AzrinaAznan.com

J.D. of www.getrichslowly.com wrote a great article on The Architecture of Personal Finance. I’ve put it here for my own reference and for the benefit of other readers.

For the year 2008, I shall be taking extra measures to manage my finance well. That would include budgeting my expenses, putting aside savings (paying myself more!), investing in the right places and practicing frugal living (?). I shall also continue to read more books on financial management, wealth creation, internet marketing and personal development. Like J.D. mentioned, we have to experiment to acquire a method of financial management that works best for us. I suppose there is no particular right way of going about it. But if one way or the other works for us, then we should just stick to it.

As of now, I’m contemplating putting my savings in a high interest savings account (HSBC has one that pays 3% interest a month). That and transferring my credit card balance to a low interest rate credit card (Affin Bank- hope they’ll still have it for 2008). Financial planning/management is a pretty new field for me. I’m glad I’ve got caught into it cause it’ll play a major role in me achieving my financial freedom goal. I’m starting to really dig finance blogs!

Tags: Wealth Creation by Me Rina
No Comments »

I’ve been racking my brain for activities to do with my one and half year old son. Taking leave from work has allowed me to spend more time with him. A much needed time for mother and son bonding. However, finding a fun activity for him has been quite a challenge.

It seems that his toys don’t amuse him anymore, he only watches tv when the azan (muslims’ call for prayer)’s on, and he can only concentrate on his picture books for a few minutes. However, he loves playing with water but makes a huge puddle of a mess leaving the floors drenched and slippery, and he loves picking up dust particles which are icky and hazardous if he puts them in his mouth! So what does a mommy do to entertain her son?

I’ve decided to search the web for activities to do with toddlers. I found a number of sites dedicated to this. Here’s a rather good one from http://www.babycentre.co.uk/.

Young collector

Go for a walk together and take a bucket with you. Collect small objects that interest your toddler — stones, leaves, pine cones. Your toddler will want to carry the bucket, but don’t be surprised if she also dumps its contents and starts again. Toddlers at this age love to fill containers just so then can empty them again! Meanwhile, she’s practising her hand movements and developing dexterity.

Hmm.. I guess I can tailor this activity into an indoor one. I suppose I can get more activities from Mamafiza too. She’s amazing with her children!

“Being successful means having your life in balance. When any one area of your life is out of order, it’ll affect other areas. Work on finding the perfect balance for yourself in work, family, marriage and personal endeavors. It’s part of leading a successful life”

Have a restful weekend!

Tags: Parenting by Me Rina
No Comments »

I’ve been doing my Mind Goals lessons for Success Uni. One thing the instructor keeps repeating over is about the importance of knowing your ‘why’s to achieving your goals. Your ‘why’s reflects your value and purpose in life. Having a strong why gives a sense of direction as to where you’re headed and it will ensure that you’ll persevere to achieve your goals.

Going through my lessons has helped me determine my ‘why’s in achieving my chosen major goal that is financial freedom. But before I get ahead of myself, let me first give you my definition of financial freedom as I understand it.

For me, financial freedom means reaching a stage in life where I have my money working hard for me. It could be in form of an investment vehicle or passive income from the internet - affiliate progs, sales of product (ebook, program etc), it could be rental for property, property sale and many, many more. When I reach financial freedom, I’ll have the time and money to do what I love most with the people I love most.

For me being financially independent and having abundance of wealth is crucial because:

1. It’ll allow me to development myself even further - books, seminars, learning materials cost money!
2. I can live my life to the fullest - have great homes, cars, clothes, food, vacation etc.
3. I can give ample love and attention to my husband and children (I’ll have enough time and money to do this).
4. I can repay my parents for all their kindness and sacrifices in bringing me up.
5. I can help my brothers realise their dreams.
6. I can help others in need (charity).
7. I will have time to perform more ibadah (devote myself to Allah) - and this is of utmost importance - these days people are too busy climbing the career ladder to even pray anymore. And when they do have time they spend it wasting away.. and lastly
8. I can help others achieve their financial freedom too!

However, do note that being financially free does not mean that you have to be super duper billionnaire rich. It all depends on what you’re happy with and the net worth you’re aiming for. Some people enjoy life without having to be so lavish. And there are also many who live life in luxury and never feel they have enough. So in the end, you decide how financially free you want to be.

Hey, I guess I’ve already covered my whys of achieving financial freedom in the list above!

Now you do the same! Discover your whys behind your major life goals and you’ll have more reasons to move forward and take actions!

Tags: Personal Development by Me Rina
No Comments »

Yesterday was a rather good day for me in terms of rezeki. Rezeki is a Malay word which roughly describes wealth or whatever goodness that you receive.. I’m not so sure what the exact word in English is though. Maybe someone out there can help clarify. Your rezeki can come in many forms be it money, gifts, property, food, good health, an opportunity etc. Even children are thought to be a form of rezeki.

Yesterday was a day of receiving for me. Today, I wish to do my part in giving back. So here is my offer:

I’d like to invite 5 people to join my Personal Development Movement. In other words to become partners with me in a fabulous program under the guidance of sifu Zamri Nanyan (Malaysia’s Internet Marketing Expert Coach). Zamri’s passion is in helping others make money online. If you’ve always wondered how internet business operates, this is your chance to learn and EARN!! By joining me, you’ll be receiving personal coaching from me and Zamri on earning an income online. I am extending this offer until midnight, 31 December 2007. If you’re ready to take action fast, click on the link provided below and fill in your details fast!!

http://www1.successuniversity.com.my/r/into

Remember, by doing this you’ll be securing your future success. Start the new year with a bang! Click on the link now! A free gift awaits you just for joining. This venture may just be your rezeki in abundance

http://www1.successuniversity.com.my/r/into

Invest now for a better, wealthier future tomorrow. You reap the seeds that you sow.

