Long Time No Write

It has been a few days since I have lasted written a post...well, that is a post here. I have been busy getting my professional blog up and running. And I must say I really did not have any ideas to post here.

I started today at a program put on by The Women's Council of Realtors. The topic was "Follow the Money - The Diversity of Tomorrow's Marketplace". Discussion centered around today's real estate market and what is taking place with various minority groups today and what we can expect in the future. It also touched upon the opportunities that can be found today with International buyers. The program certainly made me think about changes I should consider in my business.

However, the real reason I am writing this post has to do with the youth of today. When each panelist was asked what one thing would make a large impact on their ethnic group one panelist said educating the youth in financial responsibility. (That was not the exact term she used but it works.) Educating them to understand money, saving, investing, credit scores, home ownership and business. This would give them the tools to make responsible financial decisions in their life.

Tonight I had an email from CrainsBusiness.com. I receive these emails weekly and often just delete them. But tonight the topic caught my eye. This was a video report of a young entrepreneur, Zoe Damacela. Zoe is 17 years old. Her story is an interesting one and can be found here. This is a young women that is certainly learning financial responsibility.

Happy Dog Land

Calling all dog lovers! Watch for "Happy Dog: Caring for Your Dog's Body, Mind & Spirit" published by NAL/Penquin and to be released in September 2009. The book is co-authored by Billy Rafferty and Jill Cahr. Billy has been Cosette's groomer and friend for 10 years. We are hoping we do not lose him to fame and fortune.

For the past few months I have been following Billy and Jill's blog which has covered a variety of valuable information...some humorous and some important for the care of your pet. You might want to check it out for yourself.

And be sure to take a few minutes and watch this awesome Happy Dog trailer. (No, Cosette did not make the cut.) Enjoy!

I am FINALLY there!

I am just too too excited!!! I have started my professional blog.

I have spent hours on the first two postings but it was due to a different platform. It seemed every time I tried to do something I had to call tech support. I think I have covered all bases with those two postings so I should be good for awhile and be able to significantly reduce time spent.

The plan is to pre-write the blogs so I have some in reserve for those exceedingly busy days. Of course as I write this I realize I don't know how to date the material. I know it is not the same as on this platform. Oh well...that is for another day. I have come far and I am pleased with my progress.

Take a look for yourself...but remember...this is still a new venture.

Deals Abound

Image via Wikipedia

Just when I was wondering what to write today a friend came through with a good idea. I receive Steve Levitt's blog daily and today his was titled "5 Purchases to Make in a Down Economy". He found this information on NBC's The Today Show.

Warning: This is only for people with disposable income.

Items mentioned are wines over $25, diamonds, summer rentals, etc. Take a look at the video and see what they are talking about.

And one item not mentioned here is housing. If you are thinking of buying your first home or upgrading, now is the time to look seriously. As a Realtor I know there are good buys. If you would like more information, contact me. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Cougar vs. Bear

Yes, I know...another animal posting. This one illustrates what it is like out in the wilderness (and we think we have stressful days).

To view the short (under 4 minutes) film "The Bear" by Jean-Jacques Annaud click here. I think it is an amazing film and I hope you enjoy it.

Shrink Those Bills!

Wouldn't you like to shrink your bills? I know I would! I came across a website that can help you do just that. It is called BillShrink. This has been seen on CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS and other media sources. Now don't think this is going to reduce existing debt. It won't. What it will do is analyze your credit cards, gas expenditures, etc. and determine if you could be doing something different to save money in the future.

I have not personally checked this out yet but thought it something worth sharing. If you try it, please let me know what you think.

Proud to Be American

As Americans we do plenty of complaining. And we have plenty to complain about. However, for a moment stop to think of the advantages we have living in America. Where else in the world would you have the opportunities that we have here. Let's be grateful for what we have and be proud to be American.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!