Joes Map

Most people I have talked to know that they can pay off a mortgage in 15 years instead of 30 by paying extra money each month, but most people do not do it. When friends are looking to buy real estate I often try to talk them into buying something cheaper. It makes much more sense to me to have something you can pay off quickly, own, and get into buying more property.

If I told you that living in a slightly cheaper neighborhood today could net you 3 houses to own in the same time you would be paying for that big house that stretches your budget, would you consider it then?

Another way to convince friends to calculate their mortgage payments and options is to give them the jail scenario. If you have no house payment, and bills, you would be free. Free to do what you want when you want. If you have that mortgage bill coming every month for 30 years, that’s like a life sentence. Wouldn’t you rather be free in 15 years instead of 30?

Start calculating your mortgage options now!

Mind mapping is not my favorite term for it, but it’s what most people know it by I guess. I think mind mapping, or getting the flow out on paper as I like to call it, is a powerful tool. I have drawn so many mind maps over the years, it has helped me accomplish the multiple businesses and relationship goals I have set for my life. With getting the flow out on paper I would just have too much stuff stuck in my head.

It’s a great way to get rid of stress for me, and helps to get it all out. I am often amazed at how much easier I can sleep, or move on to other things once I have jotted down all my semi connected random thoughts. I also find new area of inspiration, and sometimes find things that are deep in my mind that I had not been overly consciously aware of.

Last year when it came time to get everything together for vacation I had to use a mind map. It is rare that I get to spend two weeks are from work, and there were so many things on my mind, without a mind map we would have never made it to Hawaii, much less been able to have a good time while there. My mind mind helped me plot out everything that needed to be done before we left, and helped me stay on focus to have a good time and enjoy it while we were there.

The vacation mind map saved me time and money, I recommend everyone jot down mind maps on a regular basis.

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There are a million ways to save money with your business, there are some things that I do that make a huge difference when the end of the year comes around. Not all of the things I do will make sense for every business, but to get your mind map flowing, here’s  few things to consider.

I use one cell phone, I have a generic voice mail. No need for three cell phones for 3 businesses.

I have a home office, I meet clients at coffee shops, and big meetings get a ballroom on an off day at one of the hotels.

When I go on vacation I plan it around a convention or other business trip, this gets me the tax deduction for the flight. I often get cheaper hotel rates for the vacation since I often book 4 or more nights for the business part of the trip as well.

I use contractors, not employees. This works well for me and the people I contract with.

I use skype, yahoo messenger and email as much as possible. If I needed to call long distance I would plan the call to make it after hours here and in the right time for the time zone I am calling. I don’t accept faxes, I make anyone trying to fax me scan it and email it. No need to have something else on all day that I hardly use.

What do you do to save with your business?

This is a site designed by me with the help of wordpress and the template designers that have been cool enough to provide great templates. I will be sharing my mind maps with all kinds of ideas, along with maps to great travel destinations that I recommend everyone enjoy. I’ve also been asked to share some of my maps to financial success, so I will include a category for the financial road maps that have served me well, and suggest some money moves people should consider with these tough times ahead of.

Welcome friends and family , it’s Joe’s Map.