e-Wealth Daily: Free Ways to Make Quick Money, Ways to Become Rich

For example, many years ago, I was looking for a Christmas present for my brother. The budget I had was $60 for a box set of The Doors CDs. I went to three stores, and none of them had it. It was December 23 and I was desperate.

Then I saw the Allman Brothers box set for $90. I knew he'd like it just as much as The Doors, and since time was of the essence, I bought it.

This wasn't the smartest thing to do. I went over my budget by 50%, plus didn't really get my number one choice. If I had bought him a $60 gift certificate, I could've saved $30 and he probably could've special ordered the gift he really wanted.

Remember, if you have a budget (which you should), stick to it, even in desperate, last-minute situations.

Don't fall for the gift wrapping trap.

If gift wrapping is free, take advantage of it. If they charge for it, but all proceeds are going to charity and you probably would give that money to charity anyway, then go for it. However, if a store or a mall is charging for gift wrapping, say no thanks.

Sure, at the last minute, it's a convenience. However, if you're adding $50 to your shopping bill to save yourself an hour of wrapping work when you get home, then take a pass.

And if you can't wrap at home, buy some paper or a gift bag from a dollar store (most big malls... even high-end malls... have one) along with some tape, bows and scissors and wrap your gift in the food court. You'll save money, which is the name of the game.

** Make 2008 Your Best Year Ever
By Doug D'Anna, the "Hundred-Million-Dollar Man"

This year's not even over and I already feel like 2008 will be my best year ever. And I have a feeling it will be your best year, too, not only personally but professionally, if you simply follow my three simple rules.

Rule 1. Be Positive.

As you may have read in my "The Power of Positive Cash Flow" (http://www.lombardipublishing.com/ads/po/index.asp), being positive could attract great things into your life, including a great job, great people, and great money. So promise yourself that you will see the good in others and you could be rewarded with good things for yourself.

Rule 2. Think Success.

Remember the book, "The Little Engine that Could?" The Little Engine tried to pull a load that was extremely heavy. Yet, bigger and other more powerful engines were too afraid to even try. But the little engine gave it his best, staring out with this simply mantra, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can." The rest is history. The little engine made it over the mountain without breaking a sweat. It's an old saying: the mind can achieve what it can believe. Believe in yourself and there's no way you can't succeed.

Rule 3. Show Appreciation.

As you walk down the pathway of life, there are many people around you who are never acknowledged or thanked for the great things that they do. By letting them know you appreciate their efforts on your behalf, you will be setting yourself head and shoulders above others. When you consider that society has lost its manners, you will stand out like a ray of light and attract opportunities into your life that you can't imagine.

Think about it for a moment. Wouldn't you like to be around someone who is positive, successful and appreciative? Wouldn't you want to invite them to dinner... tell them about job opportunities... bring them into great investments with you?

You bet!

So why not strive to become this person in 2008?

The best part is, it won't cost you a dime to change your thinking and I guarantee great things could come your way.

All good wishes,

Doug

** Positioning Yourself for Success
By John Hurd, Chief Wealth Researcher

Recently, Seth Godin, a marketing guru and author, wrote how Whole Foods Market uses environmental concern to help sell its products.

Concern for the environment and our consumption "footprints" are big newsmakers these days. And it appears as though Whole Foods is leading the pack when it comes to providing socially responsible food products. It's hard to argue against the fair treatment of people and the Earth.

Seth's point was that the marketing position Whole Foods has taken might not last forever. Feeling guilty about not buying responsible foods is a big motivator, but Seth asks just how long it will be until we begin to ignore that guilt.

For Whole Foods, only time will tell, but based on my experiences shopping at the store near my home and seeing the carts and baskets of shoppers full of food, it leads me to believe that the company's positioning is working and may last for some time to come.

Whether you're a business owner or someone who is just looking for ways to get more money, your position in relation to other wealth-seekers is important. Today, take a moment to consider your own personal "positioning."

Your position is what other people think of as a defining trait you possess. Are you the "go-to" guy who can help solve problems? Are you the forward thinker who solves problems before they even arise? Are you the trustworthy advice provider?

The key to positioning yourself is to find your strength and then do everything you can to promote it. You see, your past actions can speak volumes about the kind of person that you are, so you'll want to find out what impression you leave behind.

Your position should set you apart from the competition. So, whether you're vying for more money from a boss or trying to attract new customers, understanding your position could help make you a bigger success.

** Preparing for the Challenges of Tomorrow
By Michael Newman, the "Money Finder"

If I were to pick one thing that I've learned over my career, it's that you can never be too prepared for anything. Being ready for whatever is thrown your way is a guaranteed key to success. That being said, it's never too early to start preparing for something -- especially if you know it's coming.

I know you are probably sitting somewhere breathing a sigh of relief. After all, you've made it through another holiday season. As great as it was, I'm sure you're glad to see the shopping malls, the rushing and the stress of December put on the shelf until next year.

Well, here are three words of advice: not so fast.

If you want to avoid the stress, rushing and expense of the holidays you've become accustomed to, then right now could be your best opportunity to do so.

You see, many retailers are offering great sales on unsold stock from this year's holiday season, which can produce some great savings for you. If you're in need of decorations, cards or even want to get an early start on next year's gifts, why not endure another couple of days in the mall? After all, it could end up saving you a considerable amount of cash in the long run, not to mention time.

After all, there are a number of timeless gifts you could pick up right now at a discount. Clothing, appliances and even some electronics will still be trendy next year, so if you can save a few bucks by picking them up now, why not?

By preparing yourself now for the challenges tomorrow, you should always come out on top.