I had the opportunity to have a colleague who was formerly an executive chef at a few fine establishments, (and some that were not so fine). This trade - which is glamourized on TV and on various cable network channels - is actually quite demanding and low-paying with certain exceptions. At the end of the day, it is very much a part of the retail trade, where cost management is critical.
One rule of thumb is to contain the costs to be roughly 1/3 of the total menu price. This ratio incorporates the fixed and variable costs related to preparing and serving the food, as well as having the facilities covered. The reason that many restaurants go under within a few months of their opening is because they do not hold fast to this ratio.
This rule can be altered if certain costs are covered. For example, in a family business where brother and sister don't need to be paid minimum wage, the labour component can be reduced. Alternatively if the location and facility cost is absorbed, that can work to the restaurant's advantage.
So what this really means is that the $12-15 meal that you get at your favorite pub or restaurant has an intrinsic value of $4-5, with the rest being overhead and service. This ratio is especially true if the restaurant is a busy place, as the food value will be more constant. If you are eating out several times a week, a large percentage of your spending is being diverted.
The essence of thrift is to get the most value for your money. What can you do to get the value of a restaurant (or specialty coffee) without overpaying to fund someone's rent or livelihood.
1. Learn to prepare the food or cuisine yourself:
When seen as an investment, the opportunity to expand your kitchen to have top quality appliances and equipment can increase your enthusiasm to cook and prepare meals (even just to use the fancy gadgets), and will open your palate to new experiences. This will also save time (another precious commodity) as you will no longer have to be kept waiting for your meal.
2. Increase your internal spending at home:
This is the "steak vs. bologna" equation where it is actually less expensive to purchase a mid-tier steak than the cheapest cold cut. Most conventional cuts of beef, pork, or chicken are priced at under $10 per kilogram. This translates to $1 per 100g, which is roughly the price of the lower-end cold cuts like bologna. Wealth is not just an asset count, it is a mentality and experience. Would a wealthy person be more inclined to eat a bologna sandwich or a steak dinner? Taking this logic further, for the same price as the cheapest sandwich at a cafe or take-out place, an individual can prepare a fine sirloin meal at home and bring it on where they can be enjoyed.
3. Have pot luck with your colleagues:
This can have several advantages including team-building, appreciation of diverse cultures, and international dining within a price point. At an average of $4-5 per person, a pot-luck ensemble can cover a wide range of enjoyable dishes with abundant quantities and variations. You can also create your dish to reflect the tastes and preferences of your group (i.e. extra spicy, low fat).
4. Look for deals with places having reduced overhead:
You will get more food for your restaurant dollar when you go to places where there are compromises in location, service, or restaurant overhead. This can range from selecting from set meals or "specials", participating in the unlimited buffets or service, enjoying self-serve or take-out, or even bringing your own beverages which you can enjoy for a "corking fee".
The lesson is that thrift does not necessarily imply sacrifice or abstinence. By making smart decisions and necessary preparations, decisions of thrift could actually lead to a more enjoyable life. If you create the meals and beverages, you control your meals, and improve your cuisine skills. It is less expensive and more satisfying, and it also develops your tastes so that you can properly enjoy your prosperity.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Bad Choices in 2008 - Steps to Better Choices
Obama, Clinton, McCain. What do these three individuals have in common? They are all unsuitable and unqualified to ascend to the highest public sector executive office in the United States. The consequence is that none of these individuals have the proven track record as successful executives to provide assurance that under their leadership, the US will again establish and maintain policies in foreign and domestic affairs that will address deficits and debts in American economic policies. The long-term consequence is the continued devaluation of the US Dollar, the decline of the USA as an economic power, and the overall decline in our personal opportunties to build wealth.
So who would be more suitably qualified for this executive position?
1. Executive experience at the national level includes the Vice-President, Cabinet Secretaries, the Chief of Staff, and any of the Chairmen, Directors, and Commissioners of significant agencies.
2. Executive experience at the state level includes the Governors, Lieutenant Governor, Secretaries and Commissioners.
3. Municipal Leaders of major cities or metropolis regions, including the Mayor or City Manager.
4. Military Senior Officers with a significant scope of authority including tactical, administrative, and structural authority. Military law and administration is distinct and often self-contained, making a military leader more powerful than his civilian counterparts.
