Little Hero in training. Photo Credit: TahoeSunsets via Compfight cc

My red-headed son is 2.5 and fairly advanced in his ability to speak, but of course I’m biased.

While playing outside a few days ago he said, “Let’s play Superheros!”

I almost teared up with emotion at my son’s declaration. We then proceeded to fly around the back yard, jumping over buildings in a single bound. It was a father/son moment I don’t want to forget.

We All Need Superheros

Why did I become emotional when my son asked to play Superheroes? Perhaps it was because I knew he would be lead to aspire to greatness due to these heroes.

Maybe I knew it would be a good connecting point with my son and a way I could teach him about good vs. evil.

I’m sure both are true, but a part of me teared up because I long to believe in Superheros again like a little boy I once knew who thought The Hulk could pick up anything.

I don’t know where my boy learned what a Superhero was or what they do–I’m sure he’s still trying to figure that out.

Good chance he learned from his older cousin who can often be found wearing a Batman or Green Lantern shirt karate chopping bad guys left and right. He believes Superheros are real as he should at his age.

The fact is, we all need Super heros no matter our age. We need someone bigger than ourselves who can do extraordinary things. Someone who will fight against injustice and stand on the side of Truth.

We all need Superheros, yet somewhere along the way we stop believing in them.

Superheros Melt, Role Models Stand Firm

As we grow up, we realize Superheros have their dark sides and ultimately are flawed just like us.

Children search for ways to understand the world and look to others around them as role models: parents, teachers, firemen, older siblings, and yes–even Superheros.

Soon a child’s dream of reality of Superheros melt into a flesh and blood reality of role models.

A child’s world is shaped (good or bad) by these role models and they begin to fight on the side of good or that of evil.

A Superhero’s influence melts away, but a role model’s impact can change the course of a child’s life. Who are the role models today?

I firmly believe that Fathers are the modern day Superheros our generations of children and teenagers need.

Fathers who are interested, invested, and mentoring not only their own children, but also in the generations of youth around them.

A Modern Day Superhero Primer for Fathers

Love Your Spouse- One of the best ways to be a good dad is to be a good husband to your wife. Show your kids what it is to respect women, love well, make decisions together, and fess up when you’re wrong.

Be present- Children need their fathers. The statistical evidence is overwhelming. Being present in your kids life, will make a huge impact on their spiritual, emotional, and general well-being.

Love well- Love in ways that your kids will ‘get it’ that you are loving them. Do you know your kids Love Language? If not, check out The 5 Love Languages of Children.

Ignite passions- Be the gas that lights the passions in your children. Find out what they enjoy and help them excel at it.

Live a Courageous Life- Your children will catch much more than you’ll teach them. Live out your passions and dreams. Stand up to evil and fight for good. You’re kids will see it, respect it, and want to walk in that same path.

Lead well and enjoy your superhero status.

More Resources for Being a Superhero Dad!

AllPro Dad- Great community started by Tony Dungy. 

Books:

• Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know
• Raising a Modern-Day Knight: A Father’s Role in Guiding His Son to Authentic Manhood
• Boys Should Be Boys: 7 Secrets to Raising Healthy Sons

Promise Keepers- A community whose vision is: “Men Transforming the World.“

A blown tire doesn’t have to blow your budget

We all need an emergency fund just in case something unexpected happens. Trust me, the unexpected will happen.

If you don’t have the funds saved up for a rainy day, you’ll be getting wet.

I’ll be starting a list of reasons why you need an emergency fund.

If you have ideas please send them to my Twitter @ontargetcoach

Why You Need an Emergency Fund Reason #1: Blown Tire

As I was driving to work recently on my morning commute, I felt my tire blow.

I kinda expected to have some sort of car trouble on our 97 Civic with 179K miles on it, especially since I’ve been putting 120 miles on a day.

Now, I’m an urban kinda guy, so I’ve never changed a tire by myself–Never.

I could have called AAA, but it would have taken them 30 minutes to get there and then I would have to be embarrassed to ask some other dude to change my tire and put on the spare.

