Things I’ve Learned In The Past Year - Tell Me YOURS And Be In The $300+ Prize Drawing (Hanks Holiday Handout #4)

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So we’re crossing the year long milestone here @ the MiB and celebrating in style!  Giving away our fourth contest pushing the total amount given away this year close to $1,000!  Thanks to everyone for making it worthwhile and I’m happy to craft up this one giving away more than any prior contest!  Coincidentally fellow MoneyLifeNetwork writers FreeFromBroke and SenseToSave are in the same boat!  Happy Anniversary guys! 

So FreeFromBroke and I decided to merge forces with this contest and offer you more than 1 way to enter and win during the dual-contest offering!  So after reading and commenting on this one, buzz over to FreeFromBroke.com to see the flip-side of our question coin and toss your name in the hat for another chance to win!

The Prizes

The last 3 promotions (Contest1, Contest2, Contest3) the rules seemed to work very well and rewarded everyone accordingly. Ergo, there are a total of thirteen (13) prizes worth over $300 that will be given away!  I have been given several books and an interesting piece of software in the past year, so I figured it best to give back to the site what was given to me.  Feel free to trade or sell them yourself if you’d like once you win!

Q:  Can you win more than one prize?
A:  Indeed!  In theory, one person COULD win them all if they had all 100 entries and luck of the draw was on their side!  :)  but the last 3 contests had separate winners, but this contest has more prizes than ever before!

How to Finance Your Invention or Great Idea by Jack Lander

$19.95
—

The Boss’s Survival Guide by Rosner, Halcrow, and Levins

  $18.95
—

1001 Ways To Take Initiative At Work by Bob Nelson -

  $10.95
—

When Markets Collide: Investment Strategies for the Age of Global Economic Change (Hardcover) by Mohamed El-Erian

  $27.95
—

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

$16.95
—

Financial GPS Software

$39.99
—

FIVE (5) $25 Prizes in Cold Hard Cash - $125.00 (American Express Gift Card or direct pay via PayPal.com
100_bill.jpg

***NEW***Top Commenter for the month (next 3 weeks) gets $50 - no drawing, just a giveback to the folks that are regulars, but newcomers are welcome to give it a whirl (includes new comments on past articles also but comments need to be relevant)! - $50.00 (American Express Gift Card or direct pay via PayPal.com

Total Contest Value = $309.74

The Question

So the question each person needs to answer is:

What is the single most important thing you’ve learned over the past year? 
(It can be ANYTHING you’ve learned, no holds barred here!)

My Answer(s) To The Question

There are a handful of ways this can go because there really is something new you learn every day, or so they say.  To get the creative juices flowing, I’d provide you with a few of my most lessons learned in the past 365 days:

1.  Planning ahead.  Whether it is for work or play, putting in the extra time will save you more than just time.
2.  Adobe Photoshop - I’ve gotten pretty good at Photoshop over the past year and I’ve started to cook up a few pretty nice prints as of recent.
3.  Google Adsense - it really does matter where you put your ads if you want people to click them.  ;)
4.  Ads Blacklist for Google Adsense - You’re not going to make ANYTHING if you don’t filter who you’re allowing to advertise.
5. Internet friends are good to have - I didn’t think that I’d be able to connect with people on this site as well as I have and I’ve actually built a pretty good network of friends.
6.  Money isn’t everything - I turned down a job or 2 this year and I’m not upset about it because it doesn’t drive your workload.
7.  My 3 and 4 year old daughters will eat anything if you offer them one chocolate chip afterwards.  ;)
8.  The New England Patriots aren’t unstoppable.
9.  People seem to be divided 50/50 on going to Iraq to take a job.
10.  Spongebob Squarepants birthday is July 14, 1986.
11.  Daily blogging isn’t needed to keep a reader base.  If you write good  content, people won’t ditch you by posting less frequently.

The Entries

There are actually 100 possible entries you can have if you use all the options, so read these rules closely!

1. Leave a relevant comment based on the question above (5 entries)
2. “Favoritize” this page through your choice of preferred methods: Del.Icio.Us / Reddit / Digg / Stumble Upon / Technorati / PFBuzz . After linking, use the contact page to shoot me an email to which page you’ve submitted (5 entries)
3. Add me to your BlogRoll (5 entries)
4. Comment on FreeFromBroke’s co-op page to the contest! (10 entries) [contact me to have your entries added!]
5. Sign up for FreeFromBroke’s RSS feed! [Trust me, if you like my content, you’ll LOVE his! ] (10 entries)
6. Sign up for The Money Life Network RSS Feed. Worry not, MLN won’t bite. :) (10 entries) [if already signed up, to enter you must contact to have your entries added]
7.  Sign up for my RSS feed (10 entries) [if already signed up, to enter you must contact me to have your entries added]
8. Provide a writeup based on the question above on your own blog and link back to this post (10 entries)
9. Review MiB Smarter Money on your website (10 entries)
10. Add my MiB SiteStock widget to your site (25 entries) [if you already have it, contact me to have your entries added!]

