两会期间，“民生问题”成为各界委员、代表、甚至记者热烈讨论的话题。多位来自港澳和内地的委员代表们向中国证券报记者表示，在当前CPI日渐攀升、负利率持续加剧的情况下，普通投资者应该学会如何正确的投资理财，实现财产保值增值。
港澳市民热衷“内地概念”
全国政协委员、香港立法会议员林健锋向中国证券报记者表示，近几年来，香港市民赶赴内地投资已经成为一种趋势。他表示：“越来越多的香港人在深圳工作，在深圳消费、投资、购买深圳房产都在情理之中。”
中国证券报记者在此次两会报道期间，与许多港澳的记者同行聊天时发现，与内地相关的投资渠道、理财产品受港澳市民追捧程度远远超过本报记者的想象。
来自香港的财经记者宋小姐告诉本报记者：“我自己的股票投资组合中百分之百都是内地股票，多为来港上市的内地保险公司，比如中国人寿、中国平安等。我觉得这些公司具有成长性，而且市场很大。”宋小姐介绍，香港股市每天有7成左右的成交量来自具有“内地概念”的上市公司。许多香港的商业人士和投资者都认为，香港公司在成长性方面，远不如内地公司。
全国政协委员、中国人寿保险(集团)公司总裁杨超则建议，刚刚就业的年轻人要合理配置自己的资金。“在国外比较普遍的是，30%、30%、40%的分配。30%用于日常开销、30%用于投资理财、40%用作储蓄。但是，投资者一定要对自己的投资风格有个判断，切忌盲目投资。”杨超指出，鉴于目前的高通胀问题，可以适当增加投资、减少储蓄。
楼市投资观点大相径庭
林健锋委员认为，随着香港、澳门和内地的紧密度日益增加，交通、生活等会越来越方便。“投资方面的交流会越来越多，但是我认为炒楼是很危险的。因为投资房地产的资金量很大，一旦有大的变动，就会影响整个投资。投资房地产不是一朝一夕的事情，但是股票就相对容易些，我就倾向于投资流动性较高的产品。普通投资者要了解自己的资金实力和预期回报率，掌握投资市场未来的趋势和情况。”
宋小姐告诉本报记者：“我目前有一部分资金用于“供楼”，大概占两成左右，但是据我了解，大多数香港人的月供比例都在50%左右，并没有多余的资金去投资房地产。而且，我也不建议做房地产这类流动性较差、风险较高的投资。”
由于香港的市场化程度很高，很多香港人会选择专业的投资顾问和投资渠道。宋小姐认为，投资股票、基金和理财产品等，不仅灵活而且收益也相对稳定。“我知道有些内地朋友会投资黄金，比如购买金条。但是，我觉得购买黄金会占据很大的开支，而且流动性不够。我会选择购买一些和黄金挂钩的理财产品。”
港澳投资者对于房地产投资的观点和内地大相径庭。记者随机和几位内地同行聊了聊，多数人都表示，由于通胀趋势日趋加剧，投资房地产是最具保障的。他们表示，目前会继续观望房地产调控的效果，未来一旦看清了形势，就考虑购买房产。
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Monday, 28 March 2011
明星过招投资理财
作家余秋雨靠投资迈进富豪级别的消息，至今仍让不少人羡慕不已。据考证，“全民投资理财”的时代，演艺圈的理财之风尤为浓烈。这个领域，收入丰厚，但竞争也异常激烈，且没有人能够料到何时就面临谢幕，于是，理财成为明星们必修的一门课。当然也涌现出一批理财高手。
多元置业
在一项关于“最受90后尊重的20大创富人物”的调查中，成龙高居榜首，看看这位演艺界大哥的家产，更觉得实至名归。
成龙在演艺圈的吸金能力众所周知。除了瞠目结舌的片酬之外，还有养眼的分红，成龙自1980年在美国加入演员工会之后，便采用分红制与嘉禾签约。嘉禾娱乐事业上市时，成龙获配股500万股。成龙说，到好莱坞拍片，最大的回馈就是在那里“分红分到手软”，拍片期间，除了片酬外，他还有零用钱，他的班底们的薪水，也由拍片单位支付。
成龙的广告收入也是他一项主要的经济来源。外界传说的“成龙剪彩，金剪一挥就值50万港元”。在台湾拍广告，价码300万台币。与三菱汽车和佳能，保持了十多年的稳定关系。
成龙对房地产颇有兴趣，据消息，他目前最名贵的房产，要算是在美国洛杉矶贝佛利山庄的豪宅。
另外，成龙在澳洲悉尼、吉隆坡、台湾、香港和新加坡，都有房地产十几栋。
成龙在香港的物业，据透露有三项：最大的一处是九龙塘的办事处，7000英尺，以逾2000万港元买入。另外两个住宅，其中一间2500英尺，以360万港元向何善衡买入，现值2200万港元。
至于成龙身家，着实难以估计。据了解，成龙珍藏有以万计的紫檀木，已有20多年，大部分源自9间明朝古屋古庙及古戏台，价值连城。另外据消息，成龙拥有8个大仓库，曾表示可以开博物馆。
买房产
周星驰号称是明星中的楼王之王。1990年周星驰看中香港豪宅，以近2000万台币买入第一套房产，以现在市值来算，已经让他净赚4000万台币(约合人民币1000万元)。
周星驰号称香港铺王的封号。在2002年10月香港楼市跌到谷底的时候，星爷逢低出击，用3000万港元购买了旺角先达广场的商铺。2004年3月当该楼盘涨到4300万港元时，星爷果断将其抛出。据统计，热衷炒商铺，几年下来星爷获利高达台币7亿元(约合人民币1.4亿元)。
记者考证，买房置业是明星们极为热衷的投资项目。香港艺人开买房风气之先，内地财力雄厚的“保守派”明星步其后尘，纷纷在北上广等一线城市买房。比如成龙和谭咏麟在上海购买了鼎邦丽池别墅。刘嘉玲置业选择了北外滩的白金湾府邸，容祖儿承认自己所买的物业账面价值确实过亿，巩俐、林忆莲、刘雪华、赵薇、古天乐、邓萃雯、张家辉、关之琳、容祖儿等人进入楼市身家攀高的消息屡见不鲜。
开公司
本山帝国起步于1993年成立的本山艺术开发总公司，当时同时兼营煤炭和运输生意，煤炭生意为赵本山的文化产业积累了原始资金。赵本山在上个世纪90年代的出场费就已达到了10万元，但他几乎没有走过穴，而是借助春晚的影响力成功地把铁岭推向了全国，把二人转推向了全国。
2008年时，尽管北京的分店还没开，其余8家“刘老根大舞台”以每场500人观看，平均票价50元，每年举办200场计算，一个剧场每年就能带来500万元的收入，而刘老根大舞台在全国总共有8家，平均一年总收入4000万元。辽宁省文化厅厅长郭兴文披露：赵本山辽宁民间艺术团，2008年共演出2127场，演出收入9660万元，上缴利税1752万元。
近几年，赵本山投资执导并主演的《刘老根》系列两部、《马大帅》系列三部等电视剧，拍摄场地选在铁岭，演员大多是自己的徒弟和学生，据统计，这几部电视剧回收的资金保守估计应该不下5000万元。
记者了解，创办自己的文化演艺公司是时下明星们投资热度颇高的项目，例如范冰冰、李亚鹏、张纪中、韩红、胡海泉、张亚东等等。
自己开公司，一方面自己当老板可以及时转型，另一方面做大经纪公司的签约艺人缺乏安全感，自主性也差，自己开公司可以最大限度地包装推广自己。
以范冰冰为例，2007年，范冰冰个人影视工作室“冰冰影视传媒有限公司”在上海成立，《胭脂雪》作为开门大作，总投资高达2800万元，有人统计，按照一家电视台付版权费和播出费共计500万元，至少20家电视台先后播放计算，《胭脂雪》最终收入达1亿元。除去成本，范冰冰净赚7200万元。此外，2008年，范冰冰投拍并主演的国产歌舞片《精舞门》，票房超过千万。
风险投资
明星入市炒股早已经不是什么新鲜事，去年华谊兄弟[26.97 -0.74% 股吧]上市，让旗下明星纷纷一夜暴富。余秋雨、陈好、张羽、郭冬临、冯小刚、马云、李冰冰、黄晓明、邓婕、姚明、黄圣依、徐帆……一串串熟悉的名字，备受关注。
在股市里，“郭冬临”已经是小有名气的股神，以潜伏题材股出名。时代科技[7.61 1.87% 股吧]2009年年报中，新晋自然人股东“郭冬临”持有95.06万股，市值约632万元，名列十大流通股股东。中电广通[8.87 0.34% 股吧]2009年三季报显示，第二大流通股股东为“郭冬临”，持有275.14万股。而在此前，“郭冬临”已成功地从另两家上市公司“盾安环境[33.09 -1.43% 股吧]”和“北方天鸟”里获利出逃。
中国卫星[24.48 -0.49% 股吧]导航领域的龙头——北京合众思壮[46.75 0.11% 股吧]科技股份有限公司上市，篮球明星姚明投资的近70万股。
上市公司浙江东方[9.23 0.44% 股吧]公布的季报显示，该股的第三、第四大流通股股东分别为徐帆和邓婕。徐帆持有174.17万股，第四大流通股东邓婕持146.13万股。
陈好潜伏ST股票3年，乃该公司十大流通股东之首，赚得2700万元，而除炒股，她还会关注基金与布局银行理财产品，进行分散风险投资。
华谊群星中，黄晓明拥有的股权最多，持180万股，仅股票投资身家过亿。华谊王中军透露，黄晓明对于理财非常敏感，甚至愿意筹钱买华谊的股票，“公司允许买到180万股，他就想，这笔钱，该怎么来筹”，“我觉得黄晓明前些年没赚什么钱，他拿出几百万来买这个股票，我觉得就他当时的财力而言，是有压力的。”足以见得黄晓明的理财能力。
记者了解，明星们也涉猎股票、期货、债券等高风险高回报投资，但基本都是交给有经验的朋友操作，占财产份额不大。
开店
在明星开店的历史上，任泉可以称得上是老江湖了。1998年任泉从上海戏剧学院毕业，当时演戏机会不多，工作不稳定，就拿出积蓄，又跟李冰冰等人借钱凑够10万块，开办了在上海的第一家餐馆。当时只有8张桌子，任泉没有甘当甩手掌柜，而是自己花心思经营。开业半年后又包下2楼、3楼，最终演变成著名的“蜀地传说”，今天，“蜀地传说”壮大为上海4家店，北京两家，有人要用8位数高价收购这个品牌，任泉没卖。
刘嘉玲也是一位开店的行家里手，先后投资过酒吧、餐饮等多种生意。蔡卓妍与她的经纪人霍纹希合开的服装店，出售艺人二手衣服。韩寒开办网上书店，其经营之道是“正版+签名”。周杰伦开办古董店和潮流店。五月天的阿信开了潮流店，店里一直有五月天爱穿的服装，大到衣服裤子，小到手机挂件，一应俱全。
任泉谈明星开店的感受，特殊身份有利有弊，一方面借助知名度可以迅速打出品牌，另一方面外界要求也会更高，一旦出现什么问题会被放大。这可能就是“明星开店火三天”怪圈形成的一个原因。
多元置业
在一项关于“最受90后尊重的20大创富人物”的调查中，成龙高居榜首，看看这位演艺界大哥的家产，更觉得实至名归。
成龙在演艺圈的吸金能力众所周知。除了瞠目结舌的片酬之外，还有养眼的分红，成龙自1980年在美国加入演员工会之后，便采用分红制与嘉禾签约。嘉禾娱乐事业上市时，成龙获配股500万股。成龙说，到好莱坞拍片，最大的回馈就是在那里“分红分到手软”，拍片期间，除了片酬外，他还有零用钱，他的班底们的薪水，也由拍片单位支付。
成龙的广告收入也是他一项主要的经济来源。外界传说的“成龙剪彩，金剪一挥就值50万港元”。在台湾拍广告，价码300万台币。与三菱汽车和佳能，保持了十多年的稳定关系。
成龙对房地产颇有兴趣，据消息，他目前最名贵的房产，要算是在美国洛杉矶贝佛利山庄的豪宅。
另外，成龙在澳洲悉尼、吉隆坡、台湾、香港和新加坡，都有房地产十几栋。
成龙在香港的物业，据透露有三项：最大的一处是九龙塘的办事处，7000英尺，以逾2000万港元买入。另外两个住宅，其中一间2500英尺，以360万港元向何善衡买入，现值2200万港元。
至于成龙身家，着实难以估计。据了解，成龙珍藏有以万计的紫檀木，已有20多年，大部分源自9间明朝古屋古庙及古戏台，价值连城。另外据消息，成龙拥有8个大仓库，曾表示可以开博物馆。
买房产
周星驰号称是明星中的楼王之王。1990年周星驰看中香港豪宅，以近2000万台币买入第一套房产，以现在市值来算，已经让他净赚4000万台币(约合人民币1000万元)。
周星驰号称香港铺王的封号。在2002年10月香港楼市跌到谷底的时候，星爷逢低出击，用3000万港元购买了旺角先达广场的商铺。2004年3月当该楼盘涨到4300万港元时，星爷果断将其抛出。据统计，热衷炒商铺，几年下来星爷获利高达台币7亿元(约合人民币1.4亿元)。
记者考证，买房置业是明星们极为热衷的投资项目。香港艺人开买房风气之先，内地财力雄厚的“保守派”明星步其后尘，纷纷在北上广等一线城市买房。比如成龙和谭咏麟在上海购买了鼎邦丽池别墅。刘嘉玲置业选择了北外滩的白金湾府邸，容祖儿承认自己所买的物业账面价值确实过亿，巩俐、林忆莲、刘雪华、赵薇、古天乐、邓萃雯、张家辉、关之琳、容祖儿等人进入楼市身家攀高的消息屡见不鲜。
开公司
本山帝国起步于1993年成立的本山艺术开发总公司，当时同时兼营煤炭和运输生意，煤炭生意为赵本山的文化产业积累了原始资金。赵本山在上个世纪90年代的出场费就已达到了10万元，但他几乎没有走过穴，而是借助春晚的影响力成功地把铁岭推向了全国，把二人转推向了全国。
2008年时，尽管北京的分店还没开，其余8家“刘老根大舞台”以每场500人观看，平均票价50元，每年举办200场计算，一个剧场每年就能带来500万元的收入，而刘老根大舞台在全国总共有8家，平均一年总收入4000万元。辽宁省文化厅厅长郭兴文披露：赵本山辽宁民间艺术团，2008年共演出2127场，演出收入9660万元，上缴利税1752万元。
近几年，赵本山投资执导并主演的《刘老根》系列两部、《马大帅》系列三部等电视剧，拍摄场地选在铁岭，演员大多是自己的徒弟和学生，据统计，这几部电视剧回收的资金保守估计应该不下5000万元。
记者了解，创办自己的文化演艺公司是时下明星们投资热度颇高的项目，例如范冰冰、李亚鹏、张纪中、韩红、胡海泉、张亚东等等。
自己开公司，一方面自己当老板可以及时转型，另一方面做大经纪公司的签约艺人缺乏安全感，自主性也差，自己开公司可以最大限度地包装推广自己。
以范冰冰为例，2007年，范冰冰个人影视工作室“冰冰影视传媒有限公司”在上海成立，《胭脂雪》作为开门大作，总投资高达2800万元，有人统计，按照一家电视台付版权费和播出费共计500万元，至少20家电视台先后播放计算，《胭脂雪》最终收入达1亿元。除去成本，范冰冰净赚7200万元。此外，2008年，范冰冰投拍并主演的国产歌舞片《精舞门》，票房超过千万。
风险投资
明星入市炒股早已经不是什么新鲜事，去年华谊兄弟[26.97 -0.74% 股吧]上市，让旗下明星纷纷一夜暴富。余秋雨、陈好、张羽、郭冬临、冯小刚、马云、李冰冰、黄晓明、邓婕、姚明、黄圣依、徐帆……一串串熟悉的名字，备受关注。
在股市里，“郭冬临”已经是小有名气的股神，以潜伏题材股出名。时代科技[7.61 1.87% 股吧]2009年年报中，新晋自然人股东“郭冬临”持有95.06万股，市值约632万元，名列十大流通股股东。中电广通[8.87 0.34% 股吧]2009年三季报显示，第二大流通股股东为“郭冬临”，持有275.14万股。而在此前，“郭冬临”已成功地从另两家上市公司“盾安环境[33.09 -1.43% 股吧]”和“北方天鸟”里获利出逃。
中国卫星[24.48 -0.49% 股吧]导航领域的龙头——北京合众思壮[46.75 0.11% 股吧]科技股份有限公司上市，篮球明星姚明投资的近70万股。
上市公司浙江东方[9.23 0.44% 股吧]公布的季报显示，该股的第三、第四大流通股股东分别为徐帆和邓婕。徐帆持有174.17万股，第四大流通股东邓婕持146.13万股。
陈好潜伏ST股票3年，乃该公司十大流通股东之首，赚得2700万元，而除炒股，她还会关注基金与布局银行理财产品，进行分散风险投资。
华谊群星中，黄晓明拥有的股权最多，持180万股，仅股票投资身家过亿。华谊王中军透露，黄晓明对于理财非常敏感，甚至愿意筹钱买华谊的股票，“公司允许买到180万股，他就想，这笔钱，该怎么来筹”，“我觉得黄晓明前些年没赚什么钱，他拿出几百万来买这个股票，我觉得就他当时的财力而言，是有压力的。”足以见得黄晓明的理财能力。
记者了解，明星们也涉猎股票、期货、债券等高风险高回报投资，但基本都是交给有经验的朋友操作，占财产份额不大。
开店
在明星开店的历史上，任泉可以称得上是老江湖了。1998年任泉从上海戏剧学院毕业，当时演戏机会不多，工作不稳定，就拿出积蓄，又跟李冰冰等人借钱凑够10万块，开办了在上海的第一家餐馆。当时只有8张桌子，任泉没有甘当甩手掌柜，而是自己花心思经营。开业半年后又包下2楼、3楼，最终演变成著名的“蜀地传说”，今天，“蜀地传说”壮大为上海4家店，北京两家，有人要用8位数高价收购这个品牌，任泉没卖。
刘嘉玲也是一位开店的行家里手，先后投资过酒吧、餐饮等多种生意。蔡卓妍与她的经纪人霍纹希合开的服装店，出售艺人二手衣服。韩寒开办网上书店，其经营之道是“正版+签名”。周杰伦开办古董店和潮流店。五月天的阿信开了潮流店，店里一直有五月天爱穿的服装，大到衣服裤子，小到手机挂件，一应俱全。
任泉谈明星开店的感受，特殊身份有利有弊，一方面借助知名度可以迅速打出品牌，另一方面外界要求也会更高，一旦出现什么问题会被放大。这可能就是“明星开店火三天”怪圈形成的一个原因。
Sunday, 27 March 2011
网购业升幅最大
投资热点
本报讯(文/表 记者 刘新宇)昨日，记者从中国连锁经营协会“2011年度中国特许经营投资景气调查”的结果中了解到，在今年最具成长性的前10位中，网上购物排名第二，上升幅度最大。据悉,2011年，加盟店的增速将基本保持在10%以上，有三分之一的企业将加盟开发速度设定在20%以上。被调查企业普遍认为，人工成本和房租上涨是今年的最大难题，而加大新产品开发力度，则是确保企业可持续增长的主要手段。
而今年加盟连锁最值得关注的行业中，儿童消费和服务市场被普遍看好。儿童教育培训已连续三年被特许总部、加盟商和专家一致首推的最具成长且投资回报率最高的行业；婴幼儿用品零售业务也被特许双方视为具有潜力和投资价值的行业。
值得注意的是，今年最具成长性的前10位中，网上购物排名第二，上升幅度最大。虽然纯粹的网上零售商还较少涉足实体连锁的开发，但实体连锁进军互联网已成流行趋势，目前影响网上购物可持续发展的主要障碍是诚信和规范的缺失，本次调查也反映出特许领域在此问题上的共识。
受益于电子商务的高速发展，快递服务业也被推选为最具成长性前10位行业，但目前连锁经营方面还处于摸索和起步阶段。
本次景气调查还发现，特许企业对开拓海外市场的热情空前提高，已有15%的特许总部在海外开店，更有30%的企业计划招募海外加盟商。在网上零售业务开拓方面，已有三分之二的特许企业建立了网上销售平台。
日本地震影响国内股市暴跌只是短期行为
赢隆资产 研究总监 郭筹伟
“日本地震造成国内股市暴跌，这只是一个短期行为而已。他对国内股市的影响将会逐步消退，深沪股市将回归到自己的运行轨道上来。”青岛赢隆资产管理有限公司研究总监郭筹伟表示。
股市暴跌有点儿过分
“上证指数[2977.81 1.06%]在3000点面临前期成交密集区，有技术性调整的需要，但日本地震加剧了调整的速度，造成股市过分暴跌。”
郭筹伟认为，3月15日深沪股市跌破2900点，最低达到2850.94点这样的反应有些过度了，一方面是这次地震对我国、全球经济而言，整体影响并不大；另一方面，可以对比1995年阪神地震对全球金融市场的影响可知，日本股市地震后的6个月内，跌幅最大为25%左右；美国股市的表现完全相反，地震后，标普500指数一路上涨，在6个月内上涨了大约20%；香港股市在地震后逆转了此前的下跌走势，在震后的6个月内上涨了大约30%，总体来看当时全球指数几乎没有受到太大的影响，或者影响很快消退；而当时国内股市也表现相对稳定。
震后，能源行业异军突起
除机械、电子设备及零配件行业受日本地震影响较大外，由于受日本核电站泄漏的影响，中国一重[5.72 -0.17% 股吧]、东方电气[28.56 0.71% 股吧]、中核科技[32.24 -0.49% 股吧]等核发电概念也纷纷下跌。
郭筹伟认为，此次地震导致的核电站泄漏，可能引发中国国内对核电建设的质疑，而风电、太阳能等新能源的安全性较高，在未来有望得到大力的扶持，行业前景较为广阔。同时，核辐射短期的影响也会对相关医药股产生一定的推动作用。
“我认为，这些更多是短期炒作而已。今年中国股市机会较大，投资者应该关注未来能持续上涨的板块、个股，我们公司整体看好环保、新材料、生物制药、新能源(包括新能源汽车)、信息技术、高端设备等板块及个股，投资者要特别留意两会后相关政策对板块的推动作用。
“日本地震造成国内股市暴跌，这只是一个短期行为而已。他对国内股市的影响将会逐步消退，深沪股市将回归到自己的运行轨道上来。”青岛赢隆资产管理有限公司研究总监郭筹伟表示。
股市暴跌有点儿过分
“上证指数[2977.81 1.06%]在3000点面临前期成交密集区，有技术性调整的需要，但日本地震加剧了调整的速度，造成股市过分暴跌。”
郭筹伟认为，3月15日深沪股市跌破2900点，最低达到2850.94点这样的反应有些过度了，一方面是这次地震对我国、全球经济而言，整体影响并不大；另一方面，可以对比1995年阪神地震对全球金融市场的影响可知，日本股市地震后的6个月内，跌幅最大为25%左右；美国股市的表现完全相反，地震后，标普500指数一路上涨，在6个月内上涨了大约20%；香港股市在地震后逆转了此前的下跌走势，在震后的6个月内上涨了大约30%，总体来看当时全球指数几乎没有受到太大的影响，或者影响很快消退；而当时国内股市也表现相对稳定。
震后，能源行业异军突起
除机械、电子设备及零配件行业受日本地震影响较大外，由于受日本核电站泄漏的影响，中国一重[5.72 -0.17% 股吧]、东方电气[28.56 0.71% 股吧]、中核科技[32.24 -0.49% 股吧]等核发电概念也纷纷下跌。
郭筹伟认为，此次地震导致的核电站泄漏，可能引发中国国内对核电建设的质疑，而风电、太阳能等新能源的安全性较高，在未来有望得到大力的扶持，行业前景较为广阔。同时，核辐射短期的影响也会对相关医药股产生一定的推动作用。
“我认为，这些更多是短期炒作而已。今年中国股市机会较大，投资者应该关注未来能持续上涨的板块、个股，我们公司整体看好环保、新材料、生物制药、新能源(包括新能源汽车)、信息技术、高端设备等板块及个股，投资者要特别留意两会后相关政策对板块的推动作用。
警惕银行四大理财陷阱：钓鱼网站 收益夸海口
陷阱一 钓鱼网站
不久前，曾有近5万名某银行网银用户收到一条短信要求登录一钓鱼网站进行升级，不少用户因为误登录钓鱼网站被盗取大量现金。一位有着该行网银账户的客户竟然被连续盗刷90次！网银被盗现象时有发生，目前多数银行网银已加入新的安全保护功能，但是最重要的还是客户自身要谨防个人信息被盗，包括卡号、账号、密码、动态口令码等。
陷阱二 收益夸海口
银行理财产品“夸大收益”、“规避风险”的营销方式多有发生，监管层也在不断出台制度严禁误导，或提醒投资者提高风险意识。目前，除了申购新股外，银监会已叫停银行其他涉股理财产品。更应该提醒投资者的是，不要单纯依据收益高低选择购买产品，一定要看清产品说明书中是否已注明产品属高风险。
陷阱三 强行平仓
去年，国际金价大幅飙涨，投资者热情高涨。各家银行敏锐地嗅到了这一新的盈利时机，纷纷推出黄金T+D业务，为自己的中间业务赚取更大利润。然而去年8月31日，因为上交所黄金延期品种价格剧烈波动，从开盘的271.90元涨至289.32元，致使有银行交易系统对保证金不足的客户自动平仓。这一事件，令众多投资者损失惨重。
陷阱四 违规销售
近日，一外资银行的“利财通1号”被曝出巨亏60%，其销售人员欺瞒投资者，承诺保本和高收益。销售人员还私自篡改了投资者的风险评估报告，风险承受能力由中级改为高级。该产品的广告内容是紧跟“港股直通车”，事实上“港股直通车”根本未获批准。同时，广告中未曾披露该产品存在本金损失风险这一重要特征。 (晓甜 整理)
不久前，曾有近5万名某银行网银用户收到一条短信要求登录一钓鱼网站进行升级，不少用户因为误登录钓鱼网站被盗取大量现金。一位有着该行网银账户的客户竟然被连续盗刷90次！网银被盗现象时有发生，目前多数银行网银已加入新的安全保护功能，但是最重要的还是客户自身要谨防个人信息被盗，包括卡号、账号、密码、动态口令码等。
陷阱二 收益夸海口
银行理财产品“夸大收益”、“规避风险”的营销方式多有发生，监管层也在不断出台制度严禁误导，或提醒投资者提高风险意识。目前，除了申购新股外，银监会已叫停银行其他涉股理财产品。更应该提醒投资者的是，不要单纯依据收益高低选择购买产品，一定要看清产品说明书中是否已注明产品属高风险。
陷阱三 强行平仓
去年，国际金价大幅飙涨，投资者热情高涨。各家银行敏锐地嗅到了这一新的盈利时机，纷纷推出黄金T+D业务，为自己的中间业务赚取更大利润。然而去年8月31日，因为上交所黄金延期品种价格剧烈波动，从开盘的271.90元涨至289.32元，致使有银行交易系统对保证金不足的客户自动平仓。这一事件，令众多投资者损失惨重。
陷阱四 违规销售
近日，一外资银行的“利财通1号”被曝出巨亏60%，其销售人员欺瞒投资者，承诺保本和高收益。销售人员还私自篡改了投资者的风险评估报告，风险承受能力由中级改为高级。该产品的广告内容是紧跟“港股直通车”，事实上“港股直通车”根本未获批准。同时，广告中未曾披露该产品存在本金损失风险这一重要特征。 (晓甜 整理)
地震冲击保险业行规 如何投保才能保地震
地震保险再次成为市民关心的话题。记者昨天从沪上部分保险机构了解到，连日来上海市民咨询地震保险的案例增多，但并不十分明显。据了解，由地震、飓风、海啸等产生的灾害赔偿，主要包括寿险和财险两部分，现在保险公司推出的寿险产品基本都能进行赔付，而财产保险多数把地震列为免责条款，获赔几率较低。与此同时，无论寿险还是财产险，核反应、核辐射和放射性污染一般都在免责条款之列。
中国平安[50.51 1.00% 股吧]上海分公司相关负责人表示，需要仔细甄别保单免责条款，并不是所有的寿险产品都能为地震提供保障。例如部分人身意外保险，只承诺对被保险人在乘坐交通工具或户外运动，以及从事其他行为时，遭受意外事故或伤亡，进行赔偿，而地震、海啸、洪水等自然灾害造成被保险人伤亡则属于免责条款。
需注意的是，像旅行社责任保险、学校责任保险等均将地震列入了免赔范围。因此，人员在学校或者旅行过程中发生了地震，并不能得到保障。旅行社责任保险的标的是旅行社因本身的“过失、失误”对游客造成的伤害；而学校责任保险的标的是学校因本身的“过失、失误”对学生造成的伤害。所以游客需要自己买一份个人意外险或旅游意外险，学生则需要买一份个人意外险或学平险。
许多投保者在购买保险的时候，往往会凭借自己的理解，认为只要是对于自然灾害的保险，就一定可以保“地震”，事实上并非如此。一般来说，家庭财产保险通常不赔地震这种不可抗的自然灾害。家财险对“自然灾害”有严格界定，“地震”和“海啸”被排除在赔偿范围之外。太平洋[11.80 0.60% 股吧]财险销售代表告诉记者，普通家财险的附加险有盗抢、水管破裂、家用电器安全等，地震不包含在责任范围之内主要因为，由于地震的涉及面和赔偿金额超过保险公司的理赔能力，因此全国统一规定，作为特定的自然现象，将其作除外责任处理，即因地震造成的财产损失，保险公司将不予理赔。
