Simpleology Blog

In a world where winning the rat race--or any other contest that pits one individual against another--is considered a stellar achievement, pop culture analyst Alfie Kohn's No Contest: The Case Against Competition highlights a more enlightened perspective.

The book, which has been controversial since it first came out in 1986, criticizes society's obsession with competition. He cites three very good reasons why our contest-driven mentality isn't really healthy:

1. It divides us. Kohn eloquently argues that our struggle to defeat each other--at work, at school, at play, and at home--turns all of us into losers because we waste our time, resources, and energy in our "fight" against our rivals. Instead, we could have decided to join forces with our competition and accomplish so much more.

2. It corrupts us. Kohn believes that it is not a part of "human nature." In fact, he writes, the fact that most of our workplaces and schools value competitiveness instead of excellence push some people to employ dirty tactics in order to win.

3. It alienates us. "Rather than building character, competition sabotages self-esteem and ruins relationships. It even warps recreation by turning the playing field into a battlefield," states Kohn.

The points that Kohn highlights are worth pondering on. Reading the book also had me recalling a quip made by comedienne Lily Tomlin: "Remember, young people, even if you win the rat race, you're still a rat."

Posted by Bean Jones at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Blog it forward. Your thoughts may give great comfort to others.

Lately I've been worried over what to blog about. (Chalk it up to my brain going fuzzy from decongestants.) But then a friend gave me a link to an article discussing the results of a 2005 AOL survey done by Digital Marketing Services Inc. and I found myself energized.

Support Group
A total of 600 bloggers--men and women aged 18 and above--participated in the survey.

About 48 percent of the bloggers revealed that they kept a blog because "it serves as a form of therapy" while around 40 percent stated that blogging "helps them keep in touch with family and friends."

Bill Schreiner, Vice President and General Manager of Community Programming for America Online, observed: "In a way, blogs serve as oral history. When it comes to sharing blogs and reading other people's blogs, we like to connect with people, learn about their lives, and find common ground."

Empowering Trend
An inspiring CNN article affirms blogging's therapeutic benefits. In it, journalist Anna Jane Grossman cites the results of the polls done by the Pew Internet and American Life Project in 2006. The results revealed that "roughly 12 million Americans have blogs...and many seem to use them as a form of group therapy."

Grossman goes on to highlight bloggers who have used blogging to help them come to terms with life-changing tragedies.

Indeed, many blogs have transformed into informal support groups. They range from the low-key Everyone Needs Therapy to the bold and busy TreeHugger.

Blogs like these serve to inspire others to come up with sites that have an impact and can also hopefully make a difference in other people's lives.

Yes, there's room for fun posts. But I think if there's an opportunity to do good through one's blog, one should use it.

Posted by Bean Jones at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hidden Wealth. Putting away a year's worth of loose change may add up to unexpectedly-huge savings.

A week ago, I started reading Marisha Pessl's novel, Special Topics in Calamity Physics, which I had borrowed from my workmate, Meg. I was really getting into the novel when a crisp $10 bill floated out from between the book's pages.

Out-of-the-Box Savings
Bemused, I tucked it back in the first page and finished reading the novel. Later when I returned the book, I told Meg what I'd found.

She shrugged and admitted that she used whatever came handy as a bookmark. A photo, or her shopping list... Sometimes it would be whatever bill she had on her at the time.

Knowing that she was a proud bookworm, I became curious about just how much money we would actually find hiding in her bookshelf. I was amazed to learn that her "book deposits" added up to about $800 last year.

"It's not hard to save up when you think you're not doing it," Meg told me. "Some of my friends think I'm nuts to stash bills into my books. But, hey, I had an extra $800 last year. That's not bad at all."

Hidden Rewards
Meg's financial philosophy--if you can call it that--is echoed by Walter Updegrave, author of How to Retire Rich in a Totally Changed World: Why You're Not in Kansas Anymore. As such, he lists the ways through which we can "fool" ourselves into saving money:

1. Hide the Money. Money you don't see is likely money you won't spend. Updegrave suggests signing up for an automatic investment plan. This service is actually offered by most mutual fund companies. Once set-up, money will be automatically transferred from your checking account to your chosen mutual fund.

2. Stash unexpected windfalls. Instead of spending your refunds or rebates, deposit them into your savings account as soon as you receive them. You might be surprised how much you will end up saving this way.

3. Keep paying off a debt--even after you've completed payments. Once you're done paying off your debts, keep writing checks you can deposit to your investment or savings account. Since you're so accustomed to paying this amount off anyway, this "extra" money can go a long way towards helping you achieve your financial goals.

Small Start, Big Rewards
Updegrave's (and Meg's) advice gives me some hope. You see, I'm not too strong in the savings department. I really need to figure out what kind of saving strategy will work for me. Fooling myself into saving my cash may be the answer to my dilemma.

For starters, I'm now off to empty out my coin jar. Since I don't spend the spare change, I'm hoping that there's at least a $20 in there. Hopefully, this would be start of a habit that would give me the best reward of all: financial management smarts. Because I sure need it. (Or maybe I really just ought to re-read Simpleology 102's the First Law of Money: The Law of Input and Output.)

Credits: Photo by Petr Kratochvil, courtesy of Public Domain Pictures.

Posted by Bean Jones at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Don't go this way. In the film, Jerry Maguire, the lead character commits every resignation etiquette gaffe and burns his bridges in a matter of minutes.

When Mark Joyner interviewed me way back in May, one of the questions he asked was why I had resigned from my previous jobs. I simply said, "I didn't feel I'd be learning anything more if I had stayed."

Play Nice
My answer to Mark's question was true but--as anyone who's worked in several companies will tell you--there are bosses who treat you as if you were less than human.

Still, I bit my tongue to keep from saying anything that'd make Mark think I'd badmouth bosses and workmates every chance I get.

Yes, there were a couple of places I worked in that "traumatized" me, but thank God I listened to my dad advice to always be a gentleman when you hand in your resignation notice. "Don't burn bridges," he told me years ago, when I quit working for a newspaper.

That has proven to be one good advice.

