Ok listen up, there is nothing new under the sun when it comes to getting rich, but we do have to decide who we want to follow on our quest for world domination. In a recent article on Forbes.com contributor Panos Mourdoukoutas wrote an interesting article on three proven paths to becoming rich and living a good life.  We all want a good life – no matter what it may mean to each person.  Check out his three steps to wealth…

The Company-builder way.

Carlos Slim Helu, first on the Forbes Richest People in the world list, amassed his wealth by setting up large-well managed corporations in heavy industry, mining, and retailing.  Helu invested in a state monopoly phone company Telemex and added his systematic touch, touring in it into a strong and viable company.  The powerhouses that have pioneered this path is Andrew Carnegie the “King of Steel,”  and  Henry Ford the “King of the Automobile,” These business icons did create their own company empires and subsequently changed the course of economic history.In a nutshell, don’t just go out to create a business, set out to revolutionize and industry!

The Business-builder Way.

Bill Gates is the world’s second wealthiest man,  and his claim to fame is helping engineers and marketers become entrepreneurs.  Bill gates was someone that saw the potential in a person and brought that person together with a network that would take that talent to the world.  Gates realized that people needed to focus on what they know and work at their own pace often in their own place, sharing the risks and the rewards with him. This way to riches is new. The way that does not need you to stick to one industry, but create a network of businesses that can take over an industry.  It follows the tradition of other Silicon Valley scientists-entrepreneurs like William Hewlett, and David Packard who amassed their fortunes by helping other high-tech scientists-entrepreneurs amass theirs. Venture capitalists fall under this category.

The Financier Way.

Berkshire Hathaway’s Chair Warren Buffett is the third wealthiest on the list. Buffett’s fortune amassed by buying up shares of well-managed corporations and entrepreneurial ventures like Exxon Mobile Corporation, IBM, Visa Inc., and Nike, in essence Buffett combined the previous two strategies.  A number of other investors have amassed their own fortunes by picking up winning companies.  This strategy is basically investing in the winners in any industry.

Quite an interesting read, you can read more from this article and more from the author here.  He discusses balance in life and what true wealth is.

Which ever path you decide, all these leaders have one thing in coming, they went after the industry, not the market!

This Article: Becoming Richtastic – 3 Paths to Wealth! was originally posted and featured on Richtastic.com !!

Have you been struggling with discovering the secrets of becoming a millionaire? Ever since the gold rush days ( and of course before ), many a wide eyed, blue blood American young feller and err… lassie yearned for the day to scream. “I’m Rich Biatccchhh!” Or was that Rick James?

What we’re really trying to say is ( not so eloquently ), is that for years people wanted to know how to be wealth and now we finally have the answer on how to get you there. Here’s how…

According to the Blog Tyrant ( awesome name and blog ), there are many things you should do if you want to be a millionaire.

For instance, did you know that many millionaires take “An Hour For Lunch”? Me neither!!!

They actually take time from working hard, hustling, to sipping wine * pinkies in the air * and eating many things folks can’t pronounce, for about an hour per day or so. So they can relax, rejuvenate and replenish. Basically refuel to get back to kicking ass and taking no prisoners.

Pretty neat right? We wonder if that means if you eat all day, that will make you one of those rich fat bastards, pocket watch and all. ( Meant in the most affectionate of ways, of course. )

For the 7 other millionaire habits you need to develop in order to become rotten rich, you may want to check out the post from the Blog Tyrant. He has the answers to your wishes right here.

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This Article: Want to Become A Millionaire? Here’s How was originally posted and featured on Richtastic.com !!

The Apple stock is at an all time high of $535.41 making its market capitalization of  $500.1 billion.  That is a lot of  iPhones and iPads!  Year to date the stock is up 32.4 percent.   There is no telling how much higher the stock would go.

Apple now has at least twice the market cap of all but three of the other U.S.-listed public companies. ExxonMobil has $410.7 billion, PetroChina at $281.9 billion and Microsoft at $267.4 billion.

To get to the trillion dollar mark, the stock will have to hit $1,073.  At the rate this company is growing, there is no telling how long this would be.

This Article: Apple – Half a Trillion Dollar Company was originally posted and featured on Richtastic.com !!

You might be surprised at some of the professions that are make six figures annually.  It maybe people you already know and underestimate.  Gone are the days where you can predict who makes what.  Move over Dr. Drew, there are some new money makers in town!

1. Human Resources Managers.  The next time you go to HR to find out about your benefits, consider that your HR Executive has some pretty awesome benefits themselves!  The average annual income for the person who implements strategies and policies, hires and fires are starting at $108k and earn up to $166,400.  The best state for HR professional is New Jersey.  The Average annual salary in New Jersey is $134,170. So get your GTL (Gym, Tan, Laundry) on and start shopping that resume to the Jersey Shore. Then again, can you imagine interviewing Snooki day in and day out? That would be a Situation.

