Showing posts with label Oprah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oprah. Show all posts
7/20/08
5/24/08
Dr. Phil - Carol Wior Slimsuit Bathing Suits
Dr. Phil featured Carol Wior and her Slimsuit bathing suits on his show 5/23/08.
The Slimsuit comes in 85 different styles and can hide a multitude of body flaws because of the way it is made. Every audience member got one (certificate) -- too bad I was not there. LOL
Featured on the show was a woman who had belly sag and bottom issues but when she came out in the suit, WOW, she looked fabulous and you would have never guessed she had her issues wearing any suit. The one she wore is called the Magic Fountian Twist Waist Halter. (in this color and others retails for about $104.)
Carol Wior Slimsuit Collection -- buy online, sometimes they have specials.
Carol Wior's Official Site -- Retailers -- not many stores carry these so it is best to order online.
The Slimsuit comes in 85 different styles and can hide a multitude of body flaws because of the way it is made. Every audience member got one (certificate) -- too bad I was not there. LOL
Featured on the show was a woman who had belly sag and bottom issues but when she came out in the suit, WOW, she looked fabulous and you would have never guessed she had her issues wearing any suit. The one she wore is called the Magic Fountian Twist Waist Halter. (in this color and others retails for about $104.)
Carol Wior Slimsuit Collection -- buy online, sometimes they have specials.
Carol Wior's Official Site -- Retailers -- not many stores carry these so it is best to order online.
5/5/08
Dr. Phil - Amanda and Pierre
And Yolande . . . Pierre's overbearing, controlling and manipulating Mom.
Since I had to move this post from my old blog, it is filed under "Oprah".
They were back for an update although Yolande said that Amanda made her look bad on the last show.
Not much has changed with the exception that Pierre (now aged 39) and Amanda have divorced to the delight of Yolande. Pierre said that he thought that his mother would make it impossible for him to have any sort of normal relationship with any girl at any time in his life or even have a family of his own.
Dr. Phil was disappointed that they complained a lot but did nothing about their situation to improve it since they were last on the show.
The last time Amanda and Yolande saw each other was when Yolande visited them, and said Amanda was drunk and playing very loud music and that there was some sort of attack then the police had to come (with 3 or 5 cruisers) and break up the incident. Yolande pointed out that on the police record/report, it clearly stated that Amanda was drunk. Ummm just where was Pierre and what was he doing?
Yolande was in a closed room watching Pierre talking with a potential date. She came out and introduced herself and then just knocked Pierre down while he sat right in front of her, saying he has a poor job and income and needs to make more money -- gee, this is on the first time they meet! Why not just say, "Get out and go away! There is the door. Don't look back keep on walking! You have no chance he is not for you!"
The young lady was identified as a PhD student studying French Literature. So she was MORE educated than Pierre, which Yolande wants for him (insulted Amanda about her education), but evidently, this young lady still was not good enough. Anyways, after she saw the craziness, would she really want to get involved with either of them? I hope not!
Then the cat was let out of the bag, Pierre had a secret. It seems he is still seeing Amanda and they have been together! They say they get along well and are good friends now.
Yolande was surprised to learn that Pierre is seeing Amanda.
She had also expressed disappointment that Amanda did not take Dr. Phil up on getting some counselling for her alcohol problem. Ok -- but I can see where Yolande would be part of the problem by her degrading attitude toward Amanda.
Yolande is still complaining about the house and car that are really hers which Pierre is mooching off her. She says she is still financing/supplementing Pierre because he only has a $14K substitute teaching job. She even said Pierre ended up going on a couple of trips and charging them on her credit card. Dr. Phil said it was her house, why not sell it and take the car back then there would be no problems/leverage.
Dr. Phil asked Amanda why she was still seeing Pierre considering all the troubles she previously had with him or Yolande. He said that she should get away from this and find a better life for herself. She left him in the first place why go back. Guess old habits die hard. Maybe Amanda is actually addicted to Pierre or vice versa? Or maybe they just don't have anything better to do than to keep a vicious circle going.
Dr. Phil also hooked Pierre up with a well known head hunter for a better paying job.
Yolande said that that was really the only reason why she came back on the show was so Pierre could get some help getting a better job.
In the end, you can't change Yolande, you can only change yourself.
I think all three have some heavy self-esteem, self-confidence, and self- image issues.
It seems that Yolande has not only a chip on her shoulder, but some other deep rooted issues for her to be so negative.
And with all her complaining about Pierre and money, well, why is she even supporting him at his age? Nothing was mentioned about being a co-dependent.
Well, tomorrow is the moocher show. Moochers are co-dependents.
Maybe they might be the guests on that show too!
I hope Pierre, Amanda, and Yolande get a chance to watch that and learn something.
I think they need a miracle worker, not Dr. Phil.
Since I had to move this post from my old blog, it is filed under "Oprah".
They were back for an update although Yolande said that Amanda made her look bad on the last show.
Not much has changed with the exception that Pierre (now aged 39) and Amanda have divorced to the delight of Yolande. Pierre said that he thought that his mother would make it impossible for him to have any sort of normal relationship with any girl at any time in his life or even have a family of his own.
Dr. Phil was disappointed that they complained a lot but did nothing about their situation to improve it since they were last on the show.
The last time Amanda and Yolande saw each other was when Yolande visited them, and said Amanda was drunk and playing very loud music and that there was some sort of attack then the police had to come (with 3 or 5 cruisers) and break up the incident. Yolande pointed out that on the police record/report, it clearly stated that Amanda was drunk. Ummm just where was Pierre and what was he doing?
Yolande was in a closed room watching Pierre talking with a potential date. She came out and introduced herself and then just knocked Pierre down while he sat right in front of her, saying he has a poor job and income and needs to make more money -- gee, this is on the first time they meet! Why not just say, "Get out and go away! There is the door. Don't look back keep on walking! You have no chance he is not for you!"
The young lady was identified as a PhD student studying French Literature. So she was MORE educated than Pierre, which Yolande wants for him (insulted Amanda about her education), but evidently, this young lady still was not good enough. Anyways, after she saw the craziness, would she really want to get involved with either of them? I hope not!
Then the cat was let out of the bag, Pierre had a secret. It seems he is still seeing Amanda and they have been together! They say they get along well and are good friends now.
Yolande was surprised to learn that Pierre is seeing Amanda.
She had also expressed disappointment that Amanda did not take Dr. Phil up on getting some counselling for her alcohol problem. Ok -- but I can see where Yolande would be part of the problem by her degrading attitude toward Amanda.
Yolande is still complaining about the house and car that are really hers which Pierre is mooching off her. She says she is still financing/supplementing Pierre because he only has a $14K substitute teaching job. She even said Pierre ended up going on a couple of trips and charging them on her credit card. Dr. Phil said it was her house, why not sell it and take the car back then there would be no problems/leverage.
Dr. Phil asked Amanda why she was still seeing Pierre considering all the troubles she previously had with him or Yolande. He said that she should get away from this and find a better life for herself. She left him in the first place why go back. Guess old habits die hard. Maybe Amanda is actually addicted to Pierre or vice versa? Or maybe they just don't have anything better to do than to keep a vicious circle going.
Dr. Phil also hooked Pierre up with a well known head hunter for a better paying job.
Yolande said that that was really the only reason why she came back on the show was so Pierre could get some help getting a better job.
In the end, you can't change Yolande, you can only change yourself.
I think all three have some heavy self-esteem, self-confidence, and self- image issues.
It seems that Yolande has not only a chip on her shoulder, but some other deep rooted issues for her to be so negative.
And with all her complaining about Pierre and money, well, why is she even supporting him at his age? Nothing was mentioned about being a co-dependent.
Well, tomorrow is the moocher show. Moochers are co-dependents.
Maybe they might be the guests on that show too!
I hope Pierre, Amanda, and Yolande get a chance to watch that and learn something.
I think they need a miracle worker, not Dr. Phil.
4/10/08
Oprah-Shlumpadinkas
Shlumpadinka: Oprah's word for a woman who has given up on her style.
On this show they took a neighborhood of woman and transformed them into fashion divas with stylist Lloyd Boston.
Most of the clothing was bought at Kohls, Old Navy, The Gap, J.C. Penny's, and Sears for reasonable prices. Most outfits cost under $200 for several pieces.
