Steve Jobs’ Speech at Stanford University

I recently re-watched Steve Job’s speech from June 12, 2005 at Stanford University’s 114th Commencement and I think it is one of those exceptional speeches that I would like to share it with you. The speech is touching and inspirational.

 

Steve Jobs tells three great stories from his life. And these great stories contain valuable messages that we can all learn from.

The first story is about connecting the dots.
In this story, he tells us to follow our intuition, do what we like and it will benefit us in the future. We may not see it now but when we look back in time, in the future, we will see a clear picture.

The second story is about love and loss.
In this story, he tells us to pursue our dreams and to strive for it as long as we live.

The third story is about death.
In this story, he talks about how important it is that we live each moment to the fullest. We should follow our heart and go after our dream.

Steve Jobs was a visionary and creator. In the end of his speech, he left with these words:

Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.

It’s a very interesting quote and I think the quote reflects what I have always believed in. I think it’s important that we always seek to improve ourselves, gain more knowledge and to never settle for less than what we think we can achieve. My motto is, “LIVE and LEARN.”

Question for you: How did Steve Jobs impact your life?

Steve Jobs (1955-2011)
Source: Stanford University (www.stanford.edu)

Chase Ink Bold Business Credit Card 50,000 Bonus Points

Chase is running a promotion for their Ink Bold business credit card and is offering 50,000 bonus points. The 50K points is worth $500 cash or $625 in airfare.

Highlights:

  • 50,000 Bonus points after you spend $5,000 in 3 months – that’s $625 towards airfare when you redeem online through Ultimate Rewards
  • Earn an unlimited 1 point per dollar spend with bonuses to earn
  • Earn up to 5x points on eligible purchases
  • Over 45,000 Bonus Points every year – redeemable towards flights and just about anything else!
  • No limit to the number of points you can earn – and points do no expire
  • Redeem points for travel, experiences, gift cards, and more
  • Charge Card – No interest charges or overlimit fees
  • No Annual Fee in the first year – that’s a $95 savings

For more info, please visit their website.

You can redeem the $500 cash in a check made payable to you or get it credited to your statement. Or, you can buy two free airline tickets, up to $312.50 each, for a total worth of $625.

The $95 annual fee is waived for the first year.

This is a business credit card, however you can still apply for this card even if you do not own a company. You can put your own name as the business and use your SSN as the tax ID.

Obama’s Speech to Pass $450 Billion Jobs Plan

Obama urges Congress to pass the American Jobs Act by the end of this year. His speech sounds good. Do you think his Stimulus Jobs plan will work?

Summary:

  • Boost infrastructure spending
  • Create more jobs
  • Provide tax break for companies
  • Employ teachers and government workers
  • Cut payroll taxes

  • Source: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/09/08/obama-to-lay-out-450-billion-jobs-plan-in-prime-time-speech/

    Back Up Your Financial Files Online

    In today’s high tech world, it is very important to have an online backup of your crucial computer data, especially your financial files. Natural disasters or accidents could happen in your home and damage your computer. You do not want to lose all your data when you lose your computer. With access to so many online storage websites, there is no excuse not to back up your important files.

    After experiencing two natural disasters in the same month, Virginia Earthquake and Hurricane Irene, I realize that it’s important to have copies of my financial files not just across hard drives in my computer, but also across the internet. In the event that my computer is damaged, it is important for me to still have access to my financial files. This means I would have to back up my financial files online. One online service that I signed up for is Dropbox. It is free a basic account and easy to use.

    Dropbox allows you to access your files anywhere on the Internet, and it also syncs your files across computers and smart phones. Dropbox offers 2 GB of online storage for free. Sign up for an account now.

     

     

    FIA Card Services Offers $25 Statement Credit July 2011

    FIA Card Services sent me a targeted offer for a $25 statement credit after I make qualifying purchases this summer. I have to spend more than $199 with my Fidelity Investment Rewards American Express Card at summer rest and relaxation locations by September 30, 2011.

