Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Direct Investing


The wealthy don’t hunt for penny stocks and cross their fingers on doubling their investment. They also don’t blindly invest in index funds to earn a mild 7% year after year. Instead, they look for investments that they can be a part of and influence. One of the reasons the rich get richer….is because of direct investing.
By direct investing, I simply mean wealthy individuals that are actually meeting with potential business owners and listening to their ideas. If you’re a TV watcher, think Shark Tank. The rich investor grants an entrepreneur time to pitch their idea. If the investor likes what he hears, then he’ll look more carefully into the details, and then offer the entrepreneur some funding in exchange for partial ownership of the business.
Rich investors love direct investing because they can keep tabs on the business at all time (after all, they often have controlling interest) and can make it a tremendous success with their experience and their connections.
Action Items:
  1. Get completely out of debt and stock up some cash
  2. Get to know bright individuals through universities and young professionals clubs
  3. Begin investing with small figures and learn as you go

They Buy in Bulk



Want to know the reason the rich keep getting richer? It’s because they have the means to buy in bulk. I’m not talking about toilet paper here. That’ll save you about $2 a month. If you want to be rich, you’ll have to think much much bigger!
What if you were a real estate tycoon and you wanted to buy 10 more investment properties for your portfolio? In which scenario would you more likely get a deal?
  1. Buying individually from 10 different owners
  2. Buying all 10 properties from an investor going into retirement
The real estate tycoon will more likely get the deal by purchasing the properties in bulk! With a deeper discount, he’ll earn even more on his cash flow each month and he’ll be onto the next investment that much quicker!
Action Items:
  1. Start thinking about how you can make money with a bulk purchase
  2. Perhaps even start a small business by doing so. Setting up an online store is simpler than ever!

They Buy Assets, Not Liabilities


Number three on the list of reasons the rich get richer…it’s all about assets.
I run into tons of people that have invested in real estate. Some hated it, others loved it. But hardly any of them truly understood it.
Here’s the typical real estate investor. They save up $10,000, they buy a single family home with a mortgage, and they earn roughly $200 a month ($2,400 a year) by renting it out. Good for them. Now what did they do with the earnings?
  • One used the monthly income to cover boat payments.
  • Another used the money to pay for his daughter’s tuition.
  • The other guy blew it on weekend “fun”.
While some of these uses are more productive than others, are any of these people getting rich from their investment?
Not even close.
The rich take real estate investing to a whole new level. They take their $10,000, buy the house, earn the $2,400 a year in cash flow. They then use that money, pool it with earnings from their day job, and buy another rental house. Now they have $4,800 coming in each year. They do this again.
….and again
……and again and again!
Soon, they are earning tens of thousands of dollars each year with their income increasing exponentially each year!
One of the main reasons the rich get richer is because they salivate over increasing their number of assets while the rest of us climb just one rung of a 12 rung ladder and think we arrived. 
Their assets earn an income each month, which then lead to more assets, which leads to even more income. The upward cycle quite quickly becomes unreal.
(Note: I like to invest in my rental properties with cash to reduce risk. It’s slower, but still more effective than covering boat payments!)
Action Items:
  1. Write out a list of assets that earn money
  2. Set an income goal. Plan to achieve it by purchasing assets and reinvesting the profits. Do this, and you’ll quickly develop a passive income.

