Why You Don't Have As Much Money As You Want To Have

If you started a discussion with just about anyone you passed on the street and asked them about their financial situation, they’d likely admit that they would like more money.

Many people don’t have as much money as they want to have, and they don’t know what to do about it. If you want to know why you don’t have as much money as you’d like, this post might open your eyes!

You Haven’t Got A Handle On Your Finances

You must have a handle on your finances if you want more money. Make sure you know how much you have coming in and going out. Make sure you know what you spend and what on. Create budgets for everything. It isn’t about scrimping and saving, it’s about being smart with your money and knowing exactly what’s going on in your accounts. You can download apps for this, or you can simply make a note of everything on your phone.

You Don’t Plan Your Purchases

If you don’t plan your purchases, you likely look at your finances later on and realise you have essentials to buy and end up with less money than you should have. If you want to buy something, make sure you think about it for at least a week before splashing the cash. If you still feel like you want it after a few weeks, then it could be a worthwhile purchase. In some cases, you’ll forget all about the urge you had and save money as a result!

You Don’t Look For Discounts And Deals

Looking for discounts and deals can help you to save money on pretty much anything you buy. There are so many places you can look for them, including sites like DontPayFull.co.uk. You might only save a small percentage or get free delivery if you’re buying online, but it will all add up.

You Don’t Have Financial Goals

Having financial goals is important if you want to have more money in the future. How will you make a plan to work towards it if you don’t have a goal? It’ll simply be a wish! Set your financial goals for a year from now, 3 years, 5 years, and so on. This will help you to stay focused!

You Have A Bad Attitude Towards Money

Many people don’t realise that they don’t have that much money due to their attitude towards money. You might think this is irrelevant, but some of the most successful people in the world would disagree with you. A money mindset and positive attitude towards money is vital if you want more of it. Get rid of you negative beliefs and feelings around money and it’ll begin to flow to you more easily. Try it!

Hopefully this post has cleared up a few things about you and your relationship with money. Use the tips right away and you won’t believe how much your financial situation can change! Do you have tips of your own? Leave them below!

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Beck Valley Book Tour: At Last - Alex Troutt Thriller Book #6 by John W. Mefford

New Release....
Alex Troutt Thriller, Book #6
AT Last

Thirty years after losing a parent to a hit-and-run drunk driver, FBI agent Alex Troutt finally confronts the killer--the same man who just murdered the Boston police chief.

And what Alex pulls from him shatters her core.

Armed with little more than hope and a shred of decades-old evidence, Alex chases a memory from her past, hoping that she'll find the mother she never really had. With her old buddy Archie on board --as much as ever can be -- the hunt takes her deep into the foothills of West Virginia. A fanatical religious cult has created its own society. Desperate to right a thirty-year wrong, Alex must out-think and out-duel everyone in her path to right a thirty-year wrong.

Will Alex’s quest to find the truth destroy her life all over again?

Available to buy from.....

Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk    Barnes and Noble    iBooks   Kobo   

"Alex Troutt is quickly becoming one of my favorite fictional characters. I love how she's constantly having to balance her family life and her job, even though her job is continually threatening to take over." - Sonya N

"I simply love every single one of John Mefford's novels. They keep you on the edge of your seat reading late into the night." - Michele B

"Intrigue and attempts at revenge for long held grudges – the twists and turns keeps your adrenalin pumping." - Tracy C

"I would love to see this series turned into a movie or TV series - I'd be obsessed!" - Shelly M
  above reviews from the Alex Trout Series

Also available in the series...
    
  

My Review

This 6th Alex Troutt thriller is a departure from the previous books in that it deals with Alex's own life and the mother she lost when she was a young girl.  In parts, the story is quite harrowing and I found it by far the most affecting of Mefford's feisty female detective stories.

As usual, and without wanting to give the story away, the pace is relentless and the continuity between books faultless. Archie is back, both funny and annoying in equal measure.  The rather awkward age gap relationship between Alex and Brad is still on too although never completely convincing.  And Nick is still on his health kick whilst Ezzy holds the fort at Alex's home.