This is Oklahoma after all where people still grow their own food and raise cows. You won’t hear an Okie saying they can’t do something.

Don’t say ‘can’t’ in the earshot of an Oklahoman–they’ll just angry at you for not figuring out how to MacGyver a way to do it.

I digress.

My Blow Tire

I had a full sized spare [TIP: When you buy a new set of tires, keep the best of the old set and use it for your spare tire], so I didn’t have to worry.

After locating the cheap little jack and tools, I finally figured out a way to make the jack go up. It was difficult and I didn’t have room to turn the jack’s mechanism in a circle.

When I was done I figured out the two pieces went together to form a T in which I could jack the car up.

You knew how to do that already huh? Yeah, my first time-dumb.

After an hour the job was complete and spare tire on. I felt like a stud.

I changed a tire without help looking up how to do it on YouTube. I was a man. I was all grown up.

A State trooper slid up behind me.

“Shows over”, I said.

He saw my black covered hands and brought me an industrial wipe to clean my hands.

Emergency Funds and Car Repairs

Cars break. Especially if you drive them like a chuck wagon on a long journey across hard terrain.

My car crisis, could have turned into a budget crisis and caused much stress in our lives and marriage.

But I can buy a new tire, since I have an emergency fund. In fact, we even have a fund saved up for car repairs for when they happen.

Keep saving and drive safe.

Wagons Ho!

Do you save for car repairs or have a plan for when your car breaks? 

Buying in bulk as an investment? Photo Credit: Thomas Hawk via Compfight cc

On my drive home from work I heard about an interesting alternative investing strategy that even Mark Cuban (billionaire) endorses.

“The money you save by investing in bulk will provide a better return on investment than any investment vehicle on the planet.”- Mark Cuban from NPR article

Buying in Bulk as an Investment Strategy

We can all agree that there aren’t many investments that are paying decent rates. Heck, savings rats (not mis-spelled) are at all time lows along with their money market cousins. More rats!

What can we do, but put it all in the stock market to hopefully keep up with inflation? You can forget about trying to keeping up with college inflation rates of 7%+.

Inflation is the pace car investors are trying to beat.- @ontargetcoach

Buying in bulk can unleash the current purchasing power of your dollar in anticipation of higher rates of common products.

Buying in Bulk: Smart Shopping or an Investment?

We already know buying in bulk from places like Costco and Sam’s Club will save us money on common items like bags of ice.

That’s just smart shopping, but could buying in bulk be considered an investment? Perhaps.

In the interview, economist Russ Roberts suggest buying items that will likely increase in price and that you’ll end up using like trash bags, laundry detergent, undershirts, toothpaste, etc.

Non-perishable items are best. [Random Thought: That would stink to have 50 gallons of shampoo in the basement and then go bald.]

If you already have a firm handle on your debt with an emergency fund in place AND inflation rates continue to outpace savings rates and money market funds, then buying in bulk could be a place to put some of your investments dollars.

For now, I’ll keep buying in bulk just for the cost savings and not an investment.

Though if I had an extra few hundred and came across a good deal, I might be convinced to “invest” in a socks and underwear for the next decade.

What do you think about buying in bulk as a viable alternative investment strategy? 

How do you spend your commute? Photo Credit: neoporcupine via Compfight cc

I’m quickly becoming a seasoned road warrior with my new day job and driving nearly 120 miles round trip per day.

I figure that I’ll spend around 10-15 hours per week in the car, so I better make this time productive or at least keep me sane–you can only listen to the top 40 for only so long right?

I bet you have a commute of some sort too since the national average is around 23 minutes according to Forbes.

Now what will we do with all this time trapped in the car?

5 Activities for a Productive Commute to Work

Below are a few ideas of how you can maximize your commute.

Keep in mind, your main task is to drive and to do it safely (Don’t Text and Drive) If these tasks distract you from being a safe driver, please don’t engage them (This was my disclaimer).