Here are ten basic pieces to have in your wardrobe:
On this show they took a neighborhood of woman and transformed them into fashion divas with stylist Lloyd Boston.
Most of the clothing was bought at Kohls, Old Navy, The Gap, J.C. Penny's, and Sears for reasonable prices. Most outfits cost under $200 for several pieces.
Here are ten basic pieces to have in your wardrobe:
| 1. trench coat | 6. dark jeans |
| 2. black turtleneck | 7. black dress |
| 3. black trousers | 8. white or dark blue jean jacket |
| 4. tunic | 9. black skirt |
| 5. white jeans | 10. cashmere sweater |
Mention was made of a "wash and tell" fitted crisp classic white shirt:
Stacey Wallace Allen said that hers was from Brooks Brothers and you can get 2 shirts for $149.00 at their stores or outlets. The shirts are not available online.
Five ways to wear the white shirt (nude color bra underneath):
1. with a classic styled sweater
2. with a tunic and belt at the waist
3. with a long sweater and scarf
4. with a leather skirt
5. with a long evening skirt
Oprah mentioned that there is no such thing as "matchy matchy poo poo", you don't need to match a purse and shoes anymore.
Oversized bags and flats should be considered basic wardrobe staples.
Also, white can be worn anytime of year now.
A few other fast fix beauty tips to update your look:
1. No wearing caps wear a headband or high ponytail instead.
2. Wear a concealer, a multicolored blush, and lip gloss.
The Happy Scarf/ Happy Knot
Take a long scarf and fold in half.
Put on your neck.
Pull the loose ends through the scarf loop and tighten a bit but keep it a bit loose so it does not look like you are being choked.
Two accessories that make you look old and dated:
1. Over accesorizing -- don't look like a gypsy! Choose 1 or 2 accessories.
2. Wear hoisery at work to complete your office look and look professional.
Classic styled items should last you a while so it is money wisely invested over a term of time.
2/27/08
Oprah-Freegan Lifestyle
Or How to Consume Less
Lisa Ling investigated the Freegan Lifestyle.
What is/are/a freegan? They are people who live off trash findings and live a simpler life, they try to live outside of consumer society. They find their food in the trash on organized tours. The number one food hygiene rule is there is no eating on the tour.
Freegans feel we are slaves to our money, earn more buy more and for what? Where does it all go in the end? The landfills that are polluting our world? So they just live simply and recycle what is thrown out that may end up in the landfill.
Madeline was earning a six figure salary before she quit her job. She gave it all up to be a freegan. What she cannot find in the trash, she spends $10-20 to buy. She went on a "freegan tour" which happens at night, the night before the trash is picked up at the grocery stores. Since the trash is on the public street, the group goes through it and shares their discoveries and then items get negotiated. She got flowers, coffee beans, eggs (cracked) and pears (had spots on them).
She said living this way, she can give more time to social causes and volunteer helping other people since she makes the choice to use/buy less but has money to pay her bills.
She even said that she has not bought clothing in three years and this saves money also.
Interviewed freegans were with an investment banker, college students, a newlywed couple (Daniel the doctor and and Amanda the engineer) and people who want to live off "beans". Most say they live pretty well but it is work to do this. The newlywed couple said that it would allow them to pay off their mortgage so then they would have more time to volunteer with charitable organizations. Even some of their furnishings were curbside finds they recycled into serviceable items. Happiness does not come from things, it comes from how you serve/help others.
Daniel mentioned that we (USA citizens) are only 5% of the world's population but we use 30% of the world's resources (YIKES!). If Daniel and Amanda have too much supply, they donate the extras to shelters putting it back into the system and helping others.
It was also mentioned that stores throw out 2-3% of their inventory (did not mention the term of time, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly). This equals nearly $30 billion dollars, enough to feed a few countries.
Why do stores throw out so much? Why don't they just give it away?
Stores have stringent rules and if someone paid for it, they could turn around and sue for something. If it is trash, then people are taking their chances.
As long as the trash is on the public streets this can be done.
Trash bins in private areas, you are trespassing.
Freegan economics -- an interesting concept but it depends on where you live and the laws that allow you to live this way.
11/2/07
Woman Over 35 Dr. Christiane Northrop
This Oprah show aired on October 16th 2007. Dr. Christiane Northrop was the guest.
Oprah described how busy she was this summer and how she felt very tired and worn out.
She went in to be checked and they found her thyroid was "blown out". She got meds.
25% of perimenopausal/menopausal woman encounter thyroid problems and most do not know this. Ask your doctor for a blood test to determine if you suspect thyroid issues.
When your body feels like it is breaking down, it is a break through revelation that something is wrong, as stated, you are in labor with yourself.
If you have not been taking care of yourself but everyone else, your body is speaking to you to take notice and care of yourself. If you don't, then it shows up in your body functions, they don't work so well and you begin to develop other issues.
By the time a woman reaches 35-40, she can express who she is and possesses the skills to "reinvent herself".
Rachel, a mother of two and a 40 year old was suffering from insomnia, massive headaches, was angry most of the time, had backaches, had bouts of vertigo, experienced weight gain, had lots of resentment and envy, was stressed and tense all the time and lost passion and compassion.
It was discussed that Rachel was putting herself last and had hidden feelings of anger which is the jet fuel of feeling repressed and she had to get rid of it.
Moms should be the source of the joy of life which is a gift to their children.
Good blood circulation equals the circulation of joy.
Five Things Everyone Deserves
1. Eat a good breakfast (bars, shakes, proteins) to keep your sugar levels low for the day.
2. Cut out carbs as you get older.
3. Increase your intake of Omega 3s.
4. Eat less desserts, decrease sugar intake.
5. Put more calm in your life especially before bedtime: no computer, no TV (get TV out of the bedroom), no music.
If you are a coffee drinker and on pills or medications -- this can increase your weight.
The coffee intake needs to be adjusted.
Take a daily multi-vitamin.
Cut out eating in the evening, have a cut off time (6 pm). This will help you lose weight.
(I have also heard that cut off time needs to be at least 3 hours before you go to bed.)
Exercise everyday -- take ten minute walks three times a day.
At this age time frame: You are no longer children and need to put away the toys.
Luana suffered from night sweats and lack of a sex drive.
Nothing decreases a sex drive, just heaps of other buried unresolved issues.
It was suggested that Luana take time for herself on a regular basis. (Everyone must do this.)
Dr. Northrup mentioned that the brain is the biggest sex organ and suggested some "clitlit"/romance novels/soft porn (80% of the market are woman buying this stuff).
She said just a little exposure to this can help rekindle some hot romance that has fizzled.
Give up the idea of being perfect because it is stressful.
1. Find normal support.
2. Deal with anger one issue at a time as well as pleasure.
3. Practice self cultivation to make yourself feel good and give you unlimited power.
4. Update yourself/image and practice being kind to yourself.
5. Learn to receive and surrender to pleasure.
Take control of yourself and start to live.
Dr. Chrisine Northrop's Website
Oprah described how busy she was this summer and how she felt very tired and worn out.
She went in to be checked and they found her thyroid was "blown out". She got meds.
25% of perimenopausal/menopausal woman encounter thyroid problems and most do not know this. Ask your doctor for a blood test to determine if you suspect thyroid issues.
When your body feels like it is breaking down, it is a break through revelation that something is wrong, as stated, you are in labor with yourself.
If you have not been taking care of yourself but everyone else, your body is speaking to you to take notice and care of yourself. If you don't, then it shows up in your body functions, they don't work so well and you begin to develop other issues.
By the time a woman reaches 35-40, she can express who she is and possesses the skills to "reinvent herself".
Rachel, a mother of two and a 40 year old was suffering from insomnia, massive headaches, was angry most of the time, had backaches, had bouts of vertigo, experienced weight gain, had lots of resentment and envy, was stressed and tense all the time and lost passion and compassion.
It was discussed that Rachel was putting herself last and had hidden feelings of anger which is the jet fuel of feeling repressed and she had to get rid of it.
Moms should be the source of the joy of life which is a gift to their children.
Good blood circulation equals the circulation of joy.