2. Art Directors.  For six figures, you can meet celebrities, tell directors what to do, and be their motivation.  Art directors in film production can have a pretty awesome job on their hands. The lower end art director makes $94,100 and can go up to $128,080.  Head to the Big Apple if you want to be on the top end of this industry.  This job sounds interesting as you can be a bully leader in the name of art.

3. Broadcast Industry.  This is a job sector that will give you options in careers and still earn six-figures.  You can choose to be a News Broadcast Analyst, News Writer or a Technical Writer; they earn $146,230; $109,440 and $100,910 respectively.

4. Gaming Manager.  Now here is a high roller working with high rollers as Gaming Managers supervising gambling operations.  Workers on the top of this profession make $116,070 annually.  Pennsylvania is the place to be to make the big bucks.  This profession has low competition however, as only 3,230 Americans nationwide hold this job.

5. Water Vessel Captain.  If you love the sea, this might be the job for you.  Water vessel captains, mates and pilots can make a boatload of money, up to $117,310 annually.  They actually have schools that have this as a major.

So before you change your profession, consider these high earners, however farfetched to what you might be used too.

This Article: They Make Six-figures? Really? was originally posted and featured on Richtastic.com !!

Every first of the year we all make resolutions from love to health and of course, we would not be Richtastic if we did not include wealth.   Here are 10 resolutions on money management that are not your parent’s resolution.

Times have changed and our money management approaches should too.

• Write down one financial goal you intend to achieve by the end of next week.  Giving yourself a deadline can ensure you actually do this. Keep in mind when you are writing down your goal, make it on where you want to go, not where you are financially right now.

• Pick one area of personal finance you want to know more about, and research that subject.  You may not be the smartest when it comes to stocks, or retirement or just plain old budgeting,  so pick a topic you want to know more about or improve and spend an hour a week reading up on it.  If you don’t want to just sit in front of the computer, load up a book on your ereader and hit up your favorite park of coffee shop.

• Tell a trusted friend about your financial goals; have him or her check in on you periodically. Sometimes if we say things out loud and to someone else we have to follow through on it. Share your goals with a trusted friend and tell them to check in on your progress periodically.

• Write down one goal on a slip of paper and stick it in your wallet to remind you of your financial goals when you are shopping and temptation strikes. Ok, so occasionally we can splurge on the latest designer watch or shoes, but sometimes we go a bit overboard. Having a little reminder for us to just buy one luxury item a week can’t be that bad.

• Be sure to compare benefits before deciding on a financial institution. With all the hidden bank fees, it may be time for a financial institution check up.  Just because your parents have been with a bank does not mean you have to stay.  Shop around and see which bank give you the best use of your money.

• Suggest to your partner that, as a gift to each other, you both attend at least one session with a financial professional.  We do health checkups annually, why not financial checkup with an expert.  Ask around the office for referrals if you don’t have one.

• Make a plan for achieving one long-term financial goal. Its great sometimes to plan for a trip to exotic locals, but make some time to plan for retirement, it is never too far away.

• Re-balance your investment portfolio at least once a year. With the volatility of the markets re-balancing can help you improve your portfolio.

• Check into classes that are offered at your workplace regarding employee benefits; sign up to take the next one offered. We are not experts at everything; taking some time to improve your knowledge of your employee benefits can help you maximize your benefits.

Be Richtastic this year when it comes to your money.  Hopefully these 10 tips can make an impact on your Moneytude.

This Article: New Year! New Moneytude! was originally posted and featured on Richtastic.com !!

We are sooooooooo copying Oprah on this one.  We thought we would share books once a month that you can add to your e-reader and IPad to totally justify what you have spent on them this past holiday season.

After all, if anyone asks, tell them you bought your IPad or e-reader to make you smarter!  Throughout the month we will highlight key points of the book and read along together!

Our January pick for book club is:

The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich, Tim Ferriss.

With many of us making new year resolutions about weight, family, love and wealth, this book will aid in this as it teaches you how to work smarter not harder.  This book teaches you an aggressive strategy to streamline your life and go from a life of stress to a life of luxury.

Amazon.com defines the book as:

Get your hard copy or ereader copy today at Amazon.com

This Article: Richtastic BookClub – January was originally posted and featured on Richtastic.com !!

Need that new car smell in your life? Ever wonder when is the best time to buy a luxury car and save?

We have all seen the fall sales commercials for brands like Ford and Chevrolet, but ever wonder when it’s the best time to buy a luxury car? The top three luxury brands in the US are Mercedes,  BMW and Lexus, (in that order) and they have their annual sales events as well.

According to market research, the best time to grab one of these smooth rides on sale is at the end of the calendar year. We have all seen the advertising campaigns like Lexus December to Remember, Mercedes-Benz Winter Event, all indicators that is it time to shop till you drop, in this case shop till you drive!!

Well the number one reason for end of year sales is bragging rights for luxury car dealers.  Luxury car dealers want to outsell each other and will do anything to make sure that happens, which signals huge savings for you.

After 11 months in 2011, Mercedes-Benz had a 13,400 unit lead on BMW.  End of year sales can change this around, and maybe (wishful thinking) push BMW to the lead.