1. Memorize inspirational quotes- Have a quote on a 3 x 5 card and review it. Pick quotes by business leaders, quotes from the Bible, or other religious texts.

Just think–by the end of the year you’ll have memorized around 50 quotes!

2. Listen to Podcasts- Podcasts are replacing the radio as way to consume information and as a form of entertainment. Listen via Stitcher or other player of choice.

3. Audio Books- No longer do you have to carry that huge plastic box of books on tape. With one simple click, you can purchase a book straight to your smart phone. Audible.com is a great place to start.

Many libraries also offer free audio books and yes–even the old CD of books if you’re not into all that techie mumbo jumbo. 

4. Pray/Meditate/Reflect- This is an awesome opportunity to engage in a little prayer and meditation.

5. Sit in silence- Turn off the stimulus devices and let your mind wander; just don’t let the steering wheel drift. When else can you have peace and quiet?

Don’t Squander Your Commute

Believe me I realize that commuting to work is tough!  The traffic is terrible, your back hurts, and that guy in front of you won’t turn off his blinker, yet a commute is a valuable gift.

Don’t squander the time you’ve been given listening to top 40 drivel.

What do you do to make the most of your commute to work?

It has been a long week in Oklahoma. Yet, truly amazing to see the outpouring of of love, prayer, and generosity by locals and those from far away.

Thank you, but realize the recovery has only just begun.

Sunday: Shawnee, OK

I remember just last Sunday evening when we took shelter in the basement of church as the tornado sirens wailed.

I actually had family members speaking in front of the congregation when everyone’s smart phones warned everyone to take cover immediately.

Church service quickly came to a close.

Kids were in the inner closets, while adults huddled around smart phones deciphering where the storm would turn.

In the end the tornado hit just a few miles from the church and where I pass everyday going to my day job.

Monday: Moore, OK

The promise of fresh storms for Monday were being echoed on the news by all the local stations. Their prophecy came true.

An F-5/EF5 tornado hit north of Norman and south of Oklahoma City.

Moore, Oklahoma will never be the same.

The stories of loss and heroism continue to be told as families begin to piece back their new lives. They now have a “new normal”.

A normal without loved ones, without homes, without possessions. A new normal that will always have a twinge of fear when those sires begin to blair.

Their new normal will also include a memory of love, care, and humanity as thousands gave and continue to give to this community.

By God’s grace I pray the community of Moore, OK will again have joyous times in the future.

A Long Road Ahead for Tornado Victims in Oklahoma

It will take years for Moore, Oklahoma to rebuild.

Just look at Joplin, Missouri in which a devastating tornado killed 161 and destroyed 8,000 buildings. Their community is still under construction 2 years later.

Oklahomans, of which I am now one, are thankful for your support, but the fact is Moore will still need it 6 months and 2 years from now.

Take a moment and set a reminder on your calendar for a date in the distant future for Moore, OK.

A reminder to check back with a task, a prayer, an action you could take that could make a difference down the road once the news vans all drive away and the real work begins.

If you’re like me, you’ll forget and do nothing. Decide today to do something when they will need it most: When everyone else forgets.

Let us know in the comments if you’ve set a reminder to do something for the Moore, OK tornado victims in the future (6 months-2 years from now). 

We all want our children and grandchildren to be successful in life. Often this translates to a college degree, but a degree doesn’t ensure success or even a job these days.

Encourage your child to really understand the costs and benefits of a BA or BS. There are alternative to college to consider

How Much Does College Cost?

The cost of attending a traditional 4 year college is increasing every year, making saving for college a priority for many parents. [Don't forget to fund your retirement before funding your kid's college.]

Just how much does it cost to attend college? A lot! Use this handy college search tool to determine the cost of tuition, books, room & board for your school of choice.

I did a search for my alma mater Auburn University.

You can also adjust the tab to your appropriate income level.

According to FinAid, the inflation rate for college tuition is double the general inflation rate of around 2%-4% of recent years.

