Smart and Simple Matters Podcast: Simplify, Organize, and Be Money Wise

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg) I was both terrified and thrilled to hear her story. At first I just heard it second-hand from my mom. I remember thinking: “Wait. They horded how many ye...

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg)In this episode of the Smart and Simple Matters (SASM) show, you’ll get geeked up about spreadsheets. Wait. Spreadsheets aren’t your thing? Then you’ll get ge...

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg)Note: Start Investing with $100 is no longer available as of October 10, 2014. ***** I normally start the show notes by giving you some context about the Smart and Simple Matters (SASM) episode. However, most of that has already been provided in the Start Investing with $100 announcement article (http://valueofsimple.com/start-investing-with-100-pre-launch). I spent a ton of time turning this investing specific episode into what actually is a free crash course to Start Investing with $100. And although 54 minutes of audio might seem like a lot at first, once you listen, you’ll understand how much is packed into every last crevice of this episode. I’m actually amazed this didn’t turn out to be two hours! Odds are your brain, pen, and fingers will be trying to take notes so fast that you’ll wish I didn’t try to do so much in one show. If you’re struggling to keep pace, check out the special edition of the transcript (http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Podcast-009-Transcript.pdf) where I have a ton of links to resources, definitions, and more. I’m proud of this episode and confident enough of its value to say that, if you spend only an hour this year getting educated about investing, make it this hour of Smart and Simple Matters. What You’ll Learn Gosh, where to begin. This is just a partial list to whet your appetite. In this episode you’ll learn about: * The considerations you must make before investing your first dime. * The simple – sometimes comically easy – five-step process to select an investment company. * Why investing increases more than just your financial health. * How to approach investing with fresh eyes and shed bad habits. * Why I’m a heretic and disliked by most of the investment industry. * My surprising answers to the question, “what do I invest in?” * How the value of your investments can skyrocket…but you still lose money. * The online course Start Investing with $100 and how it can help. Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode Include: * Resources: Investopedia (http://www.investopedia.com/) * Investment Screeners and Tools: Morningstar (http://www.morningstar.com/cover/Tools.html), TD Ameritrade (http://research.tdameritrade.com/grid/public/screener/overview/overview.asp), Yahoo Finance (http://screener.finance.yahoo.com/stocks.html), Financial Visualizations (http://finviz.com/screener.ashx) Topics * [03:06] Why I’m doing an investing specific episode * [08:40] The sequence and considerations to getting started * [16:28] Overview of picking an investment account structure * [20:29] Hey Joel! What should I invest in? A.K.A. investing principles. * [40:14] Socially and environmentally conscious investing * [42:11] How to select an investment company * [49:34] Key details about Start Investing with $100 Awesome Ways to Subscribe to the Show If you’re not already subscribed for automatic notifications of a new show, please do so with one of the links below. * Click here to subscribe with iTunes * Click here to subscribe via RSS (http://feeds.feedburner.com/ValueOfSimplePodcast) * Click here to subscribe via Stitcher (http://stitcher.com/s?eid=22879980&refid=stpr) Transcript * Click here (http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Podcast-009-Transcript.pdf) to download the transcript I’m Grateful for Your iTunes Reviews! If you enjoyed this specific episode or the Smart and Simple Matters show in general, I always appreciate when people go to the iTunes page (http://valueofsimple.com/iTunes) and leave an honest review. Every single review is a huge help and received with gratitude! If you want to make me incredibly thankful, like the people who have recently left an iTunes review, here are the four quick steps (assuming iTunes is already installed):

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg)In this episode of the Smart and Simple Matters (SASM) show, I have the privilege of hosting Colin Wright of Exile Lifestyle (http://exilelifestyle.com/). This conversation with Colin proves once again that we can’t control all