Wealth Building Part 2

Wealth Building Part II
Let’s face it American’s love to spend and consumerism is alive and well. We can however, find creative ways to get the things we need and want, without breaking the bank. Here are 5 ideas that might work for you and your family:

1. Cut back on your biggest money drain. Do you pay for unused cell phone services, subscribe to extra cable stations you don’t need, (especially in the age of HULU and NETFLIX), or spend too much on food that ends up getting tossed away? When was the last time you reviewed ALL of your insurances? Home, Health, and Auto insurances have a way of creeping up over time just becasue the insurance companies think you are not looking. Take a few minutes to review this items and determine if you really need all of what you are paying for, and shop around to see if you can find better rates when your contracts and policies come due.
2. Research your purchases. Take a trip to the store to see an item in person and choose the model, color or size that works for you. Try it out or try it on to find the item that suits your needs, then do your research online. This way you can find the lowest price for the desired item, and you won’t have to spend money shipping back items that don’t meet your expectations. Don’t forget to check out discount and coupon sites to see if you can reduce your price even further.
3. Speaking of the internet, check out some money saving sites, such as Restaurant.com, and Gift CardGranny.com. Restaurant.com offers dining discounts at local restaurants. Buy a $25 certificate for $10, or a $75 certificate for $30. There are several different denominations, and many restaurants to chose from, making for big savings. Giftcardgranny, and several other similar sites are gift card exchanges. They purchase unused gift cards and sell them for less than face value. For example, you can purchase a American Eagle gift card for 23% less than face value. Keep in mind that deals change daily and that most of the cards need to be mailed to you (at no cost). You can sell your unused gift cards on these sites as well.
4. Plan ahead. Don’t wait until airfare goes up, or you have to use a credit card to purchase a special occasion gift. Set aside a bit of cash each week or month. You are much more likely to stick to budget if you have set aside a fixed amount to spend rather than anaesthetizing yourself by pulling out the plastic later.
5. Spend less on the weekend. The majority of us break our budgets on weekend activities, so why not try some free or inexpensive ways to enjoy your time off. Find free local events like concerts or movies in the park. Or how about learning something new. Take a free home improvement class at Home Depot, or learn a new skill on YOUTUBE. There are many classes and videos to choose from, no matter what your interests are. You can also host a movie night or potluck at home, visit the library or take a tour of a factory. (you can find free or low cost tours at FactoryToursUSA.com).
   
   Spending thoughtfully doesn’t mean enjoying life less. Get creative, think before you spend and enjoy your time at least as much as you enjoy your money.
   
   It's a Good Life!!!
   Greg Novak MBA
   NMLS # 329079
   Vice President / Partner
   American Mortgage
   Cell - 386-846-6686
   Office - 386-756-8228
   Fax - 386-756-8108
   Website - www.AmericanMortgageNow.com
   
   Oh, by the way, If you know someone who is thinking about buying or refinancing a home, please give me a call with their name and number, I will be happy to follow up with them for you.
   
   FLORIDA- American Mortgage Loan Services, Inc. - NMLS Company ID 330596

Wealth Building Part 1

Wealth Building Part I
Over the next few weeks I will be reviewing and highlighting several points from the book The Millionaire Next Door: Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy. As followers of the book know, true monetary wealth is determined not by the size of your paycheck, but by the amount of your paycheck you are able save. On that note, I thought I might give a quick refresher on the basics of building wealth. Here are a few pointers to get you started or refreshed on the fundamentals of reaching your savings goals.