Mefford makes sure that nothing falls between the gaps when it comes to redrawing his characters which he does with great precision.  You really feel you know them.

When a chance discovery promises to hold the key to bringing back the family Alex misses, she is determined to find answers, no matter what the cost. This brings her into the path of a religious cult whose treatment of women makes your blood boil and from whom it seems impossible to escape.

And as the tension builds, the reader races through the pages hoping that Alex gets her happy ending. 

Whether she does or not is something you'll just have to discover for yourself.

Highly recommended.

About the Author

A veteran of the corporate wars, former journalist, and true studier of human and social behavior, best-selling author John W. Mefford has been writing novels since he first entered the work force twenty-five years ago, although he never put words on paper until late 2009.

John writes novels full of intrigue, suspense, and thrills, but they also evoke an emotional connection with the characters.

When he’s not writing, he chases three kids around, slaves away in the yard, reads, takes in as many sports as time allows, watches all sorts of movies, and continues to make mental notes of people and societies across the land.

John lives in Frisco, Texas with his beautiful wife, three opinionated kids, and a feisty fat cat who rules the world.

"Pop on over to my Website, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ Goodreads and Amazon Author Page"

Join John's Readers’ Group and receive the first novels in both the Greed and Booker Series 

FREE for a limited time!

OTHER BOOKS FROM JOHN W MEFFORD

Follow the book tour

I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

Win AT Last by John W Mefford ebook
6 Winners!!
Ending on Saturday 10th December at 11.59pm CST

Open Worldwide 

Enter HERE

Good Luck !!

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Look Fabulous This Festive Season With Joan Collins Timeless Beauty

Having grown up watching Dallas and Dynasty,  I have long been an admirer of Joan Collins.  A fellow Gemini, she embodies glitz, glamour and chutzpah by the bucketload.

I recently discovered Joan's range of beauty products which are just as glamorous as she is.  And, as you might expect, Miss Collins has some great tips for staying fabulous at Christmas.

*The sun may be disappearing but protect your skin all year around by using a foundation with an added SPF.

*Always remember to eat a balanced diet.  Avocados are great for inside and out!

*Make your lipstick last longer whilst sipping cocktails by blotting your lips after application.

*Instantly take yourself from desk to dance-floor and feel glamorous, confident and sexy by wearing a bright and bold lipstick.

*Always remove your makeup every night with a deep cleanse and finish with a good overnight moisturiser.

*A good base is the secret to amazing makeup and will disguise ageing.

*Blending makeup with good quality brushes is vital if you want your makeup to look its best for the camera.

*For a sultry, smokey eye look for the office party, double up your eyebrow pencil by using it as an eyeliner and smudging it across the lids.

*Clutch bags are limited for space so use a lipstick as a blusher and blend it out onto the apples of the cheeks.

*Tired looking eyes?  Soak some cotton pads in a bowl of ice and place on your eyes to refreshen and reduce puffiness,

The Joan Collins Timeless Beauty range consists of three different categories: Skin Care, Cosmetics and Fragrance. The products are presented in a striking, luxurious packaging inspired by Hollywood glamour and Joan’s love of Art Deco. The formulations are based on "cutting-edge, effective, multi-active ingredients" and the range is aimed at women from 40 to 70 and above.

“Beauty is not just for the young. I believe with a little care and attention any woman can look good through her 40s, 50’s, 70’s and beyond.” - Joan

I was sent the Paparazzi Compact Duo (£34) to try.  This sleek gold compact contains pressed powder and one of the Divine Lips lipsticks together in a mirrored compact.  The powder is 'skin responsive' and the lipstick is hydrating.

Joan's lipsticks come in 16 shades, each named after her favourite roles - Alexis is there as you might expect!  I chose 'Helene' which is a lovely red which is easy to wear with a slight orangey undertone.