Five Things Everyone Deserves
1. Eat a good breakfast (bars, shakes, proteins) to keep your sugar levels low for the day.
2. Cut out carbs as you get older.
3. Increase your intake of Omega 3s.
4. Eat less desserts, decrease sugar intake.
5. Put more calm in your life especially before bedtime: no computer, no TV (get TV out of the bedroom), no music.
If you are a coffee drinker and on pills or medications -- this can increase your weight.
The coffee intake needs to be adjusted.
Take a daily multi-vitamin.
Cut out eating in the evening, have a cut off time (6 pm). This will help you lose weight.
(I have also heard that cut off time needs to be at least 3 hours before you go to bed.)
Exercise everyday -- take ten minute walks three times a day.
At this age time frame: You are no longer children and need to put away the toys.
Luana suffered from night sweats and lack of a sex drive.
Nothing decreases a sex drive, just heaps of other buried unresolved issues.
It was suggested that Luana take time for herself on a regular basis. (Everyone must do this.)
Dr. Northrup mentioned that the brain is the biggest sex organ and suggested some "clitlit"/romance novels/soft porn (80% of the market are woman buying this stuff).
She said just a little exposure to this can help rekindle some hot romance that has fizzled.
Give up the idea of being perfect because it is stressful.
1. Find normal support.
2. Deal with anger one issue at a time as well as pleasure.
3. Practice self cultivation to make yourself feel good and give you unlimited power.
4. Update yourself/image and practice being kind to yourself.
5. Learn to receive and surrender to pleasure.
Take control of yourself and start to live.
Dr. Chrisine Northrop's Website
10/18/07
Suze Ormand 10.18.07
This show aired on October 18th 2007. Suze Ormand was the guest.
Felice was a stay at home mom with six children. She had maxed out the credit cards and was spending $300-400 per month at Starbucks. She would go on shopping sprees and then become depressed. She spent tons of money on her hair, nails, hair extensions. She hid receipts from her husband. In a shopping spree to WalMart, she spent approximately $110 on candy, glasses, jewelry and an outfit. She lied about her spending and had her kids lying for her too.
Felice said she did not want to feel like a failure and said that she had an overbearing Mom and husband and that she felt good making decisions.
Jana, Felice's friend wrote in the show to get help for her.
The husband had not a real clue and was finger pointing however, the kicker is that although the husband makes $5-6K a month, it seems to be disappearing fast PLUS they have NO health/dental insurance for their children or themselves.
Suze pointed out to the husband that not providing essentials with his income was shameful and selfish. She also said that Felice spending so much money on herself was equivalent to the husband's dilemma.
As Oprah pointed out, it seems as though they were sleepwalking through life, and "living outside of themselves" and were "spiritually disconnected and living a lie, in denial" and what were they teaching their children?
Suze said they needed to get real and be honest about their situation if they were to get out of it.
A taped piece revealed more of Felice's behavior.
In her house, she showed custom painted murals that she spent thousands of dollars on, silk plants costing $6-7K total. The kids closets showed that they had hardly any clothing at all, the closets were nearly empty with but a few items and plenty of hangers. She said that they buy clothing, they wear it a few times then it goes into her garage sale room to sell off. She said that if she paid $50. for something, it would sell for a dollar.
They also showed how she spent money on the children's birthday parties:
$1500.00 for a beauty party of nails. Her daughter and friends went in a limo.
$1500-2000.00 for a zoo animal party
$2000.00 for a snow party (they had to order the snow, they live in CA)
$4000.00 for a party in Las Vegas
Felice and her husband Phillip, thought they were $50K in debt but it turns out they were in $100K in debt. They had not a clue this was the reality.
Suze dispensed the following advice:
Save yourselves by knowing all info and to control your destiny.
It is evident you don't know who you are and you need to define yourself.
This is dysfunctional.
Start now and fix the future by changing behaviors to save yourself.
Suze said that on a scale of 1-10, how bad is this? It is off the scale and 1000 times bad.
She looked at their finances:
They took cash advances with high interest rates.
They had three cars although they said they were trying to sell one with no luck. ($1700. payments per month).
Mortgage ($658K)
Other loans ($135K total)
Mention was made on the type of mortgage they had which meant they had no equity in their house at all so they had nothing and would make nothing if they sold it.
Drastic measures must be taken.
Felice must get a job with health insurance.
It was suggested she work at Starbucks at 20 hours per week (nights and weekends) and after 90 days she would qualify for full health insurance which would cost $150-300 per month.
Get life insurance 10 year term insurance for a value of $100-600K.
Sell their house (Felice was against this) and move to Seattle WA where it would be less expensive than in CA. and they can pay down their debt. WA has no income tax and they can pay down debt faster.
It was also suggested that Felice return to work as a mortgage broker and work in that field part time.
Her husband is a computer contractor and works independently so the area is ripe for him to find a job.
Suze pointed out that CA is too expensive for them and starting over fresh would do them wonders.
It was also mentioned that they NOT take any money from their parents to help them out as this is a situation they created and their problem they must solve.
The Doyles, Cory and Shauna -- a young NYC couple expecting a baby.
Income: $146K per year combined but will be down to one income.
Student loans: $230K
Credit Cards: $60K
Luxury car payments: $1300. per month
Shauna likes to shop: purses and shoes are her weakness.
Cory has a massive DVD collection which he said he can live without now.
Student loans have not been paid and they get 6-8 calls a day.
Five years ago, they were debt free now they are "struggling because of poor choices".
Suze said:
"You create your own problems by creating the circumstances."
"Credit card debt is present day desires but you are paying for them in the future."
Cory admits buying a car to impress people.
Loss of one salary means you have to stop buying stuff.
Sell some of it to get some money back and pay down debt.
Never miss a loan payment.
Bankruptcy does not wipe out any student loan balances.
Financial Check Up RX
Never spend to impress others. (Who cares and isn't that shallow?)
Is it kind?
Is it necessary (do you need it?)?
Is it true (do you have the cash to pay it)?
Then don't spend.
You own the power to control your destiny.
Spend wisely.
My comments/opinions: These shows are good to educate people about money. It seems many people don't know how to manage money because of lack of financial education. Suze and many other financial gurus say that the system is set up to take advantage of people. People don't read the fine print and when things go wrong, they find out it is worse than they thought and are surprised.
They are surprised because they did not read the fine print or understand what they got into in the first place but signed on the dotted line.
Now Oprah has plenty of example people on with large incomes and money issues. However, what about people who make under $50K and are trying to survive on that? It seems that a large segment of the population is left out and they are the average people who watch her show.
Oprah needs to get with the reality of most people, not the ones who make great incomes and have no common sense on how to spend and save.
Felice was a stay at home mom with six children. She had maxed out the credit cards and was spending $300-400 per month at Starbucks. She would go on shopping sprees and then become depressed. She spent tons of money on her hair, nails, hair extensions. She hid receipts from her husband. In a shopping spree to WalMart, she spent approximately $110 on candy, glasses, jewelry and an outfit. She lied about her spending and had her kids lying for her too.
Felice said she did not want to feel like a failure and said that she had an overbearing Mom and husband and that she felt good making decisions.
Jana, Felice's friend wrote in the show to get help for her.
The husband had not a real clue and was finger pointing however, the kicker is that although the husband makes $5-6K a month, it seems to be disappearing fast PLUS they have NO health/dental insurance for their children or themselves.
Suze pointed out to the husband that not providing essentials with his income was shameful and selfish. She also said that Felice spending so much money on herself was equivalent to the husband's dilemma.
As Oprah pointed out, it seems as though they were sleepwalking through life, and "living outside of themselves" and were "spiritually disconnected and living a lie, in denial" and what were they teaching their children?
Suze said they needed to get real and be honest about their situation if they were to get out of it.
A taped piece revealed more of Felice's behavior.
In her house, she showed custom painted murals that she spent thousands of dollars on, silk plants costing $6-7K total. The kids closets showed that they had hardly any clothing at all, the closets were nearly empty with but a few items and plenty of hangers. She said that they buy clothing, they wear it a few times then it goes into her garage sale room to sell off. She said that if she paid $50. for something, it would sell for a dollar.
They also showed how she spent money on the children's birthday parties:
$1500.00 for a beauty party of nails. Her daughter and friends went in a limo.