Burn Notice
I wish, though, that other people would heed my dad's advice.

Just the other day, my friend Dan was all puffed up with pride about causing a fuss on his last day at his old office. Things had gotten so bad there that all he could think of was how lucky he was to be getting out. When five o'clock struck, he actually fist-pumped a triumphant "Yes!" as he walked past his co-workers' desks.

Of course, I congratulated him on his new-found freedom, but I couldn't help but think that it wasn't very wise of him to have done something that may have completely burned his bridges. His is a very specialized industry and it was likely he'd be running into his former bosses and colleagues in the future.

Resign Right
So, is there really is a right way to make a graceful exit from a job? Here's what career management expert Karyl Innis, CEO of The Innis Company, has to say:

1. Do it in person. Innis says it's best to pick a time when your boss is alone and isn't busy. She adds, "Bring your letter of resignation with you and explain that you have something important to discuss. Then hand her the letter and explain what's in it--that you're resigning and when your last day will be." Innis suggests giving at least two weeks' notice.

2. Don't whine. "People tend to discount the views of departing employees who haven't spoken up previously," says Innis. You might just come across as sourgraping or bitter.

3. Watch your email. Once it's known at the office that you're leaving, be careful what you tell others... especially over email. Your message will be very easy to forward and might even... gasp!... reach the CEO's inbox.

4. Do a proper turnover. Make sure to tie up any loose ends. You'll leave a good impression if all documentation or files are in order, with a memo explaining the status of your projects and anything else the person taking over will need to know.

5. Say thank you. No matter why you're leaving, keep your goodbye's friendly. You don't have to concoct an elaborate tale, but a simple "thanks for the opportunity" or "I learned a lot here" will go a long way.

If you're leaving the company anyway, why put in all this effort, you ask? Well, your old boss may actually know your next one or... you never know, you may even find yourself back in the same company again. If that's the case, their last impression of you can be just as important as the first.

Like my dad said, "Don't burn bridges." Take his advice. I'm sure glad I did because it eventually led me to a job that makes me happy. How? A former workmate whom I had stayed in touch with had given me the tip about the job opening. Now, I'm enjoying working with people who don't feel the need to play dirty to get ahead. (Plus, I have a boss whom I can needle when his favorite basketball team loses to mine.)

Posted by Bean Jones at 8:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Fiber Fever. Vegetables are fiber-rich. Get a load of them as much as you can.

If you think you're already getting enough fiber if you take in the recommended 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day...you're in for a shock--albeit a pleasant one. Experts are now saying that more is better.

Get More
A study by Harvard researchers, which was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, suggests that heart disease can be slashed by 10 to 30 percent for each 10 grams of fiber you eat a day. Delicious fiber-rich treats include oatmeal (4.1 grams per cup), apples (3 grams each), and black beans (14.4 grams per cup).

Thus, the more fiber you get, the more your heart is protected.

"Fiber--found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and cereals--has long been shown to reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol," states Los Angeles-based health and fitness writer Steve Stiefel in "Fiber Fantastic."

Various Sources
There are two primary types of fiber: soluble (water-soluble) and insoluble.

You can get soluble fiber from all sorts of fruits, oats, barley, legumes, and root crops. Soluble fiber encourages the growth of healthy bacteria that aid in digestion.

Meanwhile, insoluble fiber is the "crunchy" kind of fiber. You can get this from whole wheat, brans, nuts, seeds, and some vegetables (such as celery and green beans). They pass from one end of the digestive tract to the other end virtually unchanged. This type of fiber does "a clean sweep" of your digestive tract.

Multifunctional Health
Aside from improving colon function, fiber also has other roles:

1. It improves protein absorption. Since fiber slows down the rate at which proteins move through the digestive tract, your body is able to maximize its protein absorption capabilities. This will help you build more muscle.

2. Fiber curbs weight gain and cholesterol levels. "When you slow down digestion, especially of carbs, the body is able to metabolize them more efficiently," says health and fitness expert Jeff Feliciano. "Soluble fiber helps carbohydrates to be used for [energy production] rather than to be stored as body fat." The slow delivery of carbs into the bloodstream keeps insulin levels from spiking too high, which is another way that fiber prevents the storage of fat." Plus, fiber can trap bile acids that might otherwise be absorbed and converted into cholesterol.

3. Fiber builds immunity. "By providing your body with plenty of fiber, you help it remove harmful bacteria, viruses, and allergens that may otherwise enter your body," notes Feliciano.

Slowly but Surely
If you're not currently eating as much fiber as you should, Feliciano advises that you increase your consumption gradually, adding two to three grams per day each week.

Thus, he suggests, if your current fiber intake is at 10 grams per day, you should begin taking in 12 grams on Week 1, 14 grams on Week 2, 16 grams on Week 3...and so on...until your daily intake is at 30 grams or more. At the same time, increase your water consumption since fiber works more effectively with liquids.

By taking in more fiber, you increase your chances of staying healthy at all times. Moreover, you also get to eat the right kinds of food to energize you.

Credits: Photo by Scott Bauer, courtesy of the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service.

Posted by Bean Jones at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Officially Funny. Scenes from the popular TV show The Office show the many faces of stress at the workplace.

No matter how happy your workplace is, there will be days when the pressure's on and you find yourself barely breathing. You end up not being able express your thoughts clearly, skipping lunch, snapping at your workmates over petty things, or, worse, having a meltdown.

You don't have to see a psychiatrist to find out if you're going nuts. All you have to do is learn some do-it-yourself stress management tips. Here are three moves you can do right at your desk:

Press pause. When you're juggling too many things, your communication skills take a dive. But don't overcompensate for your temporary "blank brain" by saying too much. To make your point at work, try talking less. "Speak concisely, then stop," says Molly Dickson Shepard, author of Stop Whining and Start Winning. "Silence allows your message to resonate."

Laugh Attack. If you're right in the thick of a make-or-break work project, take time to trade jokes with a friend or view some funny video clips. A few moments of laughter can do wonders for your disposition and your productivity. Laughter has a way of renewing your spirit.