Certainly individuals with these credentials provide superior evidence of leadership and accountability to someone in a Legislative role - who simply crafted and debated laws and resolutions. Legislators have an important role in government, but they are not the singular individual. Given that the current process has disregarded candidates with proven leadership track records in favor of articulate legislative debaters, with compelling personal histories, I believe that it is severely flawed and needs replacement in order to restore the US to its prior greatness as an economic power.
My recommendations are to disband this current destructive and divisive Presidential selection method and decouple the key items so that, using technology and direct selection, Americans can:
1. Select a president from a pre-approved pool of qualified candidates. These individuals would have specific Executive experience within the public sector. Vote for the best leader who can build a strong team and lead a successful transformation.
2. Set the policies with a series of referendums and mandates. Rather than accept an entire platform, take a "cafeteria" approach, selecting the best combination to have a practical and pragmatic consensus.
3. Determine the priorities for public policy, assigning a weighted criteria to make decisions and choices. Where policies or programs conflict, use the prioritization criteria to determine what should be done first.
This way, the President with the consensus choice can deploy the mandate approved by the majority to the satisfaction of the population, without being driven to pursue a hidden extreme agenda. The alternative is to continue the status quo which rewards populist demagogues, well-financed insiders, and vague communicators who appear to be all things to all people.
A strong and effective president will lead to a strong and effective economy.
So who would be more suitably qualified for this executive position?
1. Executive experience at the national level includes the Vice-President, Cabinet Secretaries, the Chief of Staff, and any of the Chairmen, Directors, and Commissioners of significant agencies.
2. Executive experience at the state level includes the Governors, Lieutenant Governor, Secretaries and Commissioners.
3. Municipal Leaders of major cities or metropolis regions, including the Mayor or City Manager.
4. Military Senior Officers with a significant scope of authority including tactical, administrative, and structural authority. Military law and administration is distinct and often self-contained, making a military leader more powerful than his civilian counterparts.
Certainly individuals with these credentials provide superior evidence of leadership and accountability to someone in a Legislative role - who simply crafted and debated laws and resolutions. Legislators have an important role in government, but they are not the singular individual. Given that the current process has disregarded candidates with proven leadership track records in favor of articulate legislative debaters, with compelling personal histories, I believe that it is severely flawed and needs replacement in order to restore the US to its prior greatness as an economic power.
My recommendations are to disband this current destructive and divisive Presidential selection method and decouple the key items so that, using technology and direct selection, Americans can:
1. Select a president from a pre-approved pool of qualified candidates. These individuals would have specific Executive experience within the public sector. Vote for the best leader who can build a strong team and lead a successful transformation.
2. Set the policies with a series of referendums and mandates. Rather than accept an entire platform, take a "cafeteria" approach, selecting the best combination to have a practical and pragmatic consensus.
3. Determine the priorities for public policy, assigning a weighted criteria to make decisions and choices. Where policies or programs conflict, use the prioritization criteria to determine what should be done first.
This way, the President with the consensus choice can deploy the mandate approved by the majority to the satisfaction of the population, without being driven to pursue a hidden extreme agenda. The alternative is to continue the status quo which rewards populist demagogues, well-financed insiders, and vague communicators who appear to be all things to all people.
A strong and effective president will lead to a strong and effective economy.
Build Joy and Esteem In Others - For Gratuities
Why do we tip at restaurants? Why do we reward children who sing Christmas carols? Why do we offer to pick up a round of drinks at the bar for companions? What is the common element for these and other apparently irrational decisions about our spending patterns. Think about it. A hard-hearted businessman who will stomp past a penniless panhandler will not hesitate to tell the server or barista to "keep the change" for doing something as simple as pouring coffee refills.
What it really comes down to is that certain people have learned to make a very good living by bringing joy to others, or by lifting their self esteem. Individual attention from an attractive well-groomed person (of the opposite gender), brings out better qualities and gives the impression (illusion?) that the recipient of that attention is equally attractive or in the same league.