Poor Keeps Getting Poorer

#1. Life Gets Cheaper

The richer you get, the cheaper things become. The main savings is with insurance. Do you realize how much money is being stripped out of your pockets each year for insurance?
For the 62% of Americans that have less than $1,000 in savings, they’re getting ripped off when it comes to insurance. Do you know why? Because if anything breaks, they wouldn’t be able to afford to get it fixed! So what do they do? They get insurance on almost everything!
The poor get poorer by purchasing loads of insurance:
Do you know what the rich do? They stop paying for half of the insurance items above. Do you know why? Because if something happens, they have the money to simply pay for the fix!
If their washer breaks, they have enough in savings to buy a new one. If their car got totaled, they would just shake their head at their misfortune… and then buy another new-used car with cash.
And here’s the big kicker. The rich don’t need life insurance (*gasp* – no life insurance?! That’s just so irresponsible!). Think about it though. If they die and have a net worth of $10 million, do you think their spouse and children would be able to survive? Ummm, yup. No need to have a $500,000 life insurance policy then, huh?
One of the reasons the rich get richer is because they stock up their savings account and cancel a lot of their insurance policies. Chances are that they won’t total their car, so why pay $2,000 extra in insurance each year on full coverage? They’re better off increasing their deductible and paying far less money every month.
Action Items:
  1. Stop buying insurance on non-essentials like your TV. If it breaks, do without it. The rich hardly ever watch TV anyway.
  2. Pay off your consumer debts and start an emergency fund. If you save up $5,000 and your car is only worth $3,000, then there’s really no need to put full coverage on it right? Increase the deductible to $5,000 and pay far less in payments each month. Beyond car insurance, self-insuring is almost always the way to go and it will save you thousands of dollars over the long haul.

#2. They Live Below Their Means

Have you ever heard net worth millionaires talking about how they can’t make all their payments?
Nope.
Your likely response: “Of course they don’t complain about payments because they have millions of dollars. If I had millions I wouldn’t complain about my payments either.”
You missed the point. They’re millionaires because they live below their means. Not the other way around.
If you were able to invest $12,000 a year from the age of 25 to 65, you’d be worth $3.3 million. THAT’s the power of living below your means.

Make more money. Side gigs ideas

) Start a Blog or Website – I have obviously done this recently and it is by no means easy, but there is plenty of online help that can get you through. The cost of my website was only $44 for the year, and as long as I put in the time and effort, I should easily make an extra $500 from ad postings before the year is up (Note: This definitely proved to be true back in 2011, and is still true today!).
Related: How to Start a Blog on iPage for $24 (step by step instructions!)
2) Write for About.com – If you have experience in a certain field and can coherently write about it, you may just land a few bucks by writing some articles. The topic of interest is always changing, so even if you cannot relate to the topics today, there may be something that completely relates to your expertise tomorrow!
3) Perform General Labor on Craigslist – Check out the craigslist.org website for “labor” jobs. These take no skill whatsoever. Some people just need a hole dug in their backyard and they’ll supply the shovel.
4) Drive Others to the Airport – We currently live about 30 miles from the airport. It’s almost too far to ask a friend to drive you, but people don’t want to leave their car at the airport at $15 a night. Solution: offer to drive them for $30. You will have plenty of takers.
5) Become a Tutor – If you recently took some classes, there are most likely some opportunities to tutor a fresh new student who is in way over their head. Most tutors charge $20/hour.
6) Teach Piano Lessons – If you know how to play the piano and can teach, this may be a money-making machine for you. At $15 per half-hour, this could easily net over $1000 a month. If you don’t know how to play, you can find piano teachers to help you launch your services.
7) Sell Old Stuff – Old toys, books that you’ll never read, a collectible that’s been collecting dust for years – these are all things that qualify. Have a garage sale or throw them on eBay. You’ll have some cash in no time.
8 ) Advertise With Your Car – Most people don’t like to do this to their precious car, but if you love a product and can get paid for an ad that’s on your car, why not do it? For an extra $1,000 a month, heck yes, put that sticker on my car!
9) Advertise With Your Clothes – This method is not found as easily online, but it is very similar to the car wrap advertising, only you put company advertisements on your clothing!
10) Transfer funds to a New Bank – There are often bank promotions that offer $100 or more if you transfer your money to their bank. Follow the directions and earn some quick cash.
11) Play Music For Events and Weddings – Have a special gift playing an instrument or singing? Cash in your talent and offer to play for some weddings or other special events.
12) Pet Sit – This could be dogs, cats, fish, snakes, whatever you’re comfortable with. It doesn’t take too much effort, and if you’re at pet lover, it’s a great way to make money and have fun at the same time!
13) House Sit – When people go away on vacation, they like to know that their number one asset is taken care of. Offer to check on it once in a while for a small fee.
14) Rent Out One of Your Rooms – If you have an extra room that’s sitting empty, consider renting it out. The steady income every month is a big help.
15) Sell Your Plasma or Hair – Selling plasma could earn you as much as $50 a week, and if you keep your hair healthy I’m sure someone will pay top dollar for that too.
16) Install Fixtures and Appliances – Are you somewhat handy? Install some shower heads, dish washers, garbage disposals, anything. People are more than willing to pay some extra money to get their stuff installed correctly.
17) Assemble Furniture – IKEA is a great store, but everything you buy needs assembly. Offer to put these items together and you could earn yourself a pretty penny.
18) Buy Low, Sell High – No, not the stock market. Find someone that will give you a discount for buying in bulk, or find a store that’s currently liquidating their inventory. I started doing this when I was young. I remember buying 144 smiley face key chains for $10. I sold each one for a quarter and made a few bucks. It was fun!
19) Buy Black Friday Deals for Friends – Not everyone enjoys standing in long lines, especially when it’s cold, but we all love a great deal! Offer to grab these items for your friends for a little extra cash, and it will be worth your while.
20) Build Websites – Building a website has become much easier these days, but it is still a struggle for some. They’d certainly be willing to pay some extra money to get their business online.
21) Fix Computers – Now that pretty much everyone owns a computer, you could get plenty of business if you are able to fix their issues.