Mail Cheer. The most productive people know when to take short breaks. In a study cited by Humor: International Journal of Humor Research, office workers who respond to e-mails from friends and family while working on stressful tasks may be productive in the long run. Taking short breaks alleviates boredom and lifts energy.

These three stress-busting moves certainly don't require much. Hopefully, they'll inspire every stressed-out person to manage the stress levels at work before they get out of hand.

Posted by Bean Jones at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Double Benefits. Dancing is already good for you. But who knew that the tunes also brought added health benefits?

When all else fails, happy dance music may just save the day.

Sound Medicine
Calling in sick for the past couple of days has made me realize that popping pills isn't the ultimate cure-all. (Ah! Such irony! I get hit by the flu right after blogging about going to the doctor.)

In this case, all my dear dad said was: "Sometimes all you need to do is rest."

But how about listening to a cheery dance beat to bounce back from a bug?

Upbeat Tunes
Yes, that's right. A dose of infectious dance floor favorites like the cheesy "Macarena" and even classic waltz melodies may just be what you need to fight off the flu and other maladies.

In separate studies, scientists from the UK-based Sussex University and the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig, Germany discovered that listening to approximately "50 minutes of uplifting dance music increases your levels of antibodies."

Apparently, after listening to dance-worthy ditties, the subjects' levels of the antibody immunoglobin A were heightened. This was welcome information as immunoglobulin A is the immune system's first line of defense against any threat of infection.

Stress-Busting Melodies
Aside from keeping you healthy, a dose of dance music can reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Dr. Ronny Enk, a neurocognition expert who led the Max Planck Institute research team, explains: "We think the pleasant state that can be induced by music leads to special physiological changes which eventually lead to stress reduction or direct immune enhancement."

In any case, Dr. Enk emphasized that they "did not use relaxing music, but rather exciting music that were joyful dance tunes from different centuries."

Musical Therapy
With such groundbreaking studies about the effects of music on people's psychological wellness, musicians today are more likely to explore this facet of their craft.

Though they don't have a Hot 100 list yet, music created for therapeutic purposes is a growing industry. Indeed, most music therapists promote their tunes online in the hope of enlightening more people about music playing a part in healing people's minds and bodies.

But one thing's for sure...it was not the "Macarena" that made me feel better. I think it was Elvis Presley's "Teddy Bear" that did it.

Credits: Photo by Vojko Kalan, courtesy of Public Domain Pictures.

Posted by Bean Jones at 3:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Hearing Aid. Let your doctor hear what you have to say so you can help him do his job better--starting with listening to the sounds of particular body parts.

Since my dad happens to be a doctor, it took some time before I realized that some people are actually intimidated by routine check-ups. For my siblings and me, all we had to do was go to dad.

Anyhow, now I know that most people easily feel rushed or suddenly feel self-conscious when they finally get 10 minutes with the doctor. Because of this, many of them fail to make the most out of their visit.

Here are five points you have to remember when you're stopping by the doctor's for your check-up:

1. Put it in writing. "Keep a symptom diary," advises Dr. Terrie Wurzbacher, author of Your Doctor Said What? Exposing the Communication Gap. She adds: "You may think you can remember everything," says Wurzbacher, "Be specific. Explain that it all began with belly pain, and then you developed diarrhea, and so on."

2. Come clean. In the TV show, House, the cantankerous lead character, Dr. Gregory House believes that "everybody lies." Indeed, most people purposely don't tell their doctor about their unhealthy habits such as smoking and self-medication. In routine visits, you have to be proactive about disclosing your vices to your doc.

3. Read it. Heard all those jokes about doctors having horrible handwriting? Well, not being able to read your doc's penmanship isn't really a laughing matter. If you can't decipher what he's scribbled, then the pharmacist probably won't be able to either. You have every right to ask your doctor to rewrite his prescription if this happens.

4. Ask for Plan B. If you're apprehensive about things that your doctor is suggesting or a diagnosis, ask him if there are other alternatives or if you can go to another doctor. You're well within your rights as a patient when you ask him to refer you to another professional who could give you a second opinion.

5. Plot out the future. Don't leave your doc's office without knowing what will happen next--especially if he's instructed you to take note of certain symptoms or when he's prescribed you some medication.

By being a good patient, you help your doctor take care of your health. This way, you take an active part in preventive medicine by doing due diligence on your own body.

Posted by Bean Jones at 6:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

No-Fuss Snack. As long as it doesn't come in the form of chips, a potato is one of the healthiest--and simplest--snacks you can munch on. Just don't go crazy on the butter.

I don't know about what goes on in other homes on Sundays--it's always been the designated "lazy day" at our house. I've carried over this Jones family tradition to my own place--a little bit too much I guess.

For the past couple of weeks, I've used Sunday as an excuse to go for greasy fastfood because I'm too lazy to cook. Well, that's obviously not doing me any good, so I figured I'd stock up on healthy snacks that are easy to prepare.

Here are my top three quick-snack fixes:

1. Raisins. Raisins strengthen teeth. Forget their rep as cavity causers. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago isolated raisins' phytonutrients and found compounds that can thwart bacteria growth that leads to tooth decay and gum disease.

2. Oysters. Oysters power your lungs. Tire easily on the treadmill? You may be dragging because you're low on zinc, experts at the USDA's Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Centers in North Dakota say. Zinc helps your lungs expel carbon dioxide. "When your body's zinc levels are low, your cardiovascular fitness takes a dive," explains study author Dr. Hank Lukaski. Get fresh oysters to be sure that you get prime zinc and so you can eat them the simplest way possible: raw. Just squeeze lemon juice on them and sprinkle a few grains of salt.

3. Potatoes. Potatoes are good for your heart. This root crop contains kukoamines, chemicals that can lower your blood pressure. Poke the raw potato with a fork, then nuke it on high for five minutes or until tender. Then, you can put a little bit of butter on it.

With these easy treats on my list of options, "shaping up" my Sunday menu doesn't seem so impossible anymore. I guess I was just too lazy to think of them before. Or, perhaps, I just felt lazy because I didn't eat food that would give me energy.

Posted by Bean Jones at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's not all about money. Joe Vitale's book teaches you how to get wealthy in every way.