Use this guide to determine how much you’ll need to earn on your college savings fund:

• Conservative: 3%-5%
• Moderate 5%-7%
• Aggressive 7%-9%
• Very Aggressive 9%-12%+

Graduation. Celebration. Endless possibilites. New doors opening, old ones closing. I find myself trying to remember what it was like to have just graduated from high school and have your whole life ahead of you.

There is a lot about life and money that I’ve learned since high school gradation. In that light I will offer up a bit of advice for those 17-19 year olds entering into a new era of their lives.

Wisdom and Experience

In life there are two general ways to learn. Experience and wisdom. Experience is a tough teacher that often times includes bumps, heartaches, and empty wallets.

“Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards.”-Vernon Sanders Law (Major League Pitcher)

Wisdom is the ability to learn a truth without having gone through an experience.

Having a good mix of wisdom and experience when it comes to financial matters will give both knowledge and motivation to stay on the right path.

Financial Wisdom for High School Graduates

1. Save- Pay cash for items. Save up or don’t buy it. These are great years to learn how to practice the art of savings. Start with an emergency fund to stay out of debt.

2. Work Hard- A bit of hustle can go a long way. You’ll find that if you work hard you’ll end up ahead of your peers that are smarter than you. Whether it is on a job or in the classroom (hopefully both), learn the value of hard work.

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”- Thomas Edison

3. Solve Problems- Find the needs around you and solve them. If you solve others problems you’ll be rich in purpose and/or monetary gain. The marketplace will pay handsomely to those who solve our problems.

4. Create- With most activities in life you can either create or consume. Err to the side of creation and you’ll be a rich person. Why not start a blog to begin creating today?

5. Give- Giving of your time and money will keep humbleness near. Developing an early practice of giving will ensure you have the character needed to handle responsibility and riches.

“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.”-Winston Churchill

6. Avoid Debt- Fight tooth and nail to avoid debt. There is always another path besides debt, yes even college or med school.  The path to avoid debt is harder in the moment, but in the end you’re free and slave to no one.

• College Debt- Going to college can pay off in the long run, but you can attain a degree without debt. Debt-Free U is a book that can show you how. Having a college degree won’t ensure a job or career that you’ll love.  There are alternatives to college and learning if you’re interested in why I’m not sending my son to college.  
• Credit Card Debt- The average college graduate has $4,000 of college debt. You can make it through life without debt by learning how to budget.

“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.”-Proverbs 22:7 (ESV)

7. Find your own Path- Recent graduate, you’ll hear a lot of advice–even from me. Most of it is good, but you’ll have to decide for yourself. It is your life to live, not your parents, not your significant other, not society. Heed wisdom, but forge your own way.

8. Explore Your passions- The richest people are doing something they enjoy + meeting needs (#3 above) the needs of others. Find your passions, focus on your strengths and make a difference.

9. Start a Business- You are never too young to start a business. Learning how to sell, market, bookkeeping, etc will help you for the rest of your life. You might even start your dream job without needing to go to college. Did you know you can start a business for $100?

10. Improve your Character- Your character is more important than money. Oddly enough many people of character have wealth. Find ways to improve your character. Start with the Proverbs. There are 30 short chapters, so you could read 1 per day. No matter if you are religious or not, there is wisdom that will improve your character and finances.

11. Did I mention avoiding debt? I hear horror stories of how debt has ruined lives in my coaching practice. Please graduate, learn wisdom, avoid debt, and choose freedom.

What do you wish you would have known about finances when graduating high school? 

Photo Credit  dotpolka

I’m happily heading back to the land of cubicles. Credit mark sebastian

Today I accepted a verbal offer for a 9-5 position in the land of cubicles.

What?!

Yes, I’ll be kissing the freelancing life goodbye, but I won’t be giving up on this blog–in fact I believe my new career will help enhance this site.

What will I be doing? I’ve accepted a position with a large search publishing/advertising company’s Search Engine Optimization (SEO) department.

I’ll be building relationships and links (white hat and natural only) to help websites rank higher in Internet searches and thus have more eyeballs reading their articles and buying their products.

What? Why Would You Leave the Freelance Life?