The Divine lipsticks retail at £18 and simply slot into the front of the compact.

The packaging is very glamorous, as you would expect and although not overly weighty, it closes with a satisfying snap and is big enough to be noticed, should you ignore etiquette rules about removing applying your makeup in public and pose with it whilst out and about!

I am looking forward to trying some more of Joan's products - particularly the fragrance "I Am Woman" which has citrus top notes, a sensual musk and wood base with romantic floral scents at its heart. Then there's Contour Eyebrow Pencil Duo in black and dark brown - the idea being that short strokes of both colours will create the look of fine hair. And of course there are matching nail lacquers for all of Joan's lipstick shades.

This is make-up for grown-ups and I love it.

You can find out more at www.joancollinsbeauty.com.

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How To Make Your Space Your Own On A Budget

How can you make your space your own when you're living in a rented flat, bedsit or student accommodation?

Everyone needs a cosy pad to escape to so that you can recharge your batteries and regather your energy. But how do you do that when money is tight and you've bills to pay?

At this time of year in particular, making your space lovely and festive only adds to the enjoyment of the season.

So what to do?  And what do you do when you share your space with others?

Here are some tips you might like to try.

Create a mood board

You can find inspiration from the interior magazines like Elle Decoration and the Sunday supplements.

Repaint - but if you are renting you might want to follow these tips to avoid upsetting your landlord!

Try some DIY projects

Here's a way to make your own fabulous cozy headboard.




Display family photos

Create a photo wall or mix and match frames.  Visit your local printer to blow up your favourite prints to A3 or larger and frame them.

Update the curtains 

You could add a statement theme to jazz a room up or just replace with calming neutrals to dial the volume down.  If light is a problem, it's worth investing in black-out linings which will give you an extra hour of snooze time on light summer mornings and keep you warm in the winter.

Use seating in the bedroom

Create a cozy corner to read in by adding an armchair to your bedroom.

Add texture with throws and cushions

You don't have to spend a fortune.  You can make such a difference with soft furnishings such as throws and cushions. Buy the cushion pads and the covers separately or make your own covers if you can sew.

You can also add character to your bedroom with bedding in different textures, colours and fabrics.

Hang String lights

These are pretty at any time of year.  Stuff strings of battery operated lights into glass vases to add a cozy glow to corners and mantle pieces or drape over the kitchen or your bed to add some atmosphere.

Create a nook

If you've no room in the bedroom to add a chair, create a cozy corner in your main room - perhaps with a mini table or bookshelf and a lamp to read by.

Add light and reflection with mirrors

A decorating basic - make your space big by using the power of reflection.  You could make a large mirror a feature of the room.

Add plants / flowers

Nothing spruces a room up like a beautiful floral display and you can find some reasonable bunches in stores like Aldi.  Add an extra note of interest by displaying them in quirky ways, for example unusual china cups.

Light Candles

Very Hygge and there are so many types and fragrances to choose from at every price point. Candles are a really quick way to add coziness.

Make your own artwork

If you are the arty type, why not create a wall dedicated to your own artwork.  I have seen some pretty convincing paintings simply done with acrylic paint.  Or if you are into photography, why not display your work - I love black and white photography.

Replace the toilet seat or taps

No explanation needed on this one and is there anything more irritating than a dripping tap?

Display your make up / perfume bottles

If you don't have many ornaments, improvise.  Antique perfume bottles and some of the more unusual modern fragrance bottles make a lovely display.

Hat boxes in stacks also make a great display.

Use modular furniture that can be moved around

If you're investing in furnishings, it makes sense to buy things you can move from room to room - and take with you when you move on.

No matter where you live, it's easy to add your own personality to your space and create a home that is welcoming and great to come back to after a hard day's work or studying.

What would be your top tip?

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New Releases, Free & Bargain Books Link-up Week 46

How are you all this week?  It's freezing and last night we had thunder and gales.  Yes, winter is definitely here.

