Book Review - The Millionaire Next Door

Do you know that most millionaires don't look like millionaires?  That's right.  Most millionaires drive regular cars, live in regular homes and you would never guess they had a million bucks or more in the bank!

"Its not what you earn, its what you save."  This is the overall theme of The Millionaire Next Door by Dr Thomas Stanley and Dr. William Danko . 

There are so many people with luxury cars, designer clothes and fancy homes that are living in a fantasy. Its all on credit or loan. No real cash in the bank, just material items for everyone to see.

The Millionaire Next Door is NOT a get rich quick plan, but a disciplined practice of saving and investing wisely over a lifetime.

One section I found interesting was about the difference between children who are given large sums of money throughout life and those who earned money large sums of money on their own (regardless of their families net worth).  It is amazing how much smarter people are with money they personally make themselves as opposed to those who are given many "gifts" year after year.  For example, some wealthy families give their children $10,000 annually because the family can give it tax free.  Most children who receive this gift live a lifestyle beyond their means and the money is gone often before or as soon as its received.

The book's research finds that the only financial gift that doesn't seem to affect spending habits of children is the gift of a debt free college education. 

I did find a few of the facts and figures to be a little boring and overkill at times, but the stats did prove the authors overall theme of the book, "It's not what you earn, its what you save!"

Regardless of an up or down economy, this is a great book to learn the principles of saving and how it can greatly impact your financial future.  You might also develop a new outlook on budgeting and feel more comfortable with an attainable lifestyle!

Money Saving Tip - Insurance

I’ve mentioned before that my husband and I recently moved to AZ from GA.  Today, I finally got around to calling our insurance provider, USAA (btw…FANTASTIC company!!)  Anyway, my phone call resulted in some major insurance savings!!  Would you be happy with saving $478.71 annually?! 

Basically, we saved $386.39 on our car insurance, $64 on our valuable personal property insurance, DOUBLED our renters insurance and still saved $28.35.  For a total savings of $478.71 annually!!  Not bad for a 20 minute phone call.

It got me thinking….who else is missing the savings on their insurance policies?  Here are a few items to check on to possibly save some extra cash:

-          Are you a member of AAA or AARP?

-          Are all of your insurance policies (car, home, renters, landlord, valuable property, etc.) held by the same company?

-          Do you have auto safety features?  Including antilock brakes, automatic seatbelts or airbags? Or an alarm system or smoke detectors in your home?

-          What is your deductible?  Usually, you can assume a higher deductible and save on the annual rate.

-          Is your car older?  Make sure your coverage does not exceed the value of your car.  No point in paying a higher rate than the worth of your car!

-          Don’t be afraid to shop around for lower quotes.  You can check out http://www.insweb.com/ to compare rates.  Many companies will offer a lower rate, just to land you as a customer!

Jury Duty

Not really, but I did sign up for a Mock Jury Duty at the University of Arizona College of Law.  I have never been apart of anything like this, but the experience and Target gift card perked my interest!  A professor there is working on a study about how jurors make decisions.

Over 40 mock jurors met in the University of Arizona Law Library for the study.  Each juror was to watch a courtroom case and constantly rate who they believe should win the case - the defendant or the plaintiff.  Nothing was set in stone and your opinion could change as more information and testimonies were revealed.  After the video, the jurors would be brought together to discuss and decide a verdict for the case.

I assume the study deals with what people think while listening to a case and then what direction they ultimately vote once in the deliberation room.  Of course, I don't know that for sure, but it's a guess!

Of course, my computer and the one next to me were malfunctioning.  After several refreshed pages and a couple of computer reboots, no luck!  I was let go after 30 mins (the study was supposed to take 2 hours).  Thankfully, I didn't leave empty handed!  The nice people at the University of Arizona Law School still gave me the Target gift card.  Score!

Not bad for a Random 30 Min Day Job :)

Zip Zip ZizZazz!

One week down and one to go with ZizZazz!  So far, it's been an easy and enjoyable job.  People are so willing to try new products when they are free!!!   I have met lots of interesting folks....including an Air Force Veteran who was a POW for 87 days!!  Wow, did that guy have a story.

Honestly, I'm not an energy drink kind of gal.  The caffeine and artificial sweeteners just leave me jumpy with a strange after taste!  So, I probably will not be buying ZizZazz for myself.  Regardless, there are lots of people out there that really enjoy them, so more power to ya!!  ZizZazz is another one to try :)  Anyway, here are links to all three ZizZazz products I've been promoting in case you are interested in trying them for yourself. 



1.  Zizzazz Energy Mix - this baby is full of vitamins including: A, C, D, E, B1, B5, B6, B12.  ZizZazz contains less than 1 gram of sugar (but does include Surcalose, an FDA approved artificial sweetener), 2 carbs and 10 calories per serving.  It does contain caffeine (hence the "energy") but apparently due to the vitamins, there is far less crash than with most energy drinks.  There are four yummy flavors: Pomegranate Mango, Cherry Lime, Tangerine, and Lemon Raspberry.








2. ZizZazz Extreme Fitness - This drink mix contains all the good stuff workout buffs crave!  Loaded with creatine, arginine, and glutamine PLUS essential vitamins including B3, B5, B6, B12, C, E.  The Zizzazz workout formula was rated product of the month on http://www.gnc.com/ because it gives you lots of energy, builds lean muscle while helping with soreness and muscle recovery.