With a killer title like The Attractor Factor: 5 Easy Steps for Creating Wealth (or Anything Else) From the Inside Out, it's no wonder that Joe Vitale's book is already in its second printing.

I must admit, though, that I was very skeptical about the book. I had assumed that it would be like a "lecture" on paper. Thankfully, that was not the case. Right from the first page, it's evident that Vitale's can-do strategy is empowering without being patronizing.

I'm still in the early chapters, but I'm already buzzed about the "Aha!" moments I've had since I started reading the book. Here are seven of them:

1. You should enjoy life. Expecting a jargon-laden manual about how to get wealthy, I perused the first few pages of the book with much caution. But then, this passage caught my attention: "There is a rocky road through life, and then there's an escalator. Which do you prefer? Why not step up and enjoy the ride?" I was hooked by the analogy. Indeed, Vitale believes that having a zest for life is a great advantage for anyone.

2. Fearlessness is a virtue. "Boldness brings magic," declares Vitale, who dared to gamble on the e-book industry when it was still starting out. As a result of his venture, he earned even more money without spending a single cent. (In any case, it was a pleasant shock to learn that the man who convinced Vitale to take the e-book route is the same man whom I now call my boss.)

3. Good fortune doesn't just fall on your lap--you have to work for it. Aside from thinking positive, Vitale believes in going the extra mile to make the most out of the opportunities that come your way. Having experienced being broke and homeless, Vitale isn't just paying lip service when he shares tips on how to overcome financial adversity.

4. You shouldn't be afraid to dream big. Using cars as metaphors, Vitale emphasizes that it's not a crime to want better things as you go through different stages in your life. Starting out with a Saturn in his early years, Vitale now drives a BMW Z3 2.8 Roadster. "You truly can have anything you can imagine," he assures. But, he is likewise quick to point out: The book is not just about attracting cars.

5. It pays to give. I appreciate the fact that Vitale's book doesn't subscribe to the "rat race" mentality. In fact, he encourages people with money to do good. Vitale leads by example when he discloses that he's got a soft spot for people in need, such as a mother who needed money for her child's medical treatment. Yes, he handed her thousands of dollars--no questions asked. Vitale believes that wholehearted generosity helps a wealthy person remain down-to-earth.

6. Ask and you shall receive. If things don't go your way, don't just throw in the towel without putting up a fight. By this, Vitale means that it doesn't hurt to be hopeful. Thus, when confronted with airline tickets that were priced beyond his allotted budget, Vitale remained undaunted and, instead, called the airline company to ask if he could get a better deal. He got it.

7. Old drama should be left behind. No matter how bad your past may have been, you can't use it as an excuse for being stuck in the same self-destructive pattern for the rest of your life. As Vitale states, you have to rise above the things that hold you down.

Bottom line: The book is a guide to living the best version of your life. Yes, having money is good, but it's not the only way to quantify wealth. In this case, I consider myself already rich. And to think I haven't even finished the book yet. (But I'm turning the pages as fast as I can.)

Posted by Bean Jones at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

I've always been bothered by the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." You see, I'm not an apple person. Thankfully, the apple's not the only fruit that can keep you healthy.

Here are five fruits that give the apple some serious competition for the Power Fruit title:

Cranberry. Known for preventing bacteria from taking over the urinary tract, the cranberry's antioxidant properties protect the heart by boosting levels of high-density lipoprotein or HDL ("good cholesterol") in your body. In a study conducted at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, participants who drank three eight-ounce glasses of cranberry juice daily increased their HDL by 10 percent after three months.

Strawberry. Strawberries contain phytonutrients--such as flavonoids, anthocyanidins and ellagic acid. They help in enhancing memory function and fighting off rheumatoid arthritis.

Orange. More than being packed with Vitamin C, oranges have been proven to be more than what they seem. In 2004, a study undertaken by the US Department of Agriculture and KGK Synergize, a Canadian nutraceutical company, revealed that orange peels have medicinal value. Orange peels contain polymethoxylated flavones or PMFs--compounds that serve as potent, natural alternatives for lowering low-density lipoprotein or LDL ("bad" cholesterol).

Banana. With their high potassium content (about 400 to 600 mg in each fruit, depending on the size), bananas are easily the favorite of athletes and gym rats. Potassium keeps the body hydrated by preventing sodium from overpowering your body. Thus, bananas help strengthen your muscles and nerves.

Peach. Rich in antioxidants, peaches can ease digestion. Plus, they can also help prevent kidney diseases and anemia. Moreover, their phosphorus content enables them to protect nerve cells.

So, go ahead and pick your favorite power fruit and make sure you get to have it on a regular basis. Doing so would probably count as one of the most basic moves of preventive health care.

As for me, I'm a banana fan--and not just because it's an "athlete's fruit." It's because, like most guys, I prefer a fruit that's easily brown-bagged and doesn't make a mess when eaten. Like I always say, I love keeping things simple--especially when it comes to eating right.

Posted by Bean Jones at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

Paper Problem. Can't handle your piles all alone? Companies like Clutter Organizers do the dirty work for you--for a fee, of course. Photo shows one of their clients' problem areas.

As much as pundits have been predicting that ours will soon be a "paperless society," I don't think we could do without paper entirely.

Necessary Trail
I'm not just saying that because I want to romanticize snail mail and greeting cards. There are documents that you need to keep. The question is, "Which ones and how long?"

Guess what? It's not that complicated.

"While slogging through masses of paper, it's hard to shake the nagging feeling that you'll need something again. Chances are you won't," assures Money magazine's Cybele Weisser in "Take Charge."

In the same article, professional organizer Robin Blank, who runs Chaos Consulting in Boston, points out: "I'd say that 80 percent of the paper that goes into your home will never be looked at again."

Bottom line: Just hold on to the papers that matter. Don't let your paper trails grow into a monstrous pile that could easily take over your home and your life.

