Book Recommendation

I just finished reading 'Why We Want You To Be Rich', and I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised.  I really enjoyed it! 
It had been recommended by a colleague of mine. 
My initial reaction was "Donald Trump?". 
Second reaction was, "Robert Kiyosaki!".  I have been a follower of his since I first read 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' 
many years ago.   Additionally, my partner (in the investment leg of my business), Suzanne Koller, and I refer to Robert Kiyosaki and his works in the investment workshops we conduct.  So, I was compelled to make the purchase and begin reading.  One of the things I like about Kiyosaki, (and that has brought criticism to him), is that he doesn't tell you what to do, where to put your money or advise you on what's best for you.  He gives you principles, and ideas of where to begin your education if you want to head down the path of creating wealth. 
Ultimately, he confirms that you are responsible for your own financial destiny.  No one makes choices for you except you, and education is the best way to make informed choices.  I think that's called "accountability".   

In reading, 'Why We Want You To Be Rich', I was intrigued by what I learned about Donald Trump.  I knew him (of course, I don't know him at all, so it's more of my perception of what I thought I knew!) as the brash, arrogant man we see on the news and read about in the tabloids.  He certainly has done enough to give all the gossip mongers fodder for quite some time to come! 
What came across in the book is a man who is driven, determined, open minded, and focused on continuing education.  Education of all things ... that was the biggest surprise of all.
And, not just education for himself.  He has a desire for all Americans, as a population, to have a strong financial education so they have the ability to make decisions about their future and not rely on the government or company to take care of them in their times of need.

Each chapter was divided between the section written in Robert's voice, and that written in Donald's voice.  It was fascinating to find out about their very different upbringing, education and start in the business world.  It was fascinating to to read that Robert Kiyosaki was intimidated and felt inferior when he was approached by "The Donald" pair up to write this book.   It is fun to read as Robert reached the realization that they were on equal ground, each had strengths that complimented the other, and why they were able to write this book in 2 voices but put across one message.  
The other surprising thing for me was how easy a book it was to read.  It is written with true stories, combined with principles and I found it was not at all tedious, as sometimes books about wealth building can be.    
If you read it, I hope you will enjoy it and get as much out of it as I did.

Isn't an ACRE a parcel of land?

hat is an ACRE™? 
It does refer to a measurement of land size.   

It also stands for Accredited Consultant in Real Estate™.   You may have seen reference to ACRE™ on the Real Town homepage or written about in the education section by clicking on the Education tab. 
If you are Realtor®, it is a designation worth pursuing.  

If you are a consumer, you may be asking yourself:
How Does Consulting Differ From the Real Estate Sales approach?
Is it just a fancy new catch phrase that means the same way of doing business?

I graduated from the ACRE™ program with this designation late last summer.
The consulting model provides the Realtor® the tools to Give their Clients Choices for Services They Need and Want and the way to pay for them!
The "one size fits all" model of the traditional commission structure is not for everyone.
Consulting is finding out the needs of the client and then recommending the options that best fit those needs. Based on the Needs Analysis, we may find out the traditional commission structure is the right thing. If we find out it's not, then there are solutions for you!

I had written about this topic last fall, and since then, I have learned so much about it.  I have used it in several presentations for sellers and investors ... no buyers yet.  The reaction has been very positive.  Consumers are not used to having options, so it's nice to see the connection begin to take place as I lay out the choices they have.  They see numbers attached to each option and begin to just shake their heads.  It makes so much sense to them and they are excited!  It's great.

If you compare it to going out to dinner, sometimes you like to sit down, order off the menu and have someone take care of you.
Other times when you go out, you may be in the mood for a serve yourself buffet line. It is sometimes less expensive than the order off the menu option (or not), and it may be the right thing for you at the time.
Consulting is similar ... it's having a choice. Now isn't that a refreshing change of pace?

This is a very brief description.  You may choose to find out more, or you may choose not to.  Either way is perfectly fine, because after all, isn't that what choice is all about?

Why do they call them wisdom teeth?

Why they are called "wisdom" teeth is a little beyond me.  Of course, the answer is because they usually appear in the late teens/early twenties and so you are supposed to possess more wisdom than you did in your adolescent years. 
And perhaps, they call them that because when you see your other teeth coming out of alignment (after your parents spent thousands of $$$$ on braces straightening them so you would grow up being able to flash that beautiful smile!) because the "wisdom" teeth are coming in at an angle (also known as "impacted") you are wise enough to have them removed.  

For whatever reason, when they have to be removed, it is brutal.  I remember going through it myself over Christmas break from college in my sophomore year.  I actually think it's worse than the pain of childbirth.  And with childbirth, you have this amazing blessing that has you totally mesmerized while you are going through the healing process. 

There is no such trade off while healing from the effects of wisdom teeth removal.  I now have experienced the flip side of this procedure in the role of caregiver.  Parker and Evan had to have all 4 extracted on Thursday.  They came through with flying colors.  The surgery was preformed at Central Mass Oral Surgery where they were wonderful!  It was an efficient, fun and relaxing atmosphere.  They made the boys feel completely at ease and it was a pretty quick process.

Getting them home, settled, re-medicated and fed, in addition to a million other little things, I have been working full time since Thursday.  From the vivid memory I carry from many years ago, it seems as though not much has changed in the healing process.  I think today, I will get a little break from the last few and it should continue to get easier from here. 

Wish me luck, and in the meantime, don't over do it while you are out shoveling or snow blowing the effects from yet another snow fall.  Just remember, we will be seeing crocuses in no time ... keep telling yourself that!