How to tell if you are really rich

If you ever had to ask yourself this, then you are probably not but instead a middle-classer who is still caught in the endless 24/7 drudgery of having to work for a living. Especially during these difficult times, hard work alone just doesn't pay any more than it should since its already at a low. Just try to think back to the time of your last salary increment. Were you really that happy or dissatisfied with the measly handout? Or even worse? The company overlooked you in the name of future expansion and prudent planning, insisting that you place in more effort and worked longer so that it may be in position to pay you what you already are being paid now.

I should know. I was in such an organization for years. Whenever it neared bonus time, one boss in particular would harp on the quality of work produced and instead of being focussed on the issue at hand - would often drift in and out of ideas that would often not solve the issue raised as critical. The end? A host of other petty issues arose - all of which made "good" sense to defer bonus to another year. Not to mention the bad business ethics of duping the suppliers into parting with sponsorship money for business expansion and the like with artificial billings that ended a 50/50 cost sharing agreement with the supplier paying 100%... I left to pursue "better" prospects.

Well the reality check is that none of us can really be considered rich as there is not cutoff point; perhaps a range but never a totalitarian figure money-wise that sets us apart. It really depends on your geographical location where you live. For example, I have met British travelers who holidayed in Malaysia and spent money like it was nothing - truth was some were in the shoe-shine business, so to speak.

What does it all mean? Maybe you are as rich as you think you are. I believe that you are rich (in the money-sense) if you do not need to earn an income and financially independent.

It's the Holiday Season - why not buy Her what She wants

Its true. We men are absolutely clueless when it comes to buying gifts for our woman. Perhaps maybe not if we are counted those metro age men who are "sensitive". The path to gift enlightenment is not all that rocky if we all just follow a few basic principles.

Be a Good Listener (The Sensitive Approach)

Most women in order to avoid receiving gifts that they would rather not are prone to drop hints; sometimes as early as a few months ahead. Be the smart and suave guy you are and pay attention. Listen to that inner voice within you that has materialized into the woman beside you. Listen, observe, and don't be afraid to drop hints about items you'd like to receive — gift-giving street is a two-way, after all.

Save time, Ask Her (The Direct Approach)

Find out what she really wants. Ask her directly.

Surprise Her, Ask her Pal (A Wildcard Approach)

All women have a confidante who knows their deepest and darkest desires. Ask her mother, sister, brother or best friend if she's said anything about what she wants for the holidays. You'll get bonus points for doing extra research and planning ahead. Plus, if she doesn't like it, you have someone else to share the blame with! Also look for online helpers.

Manage Expectations

Let's face it: the economic outlook in our country ain't pretty. And since doesn't look like we're all going to get personal bailouts from the government (darn!), open the lines of communication pronto. Believe it or not, the best present ideas usually come when you're forced to think harder and spend less.

Make a List, Check It Twice

Remember when you were a kid and you kept a list of things you wanted? Post a list on your fridge with two columns where you can each write down items you'd like whenever you think of them. The thing you pick from the list will still be a surprise, but you there's no chance it will be something she doesn't want.

Don't Go Crazy

You can't pick out a winner every time and women understand that. So any gesture that shows thought and effort beyond walking into a store, pointing at the first thing you see and having the salesperson wrap it up is our idea of a great gift. If she doesn't realize that, maybe you're not the clueless one after all.

Win Lottery Multi-Millions

"If you're lucky enough to win, then make sure you win when prizes are big"

Can you afford to top-up your petrol?

If you're waiting for petrol prices to get back to "normal," you'll be waiting a long time, experts say. The recent drop in crude prices hasn't even made its way completely to the petrol station yet. All you can change is how much you spend. How?

For starters, it's time to dump the petrol guzzling higher capacity monster that you've been driving and opt for the most fuel-efficient car you can tolerate. You'll most probably save enough to justify that new set of wheels.

Meanwhile, follow these tips to boost your MPG (good mileage = maximum distance minimum fuel):
1. Use air conditioning. It's counterintuitive, but the drag created by open windows (at highway speeds) costs you more fuel than you'll save by turning off the AC.
2. Leave a big buffer between you and the car ahead. Rather than braking every time he slows, you can just ease off the pedal.
3. You already know this, but since you aren't following the advice, stay below the speed limit and avoid sudden spurts.
4. Inflate your tires properly.
5. Lighten your load. Don't store unnecessary weight in the car just because the stuff that creates it is convenient.

Do You Need Life Insurance?

This is a common financial issue that has a fairly black-and-white solution. If you have a family that relies on your income, you need insurance.