The Rules

  • This giveaway is all in good fun.
  • There is no purchase necessary and it won’t improve your chances to win, but I’m always up for free $ if you’d like to send me some. :)
  • If it works as planned, I’m happy to offer more giveaways in the future.
  • The winners will be selected by random number generator.
  • The winners will be chosen on October 15, 2008 @ 12pm Pacific Standard Time(PST).
  • Anyone of any age can enter unless it is illegal in your area.
  • The winners will be contacted via email, SO LEAVE A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS IF YOU WANT TO BE CONTACTED! I promise I will NEVER use your email address for evil purposes. Just to contact you to tell you that you’ve won. You don’t even need to leave a real name if you don’t want, just a valid email address (and home address if you win). If the email address isn’t valid, I’ll use the random number generator to pick another name.
  • All prizes are provided “as is”.
  • If you want to host my next giveaway, I’m happy to consider your offer. Contact me.
  • The odds of winning depend on how many people are involved. I can’t give you this info now, but I can assure you, it’s easier to win than the standard lottery.
  • By getting in on this you allow MyInvestingBlog to republish what you write either on this blog or other spots.
  • I am the judge and jury as to what is a “relevant” post. If you’re following the rules above, you’re most likely a valid post; but I reserve the right to delete your post if I feel it isn’t relevant to this blog. For example, if you write something like: “I really like giftcards, and I really really like free gift certificates!” You’ll probably not get in. Please make it a valid post!

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110 Comments

  • User Gravatar no imageDon (Who am I?)
    September 22nd, 2008 at 5:05 am

    I finally learned to say no to my boss!

    Will be adding more entries for sure. Thanks for the contest.

    Rate this:
    		2.2
  • User Gravatar no imageDon (Who am I?)
    September 22nd, 2008 at 5:41 am

    I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed and that of The Money Life Network as well. Added you to my blogroll and done a writeup answering your question:
    http://actiwiz.com/index.php/2008/09/what-ive-learned-this-year/

    Thanks for entering me.

    Rate this:
    		2.2
  • User Gravatar no imageReddH (Who am I?)
    September 22nd, 2008 at 6:41 am

    The most important thing I have learned this year is that I am not indestructible. I had a serious accident which could have killed me, and I can’t sit around waiting for things to happen. I have to make them happen. I need to get my finances taken care of and I need to start accomplishing some life goals.
    I learned that the hard way, but at least I learned.

    ReddH’s last blog post..Sunday Blogosphere Link Love

    Rate this:
    		3.0
  • User Gravatar no imageBrian G (Who am I?)
    September 22nd, 2008 at 9:51 am

    Never give up on my dreams! I started a business last year!

    Rate this:
    		2.5
  • User Gravatar no imageSteve and Jen (Who am I?)
    September 22nd, 2008 at 9:52 am

    We learned that kids cost a LOT of money! We can’t wait for college!

    Rate this:
    		2.5
  • User Gravatar no imageFFB (Who am I?)
    September 22nd, 2008 at 11:08 am

    I’ve learned that if you want something you can make it happen! It may take persistence and sweat but most things are possible.

    FFB’s last blog post..What We’re Looking To Do With Our Finances In The Next Year (And A Contest)

    Rate this:
    		3.5
  • User Gravatar no imageMrs. Micah (Who am I?)
    September 22nd, 2008 at 11:37 am

    I learned that in the long term I would rather be a full-time librarian than a full-time blogger. Libraries make me feel happier AND more fulfilled. Good to know.

    Mrs. Micah’s last blog post..National Book Festival — A Fun, Cheap Way To Spend this Coming Saturday

    Rate this:
    		3.2
  • User Gravatar no imageJeff S. (Who am I?)
    September 22nd, 2008 at 2:36 pm

    Sign me up for learning to take my wifes advice! I was stubborn and thought I always had the right answer, but listening to her really has made a difference! A big thank you to wives everywhere, and guys, SOMETIMES they’re right! ;)

    Rate this:
    		2.2
  • User Gravatar no imageGail (Who am I?)
    September 22nd, 2008 at 4:10 pm

    The most important thing I learned this year was that it is possible for me to live on a budget…and still be really happy! I also learned that PF Bloggers have such a wealth of information to share and form such a great community. Thank you!

