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The older I get, the faster the summer goes. August already - hard to believe! After many years of planting a tomato plant in a pot, I threw one between the shrubs in my front garden. One straggly little cherry tomato plant has taken over. I love picking dozens each day even if it is odd to have this plant along with my flowers. Somehow these homegrown tomatoes taste better than store-bought...or so I imagine!
It's hard to believe the fifth anniverary of From Purses to Portfolios is here. Plans for our 3rd celebration are exciting. A new feature to the Purses' program, Purses' Pals, will be introduced; the idea originated from comments you made in surveys. Also new this year is the MoneyWed Game. Our Executive on Loan from Citi, Ginny Russell, came up with the idea; we are now looking for couples to be on this unique game show? Interested? Great prizes for those who are chosen. Just send me an email of you are interested. And remember to send in your log to be recognized in October, We will be sending invitations to all who have sent in a log since October 2004 and honoring those who have reached new levels.
Watch for your invitation....
We were just notified that our nomination of Money School volunteers has been selected to receive the:
2009 GOVERNOR'S OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER AWARDS
These prestigious awards recognize the efforts of Delawareans who best exemplify the spirit of volunteerism throughout the state. Any Delaware individual, group, organization, or business engaged in volunteer activity from January-December, 2008 in the State of Delaware is eligible to be nominated. Award recipients will be honored at a special ceremony on October 29, 2009 starting at 5 pm at Dover Downs. I hope some of you will want to celebrate with us. Tickets are $25.
I called Ben Shamburger at Social Security about a family question. Not only did he answer my question, he offered to send us some articles about Social Security AND to serve as our own personal Social Security helpline host! So please mail your questions to info@dfli.org and Ben will answer them in future Pocket Change issues. Just like the commercial says, "We've got people!"
My memories of Sandra A. Varano, the first person to reach Treasurer's Circle, include her photographing all our events, sharing her delicious homemade goodies, calling the office with offers of help and with ideas for the program, and her bright and dazzling smile when she received the very first Golden Purse Award. Now, I imagine her looking down at us and smiling when DFLI and The Money School received a generous inheritance from her estate.
Ronni
MARK YOUR CALENDARS...
GOLDEN PURSE AWARD NOMINATIONS DUE - September 8
LOGS DUE - SEPTEMBER 15
CELEBRATION - OCTOBER 24 | |
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MARY AND MONEY
Sell Yourself in 30 Seconds or Less
Peggy Klaus has the best tips for helping you sell yourself. Before you hear from her you have to watch an awkward moment with a guy who felt he had all the right moves- but was, alas, delusional. Enjoy! -Mary Caraccioli
Click here to view the video.
MARY SOUNDS OFF...
When you open your eyes you see lessons all around you.
 In the world of marketing you are always trying to find points of differentiation between your stuff and your competitors'. Creating value-added that no one else in the field offers, then communicating that message clearly, is especially effective.It wasn't hard for me to find a great example of this today on 6th Ave. "Tell me off for $1.00" is brilliant. Just giving cash to someone on the street is charity. Squeegee washing of windshields creates negative value. The ability to vent your frustration with the world by telling someone off and not getting fired, hmmm now we are getting somewhere. Just having the oppurtunity available is worth a buck, whether you vent or not.Find your genius on your product's value-added niche and communicate it. If you are different and better, you have to be able to tell that story to the world succinctly - like our entrepreneur on 6th Ave.- Mary Caraccioli
From Mary's Kitchen:
Easy and Cool Gazpacho2 large tomatoes - chopped1/2 medium onion - chopped1 cup tomato or V-8 juice2 cloves garlic (optional, but so good!)1/8 tsp. black pepper1 small cucumber - chopped1 small green pepper - chopped1 tbsp. vinegar or cider or wine vinegar1/2 tsp. salta few drops of Tabasco - if desiredCombine all ingredients. Refrigerate at least 2 hours; the longer it chills, the better it tastes.Some people add chopped zucchini or squash.Some people prefer to mince or chop in the blender.One of our friends adds crab meat and Old Bay!Serve chilled.Check out Mary's website for more interviews and financial news and ideas to see more... |
 ASK SOCIAL SECURITY
WHAT YOUNG WORKERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY AND SAVING
By Loretta R.Hixenbaug Social Security Manager New Castle, DE
Retirement is probably the last thing on your mind if you're a young worker. But there are some basics you should know about Social Security and savings to plan for your retirement.
Social Security is the foundation for a secure retirement, but was never intended to be your only source of income when you retire. While Social Security replaces about 40 percent of the average worker's pre-retirement earnings, most financial advisors say that you will need 70 percent or more of pre-retirement earnings to live comfortably. Even with a pension, you will still need to save. If you will not have a private pension, you will need to save more-and start saving sooner. Today's young workers can expect to spend 20, 30 or even more years in retirement, so saving is critical.
The sooner you start to save, the more time your savings will have to grow. Whether you're able to save $5 or $500, it's in your interest to start saving now.
Want to start planning your future now? There are some easy ways to do so. Take a look at Your Social Security Statement, which you'll receive in the mail about two to three months before your birthday. Along with your annual Statement, workers between the ages of 25 and 35 will receive a helpful insert that provides information about Social Security, savings, and more items of interest to young workers. Want something more interactive? Visit Social Security's online Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator which allows you to try out different retirement scenarios based on your personal earnings record.
You can also go to www.mymoney.gov for information on getting credit, paying for education, buying a home, creating a budget, starting a business as well as financial calculators and planning tools.
Don't forget that Social Security coverage is not just for retirement, but also for disability and survivor benefits in the event that you are unable to work, or you leave behind a family that depends on your income when you die. Read more about retirement, disability and survivors benefits .
Do you have questions about Social Security?
Send them to
and watch for the answers in the coming months.
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HELP!!!! |
| The Money School instructors are all volunteers. They not only give their time, but also pay for all supplies and handouts they use. Please help them out...and help The Money School at the same time:
Do not sign up for a class unless you are sure you can attend.
If you must cancel, send an email to info@dfli.org as soon as possible so your seat can be released to someone else.
Do not request handouts for classes you do not attend.
Complete the online evaluation of the class.
Contact the office if you have questions or concerns.
THANK YOU!
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