Vive La Difference!

Am working on a story on how couples resolve their money differences. Although the assumption by many is that money differences cause divorce, in my story all three couples featured are, in fact, very different when it comes to money--and, they all say, their money differences help them handle their finances more effectively. The thinking is, if two people are identical from a financial standpoint, they tend not to see blind spots that can get them in trouble--blind spots that a partner with a different money attitude will spot.

So if you and your partner clash on money, use it to your advantage--not your detriment.

Jeff

dyslexia and entrepreneurship

Interesting news out of the UK...details follow:

A staggering 35% of U.S. entrepreneurs suffer from dyslexia, compared to 20% in the UK, a ground-breaking study by Julie Logan, Professor of Entrepreneurship at London’s Cass Business School, reveals.

This latest U.S. study follows on from earlier research which reveals that UK entrepreneurs are five times more likely to suffer from dyslexia than the average UK citizen – 4% of the average population are dyslexic. In the U.S., dyslexia is grouped with ‘learning disabled,’ and 15% of the population suffer from this.

Kinko’s founder Paul Orfalea, Jupitermedia CEO Alan Meckler, and legendary investor Charles Schwab are famous examples of dyslexic entrepreneurs.

Key findings from Professor Logan’s research identified that dyslexics are more likely than non-dyslexics to:

• Own more than one business
• Run their businesses for a shorter time (although grow them more quickly)
• Start their businesses right after school
• Excel in oral communications, problem-solving, delegation, and spatial awareness
• Be influenced by a mentor (versus non-dyslexics, who are more influenced by educational experiences)
• Manage more staff (25 as mean, versus 17 for non-dyslexics) because of increased ability to delegate, an example of a coping strategy employed to overcome difficulties.


Jeff

Don't get gassed at the pump

Buying gas for the car is a bona fide treat these days, what with having to take out a second mortgage to fill up an SUV. But there's a hidden headache beneath the sting of $3-plus per gallon--a potential freeze on your credit card.

Most of us use a debit card for modest, quick purchases--including filling up the car. Problem is, if you use a debit card, your bank can freeze assets in your bank account for a certain amount of time. If you use your debit card without using your PIN (in other words, like a credit card) an immediate "hold" can be put on funds in your account that can last for hours and sometimes days, effectively reducing the amount of cash you can use. Holds can runs as high as $75. That can prove embarrassing if, after getting gas, you only have a few bucks left in your account and try to buy a gallon of milk and a sack of Hi Hos.

Most of us try to avoid using a credit card for small purchases--it can hold down debt levels-but, when it comes to the pump, debit is the route to take.

Jeff