I know it is all the rage to flee the cubes to graze in greener self employment pastures.

Why would I leave the self-employment life?

I love the freedom and flexibility self employment affords and especially the time that I’ve been able to spend with family.

I view this position as a natural next step to what I’ve been doing for the past few years.

How My Freelancing Work Earned Me a 9-5 Cubicle

For the past few years I’ve been on a quest to learn about blogging; both the back-end technical aspects and my visible content and writing ability.

Beyond creating OnTargetCoach, I’ve also taken on a staff writing position and an SEO contract gig

In a sense I’ve been preparing to take such a 9-5 position for years–I just didn’t realize it.

Remember when I quit my job and turned in my 2 weeks notice in 2011?

By leaving a job that was killing my creativity and following my freelancing dreams, it has lead me full circle back to a 9-5 job that I’m really looking forward to.

What I’m Looking Forward to by Returning to a Cube

9-5 gigs aren’t all that bad. He is what I’m looking forward to:

Live people- I’ve a good number of online friends, but I’ve never met any of them. I look forward to working with real people again an not just interacting with screen names. 
Nerds who “get me”- Technically I’ll be in the IT department, so I’m officially a nerd.

In my interview I threw around blogging and tech jargon and these guys didn’t blink an eye.  I didn’t have to apologize for geeking out like I have to a parties when I talk about blogging. They understood.

Paid to Learn, Paid to Help- I’ll be paid to learn the best practices of SEO and help my clients understand the weird world of internet search.

And Now Back to the News

I’ll keep everyone updated on how things progress with my new position. Until then get back to winning with your goals, relationships, and money.

Where are you career wise? Moving towards or away from cube life?

NFL draftees have been dreaming about this day since they were young. Credit Amherst Patriots.

An Open Letter to the NFL Class of 2013:

You made it! Years of hard work, sweat, dedication, sacrifice, and determination has put you where you’ve dreamed about being since you were little boy playing backyard football–a member of the NFL.

You are now part of an elite club of super athletes that garners the attention, admiration, and money of the world.

Children and old men alike will up to you for hope, entertainment, and inspiration. You are now a modern day gladiator whose every decision on an off the field will be scrutinized under a microscope.

This is a pressure cooker that requires not only character and skill, but wisdom to handle your new NFL career.

A Bit of Life Wisdom for NFL Class of 2013

If any of the 255 members of NFL class of 2013 read this I’ll be shocked, but if you are reading I believe this advice could help you along the way.

1. You Are a Role Model- Don’t become confused along the way as your once common place name becomes a household name.

Don’t say that you didn’t ask to be role model as an excuse to make poor decisions.

In reality you’ve been a role model for years as you’ve lead your team(s) to championships and victories.

You ARE a role model for young and old alike–especially for those whose city you now wear on the back of your jersey.

2. Be a Real Man- You are one of the fastest and strongest guys in the world. But are you a real man?

A real man respects others: teammates, women, and even opponents. A real man respects himself and avoids addictive behavior.

A real man has faith that is deeply personal and attractive to others.

A real man admits his mistakes and asks for help when he’s headed in the wrong direction.

3. Give More Than You Take- This might be common place for many of you draftees, but for others you’ve been struggling for so long that you’ve lost the art of giving.

Give.

Give to the community. Give to your teammates. Give to the world.

Give not only your money, but your time, energy, and emotions to causes bigger than yourself.

4. Marry Well- Find a woman who doesn’t just want you for money or fame. Find a wife who will inspire you to be a better man.

This decision on whom to marry is the second biggest decision of your life. Don’t take it lightly.

Financial Wisdom for NFL Draftees

Not only do you get to play a sport you love, but you are paid–and paid well. It’s a bit like winning the lottery.

This financial incentive comes with its own set of rewards and responsibility–a lesson that 78% of your NFL predecessors have failed at learning.

Below are 8 nuggets of financial wisdom that would make this incoming NFL class the most financially successful class to date.