I noticed this trend when I stayed at a luxury hotel on business in a foreign country. Back home, I am a humble cog in the big corporate wheel, but at this hotel, I was warmly greeted, pleasantly encouraged, and my requests were promptly fulfilled. Of course, I was more than happy to share my tip money and they were delighted to receive my payment.
OK. I don't suggest that everyone goes through life being obsequious or an insincere synchopant. However, there may be small steps that we can all take to improve our chances of briging joy to someone or making them feel better and in turn, receiving some unexpected benefit.
Start with grooming and appearance. A clean and polished look will calm others and remove their defenses. Maybe looking like one of the Lawrence Welk choir singers won't give you any game at the nightclub, but during the day it will go a long way to removing hesitations and prejudices.
Imagine yourself with a sudden bounty, no matter how small. You have extra tickets to an event, or surplus gourmet food. Who are you inclined to share it with? The grouchy colleague who always insults you? The cynical complainers who always sneak away for cigarette breaks? Not likely. You will be more inclined to share the gifts with someone who has extended kindness in the past, or who would be appreciative.
I confess that I got caught up in the habit of trying to impress my superiors. Knowing he was a wine drinker, I brought a very nice vintage for a compay function. When he received it, he waved his hand for me to put it with the 10 other bottles of similar red wine. Although it was expensive, it did not have the impact and was a waste.
So what is the angle? The trick is to be among the people who receive these gratuities, and who are included in the freebies. I recall being on a lucky streak at work where I received perks, benefits, and free tickets. I don't think my work was any better but my attitude and willingness to assist was very high. In contrast, as I got busier and deeper into my work, my cooperation declined and I became more selfish and defensive. The flow of freebies abruptly stopped - adding to my resentment and pushing me further into a vicious cycle.
If you aspire to be one of the "lucky ones" who get picked for dinners, freebies, perks, and SWAG (stuff we all get), be generous with those attributes which people need most, and which there is the shortest supply. Thank your team members for their efforts, make them feel welcomed and included, and add to their joy.
This is not just relevant for the workplace, but also for your home and community. Someone who is a handyman who aids and assists neighbors in need often finds themselves receiving unanticipated gifts. In one case, the "handyman" got a fully-functional $600 lawn mower from a neighbor who could not get it working and upgraded to a new one. The same could occur for materials, plants, or other personal items.
A proverbs states that a Rising Tide Lifts All Boats. What are you doing to rise the tide of those around you? Anything, no matter how small, will create a sincere sence of growth that will reflect positively back on you. Think about the next person you reward. Why are you rewarding them - and what can you do in turn to get an appropriate reward for your contributions.
What it really comes down to is that certain people have learned to make a very good living by bringing joy to others, or by lifting their self esteem. Individual attention from an attractive well-groomed person (of the opposite gender), brings out better qualities and gives the impression (illusion?) that the recipient of that attention is equally attractive or in the same league.
I noticed this trend when I stayed at a luxury hotel on business in a foreign country. Back home, I am a humble cog in the big corporate wheel, but at this hotel, I was warmly greeted, pleasantly encouraged, and my requests were promptly fulfilled. Of course, I was more than happy to share my tip money and they were delighted to receive my payment.
OK. I don't suggest that everyone goes through life being obsequious or an insincere synchopant. However, there may be small steps that we can all take to improve our chances of briging joy to someone or making them feel better and in turn, receiving some unexpected benefit.
Start with grooming and appearance. A clean and polished look will calm others and remove their defenses. Maybe looking like one of the Lawrence Welk choir singers won't give you any game at the nightclub, but during the day it will go a long way to removing hesitations and prejudices.
Imagine yourself with a sudden bounty, no matter how small. You have extra tickets to an event, or surplus gourmet food. Who are you inclined to share it with? The grouchy colleague who always insults you? The cynical complainers who always sneak away for cigarette breaks? Not likely. You will be more inclined to share the gifts with someone who has extended kindness in the past, or who would be appreciative.