对于有车家庭来说，通常地震在车险中是除外责任，由地震直接造成的损失保险公司不予理赔。但由于地震造成高空坠物致使车辆损坏，如果车主能够出示证明则可以理赔。和地震不同，在车险规定中，海啸造成的车辆损失可以获赔。
居民购房时，一般都要购买房贷险。这种险种一般都是不保地震的。房贷险中，“保险责任”包括“暴风、暴雨、台风、洪水、雷击、泥石流、雪灾、雹灾、崖崩、突发性滑坡、地面突然塌陷”等，但地震并不属于其中的范围，因为在“责任免除”中包括了“地震或地震次生原因”，也有保险公司的房贷险可附加地震险，费率为购房总价款的0.2%。
此外，部分财产险附加地震险后，如果造成了室内的财产损失，也是按主险规定的赔付比例来赔付。因此，投保人在投保前一定要仔细阅读条款
中国平安[50.51 1.00% 股吧]上海分公司相关负责人表示，需要仔细甄别保单免责条款，并不是所有的寿险产品都能为地震提供保障。例如部分人身意外保险，只承诺对被保险人在乘坐交通工具或户外运动，以及从事其他行为时，遭受意外事故或伤亡，进行赔偿，而地震、海啸、洪水等自然灾害造成被保险人伤亡则属于免责条款。
需注意的是，像旅行社责任保险、学校责任保险等均将地震列入了免赔范围。因此，人员在学校或者旅行过程中发生了地震，并不能得到保障。旅行社责任保险的标的是旅行社因本身的“过失、失误”对游客造成的伤害；而学校责任保险的标的是学校因本身的“过失、失误”对学生造成的伤害。所以游客需要自己买一份个人意外险或旅游意外险，学生则需要买一份个人意外险或学平险。
许多投保者在购买保险的时候，往往会凭借自己的理解，认为只要是对于自然灾害的保险，就一定可以保“地震”，事实上并非如此。一般来说，家庭财产保险通常不赔地震这种不可抗的自然灾害。家财险对“自然灾害”有严格界定，“地震”和“海啸”被排除在赔偿范围之外。太平洋[11.80 0.60% 股吧]财险销售代表告诉记者，普通家财险的附加险有盗抢、水管破裂、家用电器安全等，地震不包含在责任范围之内主要因为，由于地震的涉及面和赔偿金额超过保险公司的理赔能力，因此全国统一规定，作为特定的自然现象，将其作除外责任处理，即因地震造成的财产损失，保险公司将不予理赔。
对于有车家庭来说，通常地震在车险中是除外责任，由地震直接造成的损失保险公司不予理赔。但由于地震造成高空坠物致使车辆损坏，如果车主能够出示证明则可以理赔。和地震不同，在车险规定中，海啸造成的车辆损失可以获赔。
居民购房时，一般都要购买房贷险。这种险种一般都是不保地震的。房贷险中，“保险责任”包括“暴风、暴雨、台风、洪水、雷击、泥石流、雪灾、雹灾、崖崩、突发性滑坡、地面突然塌陷”等，但地震并不属于其中的范围，因为在“责任免除”中包括了“地震或地震次生原因”，也有保险公司的房贷险可附加地震险，费率为购房总价款的0.2%。
此外，部分财产险附加地震险后，如果造成了室内的财产损失，也是按主险规定的赔付比例来赔付。因此，投保人在投保前一定要仔细阅读条款
男女理财有何不同
有关专家的研究证明，在理财投资上，男女性有着不尽相同的态度和表现，主要表现在以下几方面。
男人爱冒险 女人重安全
男人往往把金钱当做身份的象征，为提升身价，男性甘冒风险放手一搏，期望剑走偏锋，获得更大金钱收益。而在女人看来，金钱代表着安全感，为求心安，低风险的投资策略才是最佳选择。
男人看长期 女人重短期
男人通常认为，有效的金钱管理是一项长期策略，因而很多家庭中，多少钱用于日常花费，多少钱用来投资理财，购买股票还是基金，选择哪种养老保险，大多由男人执掌大权。女人却认为，好的金钱管理是短期目标，从小处着手，随时关注商品打折信息，细致记录家中每笔收支，及时偿还信用卡债务，女人细心持家的特点发挥得淋漓尽致。
男人为获利 女人为保本
对男人而言，投资是为了获取最大收益，所以会把无所作为当成高风险。他们认为，把钱放那儿啥事都不做，是件愚蠢的事。而女性则比较重视风险规避，认为保本是最高原则。宁可啥事儿不做，也不愿因轻举妄动而赔上老本。
男人多镇定 女人多担心
面对股市风云变幻，股价起伏不定，男人大多表现得镇定自若，心情指数不会随着股指的起伏而上下波动。由于大脑构造不同，女性的情绪比较细腻敏感，因此心情容易因理财获利状况的不同，而变得阴晴不定。
男人常怪罪 女人常自责
面对投资失利，男人通常很少会认为是自己的责任，往往怪罪于市场、经济环境或是理财顾问。相较而言，女人较容易从自身上找原因。
男人多自信 女人多请教
男人有更强的掌控欲，他们更愿意相信自己，自己钻研，不轻易求助他人。而女人对这方面则表现得更为谨慎，出于投资安全考虑，她们更愿意虚心请教，是顾问心中较好的合作客户。
wah..... 根本就是完全的反反向嘛，~~"
男人爱冒险 女人重安全
男人往往把金钱当做身份的象征，为提升身价，男性甘冒风险放手一搏，期望剑走偏锋，获得更大金钱收益。而在女人看来，金钱代表着安全感，为求心安，低风险的投资策略才是最佳选择。
男人看长期 女人重短期
男人通常认为，有效的金钱管理是一项长期策略，因而很多家庭中，多少钱用于日常花费，多少钱用来投资理财，购买股票还是基金，选择哪种养老保险，大多由男人执掌大权。女人却认为，好的金钱管理是短期目标，从小处着手，随时关注商品打折信息，细致记录家中每笔收支，及时偿还信用卡债务，女人细心持家的特点发挥得淋漓尽致。
男人为获利 女人为保本
对男人而言，投资是为了获取最大收益，所以会把无所作为当成高风险。他们认为，把钱放那儿啥事都不做，是件愚蠢的事。而女性则比较重视风险规避，认为保本是最高原则。宁可啥事儿不做，也不愿因轻举妄动而赔上老本。
男人多镇定 女人多担心
面对股市风云变幻，股价起伏不定，男人大多表现得镇定自若，心情指数不会随着股指的起伏而上下波动。由于大脑构造不同，女性的情绪比较细腻敏感，因此心情容易因理财获利状况的不同，而变得阴晴不定。
男人常怪罪 女人常自责
面对投资失利，男人通常很少会认为是自己的责任，往往怪罪于市场、经济环境或是理财顾问。相较而言，女人较容易从自身上找原因。
男人多自信 女人多请教
男人有更强的掌控欲，他们更愿意相信自己，自己钻研，不轻易求助他人。而女人对这方面则表现得更为谨慎，出于投资安全考虑，她们更愿意虚心请教，是顾问心中较好的合作客户。
wah..... 根本就是完全的反反向嘛，~~"
如何成为聪明的投资者
比尔盖茨曾向巴菲特请教，如何才能成为一个成功的投资者，被告知的答案与多年来向他咨询投资技巧的人一样，那就是——去读本杰明雷厄姆的著作。其中，巴菲特最推崇的就是出版于1949年的《聪明的投资者》，这本时隔60年的投资经典著作至今被奉为投资学“圣经”。时代在变，市场在变，投资品种在变，交易变得越来越复杂，但人性不变。
什么样的人才是“聪明的投资者”，格雷厄姆在书中有明确的定义：要有耐心，要有约束，渴望学习；能驾驭自己的情绪；并能够自我反省。与其说是表现在智力方面，不如说表现在性格方面。
其中，驾驭自己的情绪是非常重要但常被忽视的一点，归根到底，任何投资的价值都是而且必定永远是依存于买入的价格，而不是市场上的热度。格雷厄姆在书中特别提到了牛顿折戟“南海泡沫”的例子。1720年南海公司成为全英国上下炙手可热的股票，投资者趋之若鹜。
股票价格从1720年1月的每股128英镑飙升到7月份的每股1000英镑以上，6个月涨幅高达700%。牛顿当时已在这只股票上获利100%总计7000英镑，但在市场狂热情绪的感染下，他又以高价买回这只股票，最终赔了20000英镑出场。格雷厄姆点评牛顿在股疯中的表现也是相当不留情面，“牛顿与聪明的投资者还有很大的差距，这位世界上最伟大的科学家的行为就像是一个傻瓜”。
在格雷厄姆的理论中有几个经典的比喻，包括“市场先生”、“旅鼠”，还有“钟摆”。市场就像一只钟摆，永远在短命的乐观和不合理的悲观之间摆动。聪明的投资者一定是善于利用这种“钟摆效应”的人，“他们是现实主义者，他们向乐观主义者卖出股票；并从悲观主义者手中买进股票”。
300年过去了，类似于“南海泡沫”这样的疯狂仍然以各种各样的形式在资本市场中上演，“钟摆”也始终在股市的上空来回摇摆，格雷厄姆的经典理论依然铿锵有力。据不完全统计，在中国，有七成股民都处于亏损状态，也就有了所谓“一赚二平七赔”的不公平的炒股模式。如何成为那少数的“一成”？静下心来，读读格雷厄姆吧。
什么样的人才是“聪明的投资者”，格雷厄姆在书中有明确的定义：要有耐心，要有约束，渴望学习；能驾驭自己的情绪；并能够自我反省。与其说是表现在智力方面，不如说表现在性格方面。
其中，驾驭自己的情绪是非常重要但常被忽视的一点，归根到底，任何投资的价值都是而且必定永远是依存于买入的价格，而不是市场上的热度。格雷厄姆在书中特别提到了牛顿折戟“南海泡沫”的例子。1720年南海公司成为全英国上下炙手可热的股票，投资者趋之若鹜。
股票价格从1720年1月的每股128英镑飙升到7月份的每股1000英镑以上，6个月涨幅高达700%。牛顿当时已在这只股票上获利100%总计7000英镑，但在市场狂热情绪的感染下，他又以高价买回这只股票，最终赔了20000英镑出场。格雷厄姆点评牛顿在股疯中的表现也是相当不留情面，“牛顿与聪明的投资者还有很大的差距，这位世界上最伟大的科学家的行为就像是一个傻瓜”。
在格雷厄姆的理论中有几个经典的比喻，包括“市场先生”、“旅鼠”，还有“钟摆”。市场就像一只钟摆，永远在短命的乐观和不合理的悲观之间摆动。聪明的投资者一定是善于利用这种“钟摆效应”的人，“他们是现实主义者，他们向乐观主义者卖出股票；并从悲观主义者手中买进股票”。
300年过去了，类似于“南海泡沫”这样的疯狂仍然以各种各样的形式在资本市场中上演，“钟摆”也始终在股市的上空来回摇摆，格雷厄姆的经典理论依然铿锵有力。据不完全统计，在中国，有七成股民都处于亏损状态，也就有了所谓“一赚二平七赔”的不公平的炒股模式。如何成为那少数的“一成”？静下心来，读读格雷厄姆吧。
购房业主遭遇开发商“霸王条款”
地下车库变成不能停车的“储藏室”
案件回放
2009年6月前，上海北区一个小区开发商提供之楼书，宣传公园旁，联排、双拼、公寓。并印有各种房型图的DM广告。在联体别墅的广告上，列明：半地下层，画有一辆轿车，还画有该位置进入其他房间的门的图例；并有文字标明“半地下车库设计，给爱车安一个挡风遮雨的家”。
2009年6月，业主购买该类型的联体别墅的价格是每平方米17760元。总价在360万元左右。交房日期是2010年1月31日。
业主去验收房屋时发现：半地下车库位置，没有进入其他房间的门；车库的高度不到2.2米，宽度不到3米。均不符合国家的规范要求。
开发商回应业主：与业主签约前发放的宣传广告楼书上，最底下部分有一行小号文字标示：“本资料仅供参考，不能作为交易及面积计算标准，最后以政府有关部门审核后批准的文件、图测及合同约定为准。”另外，开发商认为与业主订立的《上海市商品房预售合同》补充条款的第15条写着：“乙方同意甲方所做的宣传广告、模型等中的具体内容，如经双方同意载入本合同的视作有效。未载入本合同的不作为甲方的要约，双方履行之权利、义务以本合同约定为准。”
业主与开发商不断理论。
至今年年初，业主去法庭起诉。开发商又解释说：宣传广告只是参考，只是图示，是不算数的；宣传广告上标明半地下层的轿车图示位置，设计图上就是一个储藏室，而且，也没有进入其他房间的门。
开发商在2011年2月，又给部分联体别墅业主发《通知》，称：依据《上海市商品房预售合同》补充条款第17条：该房配有机动车位(一个)，乙方拥有独家使用权。您享有优先选购机动车位一个的权利。……每个车位单价人民币12万元。其又向业主指明可供业主购买车位的地点是小区东边高层公寓楼底下的停车库。
针对开发商的解释和近期发生改变车库地点及收车位款的行为，业主一致认为：开发商的宣传广告，是一种合同要约行为，半地下层的车库位置是不能改变的；开发商必须将该位置整改成符合车库高度达到国家规范要求的车库。同时，开发商依照宣传广告上的门的图例，开设该车库通向其他房间的门。
律师解读
杜跃平 上海杜跃平律师事务所
本案件中透露的事实，反映了经营者和消费者，在订立合同和订立格式条款时会经常出现的敏感问题。商业广告(宣传广告)是不是要约？是不是格式条款？消费者和经营者订立格式条款时，要注意哪些问题？如何应对“霸王条款”？
结合本案，剖析这些问题，有助于读者和广大业主在订立合同时善于保护好自己的合法权益。
1、 商业广告，是不是要约？开发商具体确定内容的楼书，是不是要约？
本案件出现了开发商俗称的宣传广告，即楼书。一般而言，包含楼书在内的商业广告，是一种要约邀请。但是，如果商业广告的内容符合《合同法》第十四条规定的体现要约性质的，视为要约，即是一种希望和他人订立合同的意思表示。它的特征是内容具体确定；表明经受要约人承诺，要约人即受该意思表示约束。
在2003年6月1日之前，即《最高人民法院关于审理商品房买卖合同纠纷案件适用法律若干问题的解释》实施日之前，如有个别开发商作商业广告，有欺诈、虚假宣传时，司法界往往以《民法通则》、《合同法》、《消法》、《广告法》相关规定，约束开发商遵守商业广告的约定。在该司法解释施行之后，司法界依据的是其第三条：商品房的销售广告和宣传资料为要约邀请。但是出卖人就商品房开发规划范围内的房屋及相关设施所作的说明和允诺具体确定，并对商品房买卖合同的订立以及房屋价格的确定有重大影响的，应当视为要约。该说明和允诺即使未载入商品房买卖合同，亦应当视为合同内容，当事人违反的，应当承担违约责任。
由此，联系到本案件开发商的楼书是不是要约，关键是看其的说明和允诺是否具体确定。该楼书上，列明：半地下层：画有一辆轿车，位置确定；轿车显示的用途确定；画有轿车位置通向其他房间的门的图例，符合建筑图例的门的标示要求。另外，该楼书右边文字清晰无任何异议：“半地下车库设计，给爱车安一个挡风遮雨的家。”
因而，该楼书就是一个要约。开发商不能回避车库位置、车库通向其他房间的门的二个合同内容；现在交房不符合车库的国家规范标准以及无门，就要整改和承担违约责任。
2、 消费者在与经营者订立格式条款时，要注意哪些问题？如何应对个别开发商的“霸王条款”？
首先，消费者在订约时要注意：经营者包含开发商是否作出了对消费者不公平、不合理的规定，或者是减轻、免除其损害消费者合法权益应当承担的民事责任。要了解《合同法》第39条第一款规定：“采用格式条款订立合同的，提供格式条款的一方应当遵循公平原则确定当事人之间的权利和义务，并采取合理的方式提请对方注意免除或者限制其责任的条款，按照对方的要求，对该条款予以说明。”这里的合理方式是指：采用足以引起对方注意的文字、符号、字体等特别标示，并按照对方的要求对该格式条款予以说明。
其次，消费者要明知：格式条款无效的法律规定。第一，是上述《合同法》第39条第一款的规定。第二，是《合同法》第52条和第53条的规定。第三，《合同法》第40条的规定，特别是注意其中规定的提供格式条款一方免除责任、加要对方责任、排除对主要权利的，该条款无效。
换言之，经营者包含开发商，只要是没有遵循公平原则确定当事人之间的权利和义务，并采取合理的方式请对方注意免除或者限制其责任，没有按照对方要求，对该条款予以说明的，并同时违反《合同法》第40条规定的情形之一的，这样内容的格式条款，就是老百姓讲的“霸王条款”，这些条款就是无效的。
具体到本案情况，开发商楼书的最底部的小号文字的声明，第一，是一种格式条款，其条款本身就是免除开发商将楼书作为资料供参考、不作为交房标准或面积计算标准的责任，即是允许其“狸猫换太子”。第二，就其《上海市商品房预售合同》补充条款第15条而言，既是一种格式条款，又是规避上述最高人民法院司法解释第三条规定的产物，违反法律、行政法规的强制性规定，是对司法解释明确的“具体确定”改为“具体内容”，并在单方提供条款中写明“具体内容”未载入“合同”，不作为甲方的要约。同时，对车库及车库通向其他房间的门的楼书上内容，不写于《预售合同》。该案件没有证据表明：开发商是依法采用足以引起对方注意的文字、符号、字体等特别标示，并按照对方的要求对该格式条款予以说明的。
第三条，该条款免除其违反楼书中车库、车库通向其他房间的门的要约时应当承担的违约责任；免除其提供上述要约时应当承担的保证责任，并排除了购房业主支付违约金或者请求损害赔偿等主要权利。
综上所述，开发商的楼书象其他商业广告一样，只要内容具体确定，就是要约。楼书上小号字体的声明和补充条款第15条，本身也是格式条款，且未尽提示和说明义务，又免除开发商责任，排除购房业主的主要权利，当属无效的“霸王条款”。
雄关漫道真如铁。消费者辨别、抗辩经营者“霸王条款”之路，其修之远兮。
案件回放
2009年6月前，上海北区一个小区开发商提供之楼书，宣传公园旁，联排、双拼、公寓。并印有各种房型图的DM广告。在联体别墅的广告上，列明：半地下层，画有一辆轿车，还画有该位置进入其他房间的门的图例；并有文字标明“半地下车库设计，给爱车安一个挡风遮雨的家”。
2009年6月，业主购买该类型的联体别墅的价格是每平方米17760元。总价在360万元左右。交房日期是2010年1月31日。
业主去验收房屋时发现：半地下车库位置，没有进入其他房间的门；车库的高度不到2.2米，宽度不到3米。均不符合国家的规范要求。
开发商回应业主：与业主签约前发放的宣传广告楼书上，最底下部分有一行小号文字标示：“本资料仅供参考，不能作为交易及面积计算标准，最后以政府有关部门审核后批准的文件、图测及合同约定为准。”另外，开发商认为与业主订立的《上海市商品房预售合同》补充条款的第15条写着：“乙方同意甲方所做的宣传广告、模型等中的具体内容，如经双方同意载入本合同的视作有效。未载入本合同的不作为甲方的要约，双方履行之权利、义务以本合同约定为准。”
业主与开发商不断理论。
至今年年初，业主去法庭起诉。开发商又解释说：宣传广告只是参考，只是图示，是不算数的；宣传广告上标明半地下层的轿车图示位置，设计图上就是一个储藏室，而且，也没有进入其他房间的门。
开发商在2011年2月，又给部分联体别墅业主发《通知》，称：依据《上海市商品房预售合同》补充条款第17条：该房配有机动车位(一个)，乙方拥有独家使用权。您享有优先选购机动车位一个的权利。……每个车位单价人民币12万元。其又向业主指明可供业主购买车位的地点是小区东边高层公寓楼底下的停车库。
针对开发商的解释和近期发生改变车库地点及收车位款的行为，业主一致认为：开发商的宣传广告，是一种合同要约行为，半地下层的车库位置是不能改变的；开发商必须将该位置整改成符合车库高度达到国家规范要求的车库。同时，开发商依照宣传广告上的门的图例，开设该车库通向其他房间的门。
律师解读
杜跃平 上海杜跃平律师事务所
本案件中透露的事实，反映了经营者和消费者，在订立合同和订立格式条款时会经常出现的敏感问题。商业广告(宣传广告)是不是要约？是不是格式条款？消费者和经营者订立格式条款时，要注意哪些问题？如何应对“霸王条款”？
结合本案，剖析这些问题，有助于读者和广大业主在订立合同时善于保护好自己的合法权益。
1、 商业广告，是不是要约？开发商具体确定内容的楼书，是不是要约？
本案件出现了开发商俗称的宣传广告，即楼书。一般而言，包含楼书在内的商业广告，是一种要约邀请。但是，如果商业广告的内容符合《合同法》第十四条规定的体现要约性质的，视为要约，即是一种希望和他人订立合同的意思表示。它的特征是内容具体确定；表明经受要约人承诺，要约人即受该意思表示约束。
在2003年6月1日之前，即《最高人民法院关于审理商品房买卖合同纠纷案件适用法律若干问题的解释》实施日之前，如有个别开发商作商业广告，有欺诈、虚假宣传时，司法界往往以《民法通则》、《合同法》、《消法》、《广告法》相关规定，约束开发商遵守商业广告的约定。在该司法解释施行之后，司法界依据的是其第三条：商品房的销售广告和宣传资料为要约邀请。但是出卖人就商品房开发规划范围内的房屋及相关设施所作的说明和允诺具体确定，并对商品房买卖合同的订立以及房屋价格的确定有重大影响的，应当视为要约。该说明和允诺即使未载入商品房买卖合同，亦应当视为合同内容，当事人违反的，应当承担违约责任。
由此，联系到本案件开发商的楼书是不是要约，关键是看其的说明和允诺是否具体确定。该楼书上，列明：半地下层：画有一辆轿车，位置确定；轿车显示的用途确定；画有轿车位置通向其他房间的门的图例，符合建筑图例的门的标示要求。另外，该楼书右边文字清晰无任何异议：“半地下车库设计，给爱车安一个挡风遮雨的家。”
因而，该楼书就是一个要约。开发商不能回避车库位置、车库通向其他房间的门的二个合同内容；现在交房不符合车库的国家规范标准以及无门，就要整改和承担违约责任。
2、 消费者在与经营者订立格式条款时，要注意哪些问题？如何应对个别开发商的“霸王条款”？
首先，消费者在订约时要注意：经营者包含开发商是否作出了对消费者不公平、不合理的规定，或者是减轻、免除其损害消费者合法权益应当承担的民事责任。要了解《合同法》第39条第一款规定：“采用格式条款订立合同的，提供格式条款的一方应当遵循公平原则确定当事人之间的权利和义务，并采取合理的方式提请对方注意免除或者限制其责任的条款，按照对方的要求，对该条款予以说明。”这里的合理方式是指：采用足以引起对方注意的文字、符号、字体等特别标示，并按照对方的要求对该格式条款予以说明。
其次，消费者要明知：格式条款无效的法律规定。第一，是上述《合同法》第39条第一款的规定。第二，是《合同法》第52条和第53条的规定。第三，《合同法》第40条的规定，特别是注意其中规定的提供格式条款一方免除责任、加要对方责任、排除对主要权利的，该条款无效。
换言之，经营者包含开发商，只要是没有遵循公平原则确定当事人之间的权利和义务，并采取合理的方式请对方注意免除或者限制其责任，没有按照对方要求，对该条款予以说明的，并同时违反《合同法》第40条规定的情形之一的，这样内容的格式条款，就是老百姓讲的“霸王条款”，这些条款就是无效的。
具体到本案情况，开发商楼书的最底部的小号文字的声明，第一，是一种格式条款，其条款本身就是免除开发商将楼书作为资料供参考、不作为交房标准或面积计算标准的责任，即是允许其“狸猫换太子”。第二，就其《上海市商品房预售合同》补充条款第15条而言，既是一种格式条款，又是规避上述最高人民法院司法解释第三条规定的产物，违反法律、行政法规的强制性规定，是对司法解释明确的“具体确定”改为“具体内容”，并在单方提供条款中写明“具体内容”未载入“合同”，不作为甲方的要约。同时，对车库及车库通向其他房间的门的楼书上内容，不写于《预售合同》。该案件没有证据表明：开发商是依法采用足以引起对方注意的文字、符号、字体等特别标示，并按照对方的要求对该格式条款予以说明的。
第三条，该条款免除其违反楼书中车库、车库通向其他房间的门的要约时应当承担的违约责任；免除其提供上述要约时应当承担的保证责任，并排除了购房业主支付违约金或者请求损害赔偿等主要权利。
综上所述，开发商的楼书象其他商业广告一样，只要内容具体确定，就是要约。楼书上小号字体的声明和补充条款第15条，本身也是格式条款，且未尽提示和说明义务，又免除开发商责任，排除购房业主的主要权利，当属无效的“霸王条款”。
雄关漫道真如铁。消费者辨别、抗辩经营者“霸王条款”之路，其修之远兮。
银行卡莫名“飞”来 36万存款
温馨提示：您的账户××××在14：57发生现金存入交易360000.00元，请及时关注您的账户资金变动【山东农信社】
本报3月24日热线消息 (记者 马峰 王璐 李晖)“天上真是掉馅饼了！”3月22日，苍山县的王先生突然收到一条银行发来的短信，他的银行卡突然多出36万元钱。
“您的账户××××在14：57发生现金存入交易360000.00元，请及时关注您的账户资金变动。”3月22日下午，苍山县的王先生开车去罗庄区的路上，收到一条手机短信。打开一看，是他在苍山县农村信用合作社开通的手机短信提示业务，提醒有一笔款到账。由于平时开展业务，一些客户直接往自己的账户上打款是常有的事，起初他没有太在意。
第一眼看到这条短信时，王先生还以为是36000元。但是再一看显示的账户余额的“十万位”上的数字竟然是个3。他清楚地记得，这个账户上只有300多元钱，不可能就变成了30多万，他再仔细一瞅，简直不敢相信自己的眼睛，哪里是36000元，明明就是36万嘛。
这个账户他已经快两年不用了，王先生想肯定是别人将钱打错了，没收到钱的人肯定很着急。虽说钱在自己卡上，但是诚实本分的他并没有取一分钱出来，而是及时向银行咨询求助。银行工作人员称，款是刚刚打来的。
面对飞来横财，回到苍山县王先生再次来到银行，工作人员帮其查询后确认他的账户确实进账36万元，而且是用现金直接存入的。在银行的帮助下，他查找到这笔款是从苍山县农村信用合作社汇来的，除此之外，没有其他信息。
3月23日，王先生拨打本报热线，想通过本报寻找这36万元钱的真正主人。
“天上掉馅饼，心里很不踏实”
———记者与王先生的对话
记者：当你收到银行短信提示时，你是怎么想的？
王先生：我有两种想法，一是朋友发的恶搞短息，二是遇到了骗子。
记者：为什么又要去银行确认到底有没有这笔巨款？
王先生：刚开始我以为是36000元，但是再一看显示的账户余额的“十万位”上数字竟然是个3。我记得，这个账户上只有300多元钱，不可能就变成了30多万。
记者：当你去银行确认了银行卡里多了36万的时候，你第一反应是什么？
王先生：当时，我的第一反应是要马上给银行打电话，这钱不是我的。银行卡里突然多了这么多钱，心情很激动。
记者：你是从事什么工作的？每月收入多少？
王先生：在一个石油公司工作，是一名普通职员，月收入不多。
记者：你有没有对这笔巨款动心？
王先生：很激动，更多的是害怕，心里很焦虑。收到巨款当晚，一晚上没睡好觉，很不踏实。
记者：你是怎么寻找巨款主人的？
王先生：在去银行确认自己账户多了36万后，我查询了省信用联社的电话号码，打了过去，但是一直没人接，后来我又多方打听，找到了临沂市信用联社的号码，说明情况后，工作人员把我的身份证号码和银行卡号记录了下来。
记者：家人知道账户多了一笔巨款的事吗？
王先生：家人知道，当时我第一时间告诉了家人，妻子的意思是，虽然我们是普通职工，这笔巨款我们可能需要几十年才能挣到，但是相信丢失巨款的人肯定很着急。
记者：现在你有什么想法？
王先生：希望借助报社的平台尽快找到巨款主人，这两天一直睡不好觉，想着赶紧把钱还给人家，心里就踏实了，毕竟这钱不是咱的。
“负重中年族”定投解忧
国泰基金