You are the only person tracking your failures.

 Think about it. Nobody in the world has enough time to keep track of all the failures you experience over the course of a week or a month or a year. Someone close to you might notice you fail at something occasionally but they can’t possibly know exactly how many times you have failed. More importantly, said person has their own failures to worry about as opposed to thinking about yours.
Consider a superstar high school student who applies to 10 different elite universities and only gets accepted to one. From their perspective they failed nine times and succeeded only once. But from the perspective of everyone else all they know is that the student got accepted into an elite university. Only the student herself could possibly track her failures.
Or consider the superstar college graduate who interviews with 10 different elite companies and only gets an offer from one. From their point of view, they know they failed nine of the interviews and only got an offer from one. But from the perspective of outsiders all they know is that the college grad got an offer from an elite company.
So what does this mean? It means that no one on earth is aware of all the failures you have experienced (nor do they probably care to know). So if you feel like you are a ‘failure’ just know that you are solely responsible for giving yourself that label. Nobody else can label you as a failure. Only you can label yourself as one since only you are aware of how many times you have actually failed.
To the employee who has asked for a raise at his past three jobs and been denied all three times – ask for a raise at your current job. Your current manager isn’t aware of your past unsuccessful attempts at getting a raise.
To the college grad who has been denied by 10 different companies – apply at yet another company. They aren’t aware of all the times you have been denied.
To the single guy that has been turned down by 5 girls in a row – ask another one out. She isn’t aware of the other girls that have turned you down.
The point I’m trying to make is that despite how many failures you have experienced, you are not a failure until you have decided to call yourself one. Only you are capable of being held back by your past failures. The rest of the world is not aware of them.
So don’t stop seeking progress and improvement because you are afraid of failing yet again. Try, try, and try again. It’s very likely that you will fail, fail, and fail again. But only you are cognizant of these failures.