Anti-Clutter Guide
To identify which papers to keep, and for how long, use Weisser's guide:

One month: Credit card and ATM receipts (or until you get your monthly statement); receipts for small-ticket items as long as they can be returned (likely 30 days)

One year: Paid utility bills; monthly and quarterly bank, brokerage, and credit card statements; and paycheck stubs until you get your W-2

Seven years: Tax returns, receipts for major purchases, and year-end credit card, bank, and brokerage statements

Indefinitely: Medical records, receipts for home improvements, mortgage documents, current insurance policies, and warranties until they expire

Clean Slate
"Once you have a clean slate, [you just have to consistently minimize] the paper inflow into your life," adds Weisser. "Take your name off mailing lists. If possible, shift to electronic statements for your frequent-flier, brokerage, and fund accounts. You can often opt to receive bills via e-mail as well."

By taking these anti-waste measures, you're also doing the earth a lot of good.

Still, despite the benefits of minimizing paper, I have to admit that it's still a necessity for some very important things--such as birth certificates and, of course, really great books. I like sniffing book pages, thank you very much. I can't do that with an e-book, can I?

So, yes, I'm all for being paperless in the future--as long as old-fashioned books are still around.

Credits: Photo from Clutter Organizers

Posted by Bean Jones at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Bargain iPod. If its price too good to be true, it's probably a knock-off. Many shoppers have been duped into buying fake iPods.

"Salespeople can eat up clueless customers," warns USA Today Edward C. Baig, in "How to Win in the Retail Maze."

Lesson Learned
I learned this the hard way a few years ago when I wandered into an electronics store without knowing what exactly I wanted. All I knew was I wanted a big TV. The result: I was bombarded with jargon by an overenthusiastic salesperson. Thankfully, I still managed to leave the store before I bought anything I didn't really want. To this day, I cringe whenever I remember that the salesperson was raving about a plasma TV that had all sorts of attachments I'm sure I didn't have the patience to figure out.

Shopping Loss
I was reminded of that incident because of my workmate's dilemma. She recently revealed that she bought an electric grill that's not delivering on its promise of churning out perfectly-cooked steaks in three minutes. "Write about it," she said.

Well, here I am doing just that.

Anyway, upon questioning her about the dubious purchase, I learned that she had broken just about every rule of smart shopping. She confessed: "I'm such a sucker for sales." As it turns out, she bought the said grill from a small electronics store that was going out of business. The grill's brand was practically unknown and it had no warranty. Worst of all, it had no return policy--not that it would make any difference. The store had already closed down.

Exit Signs
To make sure that you don't go through this kind of ordeal, Baig lists five shopping red flags you should look out for.

You can tell it's a bad deal when...

1. ...it's too good to be true. An item sold at a ridiculously low price should be examined closely. "Know the reason behind the rock-bottom price. It might not include all the parts, cables, batteries, and warranties you need," says Baig.

2. ...the salesperson overwhelms you with jargon. As Baig explains, "You might fall prey to a slick sales pitch and end up buying before you're ready."

3. ...the salesperson's one-and-only question is "How much money do you have?" and then he insists on dragging you to the "model that's right for you." In some stores, salespersons are given a commission if they sell a particular product. In the quest to make money, there are those who resort to "bullying" customers into buying a gadget--or two.

4. ...you ask the salesperson to show you one thing and he shows you something else.

5. ... you have no idea what will happen after the sale. Baig recommends that you ask the following questions before you make your purchase: "Is the store authorized to handle repairs? Can I find a human being to talk about any problems that may arise? What's the return policy?"

So, shop smart. Do your research before you wander into any store. Otherwise, your cluelessness will really cost you.

Credits: Image courtesy of www.ipodgear.com

Posted by Bean Jones at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Life's a beach. You don't need experts to tell you that there should always be room for fun in life--and that you can get good advice in the most unlikely ways.

Sometimes the best pieces of advice come in the form of quips that go for the jugular. Best of all--since these no-nonsense statements were uttered by people you don't know personally--you can agree with them without letting anyone see you swallow your pride. Unsolicited advice has never been so wonderful.

That being said, I've written down some of my favorite guide-to-life quotes:

1. "If you want people to think well of you, do not speak well of yourself." Blaise Pascal

2."Speak when you are angry, and you will make the best speech you will ever regret." Ambrose Bierce

3."Never work before breakfast; [even] if you have to work before [it's time for] breakfast, get your breakfast first." Josh Billings

4."From a worldly point of view, there is no mistake so great as that of always being right." Samuel Butler

5."Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck."
The Dalai Lama

6."If you accept your limitations, you go beyond them." Brendan Behan

7."For fast-acting relief, try slowing down."
Lily Tomlin

Even if these wise words won't convince you to change your life, I hope that they at least help you appreciate looking at life from a different perspective.

Credits: Photo by Anna Cercova, courtesy of Public Domain Pictures.

Posted by Bean Jones at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

Time to Disconnect. If your laptop is the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing you see at night, 24/7. Then, it's time to rethink your work-centered routine.

Are you the kind of person who works on weekends and holidays even if you don't really need to? If you are, then it's time you chuck your nonstop, round-the-clock work schedule.

Though it's not easy for many workaholics to sit back and relax, these three simple moves should help ease you into a routine that makes room for you to "recharge" in every way:

1. Draw the line. Free your mind from work-related concerns as soon as you leave your office. "Your ability to do a good job at work depends on whether you have a personal life that refreshes and restores you," states social psychologist Jane Adams, author of Tradeoffs. As the saying goes, "All work and no play makes one a dull person." So, the moment you step into your home, resist the urge to turn on your computer or your laptop. The paperwork can wait.

2. Limit shop talk. If you see your workmates outside work, set some strict rules for your after-office conversations. You can spend, say, 15 minutes talking about the latest project you're working on. Use the rest of the off-work meet-up to get to know your workmates even better. Talk about your favorite TV shows or your pets.

3. Embrace all that's new. Douglas Rushkoff, author of Get Back in the Box: Innovation from Inside Out, states, "To lead a more fulfilling personal life, expand your exposure to people you don't work with." Otherwise, your life experiences will be confined to your workplace. Enrich your life by taking time to learn new things. Sign up for an online art course or music class, explore the scenic spots in your neighborhood, or try out the signature dish of a newly-opened restaurant.