与在蜜罐儿中长大，当前大热的“80后”、“90后”的生活完全不同，“负重中年族”指的是年龄在40岁-50岁之间的人群，其特点是年龄偏大、花费偏多、负担偏重。
“负重中年族”已步入人生的中年，若放手创业，则会因时间与精力束手束脚，感到力不从心。而在花销上，“负重中年族”却并不比以高消费而著称的“80后”少。甚至，面对正处于初高中、大学阶段的子女教育费用，以及七八十岁的父母赡养、医疗问题，他们的花费比年轻人还要高很多。身为未来“80后”、“90后”父母的他们，还要为儿女工作、买房、结婚、生子准备大笔备用金。此外，步入中年后，他们还要积极考虑五六十岁退休后如何解决养老、医疗花费。
定投这种定期小额投入的理财方法正好适合“负重中年族”。“负重中年族”虽然在年龄和精力上不占优势，但是他们一般都在多年的生活中，积累了一定的资金。这些资金可能以活期储蓄、定存、股票、基金等多种形式存在。而身为单位中坚力量的他们，一般都在工作中有了一定的地位，收入也十分稳定可观。“负重中年族”的外在资金、收入条件，都十分适合通过基金定投进行理财。
同时，基金定投分期投入，可以平摊市场风险，收益可能也较为客观，是一种稳健型的理财方法。因此，定投适合正奋斗于中年，“备战”老年的“负重中年族”理财。参与基金定投，可以在给他们的财产提供较低风险保障的同时，尽可能地提高资产的收益水平。
其实，无论是收入一般的普通工薪，还是收入较高的“负重中年族”都适合参与基金定投。这一方面是一种长期的稳健投资方式，为今后可能需要的资金需求“添砖加瓦”；另一方面也是一种良好的平衡投资风险的资产配置工具，为未来的快乐生活积累资金。
与在蜜罐儿中长大，当前大热的“80后”、“90后”的生活完全不同，“负重中年族”指的是年龄在40岁-50岁之间的人群，其特点是年龄偏大、花费偏多、负担偏重。
“负重中年族”已步入人生的中年，若放手创业，则会因时间与精力束手束脚，感到力不从心。而在花销上，“负重中年族”却并不比以高消费而著称的“80后”少。甚至，面对正处于初高中、大学阶段的子女教育费用，以及七八十岁的父母赡养、医疗问题，他们的花费比年轻人还要高很多。身为未来“80后”、“90后”父母的他们，还要为儿女工作、买房、结婚、生子准备大笔备用金。此外，步入中年后，他们还要积极考虑五六十岁退休后如何解决养老、医疗花费。
定投这种定期小额投入的理财方法正好适合“负重中年族”。“负重中年族”虽然在年龄和精力上不占优势，但是他们一般都在多年的生活中，积累了一定的资金。这些资金可能以活期储蓄、定存、股票、基金等多种形式存在。而身为单位中坚力量的他们，一般都在工作中有了一定的地位，收入也十分稳定可观。“负重中年族”的外在资金、收入条件，都十分适合通过基金定投进行理财。
同时，基金定投分期投入，可以平摊市场风险，收益可能也较为客观，是一种稳健型的理财方法。因此，定投适合正奋斗于中年，“备战”老年的“负重中年族”理财。参与基金定投，可以在给他们的财产提供较低风险保障的同时，尽可能地提高资产的收益水平。
其实，无论是收入一般的普通工薪，还是收入较高的“负重中年族”都适合参与基金定投。这一方面是一种长期的稳健投资方式，为今后可能需要的资金需求“添砖加瓦”；另一方面也是一种良好的平衡投资风险的资产配置工具，为未来的快乐生活积累资金。
再富也不要富孩子
程乃珊
与中国父母的“再穷，也不要穷孩子”相反，比尔·盖茨名言：“再富，也不要富孩子。”是他太有钱了，站着说话不腰疼吗？
笔者出生自银行世家，祖父程慕灏(1898年～1991年)29岁起出任上海中国银行[3.35 1.82% 股吧]副行长，直至80岁从香港中国银行副行长职位上退休任顾问，是中行史上唯一一位跨新旧时代的高层管理。他是笃信“若要小囡好，常带三分饥和寒”的。他对后辈的教育是3S：Saving(储蓄)、Spending(消费)和Sharing(分享)。他坚决反对当时很时兴的置地造楼，以保证后代躺在收租上悠闲一世的。
3S中首要的是Saving(储蓄)，祖父从来不炒金炒房炒股票，一来是避嫌疑，更因他从实践中悟出，长期的持恒的储蓄得益，可观安全，且还可养成自律和有备无患的人生态度。记得我参加工作时，一月工资36元(上世纪六十年代)，扣除饭票交通费和零用，就去银行买贴花储蓄——相当现今的定投。如是到我结婚成家，户头上新钱老钱连本带息竟也有四位数，在上世纪七十年代，也属一笔颇有分量的嫁妆压箱钱了！或受3S影响，我和先生从来不炒股不炒房，或许因此失却了很多致富机会，但股市楼市金融风暴起起落落与我们无关，可以静心读书写作观看人生风景。但定时定期的储蓄，几十年如一日坚持着。至今虽无大富，至少衣食无忧。
第二个S(Spending)是消费。理财的最终目的是提高生活质量。消费是人生很重要的一个乐趣。只懂钱生钱，不懂消费，这样的人必铁公鸡一毛不拔，少朋友少社交。当然消费不等于挥霍，消费名牌也不等于就是炫耀，追求生活品质是享受人生的一种方式。如何消费是一门生活美学。
第三个S(Sharing)是分享，钱财要有人与你一起分享，才有幸福感满足感和成就感。哪怕只是很小一笔年终奖，如能拿出来孝敬父母，给另一半买份礼物，给小辈一个惊喜……远远好过想方设法钱生钱！祖父一生热心公益捐款，年届九旬时仍以私蓄设立上海中行程慕灏奖金用于培养、激励新人。
今世今日或许有人觉得3S太Out了。有报道指出，教师们由于缺乏金融理财等相关经验，难以应付学生提出的“银行加息了，到底存多长时期定期才合算？”等问题，于是有人质疑，教师培训要加强金融专业的培训。笔者则认为，如果我们的教师专业之外再广学金融理财，是否有点本末颠倒、差强人意？不错，如果天真的小孩一个个都被教成巴尔扎克笔下的高老头那样的锱铢必争或少年老成，精于算计以钱赚钱之辈，这太可怕了！
我想，真正的理财教育，不是教孩子钱生钱的操作细节，而是要向他们传授对金钱的态度。
与中国父母的“再穷，也不要穷孩子”相反，比尔·盖茨名言：“再富，也不要富孩子。”是他太有钱了，站着说话不腰疼吗？
笔者出生自银行世家，祖父程慕灏(1898年～1991年)29岁起出任上海中国银行[3.35 1.82% 股吧]副行长，直至80岁从香港中国银行副行长职位上退休任顾问，是中行史上唯一一位跨新旧时代的高层管理。他是笃信“若要小囡好，常带三分饥和寒”的。他对后辈的教育是3S：Saving(储蓄)、Spending(消费)和Sharing(分享)。他坚决反对当时很时兴的置地造楼，以保证后代躺在收租上悠闲一世的。
3S中首要的是Saving(储蓄)，祖父从来不炒金炒房炒股票，一来是避嫌疑，更因他从实践中悟出，长期的持恒的储蓄得益，可观安全，且还可养成自律和有备无患的人生态度。记得我参加工作时，一月工资36元(上世纪六十年代)，扣除饭票交通费和零用，就去银行买贴花储蓄——相当现今的定投。如是到我结婚成家，户头上新钱老钱连本带息竟也有四位数，在上世纪七十年代，也属一笔颇有分量的嫁妆压箱钱了！或受3S影响，我和先生从来不炒股不炒房，或许因此失却了很多致富机会，但股市楼市金融风暴起起落落与我们无关，可以静心读书写作观看人生风景。但定时定期的储蓄，几十年如一日坚持着。至今虽无大富，至少衣食无忧。
第二个S(Spending)是消费。理财的最终目的是提高生活质量。消费是人生很重要的一个乐趣。只懂钱生钱，不懂消费，这样的人必铁公鸡一毛不拔，少朋友少社交。当然消费不等于挥霍，消费名牌也不等于就是炫耀，追求生活品质是享受人生的一种方式。如何消费是一门生活美学。
第三个S(Sharing)是分享，钱财要有人与你一起分享，才有幸福感满足感和成就感。哪怕只是很小一笔年终奖，如能拿出来孝敬父母，给另一半买份礼物，给小辈一个惊喜……远远好过想方设法钱生钱！祖父一生热心公益捐款，年届九旬时仍以私蓄设立上海中行程慕灏奖金用于培养、激励新人。
今世今日或许有人觉得3S太Out了。有报道指出，教师们由于缺乏金融理财等相关经验，难以应付学生提出的“银行加息了，到底存多长时期定期才合算？”等问题，于是有人质疑，教师培训要加强金融专业的培训。笔者则认为，如果我们的教师专业之外再广学金融理财，是否有点本末颠倒、差强人意？不错，如果天真的小孩一个个都被教成巴尔扎克笔下的高老头那样的锱铢必争或少年老成，精于算计以钱赚钱之辈，这太可怕了！
我想，真正的理财教育，不是教孩子钱生钱的操作细节，而是要向他们传授对金钱的态度。
必看！这八则故事教会你如何理财
1、
一只火鸡和一头牛闲聊，火鸡说：我希望能飞到树顶，可我没有勇气。牛说：为什么不吃一点我的牛粪呢，他们很有营养。火鸡吃了一点牛粪，发现它确实给了它足够的力量飞到第一根树枝，第二天，火鸡又吃了更多的牛粪，飞到第二根树枝，两个星期后，火鸡骄傲的飞到了树顶，但不久，一个农夫看到了它，迅速的把它从树上射了下来。
启示：牛屎运让你达到顶峰，但不能让你留在那里。
2、
兔子问树上的鸟：为什么你可以整天什么事情都不做，就在那唱歌呢？而我却要整天跑来跑去的？ 鸟说：你也可以啊！于是兔子也就不跑来跑去的，在树下发呆，结果过来一只狼，把兔子吃掉了。
启示：如果你想整天无所事事，只有你的位置足够高才行。
3、
一只小鸟冻僵了，掉在地上快要冻死了，突然路过一只牛，在鸟身上拉了一泡屎，把鸟包了起来，小鸟顿时暖和了很多，于是就在那愉快的唱起了歌，这时一只路过的猫听到了鸟的歌声，把鸟从屎堆里拉了出来，然后吃掉了。
启示：
a、在你身上拉屎的未必都是你的敌人
b、把你从屎堆里拉出来的也未必就是你的朋友
c、最重要的一点，当你身陷困境的时候就闭上你的鸟嘴！
4、
从前，有两个饥饿的人得到了一位长者的恩赐：一根鱼竿和一篓鲜活硕大的鱼。其中，一个人要了一篓鱼，另一个人要了一根鱼竿，于是他们分道扬镳了。得到鱼的人原地就用干柴搭起篝火煮起了鱼，他狼吞虎咽，还没有品出鲜鱼的肉香，转瞬间，连鱼带汤就被他吃了个精光，不久，他便饿死在空空的鱼篓旁。另一个人则提着鱼竿继续忍饥挨饿，一步步艰难地向海边走去，可当他已经看到不远处那片蔚蓝色的海洋时，他浑身的最后一点力气也使完了，他也只能眼巴巴地带着无尽的遗憾撒手人间。
5
又有两个饥饿的人，他们同样得到了长者恩赐的一根鱼竿和一篓鱼。只是他们并没有各奔东西，而是商定共同去找寻大海，他俩每次只煮一条鱼，他们经过遥远的跋涉，来到了海边，从此，两人开始了捕鱼为生的日子，几年后，他们盖起了房子，有了各自的庭、子女，有了自己建造的渔船，过上了幸福安康的生活。
启示：一个人只顾眼前的利益，得到的终将是短暂的欢愉；一个人目标高远，但也要面对现实的生活。只有把理想和现实有机结合起来，才有可能成为一个成功之人。有时候，一个简单的道理，却足以给人意味深长的生命启示。
6、
有位秀才第三次进京赶考，住在一个经常住的店里。考试前两天他做了三个梦，第一个梦是梦到自己在墙上种白菜，第二个梦是下雨天，他戴了斗笠还打伞，第三个梦是梦到跟心爱的表妹脱光了衣服躺在一起，但是背*着背。
这三个梦似乎有些深意，秀才第二天就赶紧去找算命的解梦。算命的一听，连拍大腿说：你还是回吧。你想想，高墙上种菜不是白费劲吗？戴斗笠打雨伞不是多此一举吗？跟表妹都脱光了躺在一张床上了，却背*背，不是没戏吗？
秀才一听，心灰意冷，回店收拾包袱准备回。店老板非常奇怪，问：不是明天才考试吗，今天你怎么就回乡了？秀才如此这般说了一番，店老板乐了：哟，我也会解梦的。我倒觉得，你这次一定要留下来。你想想，墙上种菜不是高种吗？戴斗笠打伞不是说明你这次有备无患吗？跟你表妹脱光了背**躺在床上，不是说明你翻身的时候就要到了吗？
秀才一听，更有道理，于是精神振奋地参加考试，居然中了个探花。
启示:积极的人，象太阳，照到哪里哪里亮，消极的人，象月亮，初一十五不一样。想法决定我们的生活，有什么样的想法，就有什么样的未来。
7、
孔子的一位学生在煮粥时，发现有肮脏的东西掉进锅里去了。他连忙用汤匙把 它捞起来，正想把它倒掉时，忽然想到，一粥一饭都来之不易埃于是便把它吃了。刚巧孔子走进厨房，以为他在偷食，便教训了那位负责煮食的同学。经过解释，大才恍然大悟。孔子很感慨的说：我亲眼看见的事情也不确实，何况是道听途听呢？
启示：推销生意是一种组织性质的生意，因为人多，人事问题也多。我们不时听到是非难辨的话，如某公司攻击另一间公司，如是者往往令人混淆是非，影响信心。因此找出事情的真相，不是轻易相信谣言，辛辛苦苦建立的事业才不会毁于一旦。
8、
有一天动物园管理员们发现袋鼠从笼子里跑出来了，于是开会讨论，一致认为是笼子的高度过低。所以它们决定将笼子的高度由原来的十公尺加高到二十公尺。结果第二天他们发现袋鼠还是跑到外面来，所以他们又决定再将高度加高到三十公尺。
没想到隔天居然又看到袋鼠全跑到外面，于是管理员们大为紧张，决定一不做二不休，将笼子的高度加高到一百公尺。
一天长颈鹿和几只袋鼠们在闲聊，你们看，这些人会不会再继续加高你们的笼子？长颈鹿问。
很难说。袋鼠说∶如果他们再继续忘记关门的话。
启示：其实很多人都是这样，只知道有问题，却不能抓住问题的核心和根基。
一只火鸡和一头牛闲聊，火鸡说：我希望能飞到树顶，可我没有勇气。牛说：为什么不吃一点我的牛粪呢，他们很有营养。火鸡吃了一点牛粪，发现它确实给了它足够的力量飞到第一根树枝，第二天，火鸡又吃了更多的牛粪，飞到第二根树枝，两个星期后，火鸡骄傲的飞到了树顶，但不久，一个农夫看到了它，迅速的把它从树上射了下来。
启示：牛屎运让你达到顶峰，但不能让你留在那里。
2、
兔子问树上的鸟：为什么你可以整天什么事情都不做，就在那唱歌呢？而我却要整天跑来跑去的？ 鸟说：你也可以啊！于是兔子也就不跑来跑去的，在树下发呆，结果过来一只狼，把兔子吃掉了。
启示：如果你想整天无所事事，只有你的位置足够高才行。
3、
一只小鸟冻僵了，掉在地上快要冻死了，突然路过一只牛，在鸟身上拉了一泡屎，把鸟包了起来，小鸟顿时暖和了很多，于是就在那愉快的唱起了歌，这时一只路过的猫听到了鸟的歌声，把鸟从屎堆里拉了出来，然后吃掉了。
启示：
a、在你身上拉屎的未必都是你的敌人
b、把你从屎堆里拉出来的也未必就是你的朋友
c、最重要的一点，当你身陷困境的时候就闭上你的鸟嘴！
4、
从前，有两个饥饿的人得到了一位长者的恩赐：一根鱼竿和一篓鲜活硕大的鱼。其中，一个人要了一篓鱼，另一个人要了一根鱼竿，于是他们分道扬镳了。得到鱼的人原地就用干柴搭起篝火煮起了鱼，他狼吞虎咽，还没有品出鲜鱼的肉香，转瞬间，连鱼带汤就被他吃了个精光，不久，他便饿死在空空的鱼篓旁。另一个人则提着鱼竿继续忍饥挨饿，一步步艰难地向海边走去，可当他已经看到不远处那片蔚蓝色的海洋时，他浑身的最后一点力气也使完了，他也只能眼巴巴地带着无尽的遗憾撒手人间。
5
又有两个饥饿的人，他们同样得到了长者恩赐的一根鱼竿和一篓鱼。只是他们并没有各奔东西，而是商定共同去找寻大海，他俩每次只煮一条鱼，他们经过遥远的跋涉，来到了海边，从此，两人开始了捕鱼为生的日子，几年后，他们盖起了房子，有了各自的庭、子女，有了自己建造的渔船，过上了幸福安康的生活。
启示：一个人只顾眼前的利益，得到的终将是短暂的欢愉；一个人目标高远，但也要面对现实的生活。只有把理想和现实有机结合起来，才有可能成为一个成功之人。有时候，一个简单的道理，却足以给人意味深长的生命启示。
6、
有位秀才第三次进京赶考，住在一个经常住的店里。考试前两天他做了三个梦，第一个梦是梦到自己在墙上种白菜，第二个梦是下雨天，他戴了斗笠还打伞，第三个梦是梦到跟心爱的表妹脱光了衣服躺在一起，但是背*着背。
这三个梦似乎有些深意，秀才第二天就赶紧去找算命的解梦。算命的一听，连拍大腿说：你还是回吧。你想想，高墙上种菜不是白费劲吗？戴斗笠打雨伞不是多此一举吗？跟表妹都脱光了躺在一张床上了，却背*背，不是没戏吗？
秀才一听，心灰意冷，回店收拾包袱准备回。店老板非常奇怪，问：不是明天才考试吗，今天你怎么就回乡了？秀才如此这般说了一番，店老板乐了：哟，我也会解梦的。我倒觉得，你这次一定要留下来。你想想，墙上种菜不是高种吗？戴斗笠打伞不是说明你这次有备无患吗？跟你表妹脱光了背**躺在床上，不是说明你翻身的时候就要到了吗？
秀才一听，更有道理，于是精神振奋地参加考试，居然中了个探花。
启示:积极的人，象太阳，照到哪里哪里亮，消极的人，象月亮，初一十五不一样。想法决定我们的生活，有什么样的想法，就有什么样的未来。
7、
孔子的一位学生在煮粥时，发现有肮脏的东西掉进锅里去了。他连忙用汤匙把 它捞起来，正想把它倒掉时，忽然想到，一粥一饭都来之不易埃于是便把它吃了。刚巧孔子走进厨房，以为他在偷食，便教训了那位负责煮食的同学。经过解释，大才恍然大悟。孔子很感慨的说：我亲眼看见的事情也不确实，何况是道听途听呢？
启示：推销生意是一种组织性质的生意，因为人多，人事问题也多。我们不时听到是非难辨的话，如某公司攻击另一间公司，如是者往往令人混淆是非，影响信心。因此找出事情的真相，不是轻易相信谣言，辛辛苦苦建立的事业才不会毁于一旦。
8、
有一天动物园管理员们发现袋鼠从笼子里跑出来了，于是开会讨论，一致认为是笼子的高度过低。所以它们决定将笼子的高度由原来的十公尺加高到二十公尺。结果第二天他们发现袋鼠还是跑到外面来，所以他们又决定再将高度加高到三十公尺。
没想到隔天居然又看到袋鼠全跑到外面，于是管理员们大为紧张，决定一不做二不休，将笼子的高度加高到一百公尺。
一天长颈鹿和几只袋鼠们在闲聊，你们看，这些人会不会再继续加高你们的笼子？长颈鹿问。
很难说。袋鼠说∶如果他们再继续忘记关门的话。
启示：其实很多人都是这样，只知道有问题，却不能抓住问题的核心和根基。
日产单反镜头一周涨千元
“现在单反机都是一天一个价，每天涨个100元很正常。”海印广场内一家摄影器材店的店员说。日本地震的“余波”已影响了广州相机市场，日本品牌的相机尤其是单反涨价势头迅猛，有的产品甚至在短短一周内涨了超过1000元。
单反镜头7日涨千元
在大沙头经营摄影器材的欧小姐介绍，现在日系产品的价钱几乎是每日见涨，其中一款佳能的镜头在一周之内就涨了一千多元。她透露这次相机涨价的焦点主要集中在单反相机和镜头，本周内单反类产品价格涨幅在10%~15%左右，而普通的数码相机也普遍提价100~200元不等。
“单反器材价钱疯涨的原因有两个，一是日本震后很多地方都开始了计划停电，导致品牌的工厂产量不稳定；另一是有供货商把货囤积起来待价而沽。”欧小姐告诉记者，短期之内日系的相机都会停留在一个价格高位，暂时很难降下来。
据震后一些日本相机厂商发布的消息，地震对部分高端摄影器材的影响较大。其中尼康在表示旗下的在仙台、宫城、枥木等地的分公司及工厂都受到了影响，由于设备及建筑物的部分损毁，目前已停止生产。而另一相机生产大户佳能的工厂大多设在日本南部，受灾面积并不是特别大，有网上消息称佳能的生产线受损并不严重。
单反镜头7日涨千元
在大沙头经营摄影器材的欧小姐介绍，现在日系产品的价钱几乎是每日见涨，其中一款佳能的镜头在一周之内就涨了一千多元。她透露这次相机涨价的焦点主要集中在单反相机和镜头，本周内单反类产品价格涨幅在10%~15%左右，而普通的数码相机也普遍提价100~200元不等。
“单反器材价钱疯涨的原因有两个，一是日本震后很多地方都开始了计划停电，导致品牌的工厂产量不稳定；另一是有供货商把货囤积起来待价而沽。”欧小姐告诉记者，短期之内日系的相机都会停留在一个价格高位，暂时很难降下来。
据震后一些日本相机厂商发布的消息，地震对部分高端摄影器材的影响较大。其中尼康在表示旗下的在仙台、宫城、枥木等地的分公司及工厂都受到了影响，由于设备及建筑物的部分损毁，目前已停止生产。而另一相机生产大户佳能的工厂大多设在日本南部，受灾面积并不是特别大，有网上消息称佳能的生产线受损并不严重。
网购桌子四百元 退换运费八百元
“网上买来的桌子有色差，大小也有问题，结果要换货得自己承担运费，一来一回至少800元，光运费就能买两台新桌子了！ ”日前市民艾先生在网上订购了一张电脑桌，没想到收到货后却与网上介绍大不相同，想退货却必须承担来回高额运费。
记者在网上看到，因购买家具等大件商品引起的网上消费纠纷日益增多，一些业内人士建议此类商品最好是直接在商场中购买。
400元的桌子运费800元
“以后真不敢在网上买这些东西了。”市民艾先生日前在网上花400余元购买了一套可折叠式的电脑桌，东西收到后，艾先生发现桌子的尺寸和颜色都与网上描述的不同：“网上说的是展开后120厘米，实际是127厘米，这样我原本要放的地方完全卡不进去，而且颜色也不对。 ”
与卖家多次沟通后，对方终于答应换货。然而艾先生接连联系了好几家快递公司，运送这种体积和重量都较大的物品价格十分昂贵，单程就需400元，一来一回要花费800元。艾先生难以接受，“明明是卖家的问题，为何由我承担所有损失？ ”
普通快递难保家具安全
“哪有把家具分拆之后用一层薄薄的卡纸包装起来伪装成普通物品的道理？这样运输绝对出问题。 ”市民罗先生曾在网上购买了一张椅子，收到时椅子腿都断了，可要退货却几乎没有快递公司肯接手，送到一家物流公司，高昂的价格让罗先生难以接受。
记者走访发现，使用普通快递较难保证家具的运输安全，而货运物流价格较高且不能送货上门。
“家具毕竟跟普通商品运输有区别。 ”运输行业人士向记者介绍，一般家具等大件商品通过物流运送，除海绵、泡沫等包装外，还会外装木框，保证边角不受损伤，一般快递很难做到。而物流较多的是面向企业用户，个人通过物流方式运输物品价格相对较高。
大件商品到实体店购买
有业内人士表示，家具这样的大件商品最好还是在实体店内购买，相对有保障：“实体店内不仅可以送货上门，开具发票，关键是尺寸大小、使用材料和味道都不能骗人，遇上质量问题退换货都很方便，而网上购买家具看似价格相对较低，一旦出了问题，‘隐性成本’立即显现出来。 ”
记者在网上看到，因购买家具等大件商品引起的网上消费纠纷日益增多，一些业内人士建议此类商品最好是直接在商场中购买。
400元的桌子运费800元
“以后真不敢在网上买这些东西了。”市民艾先生日前在网上花400余元购买了一套可折叠式的电脑桌，东西收到后，艾先生发现桌子的尺寸和颜色都与网上描述的不同：“网上说的是展开后120厘米，实际是127厘米，这样我原本要放的地方完全卡不进去，而且颜色也不对。 ”
与卖家多次沟通后，对方终于答应换货。然而艾先生接连联系了好几家快递公司，运送这种体积和重量都较大的物品价格十分昂贵，单程就需400元，一来一回要花费800元。艾先生难以接受，“明明是卖家的问题，为何由我承担所有损失？ ”
普通快递难保家具安全
“哪有把家具分拆之后用一层薄薄的卡纸包装起来伪装成普通物品的道理？这样运输绝对出问题。 ”市民罗先生曾在网上购买了一张椅子，收到时椅子腿都断了，可要退货却几乎没有快递公司肯接手，送到一家物流公司，高昂的价格让罗先生难以接受。
记者走访发现，使用普通快递较难保证家具的运输安全，而货运物流价格较高且不能送货上门。
“家具毕竟跟普通商品运输有区别。 ”运输行业人士向记者介绍，一般家具等大件商品通过物流运送，除海绵、泡沫等包装外，还会外装木框，保证边角不受损伤，一般快递很难做到。而物流较多的是面向企业用户，个人通过物流方式运输物品价格相对较高。
大件商品到实体店购买
有业内人士表示，家具这样的大件商品最好还是在实体店内购买，相对有保障：“实体店内不仅可以送货上门，开具发票，关键是尺寸大小、使用材料和味道都不能骗人，遇上质量问题退换货都很方便，而网上购买家具看似价格相对较低，一旦出了问题，‘隐性成本’立即显现出来。 ”
团购网站服务升级“随时退”
最近，随着国际巨头加入国内团购市场的竞争，各家团购网站危机感暴增，广告大战立即打响，都希望通过吸引住用户的眼球来获得最大的市场份额，以期在这个门槛很低、竞争激烈的市场中保住自己，进而谋求发展。而针对团购网站的一些服务弊端，有些网站也开始通过提高用户的安心指数来留住人，通过服务来获得美誉度和信赖度。
日前，糯米网宣布为消费者量身打造完美消费体验四部曲，“完美消费体验”承诺在购买前、购买后、消费中、消费后四个关键阶段，提供全方位安心的保障，让用户轻松消费，完全免去后顾之忧。据了解，此套完美消费体验承诺的出炉在国内目前纷乱的团购行业当中尚属首次。
团购参与人数越多，用户会认为此次团购相对更具有吸引力。因此，购买人数在很大程度上影响了消费者的购买决定。针对这个问题，糯米网已经在网站上做出承诺：糯米网之前没有，今后也绝对不会对网站上出现的任何购买数据进行人为篡改，从而坚决杜绝误导消费者购买判断的情况出现。而在购买之后，糯米网给予用户“7天内未消费无条件退款”保证，用户在购买糯米券后的7天之内可以无理由申请退款，直接通过糯米账户自行操作，即可实现退还到糯米账户或者支付卡原路返还，免去了拨打电话、与客服交涉的麻烦。在消费体验阶段，根据糯米网之前推出的“消费不满意先行赔付”这一给力的权益保障服务，用户对商家提供的服务出现纠纷或者有任何不满，都可以找到网站来寻求先行赔付，其潜在风险将由糯米网承担。最后，如果用户出现忘记消费或者由于种种原因导致糯米券过期的情况，糯米网在最新公布的升级条款中明确表明，用户即日起可在自己的糯米网账户中找到已过期还未消费的糯米券，进行自助退款， 只需轻点鼠标，相关退款会即刻到账，无需任何手续费。
团购业内分析人士、团800网站的联合创始人胡琛对此举给出了自己的看法，糯米网此次推出的四步保障不仅彰显了糯米网在服务用户上的决心和力度，同时也带动了业内的规范。同时用户的聚集也将有利于提高团购网站对商家的吸引力，形成良性循环。文/战龙
日前，糯米网宣布为消费者量身打造完美消费体验四部曲，“完美消费体验”承诺在购买前、购买后、消费中、消费后四个关键阶段，提供全方位安心的保障，让用户轻松消费，完全免去后顾之忧。据了解，此套完美消费体验承诺的出炉在国内目前纷乱的团购行业当中尚属首次。
团购参与人数越多，用户会认为此次团购相对更具有吸引力。因此，购买人数在很大程度上影响了消费者的购买决定。针对这个问题，糯米网已经在网站上做出承诺：糯米网之前没有，今后也绝对不会对网站上出现的任何购买数据进行人为篡改，从而坚决杜绝误导消费者购买判断的情况出现。而在购买之后，糯米网给予用户“7天内未消费无条件退款”保证，用户在购买糯米券后的7天之内可以无理由申请退款，直接通过糯米账户自行操作，即可实现退还到糯米账户或者支付卡原路返还，免去了拨打电话、与客服交涉的麻烦。在消费体验阶段，根据糯米网之前推出的“消费不满意先行赔付”这一给力的权益保障服务，用户对商家提供的服务出现纠纷或者有任何不满，都可以找到网站来寻求先行赔付，其潜在风险将由糯米网承担。最后，如果用户出现忘记消费或者由于种种原因导致糯米券过期的情况，糯米网在最新公布的升级条款中明确表明，用户即日起可在自己的糯米网账户中找到已过期还未消费的糯米券，进行自助退款， 只需轻点鼠标，相关退款会即刻到账，无需任何手续费。