Sales targets are another reason why luxury car dealers will sell cars at deep discounts.  The set goals and will do whatever it takes to meet them, even near bankrupting themselves.

Since luxury car dealers push sales and leases at the end of the year, naturally the leases expire in December.  Luxury cars are lease heavy, so deep discounts on previously leased cars are a December to remember for all brands.

Despite the big read bows you see on TV, very few people buy cars as gifts.  It does not hurt to check out the sales and see what you can steal get!

This Article: Ahhhhh… New Car Smell Time!! was originally posted and featured on Richtastic.com !!

Ok so you think your job sucks! Want to fire your boss and start a new career? Well before you do, check out the top 10 highest paid jobs for 2009! You won’t believe who makes what.

1. Anesthesiologist – $292,000. Ok so after seeing that salary, you are ready to sign up and do this job like yesterday!  Just a couple of things to keep in mind before you start looking up medical schools online. An anesthesiologist’s high pay is reflective of 12 years of training, and higher than normal stress levels the job brings as you literally hold life and death in your hand.  The top pay can go up to $408k a year!

2. Physician/Ob-Gyn -  $222,000. We all know what they do, but why do they get paid so much? Ob-Gyn pays are based on the high malpractice insurance premiums they tend to pay. This job can be very demanding as their services are always needed.  Highest salary can go up to $338k. The next time I see an Ob-Gyn I will definitely be looking at them with dollar signs on my eyeballs.

3. Psychiatrist – $177,000. The next time a Psychiatrist asks me “Tell me how you are feeling?” I am going to reply “Not as rich as you!” These guys enjoy the benefits of high hourly fees, low overhead and low malpractice insurance rates. The high salary is $279k.

4. Nurse Anesthetist – $157,000. They command the big bucks like the anesthesiologist.  They are paid handsomely for support.  They are just as responsible for life and death like the doctors they assist. The high salary here is $214k.

5. Sales Director – $140,000. You think you got the gift of gab and can sell ice to an Eskimo? Well sales maybe for you. Top salary can reach as high as $239k.

6. Actuary – $129,000. Ok this is some nice pocket change to know your statistics. Actuaries are very important to a company and they pay to let them know it. After undergrad and an addition 10 years of school your top salary can be $257k.

7. Finance Director – $121,000. These are the psychics of a company that spend their time forecasting.  These psychics don’t have crystal balls but they do have CPAs and MBAs to help them predict. Businesses have to keep them happy as their salaries can go as high as $214k.

8. Software Architect – $117,000. In the age of internet everyone wants to be ahead of the competition with the most up to date and cutting edge technology. Their go-to people are the software architects.  Everyone wants the best, this demand coupled with the limited amount of them has propelled the salary to new heights. They top salary is $166k.

9. Attorney/Lawyer – $115,000. We all knew they made the big green.  Corporate lawyers earn the highest of them all. Up to $262k in some instances.

10. Insurance Broker – $114,000. This is another sales job that can have no limit based on commission. Brokers who specialize in working with companies in high-liability industries — such as oil, construction and pharmaceuticals are the top earners, going as high as $273k.

OK people, get out there and make money!

Richtastic
www.Richtastic.com

(Image Via SXC)

This Article: 10 Highest Paying Jobs of 2009! was originally posted and featured on Richtastic.com !!

Timing is everything, and if you listen to Mark Di Vincenzo author of Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon – A Guide to the Best Time to Buy This, Do That and Go There he will make sure you use your time and spend your money wisely.

This master piece has been long overdue and has a bit of something for everyone.  Besides being a great conversation piece at parties, this well written book discusses everything from the frivolous to life impacting decisions.

Mark gives you tips on when is the best time of day to go grocery shopping, buying Ipods, best time to visit Disney to buying a home or even when to get married. No matter the topic it is agreed for any Richtastite it’s a must have book that should be added to your must have on your Top 10 Books You Must Have If You Love Money list.

Check the book out and reviews on www.Amazon.com don’t forget to check out a coupon site for any coupons that can apply even more savings!

This Article: Timing is Everything! was originally posted and featured on Richtastic.com !!

Never shop online without visiting a coupon website and searching for possible discounts. One of my favorite coupon site is www.retailmentot.com.  Here is how a coupon site can save you money.

Choose your favorite online retailer, fill up your cart with all those goodies and before you finalize purchase check out www.retailmenot.com for active coupons that can be applied to your existing cart.

When you visit the coupon site do a simple search for your online retailer and see what  valid coupons they have!  Once you have found that coupon code, add the code to your cart where it asks for a coupon code.

Some online retailers may have several coupon codes. Choose the code that best satisfy your needs.  Some sites offer discount percentages and/or free shipping.  Some retailers may allow you to combine codes and some do not.

If you have to choose between free shipping and a percentage off, see which one saves you the most before you check out!

Happy savings!

This Article: Money Saving Tip – Save and Shop Online! was originally posted and featured on Richtastic.com !!