$1500-2000.00 for a zoo animal party
$2000.00 for a snow party (they had to order the snow, they live in CA)
$4000.00 for a party in Las Vegas
Felice and her husband Phillip, thought they were $50K in debt but it turns out they were in $100K in debt. They had not a clue this was the reality.
Suze dispensed the following advice:
Save yourselves by knowing all info and to control your destiny.
It is evident you don't know who you are and you need to define yourself.
This is dysfunctional.
Start now and fix the future by changing behaviors to save yourself.
Suze said that on a scale of 1-10, how bad is this? It is off the scale and 1000 times bad.
She looked at their finances:
They took cash advances with high interest rates.
They had three cars although they said they were trying to sell one with no luck. ($1700. payments per month).
Mortgage ($658K)
Other loans ($135K total)
Mention was made on the type of mortgage they had which meant they had no equity in their house at all so they had nothing and would make nothing if they sold it.
Drastic measures must be taken.
Felice must get a job with health insurance.
It was suggested she work at Starbucks at 20 hours per week (nights and weekends) and after 90 days she would qualify for full health insurance which would cost $150-300 per month.
Get life insurance 10 year term insurance for a value of $100-600K.
Sell their house (Felice was against this) and move to Seattle WA where it would be less expensive than in CA. and they can pay down their debt. WA has no income tax and they can pay down debt faster.
It was also suggested that Felice return to work as a mortgage broker and work in that field part time.
Her husband is a computer contractor and works independently so the area is ripe for him to find a job.
Suze pointed out that CA is too expensive for them and starting over fresh would do them wonders.
It was also mentioned that they NOT take any money from their parents to help them out as this is a situation they created and their problem they must solve.
The Doyles, Cory and Shauna -- a young NYC couple expecting a baby.
Income: $146K per year combined but will be down to one income.
Student loans: $230K
Credit Cards: $60K
Luxury car payments: $1300. per month
Shauna likes to shop: purses and shoes are her weakness.
Cory has a massive DVD collection which he said he can live without now.
Student loans have not been paid and they get 6-8 calls a day.
Five years ago, they were debt free now they are "struggling because of poor choices".
Suze said:
"You create your own problems by creating the circumstances."
"Credit card debt is present day desires but you are paying for them in the future."
Cory admits buying a car to impress people.
Loss of one salary means you have to stop buying stuff.
Sell some of it to get some money back and pay down debt.
Never miss a loan payment.
Bankruptcy does not wipe out any student loan balances.
Financial Check Up RX
Never spend to impress others. (Who cares and isn't that shallow?)
Is it kind?
Is it necessary (do you need it?)?
Is it true (do you have the cash to pay it)?
Then don't spend.
You own the power to control your destiny.
Spend wisely.
My comments/opinions: These shows are good to educate people about money. It seems many people don't know how to manage money because of lack of financial education. Suze and many other financial gurus say that the system is set up to take advantage of people. People don't read the fine print and when things go wrong, they find out it is worse than they thought and are surprised.
They are surprised because they did not read the fine print or understand what they got into in the first place but signed on the dotted line.
Now Oprah has plenty of example people on with large incomes and money issues. However, what about people who make under $50K and are trying to survive on that? It seems that a large segment of the population is left out and they are the average people who watch her show.
Oprah needs to get with the reality of most people, not the ones who make great incomes and have no common sense on how to spend and save.
9/30/07
Bipolar Disorder
Basically, Oprah had several guests on talking about bipolar disorder.
Andrea, a housewife who killed her 6 year old son. Her friends also speak of her disorder which lead to the son's implusive and tragic death. She is serving a life sentence at this time.
Expert Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison spoke of the disorder and how it reeks havoc if not treated.
Soap Opera star Maurice Bedard (General Hospital, Sonny) spoke of his struggle with bipolar disorder and how medication helped him.
Jenifer Lewis, actress, spoke of her biopolar disorder and how medication is helping her. She mentioned that you need to tweak the meds to your proper level to feel comfortable
and that it took her almost a month to adjust and feel the change. The Dr. agreed with this statement.
Below are some other resources I found on the net describing/dealing with this malady which affects millions of people around the world.
Hope this helps someone. Blessings.
Resources
Mental Health.net
Red Flags at About.com
HelpGuide.org
At YouTube -- Actor Steven Fry has insightful documentaries on Manic Depression in several videos.
Search Oprah.com for more info.
Andrea, a housewife who killed her 6 year old son. Her friends also speak of her disorder which lead to the son's implusive and tragic death. She is serving a life sentence at this time.
Expert Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison spoke of the disorder and how it reeks havoc if not treated.
Soap Opera star Maurice Bedard (General Hospital, Sonny) spoke of his struggle with bipolar disorder and how medication helped him.
Jenifer Lewis, actress, spoke of her biopolar disorder and how medication is helping her. She mentioned that you need to tweak the meds to your proper level to feel comfortable
and that it took her almost a month to adjust and feel the change. The Dr. agreed with this statement.
Below are some other resources I found on the net describing/dealing with this malady which affects millions of people around the world.
Hope this helps someone. Blessings.
Resources
Mental Health.net
Red Flags at About.com
HelpGuide.org
At YouTube -- Actor Steven Fry has insightful documentaries on Manic Depression in several videos.
Search Oprah.com for more info.
M. Gary Neuman Divorce Expert
Show: Children of Divorce Share Their Secret Thoughts
This was an interesting show on how to handle telling your children that you and your spouse are divorcing.
There is a right way to do it and a wrong way and you have 45 seconds to be direct with them according the divorce expert M. Gary Neuman, author of "Helping Your Kids Cope with Divorce the Sandcastles Way" (workbook for children also available).
The right way helps the child emotionally go through the process in a healthy and healing way.
The wrong way can create emotional troubles for the child as in the case presented of Ebony.
My heart just ached for the children who shared their stories and certainly helped so many other people in the process.
Resources by M. Gary Neuman
This was an interesting show on how to handle telling your children that you and your spouse are divorcing.
There is a right way to do it and a wrong way and you have 45 seconds to be direct with them according the divorce expert M. Gary Neuman, author of "Helping Your Kids Cope with Divorce the Sandcastles Way" (workbook for children also available).
The right way helps the child emotionally go through the process in a healthy and healing way.
The wrong way can create emotional troubles for the child as in the case presented of Ebony.
My heart just ached for the children who shared their stories and certainly helped so many other people in the process.
Resources by M. Gary Neuman
9/14/07
Vera Wang and Julie Taymor
WOW! Vera Wang is now designing and producing everyday fashionable wear for Kohl's Department Stores. Her line is called Simply Vera and is in stores this week.
They had a fashion show and showed some very nice items for reasonable costs.
Then they showed some lovely gowns that were designed for Michelle Williams, Sandra Oh, and Kiera Knightly.
Also mentioned were the home items like bed linens and also pyjamas designed by Vera and in Kohl's also.
A few tips Vera mentioned as viewers were able to peek into her magnificent closet, set up like a shop!
1. She likes to wear a size larger for a more relaxed look.
2. Black looks good on anyone and can take 10 lbs off instantly.
3. Jewelry adds dimension and texture. The larger the piece, the less jewelry you wear.
Kohl's Department Store -- page says 30% off, you can shop online or shop the brick and motar store. Maybe if they don't have it at the store you still can get it online.
The second guest was Julie Taymor who put together The Lion King on stage.
Her latest project is the movie Across the Universe which is in limited release this weekend but will be in most movie theatres on 9/21. Thirty three Beatle songs are used to tell a surreal story.
When Paul McCarthy was screening the finished product with Julie, she asked him how he liked it and he said, "What's not to love?".
They had a fashion show and showed some very nice items for reasonable costs.
Then they showed some lovely gowns that were designed for Michelle Williams, Sandra Oh, and Kiera Knightly.
Also mentioned were the home items like bed linens and also pyjamas designed by Vera and in Kohl's also.
A few tips Vera mentioned as viewers were able to peek into her magnificent closet, set up like a shop!
1. She likes to wear a size larger for a more relaxed look.
2. Black looks good on anyone and can take 10 lbs off instantly.
3. Jewelry adds dimension and texture. The larger the piece, the less jewelry you wear.
Kohl's Department Store -- page says 30% off, you can shop online or shop the brick and motar store. Maybe if they don't have it at the store you still can get it online.