    Rate this:
    		3.5
  • User Gravatar no imagebarry (Who am I?)
    September 22nd, 2008 at 7:00 pm

    I learned that friends and money don’t mix well. They need to be completely separate entities because when it comes down to it, money can ruin your perspective of them. :(

    Rate this:
    		2.1 (1 person)
  • User Gravatar no imageInvestmentPlayground (Who am I?)
    September 22nd, 2008 at 7:05 pm

    The most important thing I’ve learned in the last year is what contraceptives to NOT use.

    InvestmentPlayground’s last blog post..Give the Gift of College

    Rate this:
    		3.1
  • User Gravatar no imagekate (Who am I?)
    September 23rd, 2008 at 7:23 am

    I’ve learned that a steady 8-5 job is not the best way to spend your youth on. It is also not the answer to financial security. I just resigned last June after 5 years of being employed and so far it has been the best decision I ever made. I work freelance now and have more time to enjoy my life :)
    (am praying for the cash for my computer fund :D )

    kate’s last blog post..Cute faced cat saves the day!

    Rate this:
    		2.8 (1 person)
  • User Gravatar no imageBebemiqui (Who am I?)
    September 23rd, 2008 at 10:46 am

    I’ve learned that there are very few things that are really worth freaking out about.
    bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Bebemiqui’s last blog post..It Only took a Month

    Rate this:
    		2.5
  • User Gravatar no imagePatrick (Who am I?)
    September 23rd, 2008 at 12:03 pm

    Stumbled! :)

    Single most important thing I’ve learned? Enjoying life with the ones you love is more important than anything else. It’s more important than work, running your own business, buying “things,” or anything else. Our time is limited, and we need to make the best of what time we have.

    Patrick’s last blog post..Professional Licenses and Certifications Can Increase Your Marketability and Salary

    Rate this:
    		3.2
  • User Gravatar no imagesarah (Who am I?)
    September 23rd, 2008 at 1:35 pm

    I’ve learned that you have to learn to respect and love yourself. I was always taking someone else’s slack and it took me a looooooong time to walk away from it. I’m not used to feeling this way but over time, I’m slowly starting to wonder why I always doubted myself. It’s a daily struggle but I know I’m getting better at it!

    Rate this:
    		2.5
  • User Gravatar no imageLaura (Who am I?)
    September 23rd, 2008 at 2:00 pm

    Be prepared and be flexible - This time last year I had no idea that I’d be dealing with the fallout from my parents’ divorce, deaths in the family, an expensive trip to the emergency room, expensive car maintenance, and stress over planning and paying for a wedding as frugally as possible, among other things. I learned about putting things into perspective and the importance of being ready for life’s curveballs.

    Rate this:
    		2.5
  • User Gravatar no imageGinny (Who am I?)
    September 24th, 2008 at 4:35 am

    This year I learned that people really do not change.

    Ginny’s last blog post..Review ~ Sara Rose Tutus

    Rate this:
    		3.1
  • User Gravatar no imageNancy (Who am I?)
    September 24th, 2008 at 5:31 am

    This past year, we learned that college for child #2 costs a lot of money. If your children are small, start savings now!

    Rate this:
    		3.2 (1 person)
  • User Gravatar no imageBeatriz (Who am I?)
    September 24th, 2008 at 6:27 am

    I’ve come to the realization that dreams change as your life changes. I spent 47 years getting to where I am, and it’s exactly where I wanted to be, but guess what? I still have 30+ possible years ahead of me–that’s a whole other lifetime I have to create new dreams for. The past doesn’t have to dictate your future.

    Beatriz’s last blog post..Free Admission on Museum Day, this Saturday!

    Rate this:
    		2.2
  • User Gravatar no imagejamie (Who am I?)
    September 24th, 2008 at 7:13 am

    I learned that you can find happiness where you’ve always been. You just need to look a little harder. :)

    Rate this:
    		2.5
  • User Gravatar no imageMarci (Who am I?)
    September 24th, 2008 at 7:59 am

    Life goes by very fast. I have learned to say the important things to my family everyday.

    Rate this:
    		3.2
  • User Gravatar no imageMercedes (Who am I?)
    September 24th, 2008 at 10:11 am

    Just wanted to stop by to say happy anniversary. But I see you are holding a giveaway too.
    What have I learned in the past year? Many things for sure, but the one that stands out in the one year that I have been blogging is that people are more interested in learning how to save a buck this week, than how to do it for life. I have noticed that my entries about “deals” are more popular than those about living the good ‘ole frugal life.