It's Stir Up Sunday this weekend if you love your baking - the day when we all traditionally need to make our Christmas cakes and puddings.  I have a truck of dried fruit arriving later today and am relying on Mary Berry (who else?) to create a Christmas cake masterpiece.

I'm currently reading "At Last', the next Alex Troutt thriller by John W. Mefford so stand by for my review on the 21st of this month but in the meantime if you're a wine lover and you love a good mystery, check out "Overcast Sunset" by Joyce T. Strand - murder, theft, kidnap and romance at a winery which will keep you guessing.

It's Black Friday next week but if you want some bargains in the meantime - as well as something good to read - you've come to the right place as there's plenty to choose from on this week's link-up.

Don't forget that I still have plenty to be won on my competitions page and don't forget my new problem page here.

Happy bargain and freebie book hunting on this link.

Have a great week!

Sharing the Love of Books
Enjoy our selection of New Releases / Free & Bargain Books this week

Authors please feel free to add your own books
Readers please free to add your own finds
(any genre except erotica welcome)

This weekly link up is hosted by Beck Valley Books & these awesome book loving blogs...
Monday
 Life as Leels | IrishdaisylovesRomance | Book Babble | All Romance Reader
Tuesday
It's My Side of Life | Celticlady's Reviews | First Time Mommy Adventures 
Wednesday
Beck Valley Books | Cinnamon Hollow Reviews
Thursday
Miki's Hope | Nicki's Nook
Friday
Ebook Addicts | I Love Romance | Mother Distracted | Colorimetry | The Ultimate Fan Blog
Saturday
Totally Addicted to Reading | 3 Partners in Shopping | Angie's Angle | I Create Purty Thangs | Wishful Endings
Sunday
Lynchburg Mama | LibriAmoriMiei | Ali - The Dragon Slayer | Wondermom Wannabe | Deal Sharing Aunt | Rambling Reviews 

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author

For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author

For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date 

For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please.  Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Click here for this weeks awesome selection!

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Mums Forced Out Of Work Due To Lack Of Flexible Jobs

In my time in the corporate world, it quickly became clear that all jobs were not created equal. Time after time I would see women in relatively senior positions return from maternity leave only to find out that their role had mysteriously been redefined.  Or, if they did request a more flexible working arrangement, this would be frowned upon and deemed as unfair to the rest of the staff (often predominantly women).

Many of the firms I worked for considered themselves above the constraints of employment law - or at least they knew very well how to circumvent them.

As usual, mums and those without kids were pitted against each other.  Occasionally there might be a half-hearted attempt at a 'job share' but, in general, the working lives of women returners were often made so untenable that they left.

So it was no surprise to read that Workingmums.co.uk is calling for improved education on employment rights and toughening up of legislation

Nearly one in five (18%) working mums have been forced to leave their jobs because a flexible working request has been turned down, according to Workingmums.co.uk's annual survey published on 18th October this year.

The survey of over 2,000 women in Workingmums.co.uk's 10th anniversary year shows that over a quarter (26%) of mums in work have had a flexible working request turned down. Some 12 per cent said their employer did not even seem to consider their request at all and over a quarter (27%) said the reason given for turning down the request was not one which is allowable under flexible working legislation.

For women currently on maternity leave the figures were higher: 35% of those who had had a flexible working request turned down had had it rejected on grounds other than reasons which are allowable under flexible working legislation. Some 68% said they did not feel the rejection was justified. However, 79% did not appeal. This was not surprising given only 5% appealed successfully. Some 41% of those on maternity leave said refusal of flexible working would mean they might not return to their job, yet 50% said they had not discussed flexible working before going on maternity leave.

The survey shows that availability of flexible working is the key career development issue for working mums, with some element of homeworking the most valued, particularly for those wanting to work full time. Other barriers included childcare costs - half of women currently on maternity leave said childcare costs could prevent them returning to work.

Flexible working legislation was extended to all employees in 2014, but some provisions of the original legislation, such as the statutory right of appeal, were watered down.