Bottom line: You must always remember that you work to live. It's shouldn't be the other way around.

Credits: Photo by Petr Kratochvil, courtesy of Public Domain Pictures.

Posted by Bean Jones at 8:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Last Resort. Taking a pain pill isn't the only way to fight pain. Don't pop one unless you absolutely have to.

Now and then, our body lets us know that we have to take it easy. If we've been overdoing it at work, it's sure to deliver its "Slow down!" message through pain. Thus, we mustn't ignore our aches. We should seek and get relief ASAP. If not, chances are the pain will intensify or worse, progress to complications that will require costly medical interventions later on.

Here are three common aches that you shouldn't just brush off--along with instant remedies you can easily follow:

Tense Arms
Pain Source: Cramped arm muscles
Fast Relief: If you're one of the millions of office workers who spend hours hunched over their keyboard, chances are your arm muscles get sore at the end of the day. New York Health & Racquet Club trainer Frankie Lyman advises: "Extend arms forward at chest level, rotating your right arm so that your fingers point left, palm facing out. Then, use left hand to bend back the fingers of your right hand. Hold for 10 seconds before you switch hands and repeat the move."
Vital Tips: You can prevent this pain from setting in. It's easy. You shouldn't let yourself be "frozen" in the hunched position for hours on end. Stretch your arms periodically--say, every two hours.

Troubled Tummy
Pain Source: Non-ulcer stomach pain
Fast Relief: With stress, irregular meals, and caffeine overdose as its most common trigger factors, stomach pain is easily relieved with antacids. If you've missed a meal, the pain usually goes away as soon as you eat something. Thus, if your work schedule is packed, make sure you have healthy food you can eat on the go like a tuna on wheat sandwich, a banana, or an apple. Take it easy on the caffeine as well.
Vital Tips: Experts say this sort of stomach pain is usually short-lived and preventable. In any case, you shouldn't let stomach pain progress to ulcer. No matter how busy you are, you should remember to eat when you're hungry. You should also learn how to de-stress even at the height of a crisis.

Throbbing Head
Pain Source: Tension headache
Fast Relief: Caused by fatigue, bad posture, hunger, or stress, tension headache usually goes away once you get what your body is missing--be it rest, food, or a breather from your hectic schedule. In the book Mayo Clinic on Headache: Managing the Pain and Reducing its Impact on Your Life, doctors from the famed medical institution recommend that you take OTC painkillers if you want near-instant pain relief. They likewise enumerate home remedies such as stress management through relaxing activities (like watching movies), having the correct posture, as well as eating healthy.
Vital Tips: Tension headaches could last anywhere from 30 minutes to a week! So, if you're having a tough day at work, take time out the moment you feel a headache building up. Get a cool drink or gently massage your temples. You can pop a pill if you want, but Mayo Clinic doctors caution, "Don't overuse painkillers." Studies show that long-term use of painkillers could lead to internal bleeding and ulcers.

Bottom line: As long as the pain you're feeling isn't a symptom of a more serious ailment, these do-it-yourself remedies ought to put you out of your misery. To be on the safe side, you simply have to heed this timeless advice: "If symptoms persist, consult your doctor."

Posted by Bean Jones at 4:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Always Priceless. Even credit card giant MasterCard points out that there are, indeed, some things that have no price tags.

I believed The Beatles when they sang about money not being able to buy love--or, for that matter, happiness. Little did I know that the wonderfully cheesy assertion crooned by The Fab Four would be backed by the findings of psychological research.

Cash and Cry
"Psychologists have spent decades studying the relation between wealth and happiness and they have generally concluded that wealth increases human happiness when it lifts people out of abject poverty and into the middle class but that it does little to increase happiness thereafter," states Harvard University psychologist Daniel Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness.

The "math" behind this discontent is downright heartbreaking. Cornell University economist Robert Frank, author of The Economic Naturalist, explains: "We humans are highly adaptable animals, quickly adjusting our expectations to new realities. As living standards increase, most of us respond by raising our own standards."

The "More" Mentality
Jokingly calling it the "once they've seen Paris" effect, Frank goes on to say that our instinct to want more than what we already have transforms things that were once tagged as luxury items into necessities.

Case in point: the mobile phone. The device, once considered a luxury item, is now deemed a must-have. Plus, it's not just a phone anymore. More and more people have, in fact, become addicted to constantly replacing their still-reliable mobile phones for juiced-up units that have what-nots they don't really need. I've seen high school kids toting mobile phones designed for stockbrokers on Wall Street.

A Genuinely Rich Life
As Frank points out, "[It seems that] we're working harder than ever to buy stuff that satisfies us less and less." To help us ditch this dizzying cycle of discontent, he offers practical suggestions on how we can all "get happy" no matter how much money we spend or don't spend:

1. Buy personal quality time. Working yourself to death just to maintain a posh lifestyle simply doesn't make sense. Consider cutting back on your hours and living below your means. Downgrading your life may take some getting used to but, in the end, you'll be healthier and can smile for real more often.

2. Cash-in on contentment. According to Dr. Robert A. Emmons, author of the book Thanks!: How the Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, people who kept "gratitude journals" loved their lives more than those who didn't regularly take stock of the things that they should be thankful for. The simple truth: Count your blessings instead of counting on more money to make you happy.

3. Pick your splurges. Just because you have disposable income, it doesn't mean you should spend your money like there's no tomorrow. "Splurge on the things that bring you lasting pleasure and skimp on the rest," advises Frank. An added tip: Though you're earning more, don't fall into the trap of upgrading your lifestyle just because everyone tells you to. Hey, Wal-Mart boss Jim Walton is worth billions but you don't see him riding in flashy sports cars.

In any case, I've always thought that being rich is a state of mind. Sure, there are people who can buy the stuff they want right away--but that doesn't mean that they're a happier bunch. They just happen to have more money. When it comes to happiness, one's net worth doesn't figure into the equation. If it does, that's probably the kind of happiness that's more of a curse than a blessing.

Simply put: No money is worth giving up the life you deserve.