团购业内分析人士、团800网站的联合创始人胡琛对此举给出了自己的看法，糯米网此次推出的四步保障不仅彰显了糯米网在服务用户上的决心和力度，同时也带动了业内的规范。同时用户的聚集也将有利于提高团购网站对商家的吸引力，形成良性循环。文/战龙
“幸福”其实就是一种能力
大S和汪小菲的三亚婚礼，成为近几天最受关注的娱乐新闻。以大S追求完美的个性和她颇具娱乐性的亲友团，这场婚礼必然是可圈可点的。不过，王子和公主是否能从此过上幸福的生活？实际情况是，除了两家亲友的赞美之词不断外，一般公众都表示“并不看好”。原因可能是多样的：双方丰富的情史、娱乐圈婚姻的多变、相识不足三个月即闪婚。此外，还有贾静雯、梁洛施等“女明星梦碎豪门”的负面案例在前。
但是，大S的好友蔡康永却给了我们看待“大小恋”的另外一种角度。蔡康永表示完全不必担心大S的婚后生活，因为“我对她很有把握，她是一个很有毅力的、很坚强的人，在爱情方面是专家级，相信她有足够的能力克服各种她没经历过的事情”。蔡康永非常聪明地回避了对这场婚姻能持续多久的预测，他只是说，大S有足够的能力让自己幸福——不管是在婚姻之中，还是在婚姻之外。
这让我想起，很多女性杂志都做过诸如“在什么条件下，一个女人才敢结婚”之类的读者问卷。对于这类话题，往往会有很多不同但都算正确的答案，比如“一定要两个人相爱”，比如“门当户对很重要”，比如“爱情不能离开面包”，等等。给我印象最深的，是一位已婚又离婚的女性给女孩们的告诫，她说：当你自信以后哪怕离婚都不能打倒你时，你就有足够的资格去结婚了。这跟蔡康永所说“有足够的能力克服各种她没经历过的事情”，异曲同工。
说到底，所有人都心向往之的“幸福”，除了是一种心境之外，它同时也是一种能力——你如果是幸福的，这说明你有令自己幸福的能力，而这种心境和能力都不是别人能给得了你，也不是别人能剥夺得了的。从这个意义上来说，像大S这样的女人，其实是最适合结婚的，因为她恰恰具备了这种幸福的能力。比如她有个性，从不掩饰自己爱美、爱打扮、爱名牌，反正钱都是自己赚来的；比如她有朋友圈子，好友众多，妹妹小S更是永远的死党；至于恋爱，不止是与汪小菲，她的每一场恋爱都很高调，完全漠视人们对“姐弟恋”的偏见。当然，非常重要的一点是，她有足够的经济基础。汪小菲毕竟不是李泽楷，张兰跟李嘉诚更无法同日而语，如果婚姻不成，大S的赡养费肯定比不上梁洛施。大S的好友贾静雯当年在全盛时期闪孕闪婚，被批“以后要演少女就很难”，这话果然给说中，经历了离婚争女风波的贾静雯现在就处于一个尴尬境地，演少女嘛太老，演少女的妈妈又不够老，除了演戏，她又不会别的，如此一来，生活状况可想而知。相比之下，大S的空间要宽广得多，在演戏之外，她还是出色的主持人、作家、“美容大王”——哪怕在娱乐圈混不下去，她去开家美容院，相信都能门庭若市。这段婚姻对她来说，顶多就是锦上添花，而不是雪中送炭。
跟大S相反，在我们的现实生活中不乏这样的单身男女，他们把自己生活的不积极、不如意，统统归结于“没有遇到合适的人”，似乎整个人生就等着另外一个人来搭救，事实上，这样的择偶态度反而会吓跑一堆人——谁会愿意背负起这么一个沉重的负担呢。大S的经历再次告诉我们：幸福也是一种“让自己幸福”的能力；只有幸福的“单身”，才会造就幸福的“已婚”；另外，无论是单身、结婚还是离婚，你都可以是幸福的，除非你自己放弃了幸福的权利。
但是，大S的好友蔡康永却给了我们看待“大小恋”的另外一种角度。蔡康永表示完全不必担心大S的婚后生活，因为“我对她很有把握，她是一个很有毅力的、很坚强的人，在爱情方面是专家级，相信她有足够的能力克服各种她没经历过的事情”。蔡康永非常聪明地回避了对这场婚姻能持续多久的预测，他只是说，大S有足够的能力让自己幸福——不管是在婚姻之中，还是在婚姻之外。
这让我想起，很多女性杂志都做过诸如“在什么条件下，一个女人才敢结婚”之类的读者问卷。对于这类话题，往往会有很多不同但都算正确的答案，比如“一定要两个人相爱”，比如“门当户对很重要”，比如“爱情不能离开面包”，等等。给我印象最深的，是一位已婚又离婚的女性给女孩们的告诫，她说：当你自信以后哪怕离婚都不能打倒你时，你就有足够的资格去结婚了。这跟蔡康永所说“有足够的能力克服各种她没经历过的事情”，异曲同工。
说到底，所有人都心向往之的“幸福”，除了是一种心境之外，它同时也是一种能力——你如果是幸福的，这说明你有令自己幸福的能力，而这种心境和能力都不是别人能给得了你，也不是别人能剥夺得了的。从这个意义上来说，像大S这样的女人，其实是最适合结婚的，因为她恰恰具备了这种幸福的能力。比如她有个性，从不掩饰自己爱美、爱打扮、爱名牌，反正钱都是自己赚来的；比如她有朋友圈子，好友众多，妹妹小S更是永远的死党；至于恋爱，不止是与汪小菲，她的每一场恋爱都很高调，完全漠视人们对“姐弟恋”的偏见。当然，非常重要的一点是，她有足够的经济基础。汪小菲毕竟不是李泽楷，张兰跟李嘉诚更无法同日而语，如果婚姻不成，大S的赡养费肯定比不上梁洛施。大S的好友贾静雯当年在全盛时期闪孕闪婚，被批“以后要演少女就很难”，这话果然给说中，经历了离婚争女风波的贾静雯现在就处于一个尴尬境地，演少女嘛太老，演少女的妈妈又不够老，除了演戏，她又不会别的，如此一来，生活状况可想而知。相比之下，大S的空间要宽广得多，在演戏之外，她还是出色的主持人、作家、“美容大王”——哪怕在娱乐圈混不下去，她去开家美容院，相信都能门庭若市。这段婚姻对她来说，顶多就是锦上添花，而不是雪中送炭。
跟大S相反，在我们的现实生活中不乏这样的单身男女，他们把自己生活的不积极、不如意，统统归结于“没有遇到合适的人”，似乎整个人生就等着另外一个人来搭救，事实上，这样的择偶态度反而会吓跑一堆人——谁会愿意背负起这么一个沉重的负担呢。大S的经历再次告诉我们：幸福也是一种“让自己幸福”的能力；只有幸福的“单身”，才会造就幸福的“已婚”；另外，无论是单身、结婚还是离婚，你都可以是幸福的，除非你自己放弃了幸福的权利。
大龄男的生存模式
看上去很猛
目前市场上的大龄男青年，不是公子三千般的不着急，就是猥琐男们的着急也没用，中间全都断了层……
跟公子三千谈心，伊正制定一份非洲游计划，一会扔个帐篷地址过来，一会叫我看看宿营地的豪华程度。我看着这名三十而立男子活得依然这么恣意江湖，不免怒向胆边生火从心头起：凭什么？我比他还小几岁，整个春节都活在所有亲戚的闲言碎语中，几欲崩溃要重新做人，他怎么能毫无影响？
末了，我心悦诚服对他说：你们这种条件不错的大龄男青年，现在价值跟一笔慈善基金差不多，人人都想要你赶紧奉献一份爱心。隔了几秒钟，他答说：可惜爱心只能献一次，所以不像基金倒像征兵，与其进去吃苦，不如外面快活，你说对吧？
此话当然有理，优质男青年注定是要生活不能自理时，才想到讨个老婆充当黄脸婆用，或者赶在精子丧失活动能力前，找个粗放的S形生育机器培养下一代。至于现在，急什么？大好时光，怎么能揉碎了抛进世俗烟火中？当然是背着帐篷去非洲的好。
与此相反，有人集万千宠爱于一身，就有人姥姥不疼舅舅不爱，逐渐变成正在老去的光棍。他们大抵很宅，别说非洲，通州都要嫌远。宅的原因有些是懒，有些是穷，但凡男人沾了其中一点，面貌就不会太好看。
前者多半是IT男人类，大抵不穷，但从来不知道怎么好好装扮自己。A君每次出门来跟我吃饭，走在他身边都一阵羞愧，从头到脚活像《电车男》里那位男主角，忐忑的眼神充满猥琐，衣服散发出出土文物的风味。好不容易混熟了决心给他点忠告，告诉他你好歹要挪出一笔置装费来，不然很可能要死在去相亲的路上。他振振有词指着一件颜色乌七八糟的茄克衫说：这个，在英国买的，名牌。我痛苦得把脸扭向一边，知道他听不进去，如果可以，他会把那件茄克穿上50年，穿出真正Geek的古早风味。
另一种穷男，多半因为理想太文艺，至今没走上致富之路。幸亏青春年少，穿50块的T恤也能清爽宜人。女朋友跟我抱怨新交往的文艺男青年，每次吃饭到买单那步，他总是在打电话，忙得不可开交等面前的女人买完单，说上一句：下次我请你。下次他依旧在打电话。这种猥琐比之那件50年的茄克更加令人无法承受。
可惜目前市场上的大龄男青年，不是公子三千般的不着急，就是猥琐男们的着急也没用，中间全都断了层，令姑娘们日益感慨：我想我是一辈子的孤单。
一个已婚男人跑出来教育待嫁女：你应该做一所学校，教化男人嘛。姑娘翻起白眼：拜托我很忙的，凭什么要帮他母亲教儿子？
你看，世道就是这么艰难起来的。
职场幸福感不光来自“钱”
能让人感到愉悦的工作才能给人幸福感。 新华社发
不少人把理想薪水放在找工的第一位。 新华社发
本报记者在招聘会上与数位求职学生对话“幸福”职场幸福感不光来自
近来，一股“幸福”的热潮悄然兴起。从“幸福广东”口号的提出，到北京“十二五”规划写入“让人民生活得更幸福”，再到总理在与网民交流时将“幸福”解读为“让人们生活得舒心、安心、放心，对未来有信心”。“幸福”成为一个热门词汇，“幸福指数”成为一个衡量指标。
对于一个正在找工的大学生，最大的幸福是什么？职业幸福感来自什么？本报记者在招聘会上与数位求职学生对话“幸福”，探寻大学生的职业幸福感。 记者 邓仲谋 通讯员 龙晓庆
“幸福工作”不代表工作幸福
什么是幸福?《现代汉语词典》的解释是：使人心情舒畅的境遇和生活。大学生在找工的过程中，遭遇的境遇和面临的生活各不相同，于是，每个人对幸福的诠释也各有千秋。
“在你的心目中，什么才是幸福的工作？”在我们的采访过程中，不同的毕业生从不同的角度给出不同的答案。有人选择了稳定的工作，于是公务员、事业单位成为许多人的共同追求；有人把理想薪水放在第一位，于是地产、金融、通信等垄断行业成为他们的首选；还有人希望自主创业，拥有一份自己的事业。无论你选择哪一种就业方式，只要适合你，就是一份幸福的工作。
大学生找工，是一个寻找幸福工作的过程。然而，拥有一份“幸福工作”，并不意味着你“工作中很幸福”。生活中，我们常常可以看到一种现象，一些表面上有着“幸福工作”的人，其实内心并不幸福，他们根本无法从工作中获得愉悦与成就感。所以，这类人看似“幸福”，实质不幸福。
大学生找工，不仅要找一份适合自己的“幸福工作”，更要从工作中获得幸福。这种幸福的感觉就是职业幸福感。通常，衡量你的工作有没有职业幸福感，就要看这份工作能不能满足你的需求，发挥你的潜能，带给你持续的快乐体验。如果你能从工作中不断体验快乐，那么，你就是一个真正幸福的人。
他们眼中的幸福
幸福=外企工资+国企福利+私企发展空间
“我生活在一个‘君主立宪制’的家庭，表面上自己拿主意，而实际上，这个主意还需要得到家庭成员的同意。”广东工业大学的侯同学，来自粤北山区，父母一直想让他到国企工作，图个安稳。但在找工的过程中，此路不通。侯同学考了公务员，随后放弃，转而将目光锁定中国移动[70.50 0.57%]，可惜与之失之交臂。
现在，他找到了一家速运公司，虽说比不上国企的安稳，但也毕竟是行业内的龙头企业。侯同学认为，幸福就是能够拿着外企的工资，享受国企的福利，拥有私企的发展空间。
幸福=工作稳定
广东工业大学财务管理专业的李同学是一位女生，在她看来，理想的职位是银行或大型的国企，如果是事务所，看在工资多一点的份上，也还勉强可以。
李同学对职业幸福感的理解是工作稳定，经济上不依赖父母，能够养活自己。为此，她期望的工资待遇要达到3000元以上，具备五险一金，最好能够提供住房，在这个大城市，有房住比什么都安心。
幸福=拥有自己的事业
在华南师范大学电子商务专业李同学看来，幸福有四个因素。一是能够找到与自己专业相关的工作，比如国企、银行等企业中的投资顾问，这是最幸福的；二是除了工资以外，社会地位是幸福的体现因素，具体来说就是，以自己所读的书，所拥有的学历，能够做相应的职位工作；三是希望能够买到房，落实好户口；四是做自己感兴趣的事情，他也曾考虑回家创业，这对于他来说，是一份完全属于自己的事业，也是一件很幸福的事情。
幸福=回家乡教书
来自韶关的陈同学，就读于广州大学松田学院计算机网络专业。陈同学并没有在招聘会上找工作，因为他下周就要回家面试，他应聘了家乡县城一所高中的老师。他觉得老师工作稳定，固定时间上下班，固定时间发工资，这种生活虽然简单，但却是一种简单的幸福。对于自己的这个想法，陈同学说完得意地笑了。
幸福=考上公务员
“做自己喜欢的工作，最好是与计算机相关的工作。”这是广东工业大学信息管理专业吴同学对幸福的理解，他认为，这样的工作理想月薪应该有4000元，应该有五险一金。
和大多数人一样，他也认为，最幸福的工作就是考上公务员。
幸福=恬静的生活
遇到王同学，她刚投完简历。对于幸福感，她的理解与大多数人都不同。她希望追求一种平淡的生活，不喜欢过着忙碌的日子，在她看来，如果没有自己的生活，赚太多的钱也没用。
王同学很看重公司提供的培训，“作为大学生来说，我们接触的东西还是太少，如果有好的培训，自己会成长得更快。”而对于工资，她认为，如果一个公司有发展机会的话，2500元就是可接受的工资，有3000元最好不过了。
Friday, 25 March 2011
26 Ways To Make Extra Money While Keeping Your Day Job
Quite often I hear from people who feel trapped in a job and need to figure out a way to make extra money. They hear about how I’ve paid off a lot of debt in a short period of time and they wonder if my income has changed significantly. My answer is, yes, I have used a few unexpected windfalls from different sources AND made extra money to get those debts paid off. Making extra money is the key, especially when paired with lifestyle changes that result in frugal living.
1. Freelance writing. Have a unique ability to pen the written word? Have a solid grasp of grammar, spelling, and communicating? You could become a freelance writer for newspapers, magazines, or other local periodicals. THAT could help you make extra cash! Don’t be afraid to endure a lot of “No’s” and you’ll eventually get that “Yes” that can give you some instant credibility. You can always build a portfolio by guest posting on blogs or by submitting articles to your local newspaper.
2. Plant maintenance. Just like people need help taking care of pets, they also need help with plants. Make some extra cash by taking care of house plants and even outdoor gardens while people are on vacation. You could also offer to take care of the plants kept in local offices on a long term basis. Don’t forget your mileage tax deduction if you drive your car for your new business!
3. Offer to clean homes during the day or offices at night (depending on your schedule). Add in the houseplant maintenance and you could get a double whammy for your profits! Don’t forget the mileage deduction.
4. Tutor. If you have a college degree, use your downtime to tutor kids in the summer or even over the Internet to make additional income. Drop by the local school system and offer your services to the summer school folks after making sure it’s okay with the school staff, of course.
5. Teach a language. Do you speak another language? Do you speak English? Either way, your skills are in demand and will help you make extra money. People need to learn other languages and non-English speakers need to learn English. Most people prefer to learn a conversational style rather than just conjugate verbs around the dinner table. Who knew just talking and having a conversation could result in earning additional income?
6. Internet research. Really know your way around the Internet? Offer your skills in research to local businesses. You may have to do a few freebies to get your foot in the door, but this could be a tax deduction as a startup cost in your quest to generate extra money.
7. Iron clothes. People are busy and if you offer to iron their clothes and pick up/drop off at their office, you would set yourself apart from the cleaners. Make even more money by offering the service mentioned in #24.
8. Run errands. The last time I checked, the IRS rate for mileage was 50 cents per mile. By offering to run errands for people (dry cleaning, drugstore, grocery store, post office, etc), you could earn extra money for your time while reducing your taxable income from mileage.
9. Substitute teach at your kid’s school. My wife does this quite often. Teachers have doctors and dentist appointments just like everyone else. Their children get sick and they have to take care of them. When these events happen, the school needs a substitute teacher. Check with several schools (don’t forget the private schools) to see what requirements they place on subs and how much extra income you could earn.
10. If you liked #9, could you offer to teach at your local community college? One or two courses at night or on the weekends could make you a little extra cash.
11. Do you have a unique skill or ability? Have you EVER heard someone say to you, “I wish I knew how to do that.” The “that” could be building decks, arranging flowers, baking pies, playing the piano, canning food, making jewelry, framing pictures, or raising roses. People will pay to be taught. They will pay even more if you offer to teach their children. Offer to teach them or their children in their homes and you could earn even more.
12. Become a life coach. Encouraging others to strive for success and live up to their potential is what being a life coach is all about. You can squeeze in appointments on weekends, during your lunch break and in the evenings after work, making it easy to earn extra income while keeping that day job.
13. Become a “green” consultant. Do you know how to make those little lifestyle changes that result in a home using less energy? Offer to evaluate someone’s home and make recommendations to help it become more green. You could offer to change their light bulbs to CFL’s or LED’s, install a programmable thermostat, install ceiling fans, or make other recommendations. You could also sell your services to businesses. I bet this will become a very large industry in the next few years. Some people will make a LOT of extra money!
14. Do you love to garden and use organic methods? Depending on how large your harvest may be, you could offer “in season” locally grown, organic vegetables and fresh herbs for sale to a restaurant. Take a basket of your most beautiful vegetables and visit several restaurants. Chefs are always interested in getting the best, the freshest food for their patrons. You could pick them, wash them, and deliver them within the hour. You can’t get much more fresh than that!
15. Know your antiques? Spend your weekends scouting those garage sales, thrift stores, estate auctions, and flea markets to score old treasures on the cheap. Do some research to discover the real value of your finds and spend your next lunch hour auctioning it on eBay.
