The Secret to Life...

Is not match.com.

Under the advice of one of my closest buds, I recently read "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne. I would highly recommend any remotely spiritual person to pick it up. It's a really good book about the Law of Attraction (LoA) being the Secret to a happy, prosperous, and successful life. Don't think of the LoA simply in terms of relationships, but think about it in all facets of life. Think of it as "whatever I think, will become."

The book proclaims (and provides some evidence in the form of quotes from these individuals) that the most successful inventors and businessmen, knew this secret. As such, they were able to create things that no one else could even imagine..the light bulb, the telephone, the iPod, you get my drift...all because they did it with their minds first.

For me, the book just really made me aware of the power of my thoughts. The fact that if I think, repeatedly, that there are no "good Black men" or "all men are cheaters and liars" those things will be true time and time again for me. On the other hand, if I focus my thoughts on positive things..."I will have a very successful marriage," "I will be making a six-figure salary by 30," those things will be true for me.

There's more that goes along with the premise. The book goes deeper into things and there's a ton of repetition. But I think it's a good book to 1) read and 2) have on your bookshelf for trying times for a reminder to keep it positive.

One of my favorite quotes from the book, which I've saved as my iPhone wallpaper:

"...there is an affirmation that incorporates every single thing any human being can want, and this affirmation will bring about harmonious conditions to all things. The affirmation is this: "I am whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious, and happy.""

I. Can. Dig it.

p.s. I know I'm late, this book is old, it was on Oprah, and lots of folks have read it...BUT if I hadn't heard of it that means someone else hadn't AND if you have read it, maybe you should pick it up again.

Curb Your Spending: Brew vs. Buy

Us twenty somethings are serious about our coffee. And while this is okay with me...we need to be equally serious about our spending habits early on...

While I drink for taste (always getting decaf because I don't consume caffeine)...I'm still as addicted (ok maybe slightly less) as my peers who cannot go a day without their morning (or afternoon) cup of joe. Since I've made my job transition, I've picked up a very bad habit...spending $4 a day on my 'grande decaf no foam skinny vanilla latte' from Starbucks. If I'm in a good mood, I'm getting a pastry too.

A regular coffee from Stabucks runs about $2.20 (I've got the specialty drink disease). I hear some smarty pants out there rolling their neck and saying, "Well that's why I get my morning cup from McDonalds or Dunkin' Donuts. It's good and slightly cheaper. I spend less than $2 a day on my morning cup of Joe." You think you've outsmarted me. Think. Again.

A morning cup of coffee brewed at home cost about $.17/cup (6-ounce cup). So let's say you get 12 ounces with your store-bought cup...that same cup, made at home would cost you $.34/day.

I'll cut to the chase.

By buying ground or whole bean coffee from the grocer you would spend about $80 a year on coffee.

By going to McDonalds or Dunkin'Donuts everyday you are spending $480 a year on coffee.

Andddd for me, the specialty coffee whore...by buying a $4 flavored latte from Stabucks on the daily, I am spending $960 a year on coffee.That Howard Schultz is a fawkkkking genius. By the way, Starbucks sells a pound of whole bean coffee for about $12. This makes about 45 6-ounce cups which converts into $.58/day for a 12-ounce cup. This means $128 a year. Still a come-up.

You know what you could do with an extra $880 a year? No...not save it...

Buy a pair of really nice, red bottoms.

(Although for those of you who thought "save it" first...nice work, you're learning. I needed to make a bigger point though. The red bottoms make a big point.)

Note: These calculations are assuming Mon-Fri, 48 workweeks in a year (bc most folks get 4 weeks vacay and holiday time off)...so 240 days. If you get coffee on the weekends and your off-days...you can recalculate for 365. I just would prefer NOT to see those numbers. smh.
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*Introducing: Curb Your Spending*
I received an email from a reader and she would love to see more on spending. She asked for one post. I decided, wouldn't it be fun to have a segment called "Curb Your Spending" where I talk about spending habits and advice on a regular basis.

The Moral of the Story Is....

Between this article and the one I posted regarding the pursuit of an MBA....I think the moral of the story is...

Get some work experience before pursuing a post graduate degree AND realllllly think about the market as it relates to the degree you're pursuing. It may or may not help, but it definitely WON'T hurt.

Shoutout to my LS Samantha Walls for being featured in this article on AOL jobs. :-) Check it out.
Why You Shouldn't Go Straight to Law School

Here ye...here ye! All the Black Friday deals....in one spreadsheet!

A colleague of mine sent me this AWESOME spreadsheet  that lists all of the Black Friday deals at ALL of the stores in one consolidated spreadsheet. Talk about LOVE.

Thought I'd Share: 2011 Black Friday Deals

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Remember to take the time (today and everyday) to reflect and think about all that you are thankful for. I want you all to know I'm thankful for you, for reading, appreciating and even critiquing 25andretiring. I am also thankful for all of the encouragement I've gotten regarding this blog and my growth. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Have a blessed and safe holiday!

And be sure to check out my blog at midnight...I will have a post including ALL of the Black Friday deals...spreadsheet style (so yes, you can filter!!!). It's the most amazing thing ever!

Fast Forward: Where to Invest in 2012

Awesome article: Make Money in 2012

This article talks about where the market is going in 2012. Where you should probably look to invest. And what to look out for. Take a gander!

Just In Case You Were Thinking About an MBA...

I've been running into a lot of articles lately about why MBAs are a bad investment right now. The amount they cost (and the amount of debt you leave with) isn't worth the return on the investment (i.e. your salary once you leave the program). This has been noted especially true for the top tier business schools. So what's the solution? Lower tuition? I highly doubt that will happen...

Take a look: MBA Costs Soar