The second guest was Julie Taymor who put together The Lion King on stage.
Her latest project is the movie Across the Universe which is in limited release this weekend but will be in most movie theatres on 9/21. Thirty three Beatle songs are used to tell a surreal story.
When Paul McCarthy was screening the finished product with Julie, she asked him how he liked it and he said, "What's not to love?".
9/8/07
The Serenity Prayer
Paula Deen was on Oprah (repeat show) and she said that this prayer helped her through the tough times. I am posting this so that maybe it may help someone in need of hope.
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time, accepting hardship as the pathway to peace.
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it.
Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.
Amen.
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time, accepting hardship as the pathway to peace.
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it.
Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.
Amen.
5/1/07
Clean Up Your Life on Oprah
Oprah had Nate Berkus and Peter Walsh on as guests to present a clean up action plan.
First up was a family who suffered the loss of a dear child to cancer 5 1/2 years ago. They could not bring themselves to let go of objects because they did not want to lose the memories each object had. They felt that it would be a betrayal.
Peter Walsh said that this is very common. Nate mentioned the loss of his partner Fernando in the Tsunami. He could identify with this and said he realized that people aren't things that memories are much stronger.
Peter suggested that you focus on the items that have the strongest positive memories.
He presented a three step plan:
1. Remove all items and place outside.
2. Select the items with the strongest positive memories.
3. Place/sort items into piles for charity, keep, and memory (strong positive memories)
All stuff has power over you whether it is positive or negative and uses up energy.
Oprah clarified the objective as move on, move forward, but keep or hang on to the memory inside your mind.
They cleaned up and had the bedroom (that belonged to the deceased child) changed into an office.
Peter then mentioned that 70% of the population has to deal with clutter.
The next segment was about a family of seven, five children, a stay at home Mom, and a Dad.
They took a camera tour of their home. Clutter every where, things not put away, dining room table filled with stuff (last time they ate there was 2 years ago), and disorganized closets, as well as clothing thrown in piles everywhere, and food or dishes in bedrooms. The wife said she loves to scrapbook and her stuff was all over the place. The husband called the scrapbooking stuff kah-rapp. (Shocking and unsupportive, I say!)
The philosophy is that cleaning out clutter equals a better quality of life.
Peter asked if they had regular routines or house rules.
They said no. He said that the parents had to model the behavior to avoid such chaotic circumstances.
The first cleaned out the garage as it was eight years since they put a car in it since it became a dumping ground.
Peter suggested a F.A.S.T system 5-10 minute clean up.
F = Fix a set time to clean up and get organized.
A = Any thing not used or worn in a year get rid of.
S = Stuff that does not belong, get rid of, or classify/organize
T = Toss stuff in the trash
Have a vision of your space, purge, organize.
Have a plan on sorting and designating s.
Rule: If you bring one thing into the house (or buy new clothing) get rid of one thing so you are replacing items, not creating storing items and having the accumulation take over.
Too much clutter equals less productive activity.
What kind of life do you want? What do you want to keep in a room?
Do you want to be taking care of things or make time for people?
The lady got a nice desk for all her scrapbooking stuff from Crate and Barrel and she was happy it was all in one place. She was told to limit her stuff just to keep the space organized.
Now that you read this, get busy! Get organized!
Peter Walsh Designs
First up was a family who suffered the loss of a dear child to cancer 5 1/2 years ago. They could not bring themselves to let go of objects because they did not want to lose the memories each object had. They felt that it would be a betrayal.
Peter Walsh said that this is very common. Nate mentioned the loss of his partner Fernando in the Tsunami. He could identify with this and said he realized that people aren't things that memories are much stronger.
Peter suggested that you focus on the items that have the strongest positive memories.
He presented a three step plan:
1. Remove all items and place outside.
2. Select the items with the strongest positive memories.
3. Place/sort items into piles for charity, keep, and memory (strong positive memories)
All stuff has power over you whether it is positive or negative and uses up energy.
Oprah clarified the objective as move on, move forward, but keep or hang on to the memory inside your mind.
They cleaned up and had the bedroom (that belonged to the deceased child) changed into an office.
Peter then mentioned that 70% of the population has to deal with clutter.
The next segment was about a family of seven, five children, a stay at home Mom, and a Dad.
They took a camera tour of their home. Clutter every where, things not put away, dining room table filled with stuff (last time they ate there was 2 years ago), and disorganized closets, as well as clothing thrown in piles everywhere, and food or dishes in bedrooms. The wife said she loves to scrapbook and her stuff was all over the place. The husband called the scrapbooking stuff kah-rapp. (Shocking and unsupportive, I say!)
The philosophy is that cleaning out clutter equals a better quality of life.
Peter asked if they had regular routines or house rules.
They said no. He said that the parents had to model the behavior to avoid such chaotic circumstances.
The first cleaned out the garage as it was eight years since they put a car in it since it became a dumping ground.
Peter suggested a F.A.S.T system 5-10 minute clean up.
F = Fix a set time to clean up and get organized.
A = Any thing not used or worn in a year get rid of.
S = Stuff that does not belong, get rid of, or classify/organize
T = Toss stuff in the trash
Have a vision of your space, purge, organize.
Have a plan on sorting and designating s.
Rule: If you bring one thing into the house (or buy new clothing) get rid of one thing so you are replacing items, not creating storing items and having the accumulation take over.
Too much clutter equals less productive activity.
What kind of life do you want? What do you want to keep in a room?
Do you want to be taking care of things or make time for people?
The lady got a nice desk for all her scrapbooking stuff from Crate and Barrel and she was happy it was all in one place. She was told to limit her stuff just to keep the space organized.
Now that you read this, get busy! Get organized!
Peter Walsh Designs
4/27/07
Dr. Phil - Amanda and Pierre
WOW! Wednesday's Show 4/25/07
Poor Amanda the wife!
Her husband's (Pierre) mother controls and manipulates him as if she owns him.
Mother pays the mortgage on the house they live in and visits to "house check" once a week with out notification, just drop in and criticize.
Mother also bought him a fancy car.
Mother complains about the cost of the house.
When asked if he had to choose between his wife and mother, he says it is a hard choice because he cannot give up his lifestyle or car. Dr. Phil said maybe he should not be married if he was depending on his Mom for financial support.
Pierre is 38 years old and has a good job.
Amanda, his wife seemed considerably younger.
I do not recall how long or if it was even mentioned how long they have been married.
Mother has a very negative attitude toward Amanda and thinks Pierre should divorce her because there are better educated woman around for him.
Pierre says Mother never liked any of his girlfriends.
Mother says Amanda has a drinking problem. Amanda admits she does and the stress MIL is causing is part of the problem.
Mother and Pierre speak French when Amanda is around and Amanda does not speak or understand French but felt like Mother was talking about her.
As an experiment, Dr. Phil treated them to dinner and had Amanda wired so that an interpreter was telling Amanda what her husband and MIL were talking about. Amanda was right, MIL was trash talking about her.
Mother said that she is a psychologist and an expert at evaluating Amanda and her problems.
What? and she cannot control herself and steps over boundaries with all this verbal, emotional, mental and psychological abuse?
I hope Pierre is smart and gives the car and the house back to his mother.
Pierre and Amanda should buy their own house and car.
This would prevent Mother from dropping in frequently and claiming ownership.
Mother should mind her own business. If Pierre is happy with his life, let him be and be happy for him.
Don't think you (Mother) can sleep in the same bed with them just because you buy or provide big ticket items to claim ownership of your son and his life.
Call before you visit -- don't drop in unexpectedly.
Don't belittle your son or his wife. Keep your mouth shut and let them solve their own problems.
Mother was very annoying and evidently has nothing better to do than focus on her son's marriage and wife.
She needs to grow up and play nice in the sandbox.
No mention was made about Mother's marital status, no mention of a husband or his whereabouts.
Dr. Phil offered Amanda help to restore her sense of self esteem and her drinking problem. She accepted.
The second couple on the show needed lots of counselling before they even get engaged.
Too much anger, fighting, and disrespectful behavior that could lead to a very volatile and abusive relationship. Good luck to them.
Poor Amanda the wife!
Her husband's (Pierre) mother controls and manipulates him as if she owns him.
