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.

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