If not, you don't, no matter what the salesman says. The more complicated question is how much insurance do you need? First, add up the assets you'll leave behind. Maxing out your financial investments builds savings that could help take care of your family. Second, estimate the obligations you want to cover--the mortgage and child care, for instance. Subtract those obligations from the value of your savings to figure out how much insurance you need.

Most people are better off with a term policy, rather than whole life, which includes a (pricey) investment component. A healthy 40-year-old man can buy a $500,000, 20-year term policy for about $400 a year. Term is a beautiful thing, because most people don't need insurance once they hit 60 as most have paid off debts, college is saved for or paid for, and retirement savings should cover survivor income.

How Do I Get My Wife to Spend Less?

Channel your inner Oprah. "You do not want to turn every issue into a formal financial summit, but this is a biggie," says Motley Fool consumer finance expert Dayana Yochim. "Start off with a touchy-feely, Oprah-style conversation about your goals. I advise couples to go on a mental shopping spree and create a wish list, with each person writing down the future events that he or she is most excited about, whether it's vacations, home improvements, paying for college, or getting chin implants." Why? "People need a carrot tied to the end of the stick," says Yochim. "If you don't know what your goals are, there's nothing to work toward." The conversation begins after you exchange lists. "If you do it right, you'll both be excited about brainstorming ways to achieve your financial goals, but the real magic of this exercise is that it makes you partners, not adversaries, in—cue the music—making your dreams a reality."

All Your Financial Worries, Solved -- slaying your financial demons

If you are the kind of guy who stresses out about money, then this economy amounts to a big financial migraine. Money is the number one source of stress for men, outstripping health, relationships, and terrorism, according to a Harris poll conducted earlier this year for the American Psychological Association. No surprise, given that your portfolio is shrinking every month, inflation is vacuuming the dollars out of your wallet, and the ugliest housing market in a generation is eroding your home equity. No wonder the needle on your tension meter is pointing to full count, two outs, in the bottom of the ninth. But stress prevents you from playing your A-game. After all, when you feel stressed, you can't hit that 3-2 pitch, you can't seduce a woman, and you'll have trouble solving the problems that are causing your anxiety in the first place. Most financial worries actually have straightforward solutions. Not to say they are easy to fix—they aren't. But once you see the path clearly, once you realize there is a solution, the tension melts away. And that frees you up to attack the problem with all you've got.

Don't let a tired excuse of winning a contest influence you

Have you ever received mail from let's say Readers Digest along the lines of, "Confirmation of Money on Reserve", "72 Hours Notice Delivery", "Urgent Action Required - Important financial documents enclosed", or even the classic "with $250,000 at stake please make the right decision".

This "right" decision my friends will earn you less the cost of so joining and participating in such a contest which most of the times require you to spend and buy some obsolete or hopelessly to gather dust in a far out of reach place and easily forgotten spot once you receive it.

Tell me, just how gullible are you? I'll admit that I spend thousands in my foolish youth entering such contests (i.e. Readers' Digest) but never once getting a prize. Not that I do not enjoy reading this magazine but sometimes recycling a read every now and then. Funny thing is, I still find it a good 2nd or more read over time. Anyway I always managed to convince my smart side to go along with the flow and buy these items of waste as I could never believe why I should not win instead of those "smart" looking people that they always publish as winners.

Enough said...don't let a tired excuse of winning a contest influence you...period

Beijing Landmark Hotel

Was a great beginning to my holiday in China. the service was quite good. The location is right around the corner to Hard Rock Cafe.

Overlooking Liangma River and surrounded by trees, Beijing Landmark Hotel is approximately five miles from the city center and 13 miles from Capital International Central Airport. There are 10 restaurants and two bars on site, as well as an indoor pool, sauna, massage rooms, and fitness center. The hotel also offers 24-hour check-in/out, concierge service, 24-hour room service, valet laundry and dry cleaning, ironing service, evening turndown, and babysitting.

Break Free ...

Don't let the past hold you back! Change is in the air. You will feel very restless if your life if you do.

Letting go can be liberating

Be mentally connected to our ideas and our will. Be expressive not necessarily by force but by the close proximity with others. Always fight for what we believe.

Sex

A popular and common remedy for virginity

Take 4 Steps to Boost Your Business!

Step1
Learn from Business Leaders
Step2
Check Out New Opportunities
Step3
Find New Product Ideas
Step4
Ask the Experts

Be ready to mix with others

Be in a bouncy, social mood. Don't stay alone locked and doing chores or projects. Get out and be amongst people. Try to get together with some friends for lunch. Or invite that someone you've had your eye on for a coffee. Do something that shows people your human side. You tend to work a little too hard, and now you need to let yourself enjoy life more with people.

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