1. Save Your Signing Bonus- Yes, I said save. Don’t touch it. If you need to take a small amount to live off of until you receive your first check, then do that–but save the rest.

This signing bonus isn’t mad money to blow. It is your beginning retirement fund.

2. Retirement is one Tackle Away- The average NFL career last between 3-6 years depending on whose stats you use. This ride won’t last forever, so financially plan on this.

Make a plan early in your career on what you’ll do after the NFL and how you’ll fund that dream.

3. Make a Budget- This might seem silly since you’re making more money than you ever dreamed, but a budget will help you reach your goals–you’ll just have more 0′s on the end of your numbers than the average joe.

4. Learn How Money Works- Chances are you’re like most Americans haven’t a clue how money works. Take a class on finances like FPU, read books about finances, and learn for yourself.

5. Find a Financial Mentor- You need someone to give it to you straight. Someone who won’t stand to profit from your financial investments. I’d use someone like Chis Hogan if I had the chance.

6. Handle Your Business- Know what is happening with your money. Don’t trust some family member selling insurance for advice, nor trust your brother in law to handle your assets.

Have a monthly profit and loss statement that is reviewed by yourself, along with your tax professional and other trusted financial advisors.

7. Run Away From Schemers and Fast Money- You are now on the hit list for scammers, financial quacks, and people with ideas on how to make fast money.

Chances are if someone approaches you with an investment idea–they are scam artists or mislead at best. Seek out your own financial advisors and shut those out who seek you first.

8. Avoid Debt- This is true for all of us, but you now have the ability to qualify for Jumbo Home Loans which could lead to serious problems if your career ends. Flee from debt and investments that enslave you to debt.

Final Thoughts to the NFL Class of 2013

I hope at least 1 of the 255 draftees find this, or maybe one of their relatives. These pearls of wisdom will help ensure that your years of hard work won’t end up in bankruptcy and heartache.

If you’re not one of the 255 ESPN NFL Draft picks, what advice do you have for future NFL players? 

Can you live stress free?

Stress is a part of our everyday lives. Stress causes us to react out of fear to preserve our lives. We don’t have sabertooth tigers chasing us anymore, but the stress mechanism remains.

Long term stress can cause serious health problems: heart disease, sleep problems, digestive problems, depression, obesity, memory impairment, and I’m sure others that haven’t been discovered yet.

If you’re like me, money has be one the top stressors in my life. I’ve learned to reduce financial stress and hope I can help reduce yours too.

Causes of Financial Stress

1) Lack of Income- Not having enough income is frustrating. Being laid off or not able to find a job that pays the bills is frustrating. I’ve been there.

Finding a part-time job while you are searching for full time employment might be a short term solution. Ultimately you’ll need to find something you love doing that pays the bills. These books have helped me with career questions and finding work I love: No More Dreaded Mondays and The $100 Startup.

2) Debt- Debt weighs you down and causes stress, especially when bills keep coming in. Bill collectors only add to your stress level.

Find a plan to deal with your debt will reduce your stress. I’ve seen it happen with friends and clients.

3) Wind in the air budgeting- Determining the wind direction with a wet finger isn’t an accurate method, yet many budget their money with this method. Ditch the best guess method and learn how to budget like a pro.

4) “It’s all up to me.” mentality- Believing that your financial future is all up to you can cause stress. Don’t get me wrong I am a strong advocate of personal responsibility and hard work–I do however recognize there is a spiritual aspect to money and life.

I’ve found that trusting God with my finances and the future has relieved much stress in my life. This is a daily practice and a perspective I have to remind myself of when I feel stress creeping in.

Dealing With Stress

The effects of stress are not enjoyable and our relationships will suffer. Coping with stress and stress management are short term solutions At some point you’ll need to deal with the root causes of stress.

If you need financial help, consult an counselor and/or clergy member to discuss the root causes and find solutions. If I can help, contact me directly with your questions.

Let’s reduce our financial stress and move towards financial peace.

Photo Credit programwitch

Does money stress you out? How do you deal with these financial pressures? 

Photo Credit HRC