The survey shows a divide between those women who have extremely flexible jobs (10%) and those who have no flexibility at all (9%) or whose jobs are not very flexible (26%).

It also reveals that many employers are failing to retain the skills of working mums after maternity leave. Some 60% of women said they changed jobs after maternity leave and 58% say they are interested in starting their own business or becoming a franchisee, with 40% of these actively pursuing ideas and plans. Research has shown that the ability to be more in control of their hours - not necessarily to work fewer hours - is a key driver for those women who want to start businesses after having children.

Some 64% are interested in retraining. A previous Workingmums.co.uk's survey showed a need for more flexible working and a desire to do something they considered more meaningful were behind many mums' interest in retraining.

The survey also showed: - job shares are still not used by many employers. Only 4% of women said they were in a job share, despite 55% wanting to work part time - 57% of working mums struggle with holiday and after school childcare - 46% use grandparents to reduce childcare costs - 38% pay no childcare costs as they use family/friends to cover pick-ups or work school-friendly hours.

Under flexible working legislation employers have a duty to deal with requests in a ‘reasonable manner’. Workingmums.co.uk also has concerns about the weakness of the legislation around the right of appeal and clearly the survey bears out those concerns since most who had their request rejected while on maternity leave did not appeal, even though 68% felt the reasons given for the rejection was not justified.

Workingmums.co.uk would like to see more efforts made both to promote the case for flexible working more widely and to educate women about their rights with regard to the legislation. They would also like policymakers to look at the case for reinstating a statutory right of appeal if a request is turned down as this would send an important message to employers that they must give serious consideration to requests and not just dismiss them out of hand.

It's really not good enough in 2016 is it.  And might I suggest that in this Anti Bullying Week, some employers dogged determination to discriminate against those with kids (including dads, many of whom face similar issues), is nothing less than bullying.

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My Problem Page - What Was I Asked In Week 46?

This week I'm talking about scaring your crush away by declaring your love on Facebook and why throwing your toys out of your pram in business is not a good idea.

If you would like any advice, feel free to message me or pop a comment in the comment box at the end of this post. I promise to be gentle.

Here's this week's questions.

Q: Is it normal if my guyfriend (who I like and isn't seeing anyone) hasn't texted me for a few weeks?

He has been sending me kisses and I sent some back.  The week after he didn’t text me for six days but told me that he had been on Facebook (which I don't have) but he still responds to me. Is it OK for a guy who likes you to not text you for a few weeks and will he text you back?

A: Texting is not real life. It is playing with phones. 

To have a real relationship with someone you have to spend time with them in person. You have to talk to them, get to know their hopes and dreams, what makes them tick. 

Sending text kisses is not a declaration of love. It’s a mild flirtation, nothing more. 

Since you are not in a relationship with this guy, there is no reason why he should text you more regularly. 

It sounds to me as if he is keeping you sweet in case he decides he does want a relationship with you but that’s a little immature and, frankly, a waste of your time. And, by the way, you can get the Facebook app for free on your phone. 

But don’t waste any more time hankering after this guy. If he is really interested he will be phoning to ask you out on a date. 

Until that happens, this is just another keyboard flirtation which is going nowhere.

Q: Did he even love me? Did he cheat? Does he love her now?

We were happy until he told me that he doesn't love me 100%.  He took another girl to his workplace to eat but he never took me there.  We broke up but he came back again.  One minute he would be talking about an open relationship, the next he would tell me not to fall in love with someone else. Two days after he left me he was dating this other girl.

A: This man clearly wanted the best of both worlds and didn’t quite have the guts to tell you he wanted to break up. Or perhaps he wasn’t sure if this other girl really wanted him. 

I am sorry for the upset you have gone through but really, this man is not worth your time or your emotions. 

I believe love is something that develops over time in a committed relationship where both parties are prepared to make an effort.