I confess that I got caught up in the habit of trying to impress my superiors. Knowing he was a wine drinker, I brought a very nice vintage for a compay function. When he received it, he waved his hand for me to put it with the 10 other bottles of similar red wine. Although it was expensive, it did not have the impact and was a waste.
So what is the angle? The trick is to be among the people who receive these gratuities, and who are included in the freebies. I recall being on a lucky streak at work where I received perks, benefits, and free tickets. I don't think my work was any better but my attitude and willingness to assist was very high. In contrast, as I got busier and deeper into my work, my cooperation declined and I became more selfish and defensive. The flow of freebies abruptly stopped - adding to my resentment and pushing me further into a vicious cycle.
If you aspire to be one of the "lucky ones" who get picked for dinners, freebies, perks, and SWAG (stuff we all get), be generous with those attributes which people need most, and which there is the shortest supply. Thank your team members for their efforts, make them feel welcomed and included, and add to their joy.
This is not just relevant for the workplace, but also for your home and community. Someone who is a handyman who aids and assists neighbors in need often finds themselves receiving unanticipated gifts. In one case, the "handyman" got a fully-functional $600 lawn mower from a neighbor who could not get it working and upgraded to a new one. The same could occur for materials, plants, or other personal items.
A proverbs states that a Rising Tide Lifts All Boats. What are you doing to rise the tide of those around you? Anything, no matter how small, will create a sincere sence of growth that will reflect positively back on you. Think about the next person you reward. Why are you rewarding them - and what can you do in turn to get an appropriate reward for your contributions.
Get Paid To Read - Be A Book Reviewer
Anyone who has gone through the steps of being educated in their profession, trade, or vocation, will undoubtedly have a large and growing personal collection of books, journals, and materials for their reading pleasure. As a student, you are part of a captive market, forced to purchase these resources at top dollar.
I recall as a student thinking that I was an unwilling pawn in a get-rich-quick conspiracy for the authors who were flogging their wares like carpet salesmen in a conference room at the airport hotel. I now have a different perspective, the authors are relatively low on the food chain to get paid for books sold.
I am an advocate of using the library as much as possible, not only to read from the current selection but to acquire books and references at a substantial discount, often 2-5% from the original listed price. Still, there are limitations, particularly if you want to get initial insight on the leading thoughts and innovative approaches in your area of interest.
For this reason I propose a very proactive and potentially lucrative approach: review manuscripts for publishers. If you can demonstrate expertise in a relevant area, it would be very helpful to support editors and publishers. Reviewers are asked to read and comment on the technical accuracy and usability of the material, and recommend changes or modifications.
The more complex the subject, the greater the need for substantial editorial review - hence the opportunity is growing. As you review this material, you can incorporate it into your own knowledge base, and continue your professional growth courtesy of the good graces of your editor.
The only question is whether this is worth your time. A manuscript can generally return a few hundred dollars per assignment, depending on the publisher. This may be a pittance when compared to the hourly income a professional can demand. However, as a method of learning new concepts, upgrading skills, and entrenching professional competency; reimbursement is a bonus. For my personal situation, I am able to credit book reviews towards the renewal of my professional certifications.
Some publishers even add a bonus to reviewers; any books reviewed are provided upon publication. This adds to the growing collection and can make for an impressive library (or unimpressive basement clutter). But consider the alternative of purchasing at normal rates. A collection of 10 books/year averaging $50-60 apiece obtained over a span of five years can net a few thousand dollars - enough to justify attending a "conference" in a destination location.
But back to building wealth - knowledge is a fundamental foundation of wealth as it cannot be retracted or removed. Building knowledge increases opportunity and marketability, and adds to your chances of prosperity.
I recall as a student thinking that I was an unwilling pawn in a get-rich-quick conspiracy for the authors who were flogging their wares like carpet salesmen in a conference room at the airport hotel. I now have a different perspective, the authors are relatively low on the food chain to get paid for books sold.
I am an advocate of using the library as much as possible, not only to read from the current selection but to acquire books and references at a substantial discount, often 2-5% from the original listed price. Still, there are limitations, particularly if you want to get initial insight on the leading thoughts and innovative approaches in your area of interest.