    Types of qualifying merchants:

    • Golf Courses
    • Country Clubs
    • Health and Beauty Spas

     
    What promotional offers do you receive from your credit card company?

    Growing Money Is Back!

    Growing Money was recently hacked by hackers using a method known as “backdoor” intrusion. Our ISP, DreamHost discovered that the website has been compromised and deactivated the site on Friday July 8th, 2011.

    Since then, we ran a  security scan and removed malicious code that was sneaked in this site. Today, we are back and running!

    As a reminder to all website owners, including myself, this is an important lesson to keep security measures tight and up-to-date. I welcome any information on how to protect websites and any web security plugins/tools to install for WordPress.

    One tool that was recommended by DreamHost Security Team is the Exploit Scanner for WordPress. It is a useful tool to help find malicious code in your files and database in WordPress.

    TD Ameritrade Promo Up to $500 Cash for Roll Over 2011

    TD Ameritrade is offering up to $500 cash when you roll over your assets to a TD Ameritrade retirement account today. TD Ameritrade invites you to consolidate all your retirement accounts with them.

    • Get $100 cash, when you roll over $25,000 to $99,999
    • Get $250 cash, when you roll over $100,000 to $249,999
    • Get $500 cash, when you roll over $250,000 or more

     

    TD Ameritrade also offers a free Retirement Checkup with a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, to determine what steps you can take today that help you pursue the lifestyle you want after you retire.

     

    For complete details and rules, please visit TD Ameritrade.

    I have an account with TD Ameritrade. If you would like me to refer you, please send an email GrowingMoney [at] Gmail.com with the subject line “TD Ameritrade Referral” and include your name and email address in the email body.

    Chase Freedom Visa Card Offers Up to $200 Bonus Cash Back

    Chase Freedom® Visa Card is offering up to $200 Bonus Cash Back for signing up for their credit card.

    Earn up to $200 Cash Back

    Get started with $100 cash back after you spend just $500 in 3 months. Plus earn an additional $100 cash back after you spend an additional $1,000 in your first 6 months.

    Earn up to 5% Cash Back

    Earn an unlimited 1% cash back on all your purchases. You’ll earn a total of 5% Cash Back in quarterly bonus categories that change. These categories include gas, groceries, dining, even home improvement. 5% Cash Back categories are subject to a quarterly enrollment and maximum.

    Earn up to 10% Cash Back

    Shop online at select merchants through Chase and earn up to an additional 10% cash back.

    Chase Freedom Card benefits:

    • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent in bonus categories each quarter
    • 1% cash back on everything else you buy
    • No Annual Fee

    For complete details and rules, please visit Chase Freedom Visa Card.

    Continenta​l Airlines Offers 100 Bonus Miles July 2011

    Continental Airlines is offering Continental Airlines credit card members a 100 bonus OnePass miles to register and learn more about OnePass Auctions.

    Click on this link, which shows the Promotion Code TB3M31, and enter your OnePass Number, by July 31, 2011.

    Learn more about OnePass Auctions.

    TD Ameritrade Promo Amazon Gift Cards July 2011

    TD Ameritrade is offering Amazon Gift Cards (up to $500) for new deposits or transfers to your TD Ameritrade account by July 27, 2011.

    • For $100 Amazon.com Gift Card, deposit or transfer $50,000 to $99,999.
    • For $200 Amazon.com Gift Card, deposit or transfer $100,000 to $249,999.
    • For $500 Amazon.com Gift Card, deposit or transfer $250,000 or more.

    There is a new option of Sony products for new deposits or transfers of $1 Million or more. Your choice of:

    • a Sony 46″ Internet TV powered by Google TV and Sony Blu-ray Disc Player, or
    • a Sony VAIO Laptop, or
    • a Sony VAIO All-in-One Desktop PC

    For complete details and rules, please visit TD Ameritrade.

    I have an account with TD Ameritrade. If you would like me to refer you, please send an email GrowingMoney [at] Gmail.com with the subject line “TD Ameritrade Referral” and include your name and email address in the email body.