1. Eliminate debt. The first step to saving is, of course, having enough expendable income to invest. What is the best way to free up more of your income? Pay off your debt. Simply calculating the monthly amount you spend on debt repayment will illustrate that eliminating debt is the fastest way to free up money. The only saving that should take precedence over debt repayment, is setting aside an emergency fund of 2-6 month’s salary. Once this is done, pay off your debt and re-purpose the money to savings. Let interest work for you instead of against you.
2. Set savings goals. Short term goals can be as simple as setting aside cash for a new dishwasher. Achieving your short term goals helps keep you motivated to reach your long term goals, including saving for retirement. How much will you need to set aside for a retirement that could last 20 or even 30 years? Set your goals, seek financial advice if needed, make a plan and get started towards reaching those goals.
3. Make a plan. Figure out how much you will have to save per week, per month or per pay check to reach your goals. For most savings goals, it’s best to save the same amount per period. If you will need to purchase a $20,000. car in three years (hopefully after you have driven yours as long as long as you possibly can), you will need to set aside approximately $128. per week. It might involve cutting costs in other areas, but it beats making car payments for 5 years, and think of the interest you’ll save.
4. Track and trim your expenses. Go through your monthly budget and see what you can eliminate or cut back on. You may be able to live with a haircut every 6 weeks instead of 4, or get up just a bit earlier and eat breakfast before you leave for work instead of stopping off for coffee and a doughnut. Your wallet and your waistline will be the better for it.
5. Most importantly, stick with it. If you mess up, don’t beat yourself up. Vow to do better next paycheck. We all falter occasionally, but success comes to those who keep trying.

Most people would admit that saving for the long haul instead of feeling the instant gratification of buying the latest gadget is tough, but the rewards outshine any fleeting joy you may feel. True satisfaction comes with the security of knowing your future is set, and nothing beats that!
  
It's a Good Life!!!
Greg Novak MBA
NMLS # 329079
Vice President / Partner
American Mortgage
Cell - 386-846-6686
Office - 386-756-8228
Fax - 386-756-8108
Website - www.AmericanMortgageNow.com

Oh, by the way, If you know someone who is thinking about buying or refinancing a home, please give me a call with their name and number, I will be happy to follow up with them for you.

FLORIDA- American Mortgage Loan Services, Inc. - NMLS Company ID 330596

Problems

QUOTE>>> I am grateful for all of my problems. After each one was overcome, I became stronger and more able to meet those that were still to come. I grew in all my difficulties.
James Cash Penney
1875-1971, Founder of J.C. Penney Stores

Reading this quote made me think of an e-mail I received from a business partner of mine, so I am steeling it and forwarding the info to you.

Here is a link to an article about a guy who decided to take his problems to a new level. Rather than getting dejected, he got rejected, and it got him featured in Business Week and invited to be on a couple of talk shows. Click on this link or copy and paste and see this inspirational story about a guy who is turning rejection into something very positive and powerful.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/rejection-therapy-hundred-days-no-022822280.html

What is the craziest thing you ever asked for or the biggest problem you ever had that made you stronger and you prospered from?


It's a Good Life!!!
Greg Novak MBA
NMLS # 329079
Vice President / Partner
American Mortgage
Cell - 386-846-6686
Office - 386-756-8228
Fax - 386-756-8108
Website - www.AmericanMortgageNow.com

Oh, by the way, If you know someone who is thinking about buying or refinancing a home, please give me a call with their name and number, I will be happy to follow up with them for you.

FLORIDA- American Mortgage Loan Services, Inc. - NMLS Company ID 330596

Attitude is Key

Personal Growth Quote: Attitude is Key

"There’s one key factor that will make this New Year the best one ever. That important factor is your attitude.
The way you most consistently decide to see life will play a major role in the way your life actually unfolds. Right now, as the year begins, make the choice to make your life, and your whole world, the best it can be.
Create a new, improved year by going through it with a new, improved outlook on life. Make this a great year by choosing an attitude that reflects your own unique greatness.
In the year ahead you’ll encounter many obstacles, and yet there’s one powerful obstacle you don’t ever have to deal with again. That obstacle, the one you can get rid of for good, is your own negative attitude.
Just because things can often get difficult, doesn’t mean you have to be difficult. No matter what the situation, a positive, empowering attitude is always your best choice.
Stride confidently forward with the highest and best expectations you’ve ever had. Your life this year is what you make it, so embrace an attitude that will make it positive, fulfilling and great." Cleo Shivers


I hope you have a fantastic 2013, and that it is your best year ever.


It's a Good Life!!!
Greg Novak MBA
NMLS # 329079
Vice President / Partner
American Mortgage
Cell - 386-846-6686
Office - 386-756-8228
Fax - 386-756-8108
Website - www.AmericanMortgageNow.com

Oh, by the way, If you know someone who is thinking about buying or refinancing a home, please give me a call with their name and number, I will be happy to follow up with them for you.

FLORIDA- American Mortgage Loan Services, Inc. - NMLS Company ID 330596

Do you Have It????

What is it? Most people would consider IT to be success. But Success is a relative term, it means different things to different people.

Good Morning,
This week I have decided to take a break from the market updates and mortgage info to discuss a personal growth topic. I will take a moment to define success and then discuss some key characteristics of the Successful Person.
It's a Good Life!!! Greg Novak, American Mortgage, 386-846-6686

IT = SUCCESS ???

First let's define success. Wikipedia defines success as the following: "Success might mean, but is not limited to: a level of social status, achievement of an object/goal, or the opposite of failure."

First of all, I personally disagree with success being defined as a level of social status, because in my opinion social status has nothing what so ever to do with success. Some of Hollywood's most social elite, might have a ton of money, but are far from what I would consider to be successful. Case in point the "WINNING" train wreck Charlie Sheen. He might have tiger blood, but success he has not.

The only one of those statements I can go along with is the achievement of an object or goal. Additionally, I don't believe that success is static, I believe that success is is constantly changing for each individual person. My definition of success was very different 10 years ago, from what it is today, and I am certain it will be different 10 years from now. Perhaps even 1 year from now.

THAT is how you can determine whether or not you are Successful, If your definition of success is constantly changing and advancing because you have reached what you used to believe was Success.

Success is Relative, so lets take a quick look at some different individuals views of success.

• To the new graduate success could mean getting a decent job in this economy.


• To the addict, success could be staying sober for a month, a year, a decade, etc.


• To the lonely person, success could be finding a friend and companion, or love.


• To the couple struggling with infertility, success could mean a healthy baby.


• To the rich billionaire, success might mean giving away his fortune.


• To a lot of people, success is constantly moving forward in a positive direction.

 

Here are some Characteristics of Successful people.

1. Highly Self Motivated- People who have achieved personal success are motivated by what that success means to them and it their drive to achieve.


2. Strong Ethics and Integrity- Although success means different things to different people, I believe that no matter who you are, you will never be truly successful unless you have a clear conscience. That is why acting with Ethics and Integrity in everything you do is so important.


3. Willingness to FAIL- Success is not always about winning. Success is about learning. Some of the best life lessons I have learned have come from Failed attempts at Success.


4. Have Goals and a Plan- People typically don't stumble upon success. You have to decide what you want (Make a Goal), then break down the steps of what you have to do to accomplish that goal. Have a roadmap for success.


5. Great Salesperson - Successful people have to be great salespeople not because they are selling things to other people, but because you have to constantly be selling yourself on the fact that YOU CAN. You can succeed.

It's a Good Life!!!
Greg Novak MBA
NMLS # 329079
Vice President / Partner
American Mortgage
Cell - 386-846-6686
Office - 386-756-8228
Fax - 386-756-8108
Website - www.AmericanMortgageNow.com

Oh, by the way, If you know someone who is thinking about buying or refinancing a home, please give me a call with their name and number, I will be happy to follow up with them for you.

FLORIDA- American Mortgage Loan Services, Inc. - NMLS Company ID 330596

Perseverance

This morning I was speaking with someone who was complimenting me on my perseverance and how impressed he was that we have been able to do so well over the last few years with what the real estate and mortgage industries have gone through. I thought it would be nice to share some encouraging words and information with you as well. Below is a really great paragraph on perseverance along with a few video links to a short interview with someone on the 60 minutes TV program.

PERSEVERANCE

Perseverance is a month by month, week by week, day to day, and for some, even an hour by hour decision not to give up. Wikipedia defines Perserverance as a persistent determination; to adhere to a course of action; and persistence.

In the videos below, the interviewer asked the subject if he feels as if he has a disability. The subject of the interview states that "The definition of disability is something that is stopping you from being able to do something. In my life there is hardly anything that I have found that I can not do."

The individual who is the subject of the interview is Nick Vujicic. Nick was born with out arms and with out legs. Nick is an amazing individual and has preserved through some of the most difficult trials and lowest times that anyone could imagine. Nick is 28 years old and has a college degree, and has been extremely successful as an entrepreneur. Even though Nick may be what most consider as physically disabled, he is in no way a disabled person. To me Nick is the definition of Perseverance.

I highly encourage you to take a look at the video's below, and then ask yourself the following question. Even though, I am not physically or mentally disabled, or even if you are, Is there something that I have given into, that is holding me back, that I am using as an excuse, and that I am not persevering past?

If there is something that is holding you back from reaching your goals, making the money that you want to make, getting the job you want, or that promotion, etc., once you identify it, you can start to overcome and push past it.

Have a great weekend, enjoy the videos.

Nick Vujicic - 60 Min Interview - Part 1 -

Nick Vujicic - 60 Min Interview - Part 2 -

Nick Vujicic - Robert Schuller interview -

It's a Good Life!!!

Greg Novak MBA

NMLS# 329079

Vice President / Partner

American Mortgage

Cell - 386-846-6686

Office - 386-756-8228

Website - www.AmericanMortgageNow.com

 

Oh, by the way, If you know someone who is thinking about buying or refinancing a home, please give me a call with their name and number, I will be happy to follow up with them for you.

 

FLORIDA- American Mortgage Loan Services, Inc. - NMLS Company ID 330596

 

Great Day, ALL DAY

Do you ever wake up on the wrong side of the bed? Believe it or not, I don't always wake up the bright and shining, smiling face you see during the day. For my weekly Blog, I put together a list of 10 easy things you can do to Make today a Better Day. Take a look at the list below, and a couple links to some inspirational video's below that.
Don't forget, if you happen to know anyone who is talking about buying or refinancing a home, please give me a call. I will take good care of them for you. 386-846-6686. Greg Novak www.AmericanMortgageNow.com

10 Steps to have a Great Day, ALL DAY!!!

1. Wake up a few minutes earlier - Rather than waking up with just enough time to run out of the house 5 min late, set your alarm clock 15 min earlier, and take your time getting ready. This way you won't forget the deodorant.


2. Talk to yourself - The first thing you should say to yourself when you wake up is, "Today is going to be a great day". After you say this enough times you will start to believe it, and until you do, at least you will make yourself laugh.


3. Get inspired and Resolve to have a positive attitude - Purchase some motivational cd's or music. Instead of watching the negative morning news, play these CD's and get some inspiration and a positive attitude for the day. Click Here for the link to my Blog on Being Positive.


4. Eat a Healthy Breakfast - Fruits, Protein, and Whole grains will give you a good kick start and the energy you need to go until lunch. Then eat healthy the rest of the day. Treat yourself every once in a while, but those fried foods and burgers will weigh you down and make you sluggish putting the slow down on your express pass to a great day. Eat a health Breakfast Link


5. Think Before you Say and Do - It is hard to take back negative words and actions. It's hard to have a great day when you are feeling bad about something you said.


6. Practice Good Time Management - Have a plan for the day, stick to it. Don't be distracted by things that will not help you reach your daily goals like the social media's, TV, and websites that don't apply to your work.


7. Don't be so Serious - Part of having a great day includes having some fun. Make sure you schedule some time to enjoy yourself. Try to spend time with people who are fun and make you laugh. Laughter releases endorphins and neurotransmitters that have pain-relieving properties, and make you feel good. You can help but laugh at this video.