For this reason I propose a very proactive and potentially lucrative approach: review manuscripts for publishers. If you can demonstrate expertise in a relevant area, it would be very helpful to support editors and publishers. Reviewers are asked to read and comment on the technical accuracy and usability of the material, and recommend changes or modifications.
The more complex the subject, the greater the need for substantial editorial review - hence the opportunity is growing. As you review this material, you can incorporate it into your own knowledge base, and continue your professional growth courtesy of the good graces of your editor.
The only question is whether this is worth your time. A manuscript can generally return a few hundred dollars per assignment, depending on the publisher. This may be a pittance when compared to the hourly income a professional can demand. However, as a method of learning new concepts, upgrading skills, and entrenching professional competency; reimbursement is a bonus. For my personal situation, I am able to credit book reviews towards the renewal of my professional certifications.
Some publishers even add a bonus to reviewers; any books reviewed are provided upon publication. This adds to the growing collection and can make for an impressive library (or unimpressive basement clutter). But consider the alternative of purchasing at normal rates. A collection of 10 books/year averaging $50-60 apiece obtained over a span of five years can net a few thousand dollars - enough to justify attending a "conference" in a destination location.
But back to building wealth - knowledge is a fundamental foundation of wealth as it cannot be retracted or removed. Building knowledge increases opportunity and marketability, and adds to your chances of prosperity.
Track your Personal "Burn Rate"
In following businesses, one of the criteria for financial health and viability is the "burn rate" relative to income, assets, or capital. If we are expected to manage our personal estates and finances in a businesslike manner, it only makes sense that we should track our spending over time, to identify trends and alarms.
The first step is to segment spending into different categories - as businesses do. Some folks are content with the "shoebox accounting system", but that will not reveal the numbers as readily or accurately as a more methodical approach. As this is not academic, I will use general terms which can be applied or modified for different households or enterprises.
1. Distinguish between planned and unplanned expenses. This is a measure of what spending is done in a premeditated and deliberate manner, as opposed to the spontaneous and impulsive decisions.
2. For planned expenses, separate fixed from variable charges. Fixed charges can include recurring payments for mortgages, debts and charges. This is the metric that many banks and lending agencies review in order to qualify the capacity of an individual to handle a loan. In contrast, variable charges can be seasonal to reflect irregular spikes. Some annual expenses (i.e. tuition costs, automotive license, etc.) can place additional strains on income and savings.
3. Unplanned expenses are made in response or reaction to an event, and can range from minor adjustments to major commitments. For tracking, the expenses can be further classified as predictable (i.e. flat tire requires a replacement at a fixed cost), or extraordinary (i.e. emergency flight to visit a sick parent in a different city).
4. The level of detail should be practical and suitable for decision making. It may be better to cluster expenses under $100 into a general category than to attempt to spend the time reconciling every latte or chocolate bar consumed. Categorizing by cost also indicates common behavior patterns. If each trip to the major big box retailer costs over $200, or a night out at the pub comes to a minimum $100 per visit, it might be a sign of some wasteful spending patterns.
5. Once the burn rate is tracked, it is helpful to review the expenses and determine what can be reduced or eliminated. In order to hit targets for savings and investments, certain existing expenses must be selected for reduction or removal.
6. Pay Yourself First! By introducing the savings plans as part of your burn with a higher priority, it has a higher visibility.
It is easier to control your spending than your income. The process of building wealth through thrift comes from shifting resources from excessive expense towards wealth-building opportunities. Don't burn your fortune down, build it up.
The first step is to segment spending into different categories - as businesses do. Some folks are content with the "shoebox accounting system", but that will not reveal the numbers as readily or accurately as a more methodical approach. As this is not academic, I will use general terms which can be applied or modified for different households or enterprises.
1. Distinguish between planned and unplanned expenses. This is a measure of what spending is done in a premeditated and deliberate manner, as opposed to the spontaneous and impulsive decisions.
2. For planned expenses, separate fixed from variable charges. Fixed charges can include recurring payments for mortgages, debts and charges. This is the metric that many banks and lending agencies review in order to qualify the capacity of an individual to handle a loan. In contrast, variable charges can be seasonal to reflect irregular spikes. Some annual expenses (i.e. tuition costs, automotive license, etc.) can place additional strains on income and savings.