16. Set up computers, home theater systems, or wireless networking systems for the technologically challenged. Even though technology is a constant presence in our everyday lives, some people just can’t seem to get the hang of it. You can offer to come in and help those with new gadgets get them set up, install new programs, organize the spaghetti mess of cables, and make sure everything is plugged in correctly.
17. A year or so after you’ve set up those computers, offer to help clean and speed up computers that may have been infected with viruses, malware and spyware. You know it’s going to happen and someone will get paid to clean those systems.
18. If you’re really on the technology band wagon, you could offer to help people change the formats of their media. Changing VHS videos to DVDs, scanning old photos, moving CDs to MP3s, or other format changes can make you some additional income.
19. Get paid to shop. There are several companies that hire people to perform a mystery shop and report their experiences. Make sure you’re fair and that you understand the way each company goes to market.
20. Are you a genealogy buff? People love to know their family histories, but don’t have time to do the research. You can offer your services as a “family researcher” and help clients learn about their roots, learn about your own in the process, and generate extra income.
21. Can you bake? Making and decorating cakes can allow you to show off our artistic side. You could also offer to bake pastries and other goodies for local coffee shops, a local deli, or even sell them in local office breakrooms.
22. Make jams and jellies. If you listened to your grandma and learned to can and preserve food the old fashioned way, a quick trip to the farmer’s market could result in you making a big batch of peach preserves, blackberry jelly, or strawberry jam. Then you could sell it for a profit at a local market or over the Internet.
23. Babysit. There are actually several ways to go here. You don’t have to only offer to babysit for young parents looking to get a few hours break and attend a business function, though that is a possibility. What if you offered to keep kids all night long for parents who worked third shift? What if you offered to keep kids who were feeling a little sick (nothing major)? Most day care centers won’t accept a child who has a fever or a runny nose, but if you contacted several day care centers for referrals of mildly sick children, you could carve out a profitable market niche for yourself. Make certain you follow all local laws when keeping children.
24. Got a sewing machine? Many local clothing stores, particularly upscale stores, men’s suit stores, and even dry cleaners need people with sewing skills. Here’s your chance to show off your skills and make a little extra income.
25. Pet sitter. Right now I’m looking for a pet sitter for my miniature dachshund. The kennels charge at least $20/day. Could you undercut the kennels, charge $15/day and keep a few pets in your home? If you’re wary, you could always set a weight limit and only keep those little guys (like mine). People need help with hamsters, guinea pigs, cats, dogs, and even exotic pets. If you live in an apartment, you could offer to feed, water, and check on pets kept in their homes. Then you could deduct the mileage from your taxes for an additional bonus.
26. Photography. Do you have one of those fancy cameras? Know how to use it? You could potentially start photographing people’s children, their weddings, their anniversaries, or their parties. You could take interesting photographs, post them on the appropriate sites, and then make money every time someone uses your photograph.
One lifestyle change is to make extra money.
The old phrase “spend less than you earn” is made up of TWO factors: spending and earning. Sure you can reduce your spending by a great deal, but very few people have saved their way to wealth. They have also earned additional income and then put that extra money to work for them. There are many ways to make extra money, but how you make extra money is dependent on your current sources of income. Since your day job usually pays the bills, how can YOU make extra money? Here’s some ideas to help kick start your brain into thinking about how to increase the earning side of the equation. These aren’t considered “passive” income (filling out opinion surveys for cash & rewards does take time), but they can help generate some take-home pay to help reduce your debt and potentially get you some breathing room.Make Extra Money By:
1. Freelance writing. Have a unique ability to pen the written word? Have a solid grasp of grammar, spelling, and communicating? You could become a freelance writer for newspapers, magazines, or other local periodicals. THAT could help you make extra cash! Don’t be afraid to endure a lot of “No’s” and you’ll eventually get that “Yes” that can give you some instant credibility. You can always build a portfolio by guest posting on blogs or by submitting articles to your local newspaper.
2. Plant maintenance. Just like people need help taking care of pets, they also need help with plants. Make some extra cash by taking care of house plants and even outdoor gardens while people are on vacation. You could also offer to take care of the plants kept in local offices on a long term basis. Don’t forget your mileage tax deduction if you drive your car for your new business!
3. Offer to clean homes during the day or offices at night (depending on your schedule). Add in the houseplant maintenance and you could get a double whammy for your profits! Don’t forget the mileage deduction.
4. Tutor. If you have a college degree, use your downtime to tutor kids in the summer or even over the Internet to make additional income. Drop by the local school system and offer your services to the summer school folks after making sure it’s okay with the school staff, of course.
5. Teach a language. Do you speak another language? Do you speak English? Either way, your skills are in demand and will help you make extra money. People need to learn other languages and non-English speakers need to learn English. Most people prefer to learn a conversational style rather than just conjugate verbs around the dinner table. Who knew just talking and having a conversation could result in earning additional income?
6. Internet research. Really know your way around the Internet? Offer your skills in research to local businesses. You may have to do a few freebies to get your foot in the door, but this could be a tax deduction as a startup cost in your quest to generate extra money.
7. Iron clothes. People are busy and if you offer to iron their clothes and pick up/drop off at their office, you would set yourself apart from the cleaners. Make even more money by offering the service mentioned in #24.
8. Run errands. The last time I checked, the IRS rate for mileage was 50 cents per mile. By offering to run errands for people (dry cleaning, drugstore, grocery store, post office, etc), you could earn extra money for your time while reducing your taxable income from mileage.
9. Substitute teach at your kid’s school. My wife does this quite often. Teachers have doctors and dentist appointments just like everyone else. Their children get sick and they have to take care of them. When these events happen, the school needs a substitute teacher. Check with several schools (don’t forget the private schools) to see what requirements they place on subs and how much extra income you could earn.
10. If you liked #9, could you offer to teach at your local community college? One or two courses at night or on the weekends could make you a little extra cash.
11. Do you have a unique skill or ability? Have you EVER heard someone say to you, “I wish I knew how to do that.” The “that” could be building decks, arranging flowers, baking pies, playing the piano, canning food, making jewelry, framing pictures, or raising roses. People will pay to be taught. They will pay even more if you offer to teach their children. Offer to teach them or their children in their homes and you could earn even more.
12. Become a life coach. Encouraging others to strive for success and live up to their potential is what being a life coach is all about. You can squeeze in appointments on weekends, during your lunch break and in the evenings after work, making it easy to earn extra income while keeping that day job.
13. Become a “green” consultant. Do you know how to make those little lifestyle changes that result in a home using less energy? Offer to evaluate someone’s home and make recommendations to help it become more green. You could offer to change their light bulbs to CFL’s or LED’s, install a programmable thermostat, install ceiling fans, or make other recommendations. You could also sell your services to businesses. I bet this will become a very large industry in the next few years. Some people will make a LOT of extra money!
14. Do you love to garden and use organic methods? Depending on how large your harvest may be, you could offer “in season” locally grown, organic vegetables and fresh herbs for sale to a restaurant. Take a basket of your most beautiful vegetables and visit several restaurants. Chefs are always interested in getting the best, the freshest food for their patrons. You could pick them, wash them, and deliver them within the hour. You can’t get much more fresh than that!
15. Know your antiques? Spend your weekends scouting those garage sales, thrift stores, estate auctions, and flea markets to score old treasures on the cheap. Do some research to discover the real value of your finds and spend your next lunch hour auctioning it on eBay.
16. Set up computers, home theater systems, or wireless networking systems for the technologically challenged. Even though technology is a constant presence in our everyday lives, some people just can’t seem to get the hang of it. You can offer to come in and help those with new gadgets get them set up, install new programs, organize the spaghetti mess of cables, and make sure everything is plugged in correctly.
17. A year or so after you’ve set up those computers, offer to help clean and speed up computers that may have been infected with viruses, malware and spyware. You know it’s going to happen and someone will get paid to clean those systems.
18. If you’re really on the technology band wagon, you could offer to help people change the formats of their media. Changing VHS videos to DVDs, scanning old photos, moving CDs to MP3s, or other format changes can make you some additional income.
19. Get paid to shop. There are several companies that hire people to perform a mystery shop and report their experiences. Make sure you’re fair and that you understand the way each company goes to market.
20. Are you a genealogy buff? People love to know their family histories, but don’t have time to do the research. You can offer your services as a “family researcher” and help clients learn about their roots, learn about your own in the process, and generate extra income.
21. Can you bake? Making and decorating cakes can allow you to show off our artistic side. You could also offer to bake pastries and other goodies for local coffee shops, a local deli, or even sell them in local office breakrooms.