Posted by Bean Jones at 6:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

You Can't Hurry Housing. If you can't afford the house you really want in the neighborhood you like, it's best to rent until you find real estate that fits your life right.

I've been thinking about some grown-up stuff lately. High up on my list is my desire for a permanent address.

Here and There
You see, in a span of 10 years, I've lived in five places in two states. My family, who has lived on the same street since the 1970s, sees this as a sign that I haven't grown up yet. My mother--a Brooklyn native--also complains about having to update her address book for the nth time.

So, with my finances now relatively stable, I started looking around the neighborhood. It's been ten months now and I haven't found anything I liked and could afford. The ones I could afford didn't look promising and the ones I did had price tags that made me lightheaded.

Buy or Rent?
Then again, is owning a home always the best thing?

To get an objective answer, I sought out an expert who would remind me of my mother but wouldn't be as bossy as she is. (Sorry, mom.) Finance columnist Laura Rowley, author of Money & Happiness: A Guide to Living the Good Life, fit the bill. Reading her book, I found her simple-yet-spot on financial advice very helpful.

Solid Reasons
Rowley lists five excellent reasons that would make tenants everywhere feel good about their decision to hold off on being homeowners. According to Rowley, it's best to keep renting if...

1. ...your rent is at least 35 percent less than what it would cost you each month to own, including mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and such.

2. ....you don't have the time, money, or desire to attend to problematic plumbing, erratic electrical wiring, and other domestic glitches.

3. ...your total debt (mortgage, credit card payments, student loans) is more than 40 percent of your gross income. For instance, if you earn $80,000 a year, your annual debt payments shouldn't exceed $32,000.

4. ...you plan to relocate within four years. In most cases, real estate prices don't rise fast enough to cover the costs of buying and then quickly selling. Once you add up all of the attorney's charges and other transaction fees, it's an expensive process.

5. ...you're not excited about either the home or the neighborhood you can afford.

These are very good points to keep in mind when you feel that your desire to put down roots may cloud your judgement. They sure convinced me to wait it out until I find a place that I would love calling my own for a lifetime. As Rowley says, "Happiness trumps housing."

Credits: Photo by Donna McNeely, courtesy of Public Domain Pictures.

Posted by Bean Jones at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Well-Trained Brain. Want to be as smart as Albert Einstein? You have a good shot at it if you tease your mind with brainy puzzlers for a few minutes each day.

Like most people, I've always thought that geniuses are born--not made. But guess what? That may not necessarily be the case.

In "Cross-Training Your Brain to Maintain Its Strength," Washington Post columnist Leslie Walker writes, "Brain fitness programs and games--such as Suduko, crosswords, and even selected electronic games--can improve your brain's speed and memory."

Worried that you won't have time for such a brainy exercise? Relax. As Walker reveals, you'll benefit more by doing these games a little bit every day. Experts recommend that you set aside at least 15 minutes each day to tickle your gray matter.

To start off this habit, try answering the puzzlers below. (No peeking at the answers, please!) These mind-empowering puzzlers are from Dr. Abbie F. Salny, former supervisory psychologist for Mensa in the US and co-author of The Mensa Think Smart Book.

Ready? Your 15 minutes start now...

1. Only one other word can be made from all the letters in the word "directions." Can you figure out what it is?

2. Stu made some snacks. To share the snacks with Sue and Shelley, he divided the snacks into three parts. Then he, Sue, and Shelly ate half of their snacks. Shelly proceeded to eat one fourth of what was left of her snacks. Sue ate three fourths of what she had left. Stu ate one eighth of his. Sue had two snacks left. How many snacks did Stu make in the first place?

3. Billy and Bob--twin brothers who are their parents' only children--went to visit their mother's only sister in law's only son's only daughter. What is her relationship to the twins?

How did you do in the quiz?

I'm afraid I didn't ace it. In fact, I barely got two right. I spent most of the 15 minutes wondering how on earth Stu could let Sue out-eat him. Go figure. Stories--even if they come as part of a Math problem--always get my attention. I guess this means my brain needs to go to boot camp.

Answers: (1) The word is "discretion." (2) The answer is 48. Sue had two left, which was one quarter, so she had eight. That was half of her original total of 16. Sixteen times three equals 48. (3) She is their cousin's daughter, so she is their second cousin.

Credits: Photo by Oren Jack Turner, Princeton, N.J., courtesy of the US Library of Congress.

Posted by Bean Jones at 6:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBacks (0)

Sugary Temptation. You have to know when to stop snacking on sweet treats--or you'll go over your daily sugar intake limit without realizing it.

Americans are suckers for sweets.

I myself have a weakness for Snickers bars, holding the Jones family record of eating seven bars in 30 minutes. (My brothers dared me to do it.) But that was way back when I was 13 and didn't know any better. Even now when I do know better, I still have a weakness for Snickers. Then again, I'm not the only guy with a sweet tooth.

Sugar Rush
The United States Department of Agriculture released a report which reveals that the calorie content of the food products available in the market have increased their percentage of added sugars by 17 percent. This rate of increase is the average range incurred from 1970 to 2006.

According to the findings highlighted in "Sugar Shock," a special feature done by the Parents magazine staff, "basic healthy-sounding foods are being loaded with many more grams of sugar than what a normal person would suspect, especially in America."

Thus, many of us may believe that we're munching on "relatively healthy foods," when, in reality, several grams of sugar have been added to supposedly enhance the flavor of food items such as bread, biscuits, powdered drinks, juices, and other packaged food products.

Scary Stats
The Parents magazine article goes on to reveal: "Based on an average 2,000-calorie diet, the recommendation is not to consume more than 40 grams of sugar per day."

That adds up to about 32 pounds of sugar per year. However, the latest research shows that the average 30-something adult consumes about 46 pounds of sugar a year. The fact that children consume 49 pounds of sugar each year is even more alarming.

With these numbers, it's not surprising that as many as 64.5 percent of adults in the US--aged 20 years and older--are overweight and 30.5 percent are obese. Those who belong to this group risk developing diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, which, in turn, increase the risk of heart disease.