3. Unplanned expenses are made in response or reaction to an event, and can range from minor adjustments to major commitments. For tracking, the expenses can be further classified as predictable (i.e. flat tire requires a replacement at a fixed cost), or extraordinary (i.e. emergency flight to visit a sick parent in a different city).
4. The level of detail should be practical and suitable for decision making. It may be better to cluster expenses under $100 into a general category than to attempt to spend the time reconciling every latte or chocolate bar consumed. Categorizing by cost also indicates common behavior patterns. If each trip to the major big box retailer costs over $200, or a night out at the pub comes to a minimum $100 per visit, it might be a sign of some wasteful spending patterns.
5. Once the burn rate is tracked, it is helpful to review the expenses and determine what can be reduced or eliminated. In order to hit targets for savings and investments, certain existing expenses must be selected for reduction or removal.
6. Pay Yourself First! By introducing the savings plans as part of your burn with a higher priority, it has a higher visibility.
It is easier to control your spending than your income. The process of building wealth through thrift comes from shifting resources from excessive expense towards wealth-building opportunities. Don't burn your fortune down, build it up.
Exploring Tax Cost Averaging to Save Money
There are a number of authors whom I have found to be very interesting and enlightening. One of these authors is Evelyn Jacks, a successful authority on Canadian Tax Savings. While I won't go into detail on the specifics of her recommendations, I will say that after reading her books (of which I currently possess several), I come away with a greater awareness of the opportunities that a clever and motivated individual can pursue to save money and build wealth.
One such idea is the concept of Tax Cost Averaging. Put simply, this is the process of moving away from a year by year perspective and taking a longer term view of tax planning. In order to get the benefit from this, a person has to look beyond the current year and project their income and lifestyle over the next five years.
Knowing incomes and choices (family events, home, car, travels, etc), and astute tax planner can then restructure the financial details surrounding these items. Tax savings can be obtained by anticipating the expenses over time, and deteriming a productive or suitable use.
Over a five to ten year period, there are different opportunities to reduce taxes through some techniques including:
- deducting home office expenses
- deducting qualified automobile expenses
- distributing income to other family members
- capitalizing on existing tax programs like RRSPs
- deferring or delaying tax payments for business transactions
Even if there is no material gain from applying a technique, a prerequisite of Tax Cost Averaging is to make a financial plan, and track the results according the plan. As as they teach us in Business 101, what gets measured gets managed. Record keeping is essential for this program, not only to find tax-saving opportunities, but also to defend and protect yourself in the event you are randomly selected for a tax audit.
Assuming that a Tax Cost Averaging program can save 8% (8 cents on the dollar), that savings can be seen as equivalent to a 13th month of payment. Instead of having too much month at the end of the money, there is an extra surplus to apply towards credit card debt, short-term expenses, or long-term wealth building initiatives.
One such idea is the concept of Tax Cost Averaging. Put simply, this is the process of moving away from a year by year perspective and taking a longer term view of tax planning. In order to get the benefit from this, a person has to look beyond the current year and project their income and lifestyle over the next five years.
Knowing incomes and choices (family events, home, car, travels, etc), and astute tax planner can then restructure the financial details surrounding these items. Tax savings can be obtained by anticipating the expenses over time, and deteriming a productive or suitable use.
Over a five to ten year period, there are different opportunities to reduce taxes through some techniques including:
- deducting home office expenses
- deducting qualified automobile expenses
- distributing income to other family members
- capitalizing on existing tax programs like RRSPs
- deferring or delaying tax payments for business transactions
Even if there is no material gain from applying a technique, a prerequisite of Tax Cost Averaging is to make a financial plan, and track the results according the plan. As as they teach us in Business 101, what gets measured gets managed. Record keeping is essential for this program, not only to find tax-saving opportunities, but also to defend and protect yourself in the event you are randomly selected for a tax audit.
