Money Mistakes of Newlyweds

Six Money Mistakes of Newlyweds
By Erin Burt
Kiplinger.com

Whether you're planning a walk down the aisle soon or you've already gotten hitched, watch out for these financial pitfalls that can strain even the strongest marriage.

Four words no one wants to hear soon after his or her wedding day: "We made a mistake."
I'm talking about financial choices - not your choice of spouse. Unfortunately, many newlyweds set themselves up for failure soon after they say "I do." If you bring bad money habits to the marriage or fail to come up with a plan to merge your financial lives, you could potentially doom your relationship to money trouble - and endless arguments. Not exactly "happily ever after."

However, nothing says "I love you" like the desire to start your marriage on the right financial foot (roses, schmoses).

Here are six common pitfalls that trip up new couples. Steer clear of these, and you'll decrease the money tension and increase the harmony in your new life together.

5 Ways to Think Like a Champion

I meet and learn from Champions every day. Not just in locker rooms but in classrooms, hospitals, homeless shelters, homes and office buildings. I've learned that to be a champion you must Think Like a Champion. Champions think differently than everyone else. They approach their life and work with a different mindset and belief system that separates them from the pack.

1. Champions Expect to Win - When they walk on the court, on the field, into a meeting or in a classroom they expect to win. In fact they are surprised when they don't win. They expect success and their positive beliefs often lead to positive actions and outcomes. They win in their mind first and then they win in the hearts and minds of their customers, students or fans.

2. Champions Celebrate the Small Wins - By celebrating the small wins champions gain the confidence to go after the big wins. Big wins and big success happen through the accumulation of many small victories. This doesn't mean champions become complacent. Rather, with the right kind of celebration and reinforcement, champions work harder, practice more and believe they can do greater things.

3. Champions Don't Make Excuses When They Don't Win - They don't focus on the faults of others. They focus on what they can do better. They see their mistakes and defeats as opportunities for growth. As a result they become stronger, wiser and better.

4. Champions Focus on What They Get To Do, Not What They Have To Do - They see their life and work as a gift not an obligation. They know that if they want to achieve a certain outcome they must commit to and appreciate the process. They may not love every minute of their journey but their attitude and will helps them develop their skill.

5. Champions Believe They Will Experience More Wins in the Future - Their faith is greater than their fear. Their positive energy is greater than the chorus of negativity. Their certainty is greater than all the doubt. Their passion and purpose are greater than their challenges. In spite of their situation champions believe their best days are ahead of them, not behind them.

If you don’t think you have what it takes to be a champion, think again. Champions aren’t born. They are shaped and molded. And as iron sharpens iron you can develop your mindset and the mindset of your team with the right thinking, beliefs and expectations that lead to powerful actions.

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8 Quick Fixes to Increase the Value of Your Home

Sometimes when you have a home for sale, it may seem like eternity before that one offer comes in. I want to share a few quick tips gathered from Realtor Magazine to help you increase value in your home.

 Buff up curb appeal—You’ve heard it before, but it’s critical to get buyers to want to look on the inside.

 Enrich with color—Paint is cheap and soft colors will welcome buyers as they walk through.

 Upgrade the kitchen and bathroom—These may be the 2 most important rooms in the house and even updating just one appliance can be enough sometimes.

 Add old-world patina—Maybe a little crown molding can do the trick.

 Screen hardwood floors—Without a full stripping and refinish you can lightly sand and add a new coat of finish to do the trick.

 Clean out, organize closets—Time to DECLUTTER!!!

 Update window treatments—Open up and let a little light in on the subject.

 Hire a home inspector—Since a buyer will have your home inspected, it may be good to do it first and get a jump on any problems that may arise

As a member of the Utah Pros Business Network International Chapter, I have experts I can refer to help with any of your home fix ups and improvements.  Give me a call and I can discuss your needs and refer you to the professionals I endorse and recommend.