   Changing Course Newsletter: Issue 18Date: Apr 26, 2001
Subject: Changing Course Newsletter: Issue 18
Changing Course Newsletter
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Issue 18 - April 26, 2001
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Brought to you by Changing Course
http://www.ChangingCourse.com
Dedicated to helping you:
~ Live Life on Purpose
~ Work at What You Love
~ Follow Your Own Road
Barbara Sher, author of "I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It
Was," calls Changing Course "wonderful, inspired and informative."
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QUOTE FOR THE DAY
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Do all your work as though you had a thousand years to live and also as
you would if you knew you must die tomorrow.
~ Mother Ann Lee
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FEATURED ARTICLE:
Money Matters - Beating the "Affluenza Bug"
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Af-flu-en-za (noun). 1. The bloated, sluggish and unfulfilled feeling
that results from efforts to keep up with the Joneses. 2. An epidemic of
stress, overwork, waste and indebtedness caused by dogged pursuit of the
American Dream. 3. An unsustainable addiction to economic growth. 4. A
television program that could change your life.
If you have a shoe collection Imelda Marcos would envy, are willing to
work 40 years at a job you hate so you can buy lots of stuff or want a
sports utility vehicle, even though you rarely drive in conditions that
warrant one, you may have caught the Affluenza bug.
Try these handy tips for beating Affluenza!
1. Before you buy, ask yourself:
Do I need it? Do I want to dust (dry-clean or otherwise maintain) it?
Could I borrow it from a friend, neighbor or family member? Is there
anything I already own that I could substitute for it? Are the resources
that went into it renewable, or non-renewable? How many hours will I
have to work to pay for it? (Note: Before you do this, you may find it
useful to figure your real hourly wage. Take your annual net income and
subtract your work-related costs like clothing, transportation, child
care, parking and lunches out.)
2. Avoid the mall. Go hiking or play ball with the kids instead.
3. Figure out what public transportation can save you (time, money for
gas and parking, peace of mind).
4. Become an advertising critic. Don't be sucked in by efforts to make
you feel inadequate so you'll buy more stuff you don't need.
5. Volunteer for a school or community group.
6. Splurge consciously. A few luxuries can be delightful, and they don't
have to be expensive.
7. Stay in - have a potluck, play a game, bake bread, write a letter,
cuddle a loved one.
8. Make a budget - know how much you are earning and spending. Each
dollar represents precious time in your life that you worked. Are you
spending money in ways that fulfill you?
9. Pretend the Joneses are the thriftiest, least wasteful people on the
block. Then try to keep up with them.
10. For even more ideas, watch Affluenza.
This article is reprinted courtesy of the Affluenza Web Site at
www.pbs.org/affluenza, KCTS Seattle.
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VALERIE'S PICKS AND PONDERINGS OF THE WEEK
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Good News About Health Care Costs for the Self-Employed!
The high cost of health insurance keeps many people trapped in jobs they
don't enjoy. If you are considering becoming your own boss, you will be
happy to know that Congress has accelerated the Taxpayer Relief Act.
In 2000 and 2001, you may deduct 60 percent of your health care
premiums. In 2002, that will rise to 70 percent and reach 100 percent
for 2003 and after. Keep in mind that the deductions apply only to
businesses that make a profit. Also, if you are married, in the month
the premium is incurred, neither you nor your spouse can be eligible for
an employer's health plan.
Is the fear of losing your health insurance benefits keeping you locked
in a job you hate? Now you can compare plans and companies, get instant
quotes so you can compare prices and apply on-line. Read on...
AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE: ChangingCourse.com has partnered with the
leading on-line health insurance destination for small businesses,
individuals, families, and seniors to learn about, compare and buy
health insurance. EHealthInsurance offers a large selection of health
plans from leading insurance companies nationwide. You get instant
quotes and side-by-side plan price and benefit comparisons to help you
select the right health plan. Their knowledgeable Customer Care team is
available to answer questions and provide assistance via email, online
chat and phone. These features and services combined with their online
applications make finding and buying the right health plan easier than
ever before. To learn more about this and other great resources to help
you change course, go to:
http://www.ChangingCourse.com
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INSPIRATION TO FOLLOW YOUR BLISS
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When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long
and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones
which open for us.
~Alexander Graham Bell
You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.
~Margaret Thatcher
Whatever you are, be a good one.
~Abraham Lincoln
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live life on purpose