3. Kidz Zazz - a vitamin drink mix for kids with less than a gram of sugar (again contain Sucralose an FDA approved artificial sweetener). It is a great way for kids to attain their vitamins because vitamins absorb better when taken in liquid form.  Loaded with Vitamins: A, C, D, E, B5, B6, B12, Calcium, Iron, Thiamin, Niacin, Folate, Biotin, Phosphorus, Riboflavin and Copper.  Plus, it tastes like juice, so kids actually like the taste.

**ZizZazz**

Next up with Random Day Job is ZizZazz!  I'll be working the next two weeks Jan 19th - 30th at a local Sam's Club.  The job is to promote the new vitamin energy drink.  There is also a kids and workout formula.

ZizZazz is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants with less than a gram of sugar. It also contains ginseng and green tea. ZizZazz creates tons of healthy energy, helps boosts metabolism and curb appetite.

My job will mainly be handing out samples and educating the customer on the product.  This will be a great two week job and I'm excited to get started!!

The Chicken or The Egg. Which Came First?

Chegg was started by a college grad who struggled to find a job.  He couldn't get a job without experience, but he couldn't get experience without a job!!  It's just like the age old debate about the Chicken and the Egg.  Which came first?

Instead of finding a job, the college student created one for himself!!  He created http://www.chegg.com/ where students could rent instead of buy textbooks.  The name is a combo of the words chicken and egg :)

Today wrapped up the final day on the job.  Overall, it was really fun!!  The Chegg team created quite a buzz around University of Arizona's campus.  Students received sweet swag like orange sunglasses, USB memory drive (in the shape of the Chegg) and tickets to see T-Pain in Phoenix. 

Random Day Job is starting out well in 2011!!  There are more jobs in the works, so stayed tuned!  In the meantime, here are a few pictures from today...

***Interested in working as a Brand Ambassador?  Click here for more info***

Chegg it Out

Today was my first of two days working with Chegg.  What an incredible concept...rent your textbooks instead of buying them!  Most college students save almost 60%.  I wish this website was around when I was a college student!! 

Here is the skinny -

1. Order textbooks at http://www.chegg.com/ & the books are shipped to your home or local campus bookstore.
2. Unhappy with the book or drop the class, you have 21 days to return.  Only $5 return fee.
3. Happy with the book, use it all semester!  Then mail it back to Chegg afterward.

Chegg plants a tree every time you order a book.  Over 3 Million trees have been planted so far!  Plus, if you have old textbooks you no longer use, sell them to Chegg and earn some extra cash.

I will be back with Chegg again tomorrow.  This was a 5 day job, but I am only working with them for 2 days.  Regardless, here are a few pictures from today. 

                                                Chegg Chairs...a HUGE hit with the students!!

                                          My friend Katie, in front of Chegg laptops.

                                      The Chegg mascot, Shelly and me.  She is adorable!


***Interested in working as a Brand Ambassador?  Click here for more info***

Check with Chegg

Chegg is the #1 company offering college students the option to RENT instead of BUY textbooks each semester.  Textbooks can be pretty expensive with fractional return on the resale.  So, Chegg sounds like a really good option!  And, if you decide at the end of the semester you want to buy the book....you can!

Next week Monday, Jan. 10th - Saturday Jan 15th Chegg will be promoting its services on the University of Arizona's Campus in Tucson.  I'll be working Thursday and Friday as a Brand Ambassador, but the rest of crew will be around all week.  I'm excited about this random job!  Looking forward to the opportunity to promote Chegg's services.

Chegg will be in my area next week, but there is a nationwide campus tour the entire month of January!  Some additional Universities where you might find the Chegg crew include Kennesaw State, Villanova, Bowling Green, Fresno State and many more!  If you are interested in working in your area, check out Makai Events for more information!

And one more thing....Chegg plants a tree for every rental order!  Over THREE MILLION trees have been planted so far.

***Interested in working as a Brand Ambassador?  Click here for more info***

Tucson Talent Agent?

In the past, I have booked many Random Day Jobs through a Talent Agency.  Talent Agents are people who help book you on commercials, corporate videos, tradeshows, etc.  Most major (and even many small) towns have something of the sort.  Atlanta is very blessed with several reputable Talent Agencies (I've been represented by People Store for years, they are fantastic!).  So, I assumed Tucson would have at least one!

I started my Internet search today and could only come up with three, none of them with websites (my first red flag).  Regardless, I jotted down the addresses and went on my merry way to explore the possibilities. 

Turns out two of them were closed and empty with commercial "For Rent" signs out front.  The third was in a sketchy building where companies rent "offices" smaller than my college dorm room.  There was a sign that said..."If no one is here, please try again."  Of course, the door was closed with no one home.  I thought, if it's Monday at 11am and no one is in the office, I'm not sure this is the type of company I'm interested in pursuing anyway!!

Needless to say, my search for a Tucson "agent" came to a screeching halt today.  No Random Jobs will be found with those groups!!  Maybe it's the economy or maybe Tucson has a worse TV market than I was expecting.  Oh well, on to the next idea...


***Want a talent agent in your area?  Click here to find out how***
***Looking for casting websites?  Click here***