Mother pays the mortgage on the house they live in and visits to "house check" once a week with out notification, just drop in and criticize.
Mother also bought him a fancy car.
Mother complains about the cost of the house.
When asked if he had to choose between his wife and mother, he says it is a hard choice because he cannot give up his lifestyle or car. Dr. Phil said maybe he should not be married if he was depending on his Mom for financial support.
Pierre is 38 years old and has a good job.
Amanda, his wife seemed considerably younger.
I do not recall how long or if it was even mentioned how long they have been married.
Mother has a very negative attitude toward Amanda and thinks Pierre should divorce her because there are better educated woman around for him.
Pierre says Mother never liked any of his girlfriends.
Mother says Amanda has a drinking problem. Amanda admits she does and the stress MIL is causing is part of the problem.
Mother and Pierre speak French when Amanda is around and Amanda does not speak or understand French but felt like Mother was talking about her.
As an experiment, Dr. Phil treated them to dinner and had Amanda wired so that an interpreter was telling Amanda what her husband and MIL were talking about. Amanda was right, MIL was trash talking about her.
Mother said that she is a psychologist and an expert at evaluating Amanda and her problems.
What? and she cannot control herself and steps over boundaries with all this verbal, emotional, mental and psychological abuse?
I hope Pierre is smart and gives the car and the house back to his mother.
Pierre and Amanda should buy their own house and car.
This would prevent Mother from dropping in frequently and claiming ownership.
Mother should mind her own business. If Pierre is happy with his life, let him be and be happy for him.
Don't think you (Mother) can sleep in the same bed with them just because you buy or provide big ticket items to claim ownership of your son and his life.
Call before you visit -- don't drop in unexpectedly.
Don't belittle your son or his wife. Keep your mouth shut and let them solve their own problems.
Mother was very annoying and evidently has nothing better to do than focus on her son's marriage and wife.
She needs to grow up and play nice in the sandbox.
No mention was made about Mother's marital status, no mention of a husband or his whereabouts.
Dr. Phil offered Amanda help to restore her sense of self esteem and her drinking problem. She accepted.
The second couple on the show needed lots of counselling before they even get engaged.
Too much anger, fighting, and disrespectful behavior that could lead to a very volatile and abusive relationship. Good luck to them.
4/16/07
The Happiness Quiz
As seen on Oprah.
The bottom line is to love, respect, and honor yourself first and think postitively.
Don't dwell on the negative, look at the negative as something postitive, what have you learned from it and what doors can that open for you.
Take the Satisfaction with Life Scale or as Oprah calls it . . .
The Happiness Quiz
The bottom line is to love, respect, and honor yourself first and think postitively.
Don't dwell on the negative, look at the negative as something postitive, what have you learned from it and what doors can that open for you.
Take the Satisfaction with Life Scale or as Oprah calls it . . .
The Happiness Quiz
4/11/07
National Sibling Day
On Oprah, she mentioned that Tuesday April 10th was National Sibling Day although only half the states recognize it and the other half don't. Her audience was filled with siblings and her show was about siblings.
I liked the little adopted girls from China story the best. Both adopted by Americans (two different families), both named them Mia, and from a post in an online adoption community, the two Moms met, chatted, then found similarities to the stories, traded pictures and saw more similarities. They had DNA testing done and found out that the two girls were sisters. Both had been abandoned at the same place at different times then placed in an orphanage, then adopted.
Kudos to the Mom raising her children alone after her husband's sudden death. They turned out fine. She said she kept them at home, in school, and in church.
Here is my quick sibling story:
My daughter had to have several teeth removed because her mouth was too small.
We took her to the dentist and she underwent surgery. We brought her home and she was resting/sleeping on the sofa when my son came home from kindergarten.
Not use to seeing his sister knocked out he turned and asked me if she was dead.
I had to explain to him that the drugs they gave her made her very tired and sleepy for a day or so.
Siblings can be funny.
I liked the little adopted girls from China story the best. Both adopted by Americans (two different families), both named them Mia, and from a post in an online adoption community, the two Moms met, chatted, then found similarities to the stories, traded pictures and saw more similarities. They had DNA testing done and found out that the two girls were sisters. Both had been abandoned at the same place at different times then placed in an orphanage, then adopted.
Kudos to the Mom raising her children alone after her husband's sudden death. They turned out fine. She said she kept them at home, in school, and in church.
Here is my quick sibling story:
My daughter had to have several teeth removed because her mouth was too small.
We took her to the dentist and she underwent surgery. We brought her home and she was resting/sleeping on the sofa when my son came home from kindergarten.
Not use to seeing his sister knocked out he turned and asked me if she was dead.
I had to explain to him that the drugs they gave her made her very tired and sleepy for a day or so.
Siblings can be funny.
4/10/07
The Grammar Girl
Since Doe's last post about "then and than" usage, I got to thinking what my pet peeve is.
It is your and you are aka you're, a contraction.
Your means belonging to you.
You are or You're welcome.
Now, what is so annoying is when people make PSP snags and tags and put your welcome versus (not verses) you're welcome.
And then there is yore, as in "days of yore" meaning yesteryear. Yore is not used much anymore, maybe in a song, and an old song at that.
Your, you're, yore are homonyms or homophones -- sound the same spelled differently, and different definitions.
Another confusioned set of homophones:
There -- There is the book.
Their -- You know the Temples, their (belonging to the Temples) dog Muffie is so cute.
They're -- They're (They are) going to leave soon.
Now on Oprah -- a viewer wrote in about incorrect English on Oprah and Gayle's Road Trip graphic that drove her crazy.
She said it should be Oprah's and Gayle's Road Trip, each name gets an apostrophe s.
The Grammar Girl (the guest expert) says if it is two people doing the same thing or owning the same thing, then the last name gets the apostrophe s, not both names.
Remember it is Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream as the example.
So for any other usage issues, you can visit The Grammar Girl who was seen on Oprah, and listen to her audio quips of Quick and Dirty Tips to Clean Up Your Writing, or read her blog and all the language usage comments by her readers.
You might learn something new, or refresh your memory.
It is your and you are aka you're, a contraction.
Your means belonging to you.
You are or You're welcome.
Now, what is so annoying is when people make PSP snags and tags and put your welcome versus (not verses) you're welcome.
And then there is yore, as in "days of yore" meaning yesteryear. Yore is not used much anymore, maybe in a song, and an old song at that.
Your, you're, yore are homonyms or homophones -- sound the same spelled differently, and different definitions.
Another confusioned set of homophones:
There -- There is the book.
Their -- You know the Temples, their (belonging to the Temples) dog Muffie is so cute.
They're -- They're (They are) going to leave soon.
Now on Oprah -- a viewer wrote in about incorrect English on Oprah and Gayle's Road Trip graphic that drove her crazy.
She said it should be Oprah's and Gayle's Road Trip, each name gets an apostrophe s.
The Grammar Girl (the guest expert) says if it is two people doing the same thing or owning the same thing, then the last name gets the apostrophe s, not both names.
Remember it is Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream as the example.
So for any other usage issues, you can visit The Grammar Girl who was seen on Oprah, and listen to her audio quips of Quick and Dirty Tips to Clean Up Your Writing, or read her blog and all the language usage comments by her readers.
You might learn something new, or refresh your memory.
3/27/07
Oprah's Good News Show
Very nice positive show.
The man who won the HGTV Dream Home and a tour.
Olympian Toby Dawson, a U.S. freestyle skier, who was adopted as a toddler, finds his biological family after being exposed and featured at the Olympics. He said he got lost in the market when he was two then placed in an orphanage then adopted. This was a nice story.
Two ladies who took Oprah's Play it Forward challenge help a little Irish baby born with unusual birth defects.
Two brothers report a predator, appear on Oprah's show and are surprised to recieve $50,000 each for their reporting. Oprah asked what they would do with the money but they said they did not know however it will change their lives. (Now another guest on the money show a few weeks ago, said if you come into a windfall, don't spend it all at once. I hope they were watching.)
And lastly to report, Pastor Will Bowen of Christ Church Unity in Kansas City, Missouri, is trying to change all the world a bit by encouraging and challenging people not to complain for 21 days. You wear a purple bracelet and when you complain, you change it from one wrist to the other then you have to start all over to get 21 days in a row. For some people, they would take months to go 21 days.
