Hate Your Job? Be Your Own Boss!

Another year is behind us. For many it was a time for family and friends. But for some this year has been one of tremendous transition.

Job loss, and downsizing has come to Kelowna and many are looking but not finding much of job prospects. For some they are "over qualified" or not looking for the same 9-5 routine of the last 15 - 20 years. They are looking for something more flexible, more challenging and most of all fun.

Maybe it is a good time to start your own business? Check out the video from CNN below.

Be Your Own Boss in 2010

Posted: 08:01 AM ET

The economy may stink now, but this could be the perfect time to start your own business. Our Josh Levs went to an economics conventions and had the opportunity to get advice from economists. One expert told Josh if you do it right, on your own, you will be a leader of the future economy.

Stuck in job you don't like? Out of work and looking for something different. Maybe working for yourself could be the answer. I can't imagine having a boss ever again!

Mike Hassard Kelowna

Change your life ... if it isn't working!

Kelowna is at its best this time of the year. Summer sunshine, time with family and of course cooking on the barbeque.

Amongst the fun and the sun there are those that have lost their job, or had their hours cut back and watch their incomes decrease. Many are looking to the fall with a state of fear and disbelief.

Many I have talked to over the summer were with their former employer for more than 15 years and have never lost a job before!

How will they pay their hydro bill, credit cards, what will they tell their kids if they have to cancel the family vacation or can they pay their mortgage?

What can you do to change your life if things aren't working for you? Check out this new interview from Anthony Robbin"s training blog. See the Introduction and Video below.

In this interview I meet with two very successful students, Frank Kern and John Reese.

Both of them are self-made multi millionaires who made their fortunes by selling products on the Internet. What’s particularly interesting about both of them is that neither had any “real” education. Neither one finished college and they both went from being broke to becoming wealthy.And they still continue to thrive in today’s economy.

So the purpose of this interview is to uncover the traits that successful people have in common. Specifically, the traits that cause them to take massive action and follow through.

As you’ll see, the solution is really quite simple and available to us all.

Make to share this with others. Also check Tony's blog for more great ideas to put your mind and body in the right state to improve you life!

Mike Hassard Kelowna

Working in the Okanagan?!

I was waiting to meet some one today at The Cove Lakeside Resort in West Kelowna and it came to me. This is the life ... this working in the Okanagan!

Many fly to Mexico for the beaches, sail on cruise ship for the food or travel to South America for the hiking ... and we have all right here.

The Cove Lakeside Resort is a private resort, as a strata with about 2/3 thirds of the rooms part of the rental pool. Not a new concept ... but certainly the future of hotel/resort development because many banks are willing right now to lend money on a 60 million dollar real estate development. (Manteo in the Mission is the same concept)

If you haven't had a chance to see the Cove yet ... make sure to drive down, park the car and go for a walk. There is an impressive walkway along the water front and Gellatly Nut Farm is right next door. Make sure to bring your camera!

So here I am waiting to meet some one for a coffee ... yet I feel like I am on vacation. I love the Okanagan Lifestyle.

Mike Hassard Kelowna

Renovating Your Financial House Part 4

The markets are in turmoil, debt levels are rising, now the economy is slowing. With less income how do you pay off your credit cards, go on a vacation or retire when you planned?

In the fourth part of my series "Renovating Your Financial House" I will be focusing on what you can do improve the income part of your financial house.

Control of your income is central to your success ... but when was the last time your really looked at it? Do make enough to pay for things you needed? What about the things you want? For a quick assessment check your tax summary and then your bank account. How much did you keep last year? For most the answer is NOT ENOUGH!

Maybe it is an extra 5,000 for a vacation each year, 7,000 to clear your credit card debt or an extra 10,000 to finance an early retirement.

Here are few ideas on how to increase your income ...

Open your own Internet business. With little expense and risk you can create your Internet business. You can set up a website or blog at no cost. Do market research on line. Even converse with potential clients from the comfort of your own living room. Keep in mind all business have risk and if you are looking to supplement your current income you don't need to anyway.

Get a part time job doing what you love. If you are an accountant, seniors need your help at tax time, if you are marketing manager provide advice to small to midsized business or maybe you can help the neighbourhood with landscaping. Again the idea is add 3,000 -5,000 a year to pay for your vacation or pay down your credit cards.

Upgrade your current profession or learn a new one in your spare time. Take a course as care aide, or take a sales job for a local company. Find out something new and increase your ability to make money and increase your value to current employer.

If you have been laid off recently or know some one who has check a previous post "Lost Your Job in Kelowna ... Now What".

If you are looking for more ideas check out the 3 other parts of this series. Just us the search tool on my blog using the title "Renovating Your Financial House"

Mike Hassard Kelowna

Lost your job in Kelowna - Now what??

It has happened to all of us. We get called to the bosses office thinking we are going to get complimented on the great job we've done ... only to get a pink slip.

What should you do now?

First see an employment counselor, then see your financial advisor. Here is some things to discuss ...

Update your budget and cash flow. Keep a close eye on how you spend during this time. At times like these it is easy to spend to make yourself feel better, and then later not have enough make ends meet.

Plan if you need to remove money from your emergency funds. Once you have updated your budget and income needs look and see if you need to supplement your income. Rather than taking a large lump sum ... plan for a bi-weekly payment just like a paycheck.

Review your Pension and Medical Benefits. Find out what your options are with your pension and benefits. Does it make sense to transfer your assets, and what benefits may you loose if you do? Get good advice from your financial advisor and an accountant if necessary.

Being laid off is hard enough, and now is the time to get proactive. It might save you money and piece of mind.

Mike Hassard Kelowna