investments you set.  You can also do any “one time” investments as well.

Here is screenshot of the “aggressive” portfolio:

acornsportfolios

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some sample round ups (notice you can set multipliers to your roundups, mine is X2):

acornsroundups

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance over time (16.03% return):

acornsperformance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion:

I think Acorns is a great app for beginning investors that want to start small and have a fairly set it and forget it solution.  The minimal fees are nothing considering the return and the great dividends.

Benefits:

  •  Ability to start investing with limited funds.  No huge upfront deposit needed.
  • Small fees when considering the dividends more than 5x cover the fees.
  • Invest any time, any amount without a fee.   Some companies like Vanguard, Fidelity charge you per trade.
  • Setup recurring investments so you meet your goals passively.
  • Newsletter that actually has sound advice and interviews.

Sign up and start investing now and get a free $5 in your account!Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Financial Tips Everyone Must Read

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financial tips

Everyone needs financial advice at some point. Follow these financial tips to get started in the right direction.

1.Max your 401k or other employee contribution OR at least enough to get your employer’s maximum match.  Don’t throw away free money.  This can be thousands of dollars you are leaving on the table.

a.  Know where your money is invested in your 401k (common stocks, bonds, international stocks, etc.).  Choosing the wrong investments can lose you 1000s of dollars. Also if you are not checking your ira with https://www.sofi.com/roth-ira-calculator/, you might not get as much money as you have been getting.

2.   Get inexpensive, well-diversified mutual funds such as those in Vanguard (VTSAX).  If you can’t invest a lot, start here.

This app (get $5 just for signing up) allows you to invest small amounts to grow wealth over time.  It even has a cool recurring investment feature where you can invest an X amount from your account every day/week/month.  Set it and forget it.  Fees are low as well.

See below how I used this app to invest a good amount with a good return in a few short years:

financial tips

Sign up here and start investing today —-> I Want to Invest My Spare Change Now!

3.   Save 20% of what you make.  A large income does not equal wealth. Wealth is what you save, not what you spend or buy. The next financial tip is very important.

4.  If you have credit cards, always pay in full every month.  I only have debit cards.

5.  Buy used cars in ca$h.  The certified used cars these days are solid and cost a lot less.  You save paying less for a used car AND no interest charges for a car loan.

6.  Max out tax-advantaged vehicles like Roth, SEP and 529s.

7.  Make sure you know your fees.  High fees can eat away at your investment earnings.  Avoid actively managed funds.

8.  Only choose a fiduciary as a financial advisor.

9.   Read some basic financial books:

a. “The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy.”

-develops the right mindset to achieve wealth

b.  “Total Money Makeover”

The success stories speak for themselves in this book from money maestro Dave Ramsey. Instead of promising the normal dose of quick fixes, Ramsey offers a bold, no-nonsense approach to money matters…

Use it for yourself or give it as a gift (makes a great wedding gift).

c. “The White Coat Investor”

-great for high earning professionals especially physicians

d.  “The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing”

-a slightly irreverent, straightforward guide to investing for everyone.   The book offers sound, practical advice, no matter what your age or net worth.

e. “Retire Inspired: It’s Not an Age, It’s a Financial Number”

-In Retire Inspired, Chris Hogan teaches that retirement isn’t an age; it’s a financial number an amount you need to live the life in retirement that you’ve always dreamed of. With clear investing concepts and strategies, Chris will educate and empower you to make your own investing decisions, set reasonable expectations for your spouse and family, and build a dream team of experts to get you there.

10.  Read these other sources and stay educated and gain valuable financial tips. (Money Magazine, Business Insider, Kiplingers, Money Mustache,  Bogleheads, The Penny Hoarder).  These give investing, business and saving advice.

11.  Learn what opportunity cost is and think about this in everything you purchase.  It’s defined as “the loss of potential gain from other alternatives when one alternative is chosen”.  For example, if you choose to buy a Michael Kors purse for $700, that is $700 that is gone forever.  It cannot be invested or saved.

12.  Do a monthly budget.  Set average projected expenses and try to stay in those boundaries.  Try to make saving and investing more joyful than spending.  EveryDollar is a great tool.

13.   Acquire some passive income streams.  Make your money work for you by working smarter, not harder.  The average millionaire has 5+ income streams.

14.  Try to understand taxes as much as possible. Do taxes yourself for as long as possible (or find a good CPA). People who don’t understand the tax system never become wealthy because they don’t realize that a major way to lose money is through taxes.

15.  Understand the power of compound interest. Wealth is like a snowball that starts small for a while but sooner or later will hit an inflection point leading to big gains. Knowing this early can be better than any financial tip anyone can give you!

warrentbuffetswealthgrowth

When you get depressed that your friends in the neighborhood appear “wealthy” because they are driving luxury cars and living in 5000 sq. foot houses, remember this calculator and never forget it.  For example, if you chose to save $30,000 buying a reasonable car such as a Honda as opposed to a luxury car and invested that money, with a 7% interest rate and growing over 20 years, you would have $116,090.53.   Click on image to use the calculator and play with some numbers.

compoundinterestcalculator

16.  Keep ALL of your receipts and know the deadlines of when you can return purchases.  I used to lose a lot of money being unorganized.  Some stores will only give you store credit or significantly much lower than what you paid without a receipt.

17.  Don’t donate to everyone and your mother.  I see people donating to every cause possible when they can barely afford to pay their own bills.  Donate when you can and as much as you think you can.  Nowadays, almost every major retailer tries to get a donation form you as you checkout.  I just say “no thanks”.  This could be thousands of dollars that you could save and invest.  I am not saying to not be generous, but be generous when you can afford it and give to a cause you believe in.

18.  Sign up for rewards programs and/or store debit cards with stores you visit frequently.  You can get discounts, coupons and other special perks.  My favorite is the Target RED card.  You can get the credit or debit card.  I have the debit card which saves me 5% on everything I purchase and it comes right out of my checking account.  It’s secure and you even get discounts on sale items.  Apply for yours here.

Benefits:

  1.  5% off everything in store and online.  This can add up quickly if you shop at Target a lot.
  2. Free shipping on all online orders.
  3. Custom offers for what you usually shop for.  Coupons for stuff you buy.
  4. Special promotions only for RED card holders like early Black Friday deals.
target red card

19.  Avoid late fees on your bills.  The easy solution is to setup auto-pay from your bank account.  This will save you time and money.

20.  Move.  If you live in a high cost of living area, a lot of your money is going to housing, utilities and food.  That can be $1000s of dollars that could be invested.  Be smart about where you live.

Hope you found these financial tips useful. Now, put them into action and create a great life for yourself!

Final thoughts from a video by MJ Harris:

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What is your advice for financial security?  COMMENT below.

 
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