Assuming that a Tax Cost Averaging program can save 8% (8 cents on the dollar), that savings can be seen as equivalent to a 13th month of payment. Instead of having too much month at the end of the money, there is an extra surplus to apply towards credit card debt, short-term expenses, or long-term wealth building initiatives.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Save Your Shoes - Save Your Money
Did you ever have the feeling that your money was literally walking out the door? Adios amigos! Welcome to the world of footwear. With the exception of rare cases for strange collectors (and I do mean Straaaaaaaange), nobody has ever been able to make money from used footwear. It is a sunk cost to begin with that only gets older, smellier, and closer to garbage until it is finally disposed.
I am not an expert, but I have some ideas that can stop this decline, contribute to the health and well-being of your feet, and in turn help to avoid some of the maladies associated with bad footwear which can really cost time and money.
A starting place is to review the ideas from some sample websites. I found two which are interesting to me.
http://www.shoeguide.org/; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoe#Maintenance
Two very inexpensive practices can extend the duration of a shoe. Frequent polishing will help the fabric and improve durability and water resistance. For more expensive shoes, a well-polished appearance will definitely make a positive impression. In contrast, a dull appearance will diminish even the most intricate design.
A second practice is to enhance or replace the heel and sole. Since these are the portions which encounter wear and tear, the life of the shoe is often linked to the upkeep of either the fabric or the heel or sole. Extending the life of a pair of shoes by as little as three months can be the difference between replacing shoes semi-annually vs. quarterly. You wouldn't wear the same suit or outfit continuously for days, yet often the same demands are made of our shoes. It might be better to have a rotation, extending the life of shoes even further. That way, shoes can be purchased during cyclical sales, rather than on-demand at peak prices.
So how do comfortable and attractive shoes build Wealth? A reflexologist would present a compelling case that discomfort in the feet would be directly linked to other pains, injuries, disorders, or negative conditions in the rest of the body. http://www.reflexology.org/. Practically speaking, if you are not standing on your feet, then you are sitting on your behind, and you can't expect to stand while you are in discomfort.
Shoes are part of our culture. Before presenting a budget, a Canadian Finance Minister shows off their new pair of shoes. Symbolically, it represents a positive step forward in a direction. Replacing a person of high esteem and accomplishment is marked by the phrase, "Big shoes to fill".
This is an important subject - and if everyone is of the same mentality, then we all will live in a fabulous world where everyone has sharp and long-lasting footwear.
I am not an expert, but I have some ideas that can stop this decline, contribute to the health and well-being of your feet, and in turn help to avoid some of the maladies associated with bad footwear which can really cost time and money.
A starting place is to review the ideas from some sample websites. I found two which are interesting to me.
http://www.shoeguide.org/; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoe#Maintenance
Two very inexpensive practices can extend the duration of a shoe. Frequent polishing will help the fabric and improve durability and water resistance. For more expensive shoes, a well-polished appearance will definitely make a positive impression. In contrast, a dull appearance will diminish even the most intricate design.
A second practice is to enhance or replace the heel and sole. Since these are the portions which encounter wear and tear, the life of the shoe is often linked to the upkeep of either the fabric or the heel or sole. Extending the life of a pair of shoes by as little as three months can be the difference between replacing shoes semi-annually vs. quarterly. You wouldn't wear the same suit or outfit continuously for days, yet often the same demands are made of our shoes. It might be better to have a rotation, extending the life of shoes even further. That way, shoes can be purchased during cyclical sales, rather than on-demand at peak prices.
So how do comfortable and attractive shoes build Wealth? A reflexologist would present a compelling case that discomfort in the feet would be directly linked to other pains, injuries, disorders, or negative conditions in the rest of the body. http://www.reflexology.org/. Practically speaking, if you are not standing on your feet, then you are sitting on your behind, and you can't expect to stand while you are in discomfort.
Shoes are part of our culture. Before presenting a budget, a Canadian Finance Minister shows off their new pair of shoes. Symbolically, it represents a positive step forward in a direction. Replacing a person of high esteem and accomplishment is marked by the phrase, "Big shoes to fill".
This is an important subject - and if everyone is of the same mentality, then we all will live in a fabulous world where everyone has sharp and long-lasting footwear.
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