Till then, take care. Aim high! To the Top!!

Tags: Wealth Creation by Me Rina
2 Comments »

I just found out that I won myself MPH Vouchers today! Yay!! I had a good feeling I’d win the minute I dropped in my entry form. Hehehe.. Now despite having created a lense for list of financial books to read, I’m still having to decide which to buy! Any suggestions?

Tags: Gifts/Competitions by Me Rina
2 Comments »

A joyous Christmas holiday to all my readers!! The new year is fast approaching and I’m getting a head start with my new year’s resolution. So here is the first part of my list:

1. To save at least RM1 every single day for the first week than double it the following week and keep on doubling the doubled amount till the end of the year.
2. Read at least 2 pages from the al-Quran every single day.
3. Share Success University with at least one new person a day.
4. To become a person who is at peace with herself and others around her every single day beginning from now!
5. Become a SU Counselor before 30 January 2008.
6. Pay of all outstanding payments by 30 June 2008.
7. Become SU Director by 22 July 2008 (my birthday gift for me!!)
8. Become SU Executive Director by 31 December 2008.
9. Find, locate, buy, own and live in our dream home by 1 January 2009.
10. Become SU Ambassador by 22 July 2009 (another birthday gift for me!!)
11. Become financially free by 31 December 2009.

Tags: Personal, Personal Development by Me Rina
3 Comments »

A few days ago I experimented with squidoo and here’s a lens I came up with http://www.squidoo.com/moneybooks. For those of you new to squidoo, it’s actually a site/program that allows it’s members to compile other websites with their topics of interests. I did mine on Financial Management Books. Browse other lenses for more impressive ones too. And thanks to KCLau for introducing it to me through his ebook on managing money (grab a copy FREE on my freebies page!).

Tags: Internet Finds by Me Rina
1 Comment »

I’ve been thinking about changing my web theme again. I know it just goes to show that I’m a bit fickle. But I only want the best! However, after reading a comment by Jon of SmartWealthyRich.com I’ve decided against it! Ahh..how quick I change my mind.

My current theme is designed by Antbag (Anthony Baggett) and after downloading it from him, I didn’t change anything much except added some new widgets and pluggins. Jon did a great job commenting on this particular artwork theme. I actually wanted a male opinion on it (but that’s rather silly because a guy created this theme in the first place). The reason being because I noticed most male pro bloggers prefer three column themes with links and ads on the right panel. I actually sought out to do the same but figured I should do something different. By chance I came upon antbag’s theme and totally digged it until a few concerned male souls gave feedbacks that it’s not that attractive. I know they mean well. But if I myself like it the way it is than it shouldn’t matter what the minority thinks, right? Besides my female counterparts seem to love it. So thank you ladies!! And thanks Jon for getting me to stick to my choice. I’d love your comments on this blog if you happen to drop by.

Jon btw has recently put up his blog (www.smartwealthyrich.com) for sale which is sad cuz he’d just turned me into a fan. Anyhow, Jon has greater plans and I wish him all the best on this!

Tags: Blogging by Me Rina
No Comments »

Ok, one last entry before I wrap it off for today. Sheesh I really do have alot on my mind!

It was just yesterday that I had the opportunity to babysit my son alone for the whole day (it was just the two of us till quite late). On normal work day, I would drop my son off at my parents’ place on the way to work. I’d nurse him during lunch, rush back to work then come pick him up later in the evening. But yesterday I took leave. My parents were headed off to my mom’s kampung. So it was just my son and I.

The day started off rather good. My year-and-a-half-old son is usually hyperactive and also loves bossing people around (wonder who he got that from?). But yesterday he was such a good mommy’s boy. He ate my cooking. Played nicely with his toys. But then he also wouldn’t let me watch any tv (he keeps switching it off each time it’s on). I take it that he wants me to focus my attention on him. And he also wants to be carried around alot.

I guess he just misses his mommy and is delighted to have me for himself the whole day. I also surprised myself by being a very patient mother. I resisted most urges to scold him but than he gave me little reason to. Yesterday gave me a chance to get to know my son better. I felt I tuned in to him more.. And it gave me great motherly satisfaction to be able to provide or fulfill my child’s need. I should do this more often.. And I shall be doing it every day too once I reach my financial freedom goal. I pray that it will come to me in 2 to 3 years time, God-willing (what are you laughing at?).

If you want to step in with me on my road to financial freedom then keep tuning in. You can also get a head start by checking out Success University. Yes! You’d want to do that. And do it now since there is no time like the present. The longer you put it off, the further away you’ll be from becoming rich/financially free!!

Success University is holding A 14-day Free Trial. This is your cue to test it out at no risk what-so-ever (although you may risk becoming more successful)!! 

Tags: Parenting by Me Rina
No Comments »

 For Gobala’s Christmas gift contest, I think I’ll put myself in the running to win the space man moppel LED light as well. What it actually is is a spaceman sort of figurine (blank face - no eyes, nose nor mouth) that you can place standing on your bureau (it has magnet at foot base). The face is supposed to light up in a soft, white, LED glow. Just the kind of ambience I want to create at my workspace.

So what are u all waiting for? Grab the chance to win some if not one fantastic gifts yourself at: http://www.easywordpress.com/labs/christmas-gifts-contest/

It’s only on for a limited time. If I led you to the link too late, then I apologise. You just weren’t fast enough.  Why don’t you bookmark my site (if you have too) or even better link back to me.. I don’t want you to miss out on any other goodies they’re giving away (from time to time).

Tags: Gifts/Competitions by Me Rina
No Comments »