Registered Mortgage Broker

Robert Kiyosaki's bestseller, Rich Dad, Poor Dad,* has helped millions to create roadmaps to their financial goals. Central to his series is the notion of open-mindedness. Instead of sizing up a situation and saying, “I can't afford that,” he suggests saying, "How can I afford that?" By reshaping the idea into an open-ended question, creativity is stimulated, which leads to inspiration. 

Here's a list of critical thoughts and their positive replacements. I hope these help to prime your mind for money-making thoughts.

As open-ended thinking becomes more natural for you, you'll also find yourself better able to help clients who have critical objections. Plus, the difference in this kind of thinking is tremendous. If you aren't already quieting your critic, you'll find that these suggestions bring excitement into your daily life. 

Consider writing out this list, and adding to it when you discover new negative thoughts. Invent positive replacements, and write those down, too. Review the list frequently, and practice!

Mammoth retailer Target recently revised its estimate of stolen credit card data to over 70 million cards. This was an astounding breach and a reminder to be aware of any identity theft and bank account safety at all times. Here are a few tips on the best ways to use payment conveniences and still protect your money: 

Debit Cards:  While they are convenient and can be used without additional fees (except for getting cash from certain ATM machines) debit cards are still not without risk. If a thief gets hold of your data, your entire bank balance is placed in jeopardy. Even if your account is covered for fraud, you can still be short of cash during the bank investigation. It's best to use your debit card only for getting cash, and only directly from your bank's ATM machine. Most security pros advise not using debit cards for online purchases.

Credit Cards: If you pay your balance monthly and keep from borrowing more than your budget, credit cards are great for purchases both online and off. All credit cards cover fraudulent activity and since they aren't connected to your bank account, you won't be without cash should a thief get a hold of your card data.

PayPal: Popularly used for online purchases, PayPal offers a way to access your debit card or bank account without the risk of getting cleaned out due to fraud, by creating a buffer between the web and your bank account. There are no fees or interest when using PayPal to purchase items, and the account can be connected to debit, credit, or electronic funds transfer directly from your bank account.

Whichever method you choose... the very best way to protect yourself from fraud and identity theft is to check your account transactions carefully at least once a month (once a week is better). Notify your bank if you see anything suspicious.

Sources: PayPal, CNN

If you're itching to go abroad this summer but can't afford the usual exorbitant prices, try visiting these alternatives to major cities. According to PriceofTravel.com, here are 8 great international destinations you can actually afford, based on its 3-Star Index, which includes a room in a 3-star hotel, a taxi ride, a cultural attraction, and three mid-range meals with beverages:

• Krakow, Poland: Cheaper than Amsterdam, Krakow also has a weaker currency, the zloty, which will stretch your travel budget.
• Cartagena, Columbia: Cheaper than Rio de Janeiro by half, with beaches and a beautiful, historic old town.
• The Himalayas: Cheaper than the Alps, and home to Earth's highest peaks. At $28 per day, Pokhara, Nepal, is the cheapest city on the 3-Star Index.
• Budapest, Hungary: A third of the cost to travel to Paris, and still a culturally rich European capital, with the 13th century Buda Castle and the Danube River.
• Bangkok, Thailand: Cheaper than Tokyo, a longtime backpacker favorite, and with many cultural and culinary tastes to suit, at roughly $56 per day.
• Barcelona, Spain: Cheaper than Nice, France, and a big coastal city with similar charms.
• Istanbul, Turkey: Cheaper than Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and where you can visit the Topkapi Palace for $12, and pamper yourself with full spa packages at Turkish Baths starting around $30.
• Nicaragua: Cheaper and less popular than Costa Rica, where you can still be outdoorsy and adventurous, and where you're likelier to have lakes and beaches all to yourself.

In Donald Trump's 2004 book, Trump: How to Get Rich*, he dedicates an entire section to the secrets of negotiation. I think you'll be amazed to know how much the dealings of a multi-billionaire relate to business at any level.

Here are some of the tips he shares for successful negotiation:

Consider What the Other Side Wants.

If you remain too focused on what you want, you'll miss which concessions you can make that might satisfy the other side.

Be Reasonable and Flexible.

Unless you are never going to be negotiating again, it will hurt you in the
long run if you show an unwillingness to bend. The word will eventually get out, and no one will want to work with you.

Trust Your Instincts.

If it sounds too good to be to true, it probably is. Don't let the same brain that struggles with long division be the only decision- maker. Trust your gut!

Know Exactly What You Want and Keep It to Yourself.

Chess masters know they've lost the game when their opponent can see their true attack coming. In other words, as soon as the other side knows what you want, they have you by the throat.

Let Your Guard Down, but Only on Purpose.

Let out some facts or opinions to "test the waters." See if people are agreeable or disagreeable, in order to gauge what they're thinking and feeling.

Be Patient.

Stubbornness is not the same as patience. Don't let your impatience overrun the deal itself. Be willing to wait for the right conditions to be met.

Be True to Your Friends.

Be loyal, be kind, and believe that both sides can come out winners.

Stay tuned for more Business Boosters coming your way!

*Trump: How To Get Rich, by Donald Trump and Meredith McIver, © 2004, Random House, Inc.