8. Make someone's Day - Complimenting someone else, being kind, and courteous to others will help them have a good day. When you make someone else feel good about them self, you will make yourself feel good about you.


9. Avoid the negative people - You know the ones in the office that are ALWAYS complaining about something. Stay away, don't get sucked into their negativity. It's like a negative person has super powers when it comes to destroying the foundation of your great day.


10. Prepare for tomorrow and Go to Bed Early - As an old Boy Scout, the motto Be Prepared has always stuck with me. One of the best peices of advice I can give you about having a good day tomorrow, is to plan and prepare tonight for tomorrow. Make lunches for the kids tonight, lay out and Iron your clothes tonight, pack up your brief case tonight. When you do these things at night instead of the morning, then you dont have to worry as much when you can't accomplish #1 on this list.

Here are a couple of video's to check out.
What to Say when you talk to yourself
Why you should eat breakfast
How to be more productive

It's a Good Life!!!
Greg Novak MBA
NMLS # 329079
Vice President / Partner
American Mortgage
Cell - 386-846-6686
Office - 386-756-8228
Fax - 386-756-8108
Website - www.AmericanMortgageNow.com

Oh, by the way, If you know someone who is thinking about buying or refinancing a home, please give me a call with their name and number, I will be happy to follow up with them for you.

FLORIDA- American Mortgage Loan Services, Inc. - NMLS Company ID 330596

Be Positive Today

Good Morning,

My last few blogs have been all about business, so today I decided to pass along a little personal growth info.
I don’t know about you, but it seems to be getting more and more difficult to keep a positive attitude with all of the negative news and the struggling economy.
So, I decided to send you some good news. Below are several links to some positive stories that hit the news papers. (yes, believe it or not, I was actually able to find some) Also, below are a few tips to help you keep control and maintain a positive outlook.
As always, please keep me in mind for any one you know who needs to buy or refinance a home. Greg Novak (386) 846-6686 www.AmericanMortgageNow.com

Stay Positive Today

Step 1- Avoid watching the news in the morning. If you want to know that weather, just check weather.com, if you want to check the traffic you can do that online also.

Step 2- Write some positive affirmations and tape them to your bathroom mirror so the first thing you see in the morning will help you get started on the right foot. (For instance: Today is going to be a great day. Or, I am having my best year ever, and things that are specific to you, etc.)

Step 3- Sleep!!! Make sure you get enough sleep. Let’s face it, your grumpy when you are tired.

Step 4- Eat Healthier. Make a decision to eat healthier foods. This one has been a struggle for me, but I do my best. And, I feel a lot better about myself when I eat a turkey sandwich and an apple, than when I have a Big Mac and Fries for lunch.

Step 5- Avoid the negative people. You know the ones in the office that are ALWAYS complaining about something. Stay away, don't get sucked into their negativity.

Step 6- Lastly, remember there is a difference between successful people and unsuccessful people, and across the board successful people look at change and adversity as OPPORTUNITY. Unsuccessful people assume all change and adversity will be negative. Whether the change or adversity is negative or positive you must believe that in the long run you will benefit and learn something. It is an opportunity!


Here are some links to some recent news that you may have missed because it was buried underneath the “stuff that sells” the paper.


The Happiest Carreers in America

Making Money & Doing Good

Homeless man finds $1,400 and returns it to the owner.

Teacher for America = $100,000,000

Marriage on the run


It's a Good Life!!!
Greg Novak MBA
NMLS # 329079
Assistant Vice President
American Mortgage
Cell - 386-846-6686
Office - 386-756-8228
Fax - 386-756-8108
Website - www.AmericanMortgageNow.com

Oh, by the way, If you know someone who is thinking about buying or refinancing a home, please give me a call with their name and number, I will be happy to follow up with them for you.

FLORIDA-American Mortgage Loan Services, Inc. - NMLS Company ID 330596