This is a good idea but for me, it would mean I could not tell other family members to clean up, get off the computer, go to bed, eat your spinach, etc.
You can request a bracelet (*f*r*e*e*) here and it will take five weeks to process, so don't complain. Deleted link as offer seems to have been discontinued.
The man who won the HGTV Dream Home and a tour.
Olympian Toby Dawson, a U.S. freestyle skier, who was adopted as a toddler, finds his biological family after being exposed and featured at the Olympics. He said he got lost in the market when he was two then placed in an orphanage then adopted. This was a nice story.
Two ladies who took Oprah's Play it Forward challenge help a little Irish baby born with unusual birth defects.
Two brothers report a predator, appear on Oprah's show and are surprised to recieve $50,000 each for their reporting. Oprah asked what they would do with the money but they said they did not know however it will change their lives. (Now another guest on the money show a few weeks ago, said if you come into a windfall, don't spend it all at once. I hope they were watching.)
And lastly to report, Pastor Will Bowen of Christ Church Unity in Kansas City, Missouri, is trying to change all the world a bit by encouraging and challenging people not to complain for 21 days. You wear a purple bracelet and when you complain, you change it from one wrist to the other then you have to start all over to get 21 days in a row. For some people, they would take months to go 21 days.
This is a good idea but for me, it would mean I could not tell other family members to clean up, get off the computer, go to bed, eat your spinach, etc.
You can request a bracelet (*f*r*e*e*) here and it will take five weeks to process, so don't complain. Deleted link as offer seems to have been discontinued.
3/16/07
Oprah's Windfall Show
Oprah had people on today who talked about going from rags to riches then back to rags again and regaing their sanity back to normallacy, well almost.
First up was Nadine Purdy who by fortune events, ended up being successful with her own boutique.
However, she had no money sense and spent every dime that came in on material things, dinner parties for large crowds,
eating out all the time, and hanging out and keeping up with all the beautiful people.
Eventually, her lifestyle included a $600. a day cocaine habit, then heroine, she lost her 5000 square foot condo (bought with cash), her husband and her children.
She lived on the street until entering rehab and has been clean for 5 years.
She has picked herself up and has gone into business with her sister opening up a few more boutiques under the name "Purdy Girls".
Nadine has altered her life to live more simply citing that materialism does not make you happy but who you are on the inside is more valuable.
She says that she should have learned how to handle money differently back then but can apply her experience now so that she does not make the same mistakes
twice.
Another lady, with $10, went to the store to buy milk but decided to buy lottery tickets instead.
She called the number to find out what the winning numbers were and could not believe she had the winning ticket.
She was screaming so all her neighbors knew right away that she hit the $15.5 million jackpot.
She and her husband quit their jobs because for 20 years, they get $487 thousand dollars a year after taxes.
They bought everything and of course, friends and family came calling and begging.
She had a hard time saying NO and ended up with money headaches.
She wishes she had handled it differently. Her first mistake was telling everyone she won.
None of the people she handed money to are her friends today.
They ended up moving away where no one knew them to avoid similiar experiences.
Most of the money they got is gone. They saved some but she says, not enough.
The lottery checks stop in 4 1/2 years.
Mention was made of a guy named Bud who won millions, spent it all in a short time, and died broke.
Another broke bloke was MC Hammer who was worth millions but spent it all without a real plan.
Lynette Khalfani was the expert financial advisor guest.
Another gal got a settlement of 1.3 million dollars from her late father's lawsuit.
She already squandered over a quarter of a million dollars, which is what she already received, more money is too come.
Lynette's advice to receiving a windfall from a raise or bonus, tax return, inheritance, or lottery winnings was the following:
1. Make firm decisions and establish boundaries -- decide who you are going to help and a plan. Learn how to say NO. STick to your plan. Do not let others financially abuse you.
2. Pay off debt.
3. If you receive more than $50 grand, get some financial help to plan investments, have a system for requests, give and plan responsibly.
This is my opinion -- if you get lots of money, don't spend it right away, put it in a CD for six months or a year THEN think about how you will eventually spend it OR if you wish to continue to
just save it.
Lynette also said that more than 70% of Americans have no financial education and can not make good decisions for themselves.
A budget is a plan of action -- don't be impulsive, make decisions on purchases/spending/charity carefully and thoughtfully.
A budget is a long term way of keeping more of your money rather than it disappearing fast before you know it.
The Social Experiment -- ShowTime's: "Reversal of Fortune"
A film maker went out and followed a homeless person about for a set time.
The homeless person was tested medically, psychologically, and for drugs before filming.
Ted had been in prison and released. He had lived on the streets for 20 years, no job, just collects bottles for cash. On a good day, he would make $20.00 He slept under a bridge on the ground, and had a cigarette and beer for breakfast.
On July 5, 2005, while going through a dumpster, he found an attache case filled with a hundred grand.
The experiment was, would this money help someone or would it solve or create more problems.
Ted's first thought was to get a Harley.
He stated he wanted an apartment and job.
He checked into a hotel and took a shower (last one was three months previously) and called a few people to tell them the news.
He bought a $35,000 truck and then bought a car for another guy he saw regularly at the recycle station.
Half his money is gone.
He gets a credit card.
He travels to visit family and upon request (or demand) he is generous and hands over money to them.
He now has more friends because they know he has money and are using him for it.
Ted thinks he has a bottomless pit of money.
The film maker says Ted was given therapy and financial advice and a job. It was Ted's free will that would determine his success or failure for this social experiment.
Ted also acquired a wife. When the money ran out, so did she although they are still married but not living together.
Today, he is still homeless and says he owes more than he did before he got the money.
He has no plan for his future.
He cannot erase the problems the money brought on, he says he feels worse now for being too generous. He also said, that none of those people he helped are around him since he has no money now yet they never helped him out when he was down and out.
The film maker said that habits may be hard to break and that there are other problems (drugs or alchohol, etc) some people may have that prevent them from living normally.
My synopsis:
In the case of the first and second women, the fact that they could not say NO and felt they had to please other people, keep up with the Jonese, before they took care of themselves, clearly shows
that they had low self-esteem, poor self-image and lack of self confidence.
Ted, on the other hand, his lifestyle was a habit complicated by other personal issues so he could not function normally.
Money is the root of all evil -- Money can create more problems than it can solve.
Yes, if not used wisely and used impulsively, or to influence others to thinking you are a nice and good person.
You can always be nice and good if you don't have money to flash around.
People first, money second, and things last as Suze Ormand always says.
First up was Nadine Purdy who by fortune events, ended up being successful with her own boutique.
However, she had no money sense and spent every dime that came in on material things, dinner parties for large crowds,
eating out all the time, and hanging out and keeping up with all the beautiful people.
Eventually, her lifestyle included a $600. a day cocaine habit, then heroine, she lost her 5000 square foot condo (bought with cash), her husband and her children.
She lived on the street until entering rehab and has been clean for 5 years.
She has picked herself up and has gone into business with her sister opening up a few more boutiques under the name "Purdy Girls".
Nadine has altered her life to live more simply citing that materialism does not make you happy but who you are on the inside is more valuable.
She says that she should have learned how to handle money differently back then but can apply her experience now so that she does not make the same mistakes
twice.
Another lady, with $10, went to the store to buy milk but decided to buy lottery tickets instead.
She called the number to find out what the winning numbers were and could not believe she had the winning ticket.
She was screaming so all her neighbors knew right away that she hit the $15.5 million jackpot.
She and her husband quit their jobs because for 20 years, they get $487 thousand dollars a year after taxes.
They bought everything and of course, friends and family came calling and begging.
She had a hard time saying NO and ended up with money headaches.
She wishes she had handled it differently. Her first mistake was telling everyone she won.
None of the people she handed money to are her friends today.
They ended up moving away where no one knew them to avoid similiar experiences.
Most of the money they got is gone. They saved some but she says, not enough.
The lottery checks stop in 4 1/2 years.
Mention was made of a guy named Bud who won millions, spent it all in a short time, and died broke.
Another broke bloke was MC Hammer who was worth millions but spent it all without a real plan.
Lynette Khalfani was the expert financial advisor guest.
