Cup of Google Caffeine

As promised in a previous article, I have found a source of my Grandfather’s book closer to South African shores…

From Liberator to Dictator: An Insider’s Account of Robert Mugabe’s Descent into Tyranny
http://www.kalahari.net//books/From-Liberator-to-Dictator-An-Insiders-Account-of-Robert-Mugabes-Descent-into-Tyranny/632/33320131.aspx?trackerid=8083620100120
This is a personal account of the unravelling of Zimbabwe, written by an insider who was prepared to keep faith with Robert Mugabe until it was almost too late. Michael Auret served for many years on Zimbabwe’s respected Catholic Commission of Justice and Peace, which worked tirelessly to defend human rights in that country. In this absorbing memoir, he traces his involvement in the politics of his country, from his days as an opposition MP in Ian Smith’s Rhodesia to his involvement with the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and his election as MP for Harare Central in the brutal election of 2000. The author’s key position as an insider makes this is a fascinating and timely account of the internal politics of Zimbabwe.

Previous Article on Michael Auret

Get The Most Out Of 2010 By Improving Your Financial Situation

STOP SPENDING MONEY

Most people don’t realize that your finances are just as unique as you are. The reason for this; your financial situation is tied directly to your lifestyle. Therefore, if you want to change your financial situation; you have to change your lifestyle. But don’t worry it’s not like trying to quit smoking “cold turkey”. You can start by doing small things like; instead of going out to dinner and a movie twice a week, go once a week. You’ll find that you enjoy the experience more and look forward to it a lot more than you used to.

When looking to cut back on expenses whatever you do, DO NOT cut back on your medical insurance. This is where most people run into problems because if you are hospitalized the bills will be expensive. So rather go without food and drink water than cut back on your medical insurance.

For more tips in further detail, click the following link -

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-cover3-2010jan03,0,4664393.story

Action Plan For Getting Out Of Trouble

If you are struggling financially here is an action plan that will help you get your finances back on track.

PAY OFF YOUR CREDIT CARD DEBTS

If you have credit card debts or any short term loans these need to be paid off immediately. This does not include your house, car or student loans (which still need to be paid off but are long term loans). So arrange your debts in order from smallest to greatest and start paying them off. You’ll find you really feel great when you start crossing off the easy ones to pay off first and it will keep you motivated to keep on going. If you are putting money away every month as part of a savings plan then you should rather use that money to pay off your debts first. When those credit cards are all paid off, cut them up! That’s not to say close the accounts as this will affect your credit rating but those credit cards have to go! A survey was done in the States where different families were given cash for three months to buy their monthly groceries and then given a credit card for the next three months for the same groceries. When using the credit card the families ended up spending 30% more than what they did with cash.

EMERGENCY FUND

Once your debts are paid off, start your savings plan and put away whatever you can every month until you have 6 months of living expenses saved. This is your emergency fund and will enable you to go 6 months without feeling the pinch if you happen to lose your job. This must include your rent / mortgage, lights, water, insurance, groceries, entertainment and whatever else you usually spend each month. Make sure that the emergency fund is invested in a low risk, capital guaranteed account; this is for emergencies only and is not money to invest in the Stock Market.

OTHER INVESTMENTS

When you have reached the goal for your emergency fund you can then start looking at investing whatever you save beyond that in high risk high return investment opportunities.

For more tips on becoming financially secure, click the following link -

http://www.oprah.com/article/omagazine/200910-omag-suze-small-steps

Whether you’re sick, can’t fall asleep, or just chilly and in need of a warm drink that will exude heat throughout your body, a hot toddy may just do the trick. Here’s a recipe to warm the soul:

Makes one cup

Ingredients:
1 cup hot tea
1 shot brandy, whisky, bourbon or rum
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp honey

Preparation:
1. Make a cup of tea the way you like it (that is, strong or weak and with whatever type of tea leaves you like).
2. Stir in the alcohol, lemon juice and honey.
3. Enjoy

A variation on this recipe would be to use either a pinch of chillies instead of the alcohol.

The German’s have a similar drink called “Glühwein”

• A 750ml bottle of easy drinking wine like Baronne or a Shiraz
• 2/3 cup of raw cane sugar or white sugar, or non-artificial sweetener of your choice
• Juice and peel of one small lemon
• 2 cardamon pods
• 4 cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cinnamon sticks

Put everything in a heavy bottomed pan. Stir to melt the sugar. Heat the mixture over low heat, and leave for about an hour – it should never boil, just sort of seethe.

Serve in small mugs (straining out the peel and spices), with optional shot of brandy, kirsch or other liqueur.

Notes: Increase the amount proportionately to serve more people. Vary the sweetener to change the taste – honey is interesting, as is dark brown sugar or molasses.