5 Things to Do Before You Start Investing

We may not think a lot of it but in today’s world, simply working and earning money is not good enough. We work hard for our money but it may not be enough for us to lead the lifestyle we wish to have 10 years or 20 years down the road, or fulfill our goals. So that is why we should look into investing our money wisely to get good returns.

1. Emergency fund

No matter how much we save for the future, we always need to also set aside an emergency fund. Emergencies are bound to happen in any life time and we should always be prepared for it so as not to throw us of on our financial plans.

2. Pay off your debt

Paying off your debts or minimizing it especially credit card debts should be top priority before you start investing. It is already an investment gain when you pay less in interest.

3. Understanding investment

It is always best to understand and get more knowledge about investments such like stocks and bonds. Like everything else, you clearly will be more successful if you have a pretty good knowledge on the subject.

4. Know your cash flow

It is good to know your cash flow in order to plan how much you can afford to invest each month.

5. Set goals

As everything else, set your goals for investment. Knowing why you have decided to invest will help keep you on track to achieving what you set out to do.

Signed, DRUGS

I saw this post on Facebook and it hit home hard. This poem was perfectly written in the saddest way possible. But unless you have lived a life as a drug addict or as a person trying to care for a drug addict, or one who has a loved one who is a drug addict, you will never really understand...

"I destroy homes, tear families... apart - take your children, and that's just the start.
I'm more costly than diamonds,
more costly than gold - the sorrow I bring is a sight to behold.
And if you need me, remember I'm easily found.
I live all around you, in schools and in town.
I live with the rich, I live with the poor,
I live down the street, and maybe next door.
My power is awesome - try me you'll see.
But if you do, you may never break free.
Just try me once and I might let you go,
but try me twice, and I'll own your soul.
When I possess you, you'll steal and you'll lie.
You'll do what you have to just to get high.
The crimes you'll commit, for my narcotic charms,
will be worth the pleasure you'll feel in your arms.
You'll lie to your mother; you'll steal from your dad.
When you see their tears, you should feel sad.
But you'll forget your morals and how you were raised.
I'll be your conscience, I'll teach you my ways.
I take kids from parents, and parents from kids,
I turn people from God, and separate from friends.
I'll take everything from you, your looks and your pride,
I'll be with you always, right by your side.
You'll give up everything - your family, your home,
your friends, your money, then you'll be alone.
I'll take and I'll take, till you have nothing more to give.
When I'm finished with you you'll be lucky to live.
If you try me be warned this is no game.
If given the chance, I'll drive you insane.
I'll ravish your body, I'll control your mind.
I'll own you completely; your soul will be mine.
The nightmares I'll give you while laying in bed.
The voices you'll hear from inside your head.
The sweats, the shakes, the visions you'll see.
I want you to know, these are all gifts from me.
But then it's too late, and you'll know in your heart,
that you are mine, and we shall not part.
You'll regret that you tried me, they always do.
But you came to me, not I to you.
You knew this would happen.
Many times you were told, but you challenged my power,
and chose to be bold.
You could have said no, and just walked away.
If you could live that day over, now what would you say?
I'll be your master; you will be my slave.
I'll even go with you, when you go to your grave.
Now that you have met me, what will you do?
Will you try me or not?
It's all up to you.
I can bring you more misery than words can tell.
Come take my hand, let me lead you to hell."
Signed
DRUGS