Another gal got a settlement of 1.3 million dollars from her late father's lawsuit.
She already squandered over a quarter of a million dollars, which is what she already received, more money is too come.
Lynette's advice to receiving a windfall from a raise or bonus, tax return, inheritance, or lottery winnings was the following:
1. Make firm decisions and establish boundaries -- decide who you are going to help and a plan. Learn how to say NO. STick to your plan. Do not let others financially abuse you.
2. Pay off debt.
3. If you receive more than $50 grand, get some financial help to plan investments, have a system for requests, give and plan responsibly.
This is my opinion -- if you get lots of money, don't spend it right away, put it in a CD for six months or a year THEN think about how you will eventually spend it OR if you wish to continue to
just save it.
Lynette also said that more than 70% of Americans have no financial education and can not make good decisions for themselves.
A budget is a plan of action -- don't be impulsive, make decisions on purchases/spending/charity carefully and thoughtfully.
A budget is a long term way of keeping more of your money rather than it disappearing fast before you know it.
The Social Experiment -- ShowTime's: "Reversal of Fortune"
A film maker went out and followed a homeless person about for a set time.
The homeless person was tested medically, psychologically, and for drugs before filming.
Ted had been in prison and released. He had lived on the streets for 20 years, no job, just collects bottles for cash. On a good day, he would make $20.00 He slept under a bridge on the ground, and had a cigarette and beer for breakfast.
On July 5, 2005, while going through a dumpster, he found an attache case filled with a hundred grand.
The experiment was, would this money help someone or would it solve or create more problems.
Ted's first thought was to get a Harley.
He stated he wanted an apartment and job.
He checked into a hotel and took a shower (last one was three months previously) and called a few people to tell them the news.
He bought a $35,000 truck and then bought a car for another guy he saw regularly at the recycle station.
Half his money is gone.
He gets a credit card.
He travels to visit family and upon request (or demand) he is generous and hands over money to them.
He now has more friends because they know he has money and are using him for it.
Ted thinks he has a bottomless pit of money.
The film maker says Ted was given therapy and financial advice and a job. It was Ted's free will that would determine his success or failure for this social experiment.
Ted also acquired a wife. When the money ran out, so did she although they are still married but not living together.
Today, he is still homeless and says he owes more than he did before he got the money.
He has no plan for his future.
He cannot erase the problems the money brought on, he says he feels worse now for being too generous. He also said, that none of those people he helped are around him since he has no money now yet they never helped him out when he was down and out.
The film maker said that habits may be hard to break and that there are other problems (drugs or alchohol, etc) some people may have that prevent them from living normally.
My synopsis:
In the case of the first and second women, the fact that they could not say NO and felt they had to please other people, keep up with the Jonese, before they took care of themselves, clearly shows
that they had low self-esteem, poor self-image and lack of self confidence.
Ted, on the other hand, his lifestyle was a habit complicated by other personal issues so he could not function normally.
Money is the root of all evil -- Money can create more problems than it can solve.
Yes, if not used wisely and used impulsively, or to influence others to thinking you are a nice and good person.
You can always be nice and good if you don't have money to flash around.
People first, money second, and things last as Suze Ormand always says.
2/19/07
Oprah's Debt Diet Update
Oprah recently had the three couples on that she featured in Spring 2006 near financial ruin. All three couples revamped their finances and two of the three paid down their debt considerably for the short time they were involved in the program. This was good news and they felt better about their lives.
The third couple, the ones with the craft supply addicted wife and the two spoiled daughters, they rearranged their finances, reduced their mortgage and the wife went to work as a Real Estate agent. So now they have more money, did they pay down their debt? NO! Instead, they now feel they have MORE money (new income and less mortgage) and raised their debt by $37K and seemed proud of it! Personally, I think they are still on a landslide. I think the nation was disappointed in their choice but it is their choice, however, if they go bankrupt, we all end up paying for people like them in some way shape or form.
So, that is the synopsis of the update show.
Here is my original post on the show with some really nifty sites to help you get your finances in order.
Other great finance shows: Suze Ormand on CNBC on the weekends, Dave Ramsey's Radio Show and A&E's Big Spender with no excuses tough talking Larry Winget (show review) who has been there, done that. He now inspires others to get our of the gutter before they flush away their lives and end up on the street with nothing but the clothing on their backs. The show now airs on Saturday nights.
The third couple, the ones with the craft supply addicted wife and the two spoiled daughters, they rearranged their finances, reduced their mortgage and the wife went to work as a Real Estate agent. So now they have more money, did they pay down their debt? NO! Instead, they now feel they have MORE money (new income and less mortgage) and raised their debt by $37K and seemed proud of it! Personally, I think they are still on a landslide. I think the nation was disappointed in their choice but it is their choice, however, if they go bankrupt, we all end up paying for people like them in some way shape or form.
So, that is the synopsis of the update show.
Here is my original post on the show with some really nifty sites to help you get your finances in order.
Other great finance shows: Suze Ormand on CNBC on the weekends, Dave Ramsey's Radio Show and A&E's Big Spender with no excuses tough talking Larry Winget (show review) who has been there, done that. He now inspires others to get our of the gutter before they flush away their lives and end up on the street with nothing but the clothing on their backs. The show now airs on Saturday nights.
2/8/07
The Secret
Another Oprah show but this was like an infomercial.
Oprah had a guest panel on taking about "The Secret" -- a book and DVD combination that if followed, can increase the potential of your inner self's spirit and reward you with a better quality life once you commit to learning "The Secret" and practicing it. The panel consisted of the authoress Rhonda Byrne, James Arthur Ray, Lisa Nichols, Jack Canfield, and Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith.
The basic concept is "like attracts like" and get to know yourself well and love who you are first and celebrate your uniqueness.
"Like attracts like" -- how many of your friends are like you, you identify with that. Look at how many people go looking for trouble and find it! How many people find themselves in the same kind of relationships over and over again and complain -- they need to take a good look at themselves under a microscope and make some changes.
If a person is pleasant to you, usually you recipricate the feeling back to them. So approach something with a positive attitude.
Don't think a mistake is a mistake, many good things can come from it, like what you learned or how to do it better the next time. There is always a silver lining! You need to take a good look.
Whatever you are, whatever state you are in, that is what you will attract back to you.
If you want changes in your life, a transformation, know yourself and all your pluses and minusis, and love yourself first, know what you will or will not tolerate, and stick to your beliefs and goals.
You control your destiny. You are the captain of your ship.
Once you know this, set your thoughts into actions, then how can you serve the world, what good can you do for society? Sharing with others often rewards you in so many ways!
Basically, that is what they were saying. I did not hear of this book/dvd till today, so I guess I should go out and seek that knowledge by reading The Secret, it might come in handy.
Oprah's Site -- search for show "The Secret" for more information.
Oprah had a guest panel on taking about "The Secret" -- a book and DVD combination that if followed, can increase the potential of your inner self's spirit and reward you with a better quality life once you commit to learning "The Secret" and practicing it. The panel consisted of the authoress Rhonda Byrne, James Arthur Ray, Lisa Nichols, Jack Canfield, and Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith.
The basic concept is "like attracts like" and get to know yourself well and love who you are first and celebrate your uniqueness.
"Like attracts like" -- how many of your friends are like you, you identify with that. Look at how many people go looking for trouble and find it! How many people find themselves in the same kind of relationships over and over again and complain -- they need to take a good look at themselves under a microscope and make some changes.
If a person is pleasant to you, usually you recipricate the feeling back to them. So approach something with a positive attitude.
Don't think a mistake is a mistake, many good things can come from it, like what you learned or how to do it better the next time. There is always a silver lining! You need to take a good look.
Whatever you are, whatever state you are in, that is what you will attract back to you.
If you want changes in your life, a transformation, know yourself and all your pluses and minusis, and love yourself first, know what you will or will not tolerate, and stick to your beliefs and goals.
You control your destiny. You are the captain of your ship.
Once you know this, set your thoughts into actions, then how can you serve the world, what good can you do for society? Sharing with others often rewards you in so many ways!
Basically, that is what they were saying. I did not hear of this book/dvd till today, so I guess I should go out and seek that knowledge by reading The Secret, it might come in handy.
Oprah's Site -- search for show "The Secret" for more information.
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