22. Make jams and jellies. If you listened to your grandma and learned to can and preserve food the old fashioned way, a quick trip to the farmer’s market could result in you making a big batch of peach preserves, blackberry jelly, or strawberry jam. Then you could sell it for a profit at a local market or over the Internet.
23. Babysit. There are actually several ways to go here. You don’t have to only offer to babysit for young parents looking to get a few hours break and attend a business function, though that is a possibility. What if you offered to keep kids all night long for parents who worked third shift? What if you offered to keep kids who were feeling a little sick (nothing major)? Most day care centers won’t accept a child who has a fever or a runny nose, but if you contacted several day care centers for referrals of mildly sick children, you could carve out a profitable market niche for yourself. Make certain you follow all local laws when keeping children.
24. Got a sewing machine? Many local clothing stores, particularly upscale stores, men’s suit stores, and even dry cleaners need people with sewing skills. Here’s your chance to show off your skills and make a little extra income.
25. Pet sitter. Right now I’m looking for a pet sitter for my miniature dachshund. The kennels charge at least $20/day. Could you undercut the kennels, charge $15/day and keep a few pets in your home? If you’re wary, you could always set a weight limit and only keep those little guys (like mine). People need help with hamsters, guinea pigs, cats, dogs, and even exotic pets. If you live in an apartment, you could offer to feed, water, and check on pets kept in their homes. Then you could deduct the mileage from your taxes for an additional bonus.
26. Photography. Do you have one of those fancy cameras? Know how to use it? You could potentially start photographing people’s children, their weddings, their anniversaries, or their parties. You could take interesting photographs, post them on the appropriate sites, and then make money every time someone uses your photograph.
Here are a few tips to follow in your quest for extra income.
- Always get everything in writing.
- Always consult with a qualified tax adviser for mileage and other potential deductions.
- Always try to get payment up front.
- Always ask for referrals from your existing clients.
- Always follow all local, state, and federal laws, especially when dealing with children.
12 Killer Ways to Make Extra Income On the Web
If the tumbling world economy has you worried, don’t despair: we’ve got your back. The Internet, as you may have heard, is a wonderful place, full of money making opportunities if you know where to look. Our list of 12 ways to make extra cash online will point you in the right direction. None of these ideas will likely net you a full time income on their own — though there are certainly people who have managed to do so with each — but a couple of them in tandem, or in addition to your usual freelance work or day job, can make you some much needed extra cash.
If you know of any others, we’d love to hear your money making tips. Please share them in the comments.
If you know of any others, we’d love to hear your money making tips. Please share them in the comments.
Freelance Projects
Even as companies are laying off workers left and right, that work still need to get done by someone. Often times, companies will turn to freelancers on a per project basis as a way to save money and get things done quickly. Further, for smaller, one-time projects, it doesn’t make sense for many companies to hire a full-time employee, so frequently they will turn to the freelancer marketplace. There are many places to look for freelance jobs, but the large bid-based job boards are a good place to start. eLance, Guru, ScriptLance, and sologig are some of the best known.Become a Topic Expert
About.com provides users with a guided tour of the web’s best sites in a wide range of topical areas. Each area of the site is maintained by a paid guide who is an expert in that area. The job of a guide is one part blogger, one part directory curator, and one part columnist. There are always openings for new guides and compensation starts at $725 per month. Guides are paid based on the amount of traffic they bring in and some make in excess of $100,000 per year.Moonlight as a Designer
More and more smart companies are turning toward design contests to crowdsource their design work and get professional-quality results more efficiently. For designers, contests offer a steady stream of potential clients and a way to build up their portfolios. The clear market leader in the space is SitePoint’s own sister site 99designs. With almost $3 million in prize money awarded, and hundreds of open projects at any one time, you’ll never lack for work. ReadWriteWeb has a good list of other contest sites for designers to find even more opportunities.Sell Your Stuff
Becoming an eBay millionaire is far from a piece of cake, but making some extra money in tough economic times is definitely doable. We all have some stuff in the attic that we never use, have outgrown, or just no longer need. Put it up for sale on eBay or Craigslist and make some extra cash. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, after all.Cash in on Your Photos
Amateur-produced stock photos are a huge business. Last year iStockPhoto paid out $20.9 million in royalties to contributors. So selling your photos is indeed a possible way to make some extra, passive income, and there are a number of places where you can try to sell your pictures. We recently published a list of 15 such stock photo web sites, many of which give bonuses for exclusivity.Flip a Website
Buying and selling web sites has also become big business, and unlike the house flipping market, the bottom hasn’t fallen out of the web site market. SitePoint’s Marketplace has grown into the web’s number one place to buy and sell web sites, and many people make a living doing just that.Help People Search
If you’re good at finding things on the Internet, then you can make a few extra bucks helping people locate the information they need. Web search site ChaCha employs an army of search guides that help people do web searches. You won’t make big bucks doing it, but it’s not a bad way to make some spare change in your down time.Sell Your Writing
Finding a full-time job as a writer isn’t easy (trust me, I should know!), but selling your freelance writing (and audio, video, and images) has never been easier thanks to Associated Content. AC is a network of content producers that allows anyone to submit content and be paid for it when it is distributed to their partner sites. The site says it has paid out over $1 million to content producers.Name a Product
Even if you’re not a designer, you can still get in on the crowdsourcing action. NameThis is a contest site similar to 99designs, but rather than competing for design projects, users compete to come up with names for new products and services. If you fancy yourself a clever wordsmith, there is money to be earned at NameThis.Design a T-Shirt
On the other hand, if you’re a design star, you may want to try your luck at t-shirt design for Threadless. Winning designs get $2,000 in cash, and $500 worth of free t-shirts, plus all the prestige that goes along with being a Threadless winner. Non-designers can submit slogans for a shot at a $500 cash prize.Do Odd Jobs
Amazon Mechanical Turk is a people-power API from Amazon that lets companies easily outsource tasks to humans. These tasks are often mundane, and don’t pay much on their own, but they can be a good way to make extra cash just by doing things like reviewing restaurants, evaluating search results, and rating videos.Shill Products on Your Blog
Have a blog? If you want to make a little extra cash, PayPerPost offers a way to write sponsored blog posts about products and services for money. There are some ethical ramifications here, so we’d advise that you always clearly disclose when a post is paid and avoid jobs that require a positive review.Managing Your money
Managing money may seem like a distant dream. It’s something we want to do someday—when we have more money and more time. But we all need to manage our money so we can reach the goals and dreams we've set for ourselves.
While the idea of money management may seem difficult, it's really not. It's simply one more skill to be learned, just like we learned to write, read or perhaps drive a car. Believe it or not, no one is born with the skills to be a good money manager, but everyone can learn them.
We often live day to day, allowing the demands of the present to swallow up our money and time. We watch the money—usually not enough—come in, and we watch it go out. We often feel we don't have any control over it, so why should we worry about trying to manage it?
Because managing your money can help reduce the stress in your life. It can help give you a plan to take care of unexpected events and expenses.
Most importantly, managing your money can help you meet the goals you've set and create the life you deserve.
In this section, we’ll suggest ways to help you live within your means and manage debt so it doesn’t manage you. We’ll also show you how to develop a spending plan that will help you reach your goals. In addition, we’ll cover why banks and credit unions are a great choice for your money, show you how to manage expenses if you have children, and other tips on deductions you may be able to take on your taxes.
While the idea of money management may seem difficult, it's really not. It's simply one more skill to be learned, just like we learned to write, read or perhaps drive a car. Believe it or not, no one is born with the skills to be a good money manager, but everyone can learn them.
We often live day to day, allowing the demands of the present to swallow up our money and time. We watch the money—usually not enough—come in, and we watch it go out. We often feel we don't have any control over it, so why should we worry about trying to manage it?
Because managing your money can help reduce the stress in your life. It can help give you a plan to take care of unexpected events and expenses.
Most importantly, managing your money can help you meet the goals you've set and create the life you deserve.
In this section, we’ll suggest ways to help you live within your means and manage debt so it doesn’t manage you. We’ll also show you how to develop a spending plan that will help you reach your goals. In addition, we’ll cover why banks and credit unions are a great choice for your money, show you how to manage expenses if you have children, and other tips on deductions you may be able to take on your taxes.
Manage your money well
Make sure you're in charge of your money, or your money could end up running you.
Managing your money is an essential life skill, and once you know what you're doing, it really isn't so difficult. Once you've left home, the only person responsible for your financial health is you, so it's good to know the essentials.
Before you start saving, spending, or investing, pay off those debts. You will lose more money on high interest payments than you're ever likely to make with most savings and investments. You'll be better off in the long run if you work harder at ditching the debt.
If you're still not sure what you should be spending your money on and how much you have left at the end of the month, try out the FSA's budget calculator.
Managing your money is an essential life skill, and once you know what you're doing, it really isn't so difficult. Once you've left home, the only person responsible for your financial health is you, so it's good to know the essentials.
Debts
The most important thing is avoiding unmanageable or crippling debts. That means steering clear of credit cards, store cards, or loans that you don't really need. By borrowing in this way you will be charged very high interest and your debt could easily spiral out of control.Before you start saving, spending, or investing, pay off those debts. You will lose more money on high interest payments than you're ever likely to make with most savings and investments. You'll be better off in the long run if you work harder at ditching the debt.
Emergency money
Once your debts are paid off, start saving for a rainy day. You really never know when you're going to have an emergency or need a cash cushion. An unexpected pregnancy, a job loss, essential household repairs, or a new interview suit can be made less of a worry by keeping some cash to one side. Keep it in an instant or easy access account, and check from time to time that you're getting a competitive rate of interest on it. Check moneysupermarket.com and moneyfacts.co.uk for the best deals. Ideally, if you're working, have enough money saved to cover three to six months of basic living costs. If that's unrealistic, just save whatever you can, even if it's only a pound here and there. Anyone who is on a very tight budget, such as living on benefits, should concentrate on breaking even, and avoiding debt wherever possible."Before you start saving, spending, or investing, pay off those debts."
Basic savings and investments
Once the debts are paid off and you have some emergency money saved, think about some of the less risky ways to save and invest. Although you will be hard pressed to find a savings account paying high interest these days, better rates are offered on accounts where access to your money is restricted. Boost your savings by taking out a Cash ISA. They work like a savings account, but your deposits won't be taxed. And don't forget pensions. It's never too early to start saving for your retirement and Stakeholder Pensions are a good option if you don't have a pension arrangement at work. www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/stakeholderpensions/Taking more of a risk
This is only for people who have a stable financial foundation first! With riskier investments, you might make more money, but you also run the risk of losing the lot. This includes unit trusts, investment trusts and shares in single companies. Don't be greedy and get sucked in by offers of high returns, always read around the subject and do your own research before committing to a purchase.If you're still not sure what you should be spending your money on and how much you have left at the end of the month, try out the FSA's budget calculator.
To avoid getting into debt in the first place follow these simple rules:
- Make sure you know where your money is going - keep a note of all your incomings and spending. This will help you decide where you can cut back if you're living beyond your means.
- Keep some money tucked away - just in case.
- Be realistic about what you can afford - if you're having trouble paying your phone bill it's probably not a good idea to fork out £800 for a high-definition TV.
- Pay for everything outright if you can - it might seem like a money-saver if you pay for something over a five-year period, but if the APR is at an astronomical rate you could end up paying double the price.
- Use standing orders to pay for your regular bills - this will allow you to arrange a specific date for the companies to take the money out of your account, i.e. payday.
What's the point of a budget?
A budget done correctly is the most precise tool for analysing your finances imaginable. It answers two key questions...
The main problem is that because they concentrate on a typical month, they massively underestimate your real spend, as this misses huge costs such as Christmas, summer holidays, new sofas or even changing car every five years.
Broad categories like "motoring" make it too easy to forget the small expenditures that add up. Instead it needs be MOTs, new tyres, petrol, insurance, breakdown cover and more, hopefully the budget planners counter that by having nearly 100 separate categories.
- Do I spend more than I earn?
An instinctive assessment is easy - if you're eating up your savings or building up debts you're likely to be overspending. Yet before you can solve this it's important to get an accurate idea of the size and scale of the problem.
This is nothing new, after all Dickens' Mr Micawber laid out the principle pretty well in the 19th century:
"Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen six, result happinessAnnual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds six, result misery."Major overspending can lead to a debt spiral and severe problems, that's why the Budget Planners are all designed to definitively answer this problem and give you a real assessment of your finances. - What can I afford to spend?Once you know where you're spending, you can start to alter and prioritise what you do with your money to enable you to stick within your means.
While the budget planners include tools to enable you to work out how to prioritise within your means, the real difficulty is sticking to it; yet the Piggybank Technique is designed to do just that.
What's different about this budgeting technique?
It's oft said "In debt? Do a budget!", "Skint? Draw up a budget!", "Wife run off with the milkman? BUDGET!" Yet while budgetting is seen as a panacea, unfortunately most budgets are bunkum.The main problem is that because they concentrate on a typical month, they massively underestimate your real spend, as this misses huge costs such as Christmas, summer holidays, new sofas or even changing car every five years.
Broad categories like "motoring" make it too easy to forget the small expenditures that add up. Instead it needs be MOTs, new tyres, petrol, insurance, breakdown cover and more, hopefully the budget planners counter that by having nearly 100 separate categories.
How To Become Rich
How to become rich? Better yet, how to become rich FAST?
Do you want to become rich for your family, to have money for everything you need, everything you want? Do you want to become rich so you can travel the world and have a life you’ve always dreamed about?
If you want to become rich fast, come to the Live Events — meet self-made millionaires, learn how to follow in their footsteps and become rich like them.
The fastest way to success is to copy somebody who’s already done it.
Is there anything more important in your life than knowing how to make your dreams come true? You don’t want to spend your life working just to pay bills. You want to live and enjoy all that life has to offer! You want to become rich, and you CAN become rich.
Don’t wait for someone else to make you rich – it’s not going to happen.
If you want to become rich fast – commit to yourself to making changes in your life NOW.
Learn how to become rich from real live self-made millionaires, ordinary people who once were just like you. Come to our Wealth Creation Live Events and your life will never be the same again. Make changes in your life now!
Do you want to become rich for your family, to have money for everything you need, everything you want? Do you want to become rich so you can travel the world and have a life you’ve always dreamed about?
If you want to become rich fast, come to the Live Events — meet self-made millionaires, learn how to follow in their footsteps and become rich like them.
The fastest way to success is to copy somebody who’s already done it.
Is there anything more important in your life than knowing how to make your dreams come true? You don’t want to spend your life working just to pay bills. You want to live and enjoy all that life has to offer! You want to become rich, and you CAN become rich.
Don’t wait for someone else to make you rich – it’s not going to happen.
If you want to become rich fast – commit to yourself to making changes in your life NOW.
Learn how to become rich from real live self-made millionaires, ordinary people who once were just like you. Come to our Wealth Creation Live Events and your life will never be the same again. Make changes in your life now!
10 golden rules to become rich!
Once you decide to put your money to work to build long-term wealth, you have to decide, not whether to take risk, but what kind of risk you wish to take. Here are 10 investing rules that can make you rich:
1. There's no escaping risk
Once you decide to put your money to work to build long-term wealth, you have to decide, not whether to take risk, but what kind of risk you wish to take.
Yes, money in a savings account is dollar-safe, but those safe dollars are apt to be substantially eroded by inflation, a risk that almost guarantees you will fail to reach your wealth goals.
And yes, money in the stock market is very risky over the short-term, but, if well-diversified, should provide remarkable growth with a high degree of consistency over the long term.
2. Buy right and hold tight
The most critical decision you face is arriving at the proper allocation of assets in your investment portfolio -- stocks for growth of capital and growth of income, bonds for conservation of capital and current income.
Once you get your balance right, then just hold tight, no matter how high a greedy stock market flies, nor how low a frightened market plunges. Change the allocation only as your investment profile changes. Begin by considering a 50/50 stock/bond-cash balance, then raise the stock allocation if:
3. Time is your friend, impulse your enemy
Think long term, and don't allow transitory changes in stock prices to alter your investment program. There is a lot of noise in the daily volatility of the stock market, which too often is 'a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing'.
Stocks may remain overvalued, or undervalued, for years. Realize that one of the greatest sins of investing is to be captured by the siren song of the market, luring you into buying stocks when they are soaring and selling when they are plunging.
Impulse is your enemy. Why? Because market timing is impossible. Even if you turn out to be right when you sold stocks just before a decline (a rare occurrence!), where on earth would you ever get the insight that tells you the right time to get back in? One correct decision is tough enough. Two correct decisions are nigh on impossible.
Time is your friend. If, over the next 25 years, stocks produce a 10% return and a savings account produces a 5% return, $10,000 would grow to $108,000 in stocks vs. $34,000 in savings. (After 3% inflation, $54,000 vs $16,000). Give yourself all the time you can.
4. Realistic expectations: the bagel and the doughnut
These two different kinds of baked goods symbolize the two distinctively different elements of stock market returns.
It is hardly farfetched to consider that investment return -- dividend yields and earnings growth -- is the bagel of the stock market, for the investment return on stocks reflects their underlying character: nutritious, crusty and hard-boiled.
By the same token, speculative return -- wrought by any change in the price that investors are willing to pay for each dollar of earnings -- is the spongy doughnut of the market, reflecting changing public opinion about stock valuations, from the soft sweetness of optimism to the acid sourness of pessimism.
The substantive bagel-like economics of investing are almost inevitably productive, but the flaky, doughnut-like emotions of investors are anything but steady -- sometimes productive, sometimes counterproductive.
In the long run, it is investment return that rules the day. In the past 40 years, the speculative return on US stocks has been zero, with the annual investment return of 11.2% precisely equal to the stock market's total return of 11.2% per year.
But in the first 20 of those years, investors were sour on the economy's prospects, and a tumbling price-earnings ratio provided a speculative return of minus 4.6% per year, reducing the nutritious annual investment return of 12.1% to a market return of just 7.5%. From 1981 to 2001, however, the outlook sweetened, and a soaring P/E ratio produced a sugary 5% speculative boost to the investment return of 10.3%.
Result: The market return leaped to 15.3% -- double the return of the prior two decades.
The lesson: Enjoy the bagel's healthy nutrients, and don't count on the doughnut's sweetness to enhance them.
5. Why look for the needle in the haystack? Buy the haystack!
Experience confirms that buying the right stocks, betting on the right investment style, and picking the right money manager -- in each case, in advance -- is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Investing in equities entails four risks: stock risk, style risk, manager risk, and market risk. The first three of these risks can easily be eliminated, simply by owning the entire stock market -- owning the haystack, as it were -- and holding it forever.
Owning the entire stock market is the ultimate diversifier. If you can't find the needle, buy the haystack.
6. Minimize the croupier's take
The resemblance of the stock market to the casino is not far-fetched. Yes, the stock market is a positive-sum game and the gambling casino is a zero-sum game . . . but only before the costs of playing each game are deducted. After the heavy costs of financial intermediaries (commissions, management fees, taxes, etc.) are deducted, beating the stock market is inevitably a loser's game. Just as, after the croupiers' wide rake descends, beating the casino is inevitably a loser's game. All investors as a group must earn the market's return before costs, and lose to the market after costs, and by the exact amount of those costs.
Your greatest chance of earning the market's return, therefore, is to reduce the croupiers' take to the bare-bones minimum. When you read about stock market returns, realize that the financial markets are not for sale, except at a high price.
The difference is crucial. If the market's return is 10% before costs, and intermediation costs are approximately 2%, then investors earn 8%. Compounded over 50 years, 8% takes $10,000 to $469,000. But at 10%, the final value leaps to $1,170,000 -- nearly three times as much . . . just by eliminating the croupier's take.
7. Beware of fighting the last war
Too many investors -- individuals and institutions alike -- are constantly making investment decisions based on the lessons of the recent, or even the extended, past. They seek technology stocks after they have emerged victorious from the last war; they worry about inflation after it becomes the accepted bogeyman, they buy bonds after the stock market has plunged.
You should not ignore the past, but neither should you assume that a particular cyclical trend will last forever. None does. Just because some investors insist on 'fighting the last war,' you don't need to do so yourself. It doesn't work for very long.
8. Sir Isaac Newton's revenge on Wall Street -- return to the mean
Through all history, investments have been subject to a sort of law of gravity: What goes up must go down, and, oddly enough, what goes down must go up. Not always of course (companies that die rarely live again), and not necessarily in the absolute sense, but relative to the overall market norm.
For example, stock market returns that substantially exceed the investment returns generated by earnings and dividends during one period tend to revert and fall well short of that norm during the next period. Like a pendulum, stock prices swing far above their underlying values, only to swing back to fair value and then far below it.
Another example: From the start of 1997 through March 2000, Nasdaq stocks (+230%) soared past NYSE-listed stocks (+20%), only to come to a screeching halt. During the subsequent year, Nasdaq stocks lost 67% of their value, while NYSE stocks lost just 7%, reverting to the original market value relationship (about one to five) between the so-called 'new economy' and the 'old economy.'
Reversion to the mean is found everywhere in the financial jungle, for the mean is a powerful magnet that, in the long run, finally draws everything back to it.
9. The hedgehog bests the fox
The Greek philosopher Archilochus tells us, 'The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one great thing.' The fox -- artful, sly, and astute -- represents the financial institution that knows many things about complex markets and sophisticated marketing.
The hedgehog -- whose sharp spines give it almost impregnable armour when it curls into a ball -- is the financial institution that knows only one great thing: long-term investment success is based on simplicity.
The wily foxes of the financial world justify their existence by propagating the notion that an investor can survive only with the benefit of their artful knowledge and expertise. Such assistance, alas, does not come cheap, and the costs it entails tend to consume more value-added performance than even the most cunning of foxes can provide.
Result: The annual returns earned for investors by financial intermediaries such as mutual funds have averaged less than 80% of the stock market's annual return.
The hedgehog, on the other hand, knows that the truly great investment strategy succeeds, not because of its complexity or cleverness, but because of its simplicity and low cost. The hedgehog diversifies broadly, buys and holds, and keeps expenses to the bare-bones minimum.
The ultimate hedgehog: The all-market index fund, operated at minimal cost and with minimal portfolio turnover, virtually guarantees nearly 100% of the market's return to the investor.
In the field of investment management, foxes come and go, but hedgehogs are forever.
10. Stay the course: the secret of investing is that there is no secret
When you consider these previous nine rules, realize that they are about neither magic and legerdemain, nor about forecasting the unforecastable, nor about betting at long and ultimately unsurmountable odds, nor about learning some great secret of successful investing.
In fact, there is no great secret, only the majesty of simplicity. These rules are about elementary arithmetic, about fundamental and unarguable principles, and about that most uncommon of all attributes, common sense.
Owning the entire stock market through an index fund -- all the while balancing your portfolio with an appropriate allocation to an all bond market index fund -- with its cost-efficiency, its tax-efficiency, and its assurance of earning for you the market's return, is by definition a winning strategy.
But if only you follow one final rule for successful investing, perhaps the most important principle of all investment wisdom: Stay the course!
1. There's no escaping risk
Once you decide to put your money to work to build long-term wealth, you have to decide, not whether to take risk, but what kind of risk you wish to take.
Yes, money in a savings account is dollar-safe, but those safe dollars are apt to be substantially eroded by inflation, a risk that almost guarantees you will fail to reach your wealth goals.
And yes, money in the stock market is very risky over the short-term, but, if well-diversified, should provide remarkable growth with a high degree of consistency over the long term.