I suspect he did cheat - and if you’re honest you suspected that too and yes, it hurts. 

I don’t think, from your description, that he was a man in love. I also don’t think he’ll be staying with the new girl for very long either. 

He sounds very immature and as if he doesn’t really know what he wants. Just make sure you don’t let him come back to hurt you all over again.

Q: Do you think it better to argue in business or to just walk away?

A: That’s a pretty vague question and without knowing the context it’s hard to talk in anything more than generalisations. 

If the argument is personal, based on dislike, or poor treatment or a simple difference of opinion, then keeping quiet and treating that person with respect is the professional thing to do. If the poor treatment continues, it is surely the responsibility of HR to help sort it out. 

If you are in a meeting and an argument arises, there’s a difference between being personal and offensive, and calmly stating your well thought out reasons for the good of the business. 

In other words, if it’s your responsibility in whatever role you have at work to deliver something, then you need to find a way to work with the various personalities you encounter to deliver it. 

I always think that the person who is shouting loses - because they have lost control. But walking away is just playing chicken. 

I can’t imagine Richard Branson storming off in a huff somehow, can you?

Q: I told my crush I like him. We were good friends but since I told him I like him he doesn't talk to me anymore. What does this mean? 

So, I told him I like him on Facebook and we talked about that for about 3–4 minutes, but that was 2 days ago and now he doesn’t even talk to me or message me. My friends have noticed that he stares at me during lessons though. Did I do something wrong?

A: I’m guessing you’re not very old and perhaps you are a little inexperienced. 

Declaring your love publicly, on Facebook, isn’t the best place to do it, particularly if he wasn’t expecting it. You put him on the line and he was probably embarrassed and didn’t know what to say.

In general, and I don’t care if this sounds old fashioned, men like to do the chasing. 

It does sound as if he does not feel the same way as he has made no effort to contact you or arrange a date. 

He may be interested, hence the stares, but lacks the confidence to do anything. Surely you got some sense how he felt in your brief conversation? 

All you can do is tell him you value his friendship and understand if he is not interested. Tell him you don’t want to lose what you had - unless you feel that you couldn’t cope with just being a friend and not a lover. 

But please, do this subtly face to face - and not on Facebook.

Q: What are the clues than an ex is playing hard to get?

A: Surely if they’re an ex they’re not really playing hard to get anymore - they’re an ex?

Do you mean that they are showing signs of wanting you back?

It’s very common for exes to reminisce about old times without necessarily wanting to rekindle the relationship.

The only way you will truly know if they are interested is by hearing them say it - or by them asking you out on a date again.

If you are chasing this person and they are giving you the runaround then I don’t think they’re really interested.

If you broke up with them or if you cheated, they may just be toying with you to get some rather immature revenge.

Either way, it’s time to stop playing games and ask what’s going on - that way you can move forward with your life and stop wasting time on someone who may have no intention of rekindling your relationship.

Q: Is it true that if you haven't fallen in love before the age of 21, you'll never really fall in love at all?

A: No of course not - unless you are living in some Disney fantasy land.

I think young love is often based on nothing more than sexual attraction whereas more mature love can be deeper and more enduring.

Falling in love is not a mechanical process. You can’t apply rules and regulations to it. If you could there would not be the acres of romantic poetry and prose from our fellow humans desperately trying to understand love.

Neither does love necessarily ‘appear’ before your magical cut-off age of 21. For some it appears out of the blue; for others it grows and strengthens over time.

There is a saying “youth is wasted on the young”. I’d argue you could say the same about love.

If you are stressing about not experiencing ‘the big love’ yet, relax. Love can be hard to find if you go looking for it.

But if you’re happy, content, like yourself and are kind to others, very often love will find you.

How would you have responded to these questions? I'd love to know. You can find more advice on my problem page.

All materials included in this post are intended for informational purposes only. This post/information is not intended to and should not be used to replace medical or psychiatric advice offered by physicians or other health care providers. The author will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages arising therefrom.

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