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Clark County, NV SPECIAL AGENT in Las Vegas, Nevada


SPECIAL AGENT
Salary
$51,376.00 - $79,643.20 Annually
$51,376.00 - $79,643.20 Annually
Location
Clark County - Las Vegas, NV
Clark County - Las Vegas, NV
Job Type
PERMANENT
Department
Business License
Job Number
12718
Closing
1/6/2017 5:01 PM Pacific
  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Compliance Agent - Medical Marijuana Enforcement position will plan and conduct on-site inspections of proposed and existing medical marijuana establishments. Review and analyze medical marijuana establishment inventory reporting and independent laboratory testing results to insure quality control of medical marijuana projects and other duties as assigned in the capacity of Special Agent (See Example of Duties).
The successful candidate will start at the minimum of the salary range.
This examination will establish an Open Competitive and Promotional list to fill current and/or future vacancies that may occur within the next six (6) months or may be extended as needed by the Office of Human Resources.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience: Equivalent to two (2) years of college level course work in business or public administration, law enforcement, accounting, criminal justice, environmental science, biology or chemistry or a field related to the work AND three (3) years of full-time experience in business license inspection and investigation or in a similar investigative capacity. Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see attached resume" on your application.
Licensing and Certification: Must possess a valid Nevada Class C Driver's License at time of appointment.
Background Investigation: Employment is contingent upon successful completionof a background investigation. Periodically after employment background investigations may be conducted.
Medical Examination: Employment is contingent upon the results of a physical examination performed by our examining physician.
Pre-Employment Drug Testing: Employment is contingent upon the results of a pre-employment drug examination.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Compliance Agent - Medical Marijuana Enforcement:
The position will plan and conduct on-site inspections of proposed and existing medical marijuana establishments. Review and analyze medical marijuana establishment inventory reporting and independent laboratory testing results to insure quality control of medical marijuana projects. Reviews and investigates privileged license applications, financial records, and ownership criminal history to prepare license recommendations to the Director. Monitor changes to existing laws related to privileged license categories that may affect division activities. Prepares inspection reports, notices, temporary licenses, correspondence and other written material for distribution to licenses.
SPECIAL AGENT COMPREHENSIVE DUTIES:
Plans and conducts a variety of complex on-site inspections for proposed and existing privileged and regulated businesses, including gaming, liquor, and adult entertainment facilities, and similar facilities, to verify that such businesses are in compliance with County codes and regulations; when irregularities are found, determines the most appropriate means of bringing the business into compliance. May act as the project lead agent on large, difficult or complex investigations and reviews. Reviews complex corporate structures involving contracts, corporation papers, lease agreements, managerial agreements, purchase agreements, and assets. Locates unlicensed businesses or businesses which have a change of ownership, location or business name and initiates appropriate changes in documentation; issues notices of non-compliance, misdemeanor citations or cease and desist orders as required. Reviews and investigates complex applications to be submitted to the Gaming and Licensing Board; reviews written documentation concerning business history, ownership and financing; prepares recommendations and outlines concerns to the Board as required. Confers with legal staff regarding licensing violations; testifies before an administrative hearing officer or in a court of law as required. Determines, receipts and collects appropriate fees and penalties, including audit fees; collects returned checks, delinquent room taxes and other problem payments; balances payments received on a regular basis. Confers with department and legal staff regarding license code interpretation and procedure application; provides factual information to existing or potential businesses regarding such codes and procedures; assists in applicantsin completing forms and providing required information. Prepares a variety of notices, reports of investigations, correspondence and other written materials. Maintains accurate records and files of and prepares periodic or special reports related to the work performed. Monitors changes in the law or ordinances that may affect division activities; assesses their impact upon division activities and recommends policy and procedural changes as required. Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team. Conducts inspections of and enforces regulations related to roadside or event vendors, garage sales and other short-term activities. Uses standard office equipment, including a computer, in the course of the work. Drives a personal or county motor vehicle to various sites within the County in order to conduct investigations and attend meetings.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Mobility to work in a typical office setting, use standard office equipment, and to drive a motor vehicle in order to visit inspection sites and attend meetings; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.
Clark County offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
CLARK COUNTY, NEVADA IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Grab $$$$$ for the week end

Work from Home Greeting Card Artists  – NobleWorks:  “Want to see your work for sale at NobleWorks Cards? As one of the leading humor card ...