Sneaky Substitute
Still, instead of drastically minimizing their sugar consumption, most people opt to literally have their cake and eat it, too. So, they go for artificially sweetened food and drinks. Unfortunately, this isn't such a wise move.

A 2005 study published in the International Journal of Obesity shows that artificial sweeteners, like those used in diet sodas, mess up the body's ability to monitor a person's calorie intake. Specifically, they seem to somehow trick your body into thinking that other sweets are also calorie-free. As a result, your system isn't able to send a "Ditch the sugar!" signal and you end up wolfing down more sugary treats.

Control Center
If you have self-control, you don't have to give up Coke Light entirely. Just try to limit your diet soda intake to no more than one can a day. The same restriction applies to other artificially sweetened stuff.

But if you want to lessen your sugar intake significantly, keep in mind that the best thirst-quencher is water. Make that non-flavored water. Likewise, when you want a treat or need food to energize you, savor small portions of authentic fare like your favorite cake, ice cream, or chocolate bar. Better yet, you can stick to fruits to soothe your sweet tooth.

As for me, my Snickers-munching record is now a distant memory. I crave a sugar rush every now and then--but I stick to one Snickers bar. It's hard but I figure it's a small sacrifice to make in the name of good health.

Posted by Bean Jones at 6:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBacks (0)

Special Days. The Fourth of July is more than just about barbecues and fireworks. By commemorating this important day, we honor our identity as a people. That's why we all go out to have fun on this historic holiday. You ought to do the same for your personal red-letter days. Fireworks on your birthday? Why not?

With all the stress we experience from our hectic schedules, we often forget to take time out. It's downright baffling that many of us feel guilty when we take a break or splurge on a much-needed treat.

You don't need to take a trip to an exotic location like the Caribbean or spend oodles of cash to make yourself feel good. Just check out these simple yet uplifting moves and pick one that will give you that happy buzz:

1. Throw a party. Don't let your red-letter days just pass by uneventfully. "Honoring life accomplishments is essential," says Dr. Patricia L. Gerbarg, assistant professor of psychiatry at New York Medical College in Valhalla and co-author of The Rhodiola Revolution: Transform Your Health with the Herbal Breakthrough of the 21st Century. Marking our milestones help us reexamine how far we have come as people. As Gerbarg explains, "You're learning from the past and using your energy to move forward with hope. So, celebrate a personal landmark, whatever it is, with activities that define who you are." Having a great week at work is reason enough for you to invite your friends for a laid-back dinner at your place.

2. Stay positive. Too many bad days will take their toll on you. According to Dr. Pier Massimo Forni, a professor at Johns Hopkins University and author of Choosing Civility: The Twenty-Five Rules of Considerate Conduct, negative emotions cause your body to release a sudden onrush of stress hormones. Now, if you're always throwing fits and having meltdowns, your heart will suffer from a great deal of strain. "Over time, this response could hurt the cardiovascular system, as well as weaken immunity," says Forni.

3. Choose good friends. Various studies featured in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community, show that people with a close circle of friends could outlive those who claim to be contented with "strong family ties." Experts theorize that this happens because you experience more emotional stress with your relatives, whom you're bound to be with whether you like them or not. When it comes to your friends, it's likely that you enjoy their company more because you got to pick them. After all, you wouldn't be friends with them if you didn't genuinely like them in the first place. Make sure to surround yourself with friends who empower you and urge you to be the best that you can be.

4. Take leaps of faith. Playing it safe is good--but it may keep you from doing something great or prevent you from getting the best things that life has to offer. In fact, a study published in Psychological Science shows that risk-takers don't let the outcome of their ventures affect them. Whether or not they got what they wanted or missed it completely is immaterial. The fact that they had the guts to go for their dream goals is more than enough. So, from time to time, take a chance on things that may help you win big--be it in your career or in your personal life.

5. Get wet. Cooped up indoors for far too long? Maybe you should hang out near a wet spot. "The air around bodies of water is full of energy-enhancing ions that help bring oxygen to the brain," says Dr. Pierce J. Howard, author of The Owner's Manual for the Brain. If the beach is a long way off and there's no pool near you, just open the bathroom window and get into the shower. This "wet session" helps energize and soothe your brain, which, in turn, leads to having clarity and a more positive view on things.

These five feel-good things should help all of us remember that we have every right to make ourselves feel great. After all, it's not a crime to treat yourself well.

Credits: Photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Scott Taylor, courtesy of the US Navy.

Posted by Bean Jones at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

Past Perfect. Missing the fuss-free versions of your favorite applications? Go to OldVersion.com to get back to the basics.

I'm a big Instant Messenger (IM) fan. You name it, I've tried it. Then again, I'm not exactly the kind of guy who goes nuts over all the latest versions of these killer applications. Why? It's because many of the much publicized versions of my favorite IMs just muddle up everything with added plug-ins that I don't even need.

Plug-In Purgatory
Why do I hate these plug-ins? For starters, most of them delay the launch of an IM. Case in point: The latest version of my all-time favorite Yahoo! Messenger (YM) serves up a suite of multimedia add-ons that just waste a lot of time. I get frustrated over the fact that I have to deal with a whole bunch of wachamacallits before I can even see if the person I want to contact is online. Hey, I don't want to fumble as I try to "collapse" a music plug-in when I'm in a hurry to, say, join an online conference.

I wonder what drives all these developers to load IMs with these superfluous plug-ins. Is it a case of paranoid overcompensation? Is the race to come up The One True IM really that competitive?

I think these IM developers have to realize that not all of us want to have plug-ins that we don't need. A good number of us IM fans are pretty happy when things are kept simple. That's not to say we don't appreciate upgrades of our beloved applications. It's just that we don't see the point of all these add-ons if they prevent us from transmitting messages in the fastest way possible. After all, isn't that what IMs are for?

Blasts from the Past
So, the other night, when I was so frustrated with my YM, I turned nostalgic and went to Google with the hope of chancing upon its older--and brilliantly simple--version.

Guess what?

I hit the jackpot when I stumbled upon OldVersion.com, a site which I like to call the mother lode of past programs. It's tagline had me chuck