2. Buy right and hold tight
The most critical decision you face is arriving at the proper allocation of assets in your investment portfolio -- stocks for growth of capital and growth of income, bonds for conservation of capital and current income.
Once you get your balance right, then just hold tight, no matter how high a greedy stock market flies, nor how low a frightened market plunges. Change the allocation only as your investment profile changes. Begin by considering a 50/50 stock/bond-cash balance, then raise the stock allocation if:
- You have many years remaining to accumulate wealth.
- The amount of capital you have at stake is modest.
- You don't have much need for current income from your investments.
- You have the courage to ride out the stock market booms and busts with reasonable equanimity.
3. Time is your friend, impulse your enemy
Think long term, and don't allow transitory changes in stock prices to alter your investment program. There is a lot of noise in the daily volatility of the stock market, which too often is 'a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing'.
Stocks may remain overvalued, or undervalued, for years. Realize that one of the greatest sins of investing is to be captured by the siren song of the market, luring you into buying stocks when they are soaring and selling when they are plunging.
Impulse is your enemy. Why? Because market timing is impossible. Even if you turn out to be right when you sold stocks just before a decline (a rare occurrence!), where on earth would you ever get the insight that tells you the right time to get back in? One correct decision is tough enough. Two correct decisions are nigh on impossible.
Time is your friend. If, over the next 25 years, stocks produce a 10% return and a savings account produces a 5% return, $10,000 would grow to $108,000 in stocks vs. $34,000 in savings. (After 3% inflation, $54,000 vs $16,000). Give yourself all the time you can.
4. Realistic expectations: the bagel and the doughnut
These two different kinds of baked goods symbolize the two distinctively different elements of stock market returns.
It is hardly farfetched to consider that investment return -- dividend yields and earnings growth -- is the bagel of the stock market, for the investment return on stocks reflects their underlying character: nutritious, crusty and hard-boiled.
By the same token, speculative return -- wrought by any change in the price that investors are willing to pay for each dollar of earnings -- is the spongy doughnut of the market, reflecting changing public opinion about stock valuations, from the soft sweetness of optimism to the acid sourness of pessimism.
The substantive bagel-like economics of investing are almost inevitably productive, but the flaky, doughnut-like emotions of investors are anything but steady -- sometimes productive, sometimes counterproductive.
In the long run, it is investment return that rules the day. In the past 40 years, the speculative return on US stocks has been zero, with the annual investment return of 11.2% precisely equal to the stock market's total return of 11.2% per year.
But in the first 20 of those years, investors were sour on the economy's prospects, and a tumbling price-earnings ratio provided a speculative return of minus 4.6% per year, reducing the nutritious annual investment return of 12.1% to a market return of just 7.5%. From 1981 to 2001, however, the outlook sweetened, and a soaring P/E ratio produced a sugary 5% speculative boost to the investment return of 10.3%.
Result: The market return leaped to 15.3% -- double the return of the prior two decades.
The lesson: Enjoy the bagel's healthy nutrients, and don't count on the doughnut's sweetness to enhance them.
5. Why look for the needle in the haystack? Buy the haystack!
Experience confirms that buying the right stocks, betting on the right investment style, and picking the right money manager -- in each case, in advance -- is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Investing in equities entails four risks: stock risk, style risk, manager risk, and market risk. The first three of these risks can easily be eliminated, simply by owning the entire stock market -- owning the haystack, as it were -- and holding it forever.
Owning the entire stock market is the ultimate diversifier. If you can't find the needle, buy the haystack.
6. Minimize the croupier's take
The resemblance of the stock market to the casino is not far-fetched. Yes, the stock market is a positive-sum game and the gambling casino is a zero-sum game . . . but only before the costs of playing each game are deducted. After the heavy costs of financial intermediaries (commissions, management fees, taxes, etc.) are deducted, beating the stock market is inevitably a loser's game. Just as, after the croupiers' wide rake descends, beating the casino is inevitably a loser's game. All investors as a group must earn the market's return before costs, and lose to the market after costs, and by the exact amount of those costs.
Your greatest chance of earning the market's return, therefore, is to reduce the croupiers' take to the bare-bones minimum. When you read about stock market returns, realize that the financial markets are not for sale, except at a high price.
The difference is crucial. If the market's return is 10% before costs, and intermediation costs are approximately 2%, then investors earn 8%. Compounded over 50 years, 8% takes $10,000 to $469,000. But at 10%, the final value leaps to $1,170,000 -- nearly three times as much . . . just by eliminating the croupier's take.
7. Beware of fighting the last war
Too many investors -- individuals and institutions alike -- are constantly making investment decisions based on the lessons of the recent, or even the extended, past. They seek technology stocks after they have emerged victorious from the last war; they worry about inflation after it becomes the accepted bogeyman, they buy bonds after the stock market has plunged.
You should not ignore the past, but neither should you assume that a particular cyclical trend will last forever. None does. Just because some investors insist on 'fighting the last war,' you don't need to do so yourself. It doesn't work for very long.
8. Sir Isaac Newton's revenge on Wall Street -- return to the mean
Through all history, investments have been subject to a sort of law of gravity: What goes up must go down, and, oddly enough, what goes down must go up. Not always of course (companies that die rarely live again), and not necessarily in the absolute sense, but relative to the overall market norm.
For example, stock market returns that substantially exceed the investment returns generated by earnings and dividends during one period tend to revert and fall well short of that norm during the next period. Like a pendulum, stock prices swing far above their underlying values, only to swing back to fair value and then far below it.
Another example: From the start of 1997 through March 2000, Nasdaq stocks (+230%) soared past NYSE-listed stocks (+20%), only to come to a screeching halt. During the subsequent year, Nasdaq stocks lost 67% of their value, while NYSE stocks lost just 7%, reverting to the original market value relationship (about one to five) between the so-called 'new economy' and the 'old economy.'
Reversion to the mean is found everywhere in the financial jungle, for the mean is a powerful magnet that, in the long run, finally draws everything back to it.
9. The hedgehog bests the fox
The Greek philosopher Archilochus tells us, 'The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one great thing.' The fox -- artful, sly, and astute -- represents the financial institution that knows many things about complex markets and sophisticated marketing.
The hedgehog -- whose sharp spines give it almost impregnable armour when it curls into a ball -- is the financial institution that knows only one great thing: long-term investment success is based on simplicity.
The wily foxes of the financial world justify their existence by propagating the notion that an investor can survive only with the benefit of their artful knowledge and expertise. Such assistance, alas, does not come cheap, and the costs it entails tend to consume more value-added performance than even the most cunning of foxes can provide.
Result: The annual returns earned for investors by financial intermediaries such as mutual funds have averaged less than 80% of the stock market's annual return.
The hedgehog, on the other hand, knows that the truly great investment strategy succeeds, not because of its complexity or cleverness, but because of its simplicity and low cost. The hedgehog diversifies broadly, buys and holds, and keeps expenses to the bare-bones minimum.
The ultimate hedgehog: The all-market index fund, operated at minimal cost and with minimal portfolio turnover, virtually guarantees nearly 100% of the market's return to the investor.
In the field of investment management, foxes come and go, but hedgehogs are forever.
10. Stay the course: the secret of investing is that there is no secret
When you consider these previous nine rules, realize that they are about neither magic and legerdemain, nor about forecasting the unforecastable, nor about betting at long and ultimately unsurmountable odds, nor about learning some great secret of successful investing.
In fact, there is no great secret, only the majesty of simplicity. These rules are about elementary arithmetic, about fundamental and unarguable principles, and about that most uncommon of all attributes, common sense.
Owning the entire stock market through an index fund -- all the while balancing your portfolio with an appropriate allocation to an all bond market index fund -- with its cost-efficiency, its tax-efficiency, and its assurance of earning for you the market's return, is by definition a winning strategy.
But if only you follow one final rule for successful investing, perhaps the most important principle of all investment wisdom: Stay the course!
How To Become Rich In 3 Months
When you really look at it, there are only a few legitimate ways to get rich. You would think there were thousands of ways, but these are all variations on a method. There is one way to get rich fairly rapidly, infact depending on what your interpretation of rich is, you could fulfill this goal in less than 90 days.
For many, rich is simply a few thousand dollars, for others it is no less than $1 million dollars and for some, the million dollar mark is not even a significant marker anymore. Well, it all comes down to ROR or "rate of return" Even somebody who may not consider $1 million dollars what it once was, may feel $50,000 to $100,000 in the space of 90 days, consider it quite a lot of money in such a fast time frame.
There are essentially, only a couple of ways to make that much money that quickly. The majority require luck as the major element for successfully achieving say $100,000 in 90 days. Logically, but there is one that does not require luck and if you could do that, then $1 million or more could easily be within grasp. So lets look ay the essential ways that you can become rich, most easily, quickly and fast.
1) Marry Money?
This has more to do with morals and ethics than luck or financial aptitude, but for some it would be a feasible path.
2) Hit the big time with a hit song or novel
A Harry potter like novel or the great love ballad that everyone wants to use for their wedding song could be an avenue for some. Talent may be a distinct advantage, but luck and fortune have an enourmous part to play, the world is full of talented broke people.
3) Start a business
Now we are getting closer to the realm of possible and feasible for the average person. Yet again, the landscape is littered with failed businesses. However there is a strong possibility to make a large sum of money very quickly starting a business providing you do one thing. That thing is uncover demand. If you can identify fat juicy demand that is not currently being serviced, you will easily and with great magnitude, prosper very nicely.
4) Win the lottery?
Next!
5) Invest
Think back to when you were a kid, (if you were a male child mostly) and you swapped base ball cards. Certain cards were valued more than others, yet they all cost the same when you got your pack from the local shoppping strip. Certain base ball names you could swap with your school mates quite easily for 5 or 10 lesser names. This is what I call intrinsic value. This same concept is used extensively by entrepreneurs and business people to compound seed capital. Can you become rich trading in value? And for the purpose of this article, can you make a lot of money very quickly investing in objects and extracting excesss intrinsic value? You bet. By using leverage your rate of returns are enourmous.
Not long ago I heard of a fellow who traded one red paperclip for a house. He started an online website and began with a simple paperclip, encouraging visitors to make him offers for the paperclip, it was finally swapped for another item and then another until he finally made it to the point where somebody swapped a house for his previous investment object which was a movie script role.
This same concept is done every day with money. It's officially called opportunity-investment. It took this fellow only a few months to get his house, and you can do the same whether you have a website or not!
For many, rich is simply a few thousand dollars, for others it is no less than $1 million dollars and for some, the million dollar mark is not even a significant marker anymore. Well, it all comes down to ROR or "rate of return" Even somebody who may not consider $1 million dollars what it once was, may feel $50,000 to $100,000 in the space of 90 days, consider it quite a lot of money in such a fast time frame.
There are essentially, only a couple of ways to make that much money that quickly. The majority require luck as the major element for successfully achieving say $100,000 in 90 days. Logically, but there is one that does not require luck and if you could do that, then $1 million or more could easily be within grasp. So lets look ay the essential ways that you can become rich, most easily, quickly and fast.
1) Marry Money?
This has more to do with morals and ethics than luck or financial aptitude, but for some it would be a feasible path.
2) Hit the big time with a hit song or novel
A Harry potter like novel or the great love ballad that everyone wants to use for their wedding song could be an avenue for some. Talent may be a distinct advantage, but luck and fortune have an enourmous part to play, the world is full of talented broke people.
3) Start a business
Now we are getting closer to the realm of possible and feasible for the average person. Yet again, the landscape is littered with failed businesses. However there is a strong possibility to make a large sum of money very quickly starting a business providing you do one thing. That thing is uncover demand. If you can identify fat juicy demand that is not currently being serviced, you will easily and with great magnitude, prosper very nicely.
4) Win the lottery?
Next!
5) Invest
Think back to when you were a kid, (if you were a male child mostly) and you swapped base ball cards. Certain cards were valued more than others, yet they all cost the same when you got your pack from the local shoppping strip. Certain base ball names you could swap with your school mates quite easily for 5 or 10 lesser names. This is what I call intrinsic value. This same concept is used extensively by entrepreneurs and business people to compound seed capital. Can you become rich trading in value? And for the purpose of this article, can you make a lot of money very quickly investing in objects and extracting excesss intrinsic value? You bet. By using leverage your rate of returns are enourmous.
Not long ago I heard of a fellow who traded one red paperclip for a house. He started an online website and began with a simple paperclip, encouraging visitors to make him offers for the paperclip, it was finally swapped for another item and then another until he finally made it to the point where somebody swapped a house for his previous investment object which was a movie script role.
This same concept is done every day with money. It's officially called opportunity-investment. It took this fellow only a few months to get his house, and you can do the same whether you have a website or not!
Ten Types of Part-Time Job Options
There are Many Opportunities
A part-time job is generally considered to be one where a person works less than the standard 35 – 40 hour week and usually, but not always, does not provide benefits. A part-time job can be an extra job in addition to a person's regular work. It can also be used as a source of spending money or extra income for a high school or college student who is still supported by the parents, for a homemaker looking to bring in some additional income by working during the times the children are in school or a retiree looking for a way to keep active and augment a pension.
From an employer's perspective, part-time workers are a source of labor which can fill in odd time slots, help during peak production times and generally augment the work force. Since part-time workers generally do not receive benefits, it is often less expensive to hire part-time workers rather than full-time as the cost of providing benefits is increasing. An additional reason for hiring part-time help is an employer's inability to hire full time help. Unemployment is currently very low and, in some regions it is approaching zero which means that there isn't any pool from which to hire. In these cases employer's are forced to target students, retired people, homemakers and others who would like some additional income but do not or cannot work full time.
As with full-time career positions, the more education and experience one, has the greater the options for part-time work. For practically any full-time job position there is probably a part-time counterpart. However, let's take a look at the more common part-time jobs that the average person can expect to find.
1 Retail positions such as cashier, stocker, sales clerk, etc. Retail establishments are open twelve to eighteen hours per day with many being open round the clock. Different times of the day are busier than others so it makes sense to use part-time people to augment the full-time people during these times especially when these times don't come in eight-hour blocks. Business also fluctuates by season, by time of week or month (grocery stores have more business on weekends than during the week, stores in areas with large numbers of people receiving Social Security or welfare benefits will see more business at the beginning of the month when Social Security and welfare checks are mailed than during other parts of the month) so having part-time workers whose schedules can be changed weekly helps with scheduling to accommodate periods of fluctuating demand.
2 Positions in the fast food and restaurant industry such as cashiers, waiters/waitresses, bus boys, dishwashers, hamburger flippers, etc. Business for companies in this industry fluctuates according to time of day, day of week and monthly. Restaurants are very busy during meal times but tend to be slow between meals so there is no need to be fully staffed all day. Also, especially in the fast food industry, people looking to work in these establishments generally want part-time work as they are going to school, care for children when school is out or generally don't want full-time work. This makes this industry another good one for part-time work.
3 Bank tellers. Here again, there are certain times of the day and certain days of the week that are busier than other so staffing fluctuates. Some banks do hire full time tellers and have them work a split shift say 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for early morning and lunch hour business. Then leave and return to work from say, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the after work crowd. Many people don't like such a schedule, thereby making this type of work a logical candidate for part-time workers.
4 Car washes. This is basically pure physical labor with no future in terms of a career. The hours are attractive for young people in high school or college looking to make some money but not work full-time.
5 College work-study programs. These are generally make-work type positions funded by the Federal Department of Education as a type of college financial aid. The student has to qualify for financial aid but the criteria is more liberal than for Pell Grants (free money from the taxpayers) or Federally subsidized student loans. The work hours are limited to 19.5 hours per week maximum and are scheduled to accommodate student's class schedules. Work varies but is usually light office work in college departments.
6 Temporary staffing agencies. These are companies who provide workers (usually office clerical work or labor positions) to companies on a short-term basis (anywhere from one day to several months). The companies need people to cover for workers who are on vacation or sick leave or to fill a vacant position until a permanent replacement can be found. This is part-time work in the sense that the worker can usually specify times they are not available and can turn down assignments that don't fit their schedules. However, the work day itself is usually a normal 8 hour day.
7 Bookkeeper for small businesses. This is moving up the education/skill ladder somewhat and the job sometimes requires being in business for yourself. The possibilities here are to work part-time for an accounting firm keeping the books of small business clients. Be hired as a part-time employee of one or more small businesses to work a couple of days a month or so balancing their books. Or, start your own business as a freelance bookkeeper and limit the number of clients you take on to fit the part-time hours you want.
8 Substitute school teacher. Licensing and education requirements for regular public school teachers tend to be very restrictive, where as for substitute teachers one only needs a four year college degree (in some states the requirement may only be a two year degree). Experience and continuing education are generally not required, although finger printing and a criminal background check are often mandatory (and can delay your being hired by as much as a semester). Most school districts give teachers a set number of paid personal days to use as sick days or anything else which means that first, the schools will often call and schedule you two or three days in advance and, second, since the teachers usually have to take the days or lose them, there is a high demand for substitute teachers. The work day is usually four to seven hours and the pay, depending upon the state and district, can be as high as $100 or more per day. You can also usually decline specific assignments without being penalized.
9 College adjunct faculty. These are part-time college or technical school positions involving the teaching of a course for the term. For academic subjects an advanced (Masters or PhD) degree is required. For technical and vocational a degree may be required or the school may only require verifiable experience in the field being taught (usually five or more years). These positions are usually for the current term only with no guarantees for the next term (continued work usually depends upon enrollment in the course). With the increasing demand for on-line education, we can probably expect an increase in adjunct instructor positions.
10 Military reserves. This can be a part-time job in that, once you complete training (about 6 months or more full time duty in your branch of service unless you have previous military service in which case this is usually waived), the duty is normally one evening a week or one weekend a month and two weeks of active duty sometime during the year. Of course in time of war, such as now, your unit can be activated by the President and you will find yourself engaged full-time overseas. You can also be called to duty by the President for national emergencies (such as the current use of National Guard along the border to stem the tide of illegal immigration) or by the Governor for state emergencies (hurricanes, floods, riots, etc.). When called to active duty you receive regular pay and benefits according to your rank. For part-time reserve duty (the one evening a week or one weekend a month and the two weeks per year active duty training) you generally receive pay and benefits according to your rank for the two week duty and one day's pay according to rank for each four hour block of reserve duty. You also receive points toward a military pension.
From an employer's perspective, part-time workers are a source of labor which can fill in odd time slots, help during peak production times and generally augment the work force. Since part-time workers generally do not receive benefits, it is often less expensive to hire part-time workers rather than full-time as the cost of providing benefits is increasing. An additional reason for hiring part-time help is an employer's inability to hire full time help. Unemployment is currently very low and, in some regions it is approaching zero which means that there isn't any pool from which to hire. In these cases employer's are forced to target students, retired people, homemakers and others who would like some additional income but do not or cannot work full time.
As with full-time career positions, the more education and experience one, has the greater the options for part-time work. For practically any full-time job position there is probably a part-time counterpart. However, let's take a look at the more common part-time jobs that the average person can expect to find.
1 Retail positions such as cashier, stocker, sales clerk, etc. Retail establishments are open twelve to eighteen hours per day with many being open round the clock. Different times of the day are busier than others so it makes sense to use part-time people to augment the full-time people during these times especially when these times don't come in eight-hour blocks. Business also fluctuates by season, by time of week or month (grocery stores have more business on weekends than during the week, stores in areas with large numbers of people receiving Social Security or welfare benefits will see more business at the beginning of the month when Social Security and welfare checks are mailed than during other parts of the month) so having part-time workers whose schedules can be changed weekly helps with scheduling to accommodate periods of fluctuating demand.
2 Positions in the fast food and restaurant industry such as cashiers, waiters/waitresses, bus boys, dishwashers, hamburger flippers, etc. Business for companies in this industry fluctuates according to time of day, day of week and monthly. Restaurants are very busy during meal times but tend to be slow between meals so there is no need to be fully staffed all day. Also, especially in the fast food industry, people looking to work in these establishments generally want part-time work as they are going to school, care for children when school is out or generally don't want full-time work. This makes this industry another good one for part-time work.
3 Bank tellers. Here again, there are certain times of the day and certain days of the week that are busier than other so staffing fluctuates. Some banks do hire full time tellers and have them work a split shift say 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for early morning and lunch hour business. Then leave and return to work from say, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the after work crowd. Many people don't like such a schedule, thereby making this type of work a logical candidate for part-time workers.
4 Car washes. This is basically pure physical labor with no future in terms of a career. The hours are attractive for young people in high school or college looking to make some money but not work full-time.
5 College work-study programs. These are generally make-work type positions funded by the Federal Department of Education as a type of college financial aid. The student has to qualify for financial aid but the criteria is more liberal than for Pell Grants (free money from the taxpayers) or Federally subsidized student loans. The work hours are limited to 19.5 hours per week maximum and are scheduled to accommodate student's class schedules. Work varies but is usually light office work in college departments.
6 Temporary staffing agencies. These are companies who provide workers (usually office clerical work or labor positions) to companies on a short-term basis (anywhere from one day to several months). The companies need people to cover for workers who are on vacation or sick leave or to fill a vacant position until a permanent replacement can be found. This is part-time work in the sense that the worker can usually specify times they are not available and can turn down assignments that don't fit their schedules. However, the work day itself is usually a normal 8 hour day.
7 Bookkeeper for small businesses. This is moving up the education/skill ladder somewhat and the job sometimes requires being in business for yourself. The possibilities here are to work part-time for an accounting firm keeping the books of small business clients. Be hired as a part-time employee of one or more small businesses to work a couple of days a month or so balancing their books. Or, start your own business as a freelance bookkeeper and limit the number of clients you take on to fit the part-time hours you want.
8 Substitute school teacher. Licensing and education requirements for regular public school teachers tend to be very restrictive, where as for substitute teachers one only needs a four year college degree (in some states the requirement may only be a two year degree). Experience and continuing education are generally not required, although finger printing and a criminal background check are often mandatory (and can delay your being hired by as much as a semester). Most school districts give teachers a set number of paid personal days to use as sick days or anything else which means that first, the schools will often call and schedule you two or three days in advance and, second, since the teachers usually have to take the days or lose them, there is a high demand for substitute teachers. The work day is usually four to seven hours and the pay, depending upon the state and district, can be as high as $100 or more per day. You can also usually decline specific assignments without being penalized.
9 College adjunct faculty. These are part-time college or technical school positions involving the teaching of a course for the term. For academic subjects an advanced (Masters or PhD) degree is required. For technical and vocational a degree may be required or the school may only require verifiable experience in the field being taught (usually five or more years). These positions are usually for the current term only with no guarantees for the next term (continued work usually depends upon enrollment in the course). With the increasing demand for on-line education, we can probably expect an increase in adjunct instructor positions.
10 Military reserves. This can be a part-time job in that, once you complete training (about 6 months or more full time duty in your branch of service unless you have previous military service in which case this is usually waived), the duty is normally one evening a week or one weekend a month and two weeks of active duty sometime during the year. Of course in time of war, such as now, your unit can be activated by the President and you will find yourself engaged full-time overseas. You can also be called to duty by the President for national emergencies (such as the current use of National Guard along the border to stem the tide of illegal immigration) or by the Governor for state emergencies (hurricanes, floods, riots, etc.). When called to active duty you receive regular pay and benefits according to your rank. For part-time reserve duty (the one evening a week or one weekend a month and the two weeks per year active duty training) you generally receive pay and benefits according to your rank for the two week duty and one day's pay according to rank for each four hour block of reserve duty. You also receive points toward a military pension.