    Mercedes

    Mercedes’s last blog post..Festival Of Frugality

    Rate this:
    		2.2
  • User Gravatar no imageSandy (Who am I?)
    September 24th, 2008 at 6:27 pm

    Be prepared, don’t trust what others say- look into what they are telling you and spend only what you have cash for

    Rate this:
    		3.2
  • User Gravatar no imageRaga (Who am I?)
    September 25th, 2008 at 4:20 am

    tack för att besöka min profil och tack för att spärra mig för att skicka dig ett meddelande

    Rate this:
    		2.5
  • User Gravatar no imageRebekahC (Who am I?)
    September 25th, 2008 at 6:14 am

    I just discovered your site, but I’m very interested taking a peek around. Thanks!

    Oh, and in answer to your question…

    I think one of the most important things I’ve learned this year is that living without a credit card is totally and completely possible. Okay, so I think I knew that already, BUT this year is when it really sank in.

    Thanks for the entry!

    RebekahC
    littleminx at cox dot net
    http://www.readysetreadreviews.blogspot.com

    RebekahC’s last blog post..Baby Animals by Jim Pipe

    Rate this:
    		3.1
  • User Gravatar no imagePeggy Gorman (Who am I?)
    September 25th, 2008 at 6:50 am

    I learned to save money and starting to say no to the kids. Never too old to start and I am worried with all the rising costs,did away with credit cards,spending without thinking. Its adds up fast.
    I added you widget to my blog
    http://www.pegsplay.blogspot.com

    Peggy

    Rate this:
    		3.2
  • User Gravatar Kevin
    September 25th, 2008 at 1:01 pm

    Things I’ve learned…

    1. persistence is the number 1 thing it takes to make money blogging
    2. hearing you are having a child is crazy and exciting
    3. God is good and many blessings come the more you follow Him

    Kevin’s last blog post..Made A Quick $200 On A Short Trade

  • User Gravatar no imageScott @ The Passive Dad (Who am I?)
    September 25th, 2008 at 1:55 pm

    I’ve learned that the internet can be even more distracting than the cubicle mate laughing on the phone next to you. I need to stay focused and not get distracted every 5 minutes. The internet is a wonderful tool, but also has many ways to distract us from writing.

    Great contest. I’ll include a link as well.

    Scott @ The Passive Dad’s last blog post..$1500 Reduction In Property Tax. Help Your Friends And Neighbors Save Money

    Rate this:
    		3.2
  • User Gravatar no imageindocontest (Who am I?)
    September 25th, 2008 at 5:19 pm

    Nice Contest!!!.
    Subscribed to your email.
    Blogged at:
    http://www.indocontest.com/win-300-at-my-investing-blog/

    Rate this:
    		3.4
  • User Gravatar no imageRocks (Who am I?)
    September 25th, 2008 at 6:31 pm

    Things I’ve learned :

    1. Proper use of credit cards
    2. Living within our means
    3. If I can’t pay it in cash I can’t afford it

    I’m joining your contest too and thanks for stopping by at my site :)

    Rate this:
    		3.2
  • User Gravatar no imageSherry (Who am I?)
    September 25th, 2008 at 9:59 pm

    thanks for inviting me to take part. I love your contest. Hope to win. :)

    Rate this:
    		3.2
  • User Gravatar no imageRocks (Who am I?)
    September 25th, 2008 at 10:03 pm

    hi again!

    I already did the following, commented to this post (5 entries), favorited to technorati my username is Rocks21,(5 entries), subscribed to your RSS feed, using the e-mail above (10 entries) and added you to my blogroll (5 entries), please let me know if I done it right!

    Rate this:
    		3.2
  • User Gravatar no imageSherry (Who am I?)
    September 25th, 2008 at 10:06 pm

    I have subscribed using sherrygo at hotmail dot com

    also have add your blog to my love link at http://iluvcontest.blogspot.com

    Rate this:
    		3.2
  • User Gravatar no imageSherry (Who am I?)
    September 25th, 2008 at 10:10 pm

    also I have dugg as sherrygo, SU as sherrygo, fave as sherrygo, delicious as sherrygo, reddit as sherrygo,

    Rate this:
    		3.2
  • User Gravatar no imageSherry (Who am I?)
    September 25th, 2008 at 10:23 pm

    my blog entry for the contest http://iluvcontest.blogspot.com/2008/09/win-300-cash-my-investing-blog.html

    Sherry’s last blog post..Win $300 Cash @My Investing Blog

    I have answer to your question in the link here http://iluvcontest.blogspot.com/2008/09/what-is-single-most-important-thing.html

    Rate this: