I think everyone knows how I feel about teachers. In my opinion, they are the most powerful people on this earth, because they possess the ability to change and shape minds. Now we can all be teachers...
The Idea: Learn something new, then teach it to someone else. Some of you may know of my commitment to do something I've never done before every month. Think how much more learning could be accomplished if I shared that new thing with someone else who also hadn't done it before?
The Cost: Depends on what you decide to learn.
The Benefit: Each new experience increases your knowledge, and passing that knowledge on to someone else can help create change in the world!
Testimonial: I promise to share all the new things I'm learning in Egypt with as many people as I can. I also will try to invite someone along for my monthly "Do Something New" exursions from now on.
Sep 21, 2007
#38: Pay What You Owe (Friday, September 21)
We've all had someone borrow something from us and not return it (Good Friday #20: Many Happy Returns) and it's not a nice feeling. Unpaid monetary debts are no different.
The Idea: Pay your debts. Get a copy of your credit report (it's free, yall!) and review any unpaid items that are listed there. If it is a legitimate debt, pay it off IN FULL; do not accept any settlements or special offers. You created the full debt, so you should pay the full debt. If the debt is not valid, write a letter to all three credit reporting agencies disputing the debt, and if possible provide documentation.
The Cost: Whatever you owe.
The Benefit: You'll get the monkey off your back, re-establish yourself as someone that can be trusted, and if you have kids, you'll begin setting the foundation for them to become responsible, trust- and credit-worthy adults.
Testimonial: I'm currently looking into my credit situation. Unbelievably, I found that there are some things on my credit report that I don't even know about. Even though reports are avaiable free, I recommend getting reports from all three credit reporting agencies, as the information may be different. Also, check out the FTC's website on credit which has a wealth of information to help consumers get out - and stay out - of debt.
Also, I'll be dedicating my Saturdays in October to participate in the Citi Financial Education program, where my colleagues and I will be teaching financial literacy (saving, credit, investing, etc.) to people in underserved communities through the New York Urban League. I'm excited to be able to give back something to the community I live in.
P.S. For those of you living in NYC, I'm sure you've seen the taxicabs with the flowers painted on them...I haven't seen any of the actual flowers I painted yet (Good Friday #19), but each time I see a painted taxicab, I'm SOOO happy to have been a part of the program.
The Idea: Pay your debts. Get a copy of your credit report (it's free, yall!) and review any unpaid items that are listed there. If it is a legitimate debt, pay it off IN FULL; do not accept any settlements or special offers. You created the full debt, so you should pay the full debt. If the debt is not valid, write a letter to all three credit reporting agencies disputing the debt, and if possible provide documentation.
The Cost: Whatever you owe.
The Benefit: You'll get the monkey off your back, re-establish yourself as someone that can be trusted, and if you have kids, you'll begin setting the foundation for them to become responsible, trust- and credit-worthy adults.
Testimonial: I'm currently looking into my credit situation. Unbelievably, I found that there are some things on my credit report that I don't even know about. Even though reports are avaiable free, I recommend getting reports from all three credit reporting agencies, as the information may be different. Also, check out the FTC's website on credit which has a wealth of information to help consumers get out - and stay out - of debt.
Also, I'll be dedicating my Saturdays in October to participate in the Citi Financial Education program, where my colleagues and I will be teaching financial literacy (saving, credit, investing, etc.) to people in underserved communities through the New York Urban League. I'm excited to be able to give back something to the community I live in.
P.S. For those of you living in NYC, I'm sure you've seen the taxicabs with the flowers painted on them...I haven't seen any of the actual flowers I painted yet (Good Friday #19), but each time I see a painted taxicab, I'm SOOO happy to have been a part of the program.
Sep 14, 2007
#37: Start Something Wonderful (Friday, September 14)
A lot of people think of work as something separate from the rest of the rest of their lives, yet if you really think about it, many people spend the majority of their lives at work. Why not use your time there more effectively?
The Idea: Start a volunteer initiative at your job. If you don't have an job, start one in your apartment building. If you live in a house, organize a volunteer day for your street. It may be something as simple as getting your coworkers to participate in a volunteer initiative you're already a part of, or as ambitious as starting and coordinating something from scratch.
The Cost: Time that you'd have probably spent either a) surfing the internet or being otherwise unproductive at work or b) volunteering (if it's already an established initiative).
The Benefit: You'll be able to help others, and you might also reap unintended benefits such as recognition/help/support from senior management. In addition, it's a nice way to feel good about the company you work for.
The Idea: Start a volunteer initiative at your job. If you don't have an job, start one in your apartment building. If you live in a house, organize a volunteer day for your street. It may be something as simple as getting your coworkers to participate in a volunteer initiative you're already a part of, or as ambitious as starting and coordinating something from scratch.
The Cost: Time that you'd have probably spent either a) surfing the internet or being otherwise unproductive at work or b) volunteering (if it's already an established initiative).
The Benefit: You'll be able to help others, and you might also reap unintended benefits such as recognition/help/support from senior management. In addition, it's a nice way to feel good about the company you work for.
Sep 7, 2007
#36: Help Resolve Conflict (Friday, September 7)
We've all been in a situation where two people we love aren't on speaking terms or are constantly fighting. Not only does it put you in the awkward position of being in the middle, you can probably also see that in most cases, the conflict is the result of a misunderstanding.
The Idea: Help resolve a conflict between two people you love. Try using these steps to help:
The Idea: Help resolve a conflict between two people you love. Try using these steps to help:
- Get both people in a neutral environment together.
- Be objective; state the situation as it is without choosing sides.
- Allow each person time to speak without your interruption or interjections from the other party.
- Find the commonalities in their perception of the situation and focus on those.
- Have each person talk about how the situation made them feel, instead of throwing blame.
- Speak about how their conflict makes you feel.
- Find a compromise (i.e. the win-win situation) for both.
- Have them both make a resolution and shake on it before leaving the meeting.
The Cost: Just a little of your time, objectivity and your commitment to improving the lives of those you love.
The Benefit: Resolution of conflict restores balance and harmony in the lives of those it affected. In addition, it takes much more energy and effort to fight with someone than it does to be cordial and respectful. You may not get both parties to be the best of friends, but you can get them to a mutually respectful place that is beneficial for all.
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