How to Become Rich Fast
The Science of Getting Rich
So you're wondering how to become rich fast. Below are some of the secrets to getting rich I have learned from both personal experience and reading on my own. Once you break down your income making into the science of getting rich, you'll learn quickly how to explode your income.
First, you must get it through your head that making money and being rich are good things. There are many people out there that have this misguided notion that money is evil or money is bad. How in the world is money evil? People are evil, money is not. Stop thinking that money is a bad thing. By thinking this way you send subconscious signals to yourself that you don't want to keep and retain money. You may not believe it but check for yourself. How are you wasting money? Why aren't you doing X to earn more money?
Secondly, to earn more money and get rich, you have to open yourself up to make more money and accept it. Why didn't you let your dad pay for dinner? Why don't you ever give your own home business a try? Why do you always take the 'aw shucks' route when someone tries to pay you for your services and turn it down? This stuff is hurting you. Increase your revenues to make money and accept the money when you get there instead of deflecting or deferring it.
Third, if you're going to figure out how to become rich fast, you absolutely must think bigger. Think bigger and then do bigger. For example, don't start a blog to make money and hope for $15 a month. Instead, set your sites on a realistic but lofty expectation of $500/month or whatever the case may be. People that think and act big, achieve big. Another example is instead of accepting whatever your company offers you for a salary, negotiate a bigger salary. What are you worth? This is where it's time to start thinking big.
Fourth, don't laugh at the idea of becoming rich or accumulating wealth. It might seem far off now but everyday people do become rich - not just athletes and heirs. This means you can become rich. Don't be afraid to let it be known that you are thinking large. People might laugh at you or give you a 'yeah right' look but that's ok. Don't buy into their disbelief. You have to believe in yourself before anyone else will.
The last how to become rich fast tip of this article is it's ok to start small. By small, this might mean that you only have $150 in the bank. That's ok! You just have to grow it. Every dollar, every penny counts. You can snowball wealth just like you can snowball debt. Save your money instead of spending it on 'want' consumer products. Find extra ways of earning money with odd jobs. Increase the amount of money you already make. Keep the cash flow coming in and reduce the amount going out.
It works, I promise it works. You can become rich and you can do it fast. Be realistic but aspirational in your goals. Make sure to set goals so you have something tangible to aim for and go for the gold.
I can guarantee you no one will make you rich for you so remember your success is up to you. The author of this hub is not rich yet but I can tell you that my online income has increased significantly every month for the last 5 months. Check out my get rich quick online blog for more tips and advice on how to become rich.
First, you must get it through your head that making money and being rich are good things. There are many people out there that have this misguided notion that money is evil or money is bad. How in the world is money evil? People are evil, money is not. Stop thinking that money is a bad thing. By thinking this way you send subconscious signals to yourself that you don't want to keep and retain money. You may not believe it but check for yourself. How are you wasting money? Why aren't you doing X to earn more money?
Secondly, to earn more money and get rich, you have to open yourself up to make more money and accept it. Why didn't you let your dad pay for dinner? Why don't you ever give your own home business a try? Why do you always take the 'aw shucks' route when someone tries to pay you for your services and turn it down? This stuff is hurting you. Increase your revenues to make money and accept the money when you get there instead of deflecting or deferring it.
Third, if you're going to figure out how to become rich fast, you absolutely must think bigger. Think bigger and then do bigger. For example, don't start a blog to make money and hope for $15 a month. Instead, set your sites on a realistic but lofty expectation of $500/month or whatever the case may be. People that think and act big, achieve big. Another example is instead of accepting whatever your company offers you for a salary, negotiate a bigger salary. What are you worth? This is where it's time to start thinking big.
Fourth, don't laugh at the idea of becoming rich or accumulating wealth. It might seem far off now but everyday people do become rich - not just athletes and heirs. This means you can become rich. Don't be afraid to let it be known that you are thinking large. People might laugh at you or give you a 'yeah right' look but that's ok. Don't buy into their disbelief. You have to believe in yourself before anyone else will.
The last how to become rich fast tip of this article is it's ok to start small. By small, this might mean that you only have $150 in the bank. That's ok! You just have to grow it. Every dollar, every penny counts. You can snowball wealth just like you can snowball debt. Save your money instead of spending it on 'want' consumer products. Find extra ways of earning money with odd jobs. Increase the amount of money you already make. Keep the cash flow coming in and reduce the amount going out.
It works, I promise it works. You can become rich and you can do it fast. Be realistic but aspirational in your goals. Make sure to set goals so you have something tangible to aim for and go for the gold.
I can guarantee you no one will make you rich for you so remember your success is up to you. The author of this hub is not rich yet but I can tell you that my online income has increased significantly every month for the last 5 months. Check out my get rich quick online blog for more tips and advice on how to become rich.
How to Become Rich
First, a Little Perspective
While many people dream of becoming rich, most never achieve this dream.
Of course, rich is a relative term with regard to financial wealth, as the average poor or middle class person today enjoys luxuries unknown to the wealthy people of ages past.
As I pointed out in my Hub entitled Views of Food Then and Now, throughout history starvation and famine have been the major cause of death throughout history but in recent years, as a result of our rising wealth, food has become so abundant that obesity is rapidly becoming a leading cause of death.
Compared to the wealth of Bill Gates, the average American is poor. However, if we compare the creature comforts enjoyed by the same average American of today to those enjoyed by George Washington, the richest man ever to hold the office of President of the U.S., it is George Washington who comes up short.
Of course, rich is a relative term with regard to financial wealth, as the average poor or middle class person today enjoys luxuries unknown to the wealthy people of ages past.
As I pointed out in my Hub entitled Views of Food Then and Now, throughout history starvation and famine have been the major cause of death throughout history but in recent years, as a result of our rising wealth, food has become so abundant that obesity is rapidly becoming a leading cause of death.
Compared to the wealth of Bill Gates, the average American is poor. However, if we compare the creature comforts enjoyed by the same average American of today to those enjoyed by George Washington, the richest man ever to hold the office of President of the U.S., it is George Washington who comes up short.
Money Can't Guarantee Happiness - But Neither Can Poverty
The term rich can also be applied to the accumulation of other things besides financial wealth.
Things like good health, close relationships with family or friends, good health, a rewarding career, enjoyable hobbies, etc. can also make people feel rich and well off.
Being rich does not necessarily mean a person is happy. The story of King Midas is a classic tale wealth and unhappiness as is George Eliot's classic Silas Marner in which the hero, Silas, finds happiness only after losing his horde of gold and taking in and raising an orphaned child.
The term poor little rich girl is a further examle of a person being both rich and unhappy as it describes a person born to great wealth who is also alone and friendless in the world.
However, before carrying this philosophical discussion too far, let us remember that we live in the twenty-first century of today and not the eighteenth century of George Washington and we need more money to acquire the creature comforts that are available today.
As to happiness, while it is true that we cannot buy happiness with money, we should not forget author Leo Rosten's observation that, Money can't buy happiness, but neither can poverty.
Things like good health, close relationships with family or friends, good health, a rewarding career, enjoyable hobbies, etc. can also make people feel rich and well off.
Being rich does not necessarily mean a person is happy. The story of King Midas is a classic tale wealth and unhappiness as is George Eliot's classic Silas Marner in which the hero, Silas, finds happiness only after losing his horde of gold and taking in and raising an orphaned child.
The term poor little rich girl is a further examle of a person being both rich and unhappy as it describes a person born to great wealth who is also alone and friendless in the world.
However, before carrying this philosophical discussion too far, let us remember that we live in the twenty-first century of today and not the eighteenth century of George Washington and we need more money to acquire the creature comforts that are available today.
As to happiness, while it is true that we cannot buy happiness with money, we should not forget author Leo Rosten's observation that, Money can't buy happiness, but neither can poverty.
The Old Fashioned Way of Working and Saving is the Best Method
There are a number of ways to become rich and here are a few of the more common ones:
1 Inherit a fortune – for the most part this is a matter of luck in that you either have to be born into a family with a rich relative who will leave you their fortune or you have to encounter and befriend a wealthy person who is childless and decides to leave you their fortune. Both of these are long shots.
2 Win the Lottery – this is every sucker's dream, but frankly, the odds of meeting and befriending a childless stranger are probably greater than winning any lotteries.
As for the lottery run by my state (Arizona, and probably every other lottery in the world), I had a mathematician demonstrate to me once that your chances of winning the lottery by purchasing a ticket are statistically only slightly (very slightly) greater than your chances of finding a winning ticket on the ground that someone else brought and lost.
3 Be born with a talent in great demand – This one also depends upon luck but you do have more control and greater chances with this than with numbers 1 and 2 above. Inventory your talents to see what you have and what the market wants – athletes, singers, entertainers are currently hot commodities.
Then work very hard at developing your talent and you just might make that fortune.
While it may look easy, when you take time to study the background of the beautiful millionaire model or the the athlete making millions throwing a football, you will find that an incredible amount of time and effort went into reaching their present position and the stress of their present fame is usually more than most of us want to have to endure.
4 Grab an Opportunity and Run With it – Get a good education in a hot area, such as IT, web design, nano technology, etc.
Work hard to become a leader in the field and keep watching over your shoulder for the next opportunity in the field. Then, when the opportunity presents itself, throw all of your time, energy, and every cent you can get your hands to to start a company to produce the product or service.
If you guessed correctly and the product or service is just what the public wants NOW you can either go public and make a fortune on the sale of some of your stock or sell it for billions to a company like Google (a la You Tube) or Yahoo.
Of course your plan could bomb and you could find yourself with nothing but a pile of bills or, worse, fail because you were too early and have to endure the pain of seeing someone else make a fortune with the same ideas a few years later when the market is right.
5 Be Old Fashioned, Work and Save – This route is open to practically everyone and the younger you are the better. It involves working hard and saving.
In their book, The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy, the typical American millionaire is described by authors Thomas Stanley and William Danko as a very ordinary person who has slowly and steadily accumulated wealth through work and savings.
Most of these millionaires live typical middle class lives with few outwardly displays of wealth. In fact the only thing that distinguishes them from their other middle class neighbors is the size of their bank accounts.
Most of these millionaires own their own business but they are traditional low tech businesses.
While their neighbors live off of credit and spend thousands each year on finance charges, these people save (earning interest) and pay with cash. Their homes are comfortable suburban tract homes, their cars are late model family type cars, their clothes are off the rack.
The author's point is that these people are no different than the vast middle class that makes up America other than they are more focused on their work and they save rather than borrow.
By middle age these people are usually very wealthy but their habits remain those of the middle class.
In fact when Stanley and Danko were writing their book they held a series of focus group sessions in fine hotels and invited people whose financial status put them in the millionaire class, and asked them to describe their lifestyle and how they made their fortunes.
In the room where the focus group was held they arranged for a table of free drinks and snacks that included fine wines, expensive mixed drinks, caviar and other expensive appetizers. For variety they also included some beer and traditional appetizers.
What surprised Stanley and Danko was that the beer and traditional appetizers disappeared fast while the wines and caviar type food and drink went untouched. The work and saving are habits that are developed and cultivated over a life time.
6 Retire a Millionaire – for a young person this is probably the easiest road to wealth, but they have to wait for it.
Simply open a Roth IRA account with a good Mutual Fund or other investment company when you get your first job at 16 or 17 (or later, but the longer you wait the less time you will have for the money to grow).
Arrange for your paycheck to be deposited to you checking account automatically and, at the same time, arrange for the mutual fund or investment company to automatically withdraw a fixed amount from your checking account each month, say $25, $40, $75 whatever you can afford. It may hurt for the first couple of months but then you will get used to living off of the lower amount (your take home pay minus the IRA deposit) and forget about it.
In time your income will go up and you can either leave your IRA withdrawal the same or increase it by part of the raise. Over the course of the next 40 – 50 years, the reinvested income from your deposits will grow to many times the amount that you are investing and when you retire you will not only have accumulated close to a million dollars or more but, after age 59 ½ you will be able to withdraw it tax free.
1 Inherit a fortune – for the most part this is a matter of luck in that you either have to be born into a family with a rich relative who will leave you their fortune or you have to encounter and befriend a wealthy person who is childless and decides to leave you their fortune. Both of these are long shots.
2 Win the Lottery – this is every sucker's dream, but frankly, the odds of meeting and befriending a childless stranger are probably greater than winning any lotteries.
As for the lottery run by my state (Arizona, and probably every other lottery in the world), I had a mathematician demonstrate to me once that your chances of winning the lottery by purchasing a ticket are statistically only slightly (very slightly) greater than your chances of finding a winning ticket on the ground that someone else brought and lost.
3 Be born with a talent in great demand – This one also depends upon luck but you do have more control and greater chances with this than with numbers 1 and 2 above. Inventory your talents to see what you have and what the market wants – athletes, singers, entertainers are currently hot commodities.
Then work very hard at developing your talent and you just might make that fortune.
While it may look easy, when you take time to study the background of the beautiful millionaire model or the the athlete making millions throwing a football, you will find that an incredible amount of time and effort went into reaching their present position and the stress of their present fame is usually more than most of us want to have to endure.
4 Grab an Opportunity and Run With it – Get a good education in a hot area, such as IT, web design, nano technology, etc.
Work hard to become a leader in the field and keep watching over your shoulder for the next opportunity in the field. Then, when the opportunity presents itself, throw all of your time, energy, and every cent you can get your hands to to start a company to produce the product or service.
If you guessed correctly and the product or service is just what the public wants NOW you can either go public and make a fortune on the sale of some of your stock or sell it for billions to a company like Google (a la You Tube) or Yahoo.
Of course your plan could bomb and you could find yourself with nothing but a pile of bills or, worse, fail because you were too early and have to endure the pain of seeing someone else make a fortune with the same ideas a few years later when the market is right.
5 Be Old Fashioned, Work and Save – This route is open to practically everyone and the younger you are the better. It involves working hard and saving.
In their book, The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy, the typical American millionaire is described by authors Thomas Stanley and William Danko as a very ordinary person who has slowly and steadily accumulated wealth through work and savings.
Most of these millionaires live typical middle class lives with few outwardly displays of wealth. In fact the only thing that distinguishes them from their other middle class neighbors is the size of their bank accounts.
Most of these millionaires own their own business but they are traditional low tech businesses.
While their neighbors live off of credit and spend thousands each year on finance charges, these people save (earning interest) and pay with cash. Their homes are comfortable suburban tract homes, their cars are late model family type cars, their clothes are off the rack.
The author's point is that these people are no different than the vast middle class that makes up America other than they are more focused on their work and they save rather than borrow.
By middle age these people are usually very wealthy but their habits remain those of the middle class.
In fact when Stanley and Danko were writing their book they held a series of focus group sessions in fine hotels and invited people whose financial status put them in the millionaire class, and asked them to describe their lifestyle and how they made their fortunes.
In the room where the focus group was held they arranged for a table of free drinks and snacks that included fine wines, expensive mixed drinks, caviar and other expensive appetizers. For variety they also included some beer and traditional appetizers.
What surprised Stanley and Danko was that the beer and traditional appetizers disappeared fast while the wines and caviar type food and drink went untouched. The work and saving are habits that are developed and cultivated over a life time.
6 Retire a Millionaire – for a young person this is probably the easiest road to wealth, but they have to wait for it.
Simply open a Roth IRA account with a good Mutual Fund or other investment company when you get your first job at 16 or 17 (or later, but the longer you wait the less time you will have for the money to grow).
Arrange for your paycheck to be deposited to you checking account automatically and, at the same time, arrange for the mutual fund or investment company to automatically withdraw a fixed amount from your checking account each month, say $25, $40, $75 whatever you can afford. It may hurt for the first couple of months but then you will get used to living off of the lower amount (your take home pay minus the IRA deposit) and forget about it.
In time your income will go up and you can either leave your IRA withdrawal the same or increase it by part of the raise. Over the course of the next 40 – 50 years, the reinvested income from your deposits will grow to many times the amount that you are investing and when you retire you will not only have accumulated close to a million dollars or more but, after age 59 ½ you will be able to withdraw it tax free.
Thursday, 24 March 2011
哪些女性是強暴犯的目標？
許多強暴犯認為，具有“被害者”的第一個特質，是她們的髮型。 他們最喜歡跟在綁馬尾，有髮髻或綁辮子的女性身後，或是其他可以輕易抓住的髮型。他們也喜歡跟住長髮女性，短髮的女性較不容易成為目標。
強暴犯考慮的第二件事是衣著，他們會找尋穿著可迅速脫去的女性。 他們認為，最好的穿著是一件式的罩衫如洋裝、連身裙，因為許多強暴犯會隨身攜帶剪刀，來剪開衣服。
在一天的時間中，他們喜歡在一大早攻擊和強暴女性，因為她們此時清爽、乾淨。容易發生攻擊的地點是商站前的停車場，第二是公司的停車場或車庫，第三是公共廁所。
這些強暴犯所想的，就是抓住女性後，他們可以迅速移往第二個地點，使他們不必擔心被抓到。只有2%的人會帶武器，因為被抓到判刑的話罪較輕。
如果你在當下有激烈反抗，他們通常會退縮。因為，只要花了一兩分鍾，歹徒就會知道浪費過多的時間，自己的處境就越危險。
強暴犯說，他們不會選上帶雨傘或其他類似物品的女性，因為這可以用來造成防禦的距離。
要使強暴犯產生“你並不是適合被攻擊的對象”的念頭，必須學習下列幾種防衛的方式：
如果有人在街上或停車場中跟你，或是在電梯或手扶梯上，直視他們的臉，而且問他們問題，如“現在幾點了？”或是進行禮貌性的交談。因為，這表示你已經看到他們的臉，而且可以在鏡子後面指認他們，你也因此失去成為他們目標的機會。如果有人正靠近你，將你的手伸至胸前，並大喊站住或退後。如果女性大喊或表現不怕反擊回去的態度，他們就會離開。
再次提醒，他們尋找的是“容易”的目標，他們要的是一個不會惹麻煩的女人。如果開始惹了麻煩，那麼他將會逃離現場。
女性安全，美國警方的提醒
1.警方的提醒：手肘是身體最有力的部位。距離夠近，就善用手肘。
2.假如歹徒向你要皮夾或錢包：不要遞給他，而是將皮夾或錢包往遠處丟去。歹徒很可能對財物比對你有興趣，他會去拿皮夾或錢包，這是你逃跑的機會。往反方向拚命跑。
3.假如你被丟進車子的後車廂：把車後燈踢破，將你的手從洞中伸出去，用力揮手，駕駛人看不到你，但是其他人看得到。這個方法救過無數人命。
4.進入車子後：女性常常在購物、吃飯及下班後進入車子，然後就坐在駕駛座上處理事情，如記帳、列清單等。千萬不要這麼做，歹徒會藉機觀察情勢，闖入車內，拿鎗威脅，控制你的行動。因此，進入車內，立即鎖門，駛離現場。
5.在平面停車場及立體停車場的幾個注意事項：
●要警覺：環顧四週；察看車內的乘客座和後座；接近車子時，留意車底。
●假如你的車子停在箱型車旁，則應該從乘客車門進入你的車子。許多連續殺人犯都是趁女性要進入車中時，將她們拖進箱型車中加害。
●觀察停放在你左右兩邊的車子。如果有男性單獨坐在最近的鄰車內，最好回到購物中心或辦公室，找保全人員或警察陪你回去。寧願防患未然，也不要終生遺憾。
6.永遠搭電梯，不要走樓梯。樓梯間是一個可怕的地方，容易讓人形單影隻，變成最好的犯罪場所。
7.假如歹徒有鎗而你並沒有受到他的控制，一定要跑！一百次中，只有四次歹徒會襲擊逃跑的目標；即使他攻擊你，大多不會是致命的部位，要跑！
8.身為女性，我們總是發揮同情心：不要再這樣！這樣會增加被強暴或是殺害的機會。一個叫泰得‧邦迪（Ted Bundy）的連續殺人犯就是一個相貌堂堂並且受過良好教育的人，總是利用女性的同情心。他走路時帶一根手杖或是跛行，經常要求別人幫忙他進入車內或是看一下他的車子，趁機綁架受害者。
關於強暴的錯誤概念
“強暴”一事大有學問哉。以色列學者阿碼曾以兩千餘名強暴案“犯人與受害人”為研究對象，寫了《對婦女施暴類型》一書。美國．馬克威勒的〈強姦〉一文，指出了大眾對強暴八大錯誤迷思，其中五項，與女性有關。
●概念一：慾火中燒而強暴？
一般人常把強暴想像成：男人因慾火中燒、受到誘惑、見色起意，而在無預謀、惱羞成怒下，強施加於陌生女子的暴力行為。 然而，許多研究報告指出，強暴最常見的動機卻是：“發泄對社會不滿” 或“藉性交肯定自己的價值”。 換言之，男人之所以會去強暴女人，並不是在發泄性慾，而是根源於整個社會男人對女人潛在意識的敵意、或因為這個男人心理上的病態，所以用陽具去凌辱女人。 他的目的並不是在尋求性的快樂，而是因為基於對人性的仇恨， 所表達的是他的憤怒，而不是在作愛
●概念二：臨時起意而強暴？
一對一的強暴案中，有70%出於預謀。 在二對一的強暴案中，有80%出於預謀。 在多對一的強暴案中，有90%出於預謀。
●概念三：漂亮容易被強暴？
一般而言，強暴案的發生，犯案者是在以下兩個因素交互作用下而促成的。 遠因：強暴犯過去的經驗與人格特質。 近因：當時情境與身心狀態。 以當時情境而言，強暴犯大都只是想以強欺弱，而並不在乎受害人的姿色。此外落單、年老、患有精神病、殘障、不敢抵抗等情境，常令犯人犯意更堅。 根據美國的某份調查，強暴案件裡可以歸納成是女人的外表或言行而引發性暴力者，低於百分之五。另一個調查指出，超過70%的強暴案例都是預謀的。然而這些調查數據，卻也無法一下子就扭轉社會對女人的觀感。
概念四：都遭陌生人強暴？
約有80%～90%的強暴案例中，犯人與受害人是互相認識的熟人。 女孩子與異性交往，連熟人也必須提防，這的確是一個“熟悉的致命吸引力”。全美國大學女學生六分之一有過被性騷擾、侵犯的記錄；十五分之一的男同學，曾經有騷擾女同學的經驗。 根據一項研究顯示，在熟人強暴的控訴案件中，有百分之二十四被警方認為證據不足，而在陌生人強暴的控訴中只有百分之五遭到相同的命運。
●概念五：反抗令犯人老羞成怒？
並非必然。強暴犯大都是只想以強欺弱，不敢抵抗。有時反抗反使犯人犯意更堅，但這不表示激烈反抗一定對。例如在某些強暴未遂案中，受害人虛與委蛇、假意配合，將強暴犯騙到賓館等地逃逸成功。 賽凡提斯在《唐吉軻德先生》舉例道：有人控告某青年強暴他女兒。法官對被告說：“你立刻與原告的女兒結婚，否則就得賠她一筆遮羞費。” 青年選擇了破財消災。 原告的女兒帶遮羞費離開後，法官叫青年追上去搶回那筆錢，青年照辦 ，但在對方拼命抵抗下無法得手。 法官召回青年與女子，吩咐女子將遮羞費還給青年，說：“如果你抗拒強暴，正如同抗拒被搶一樣，就不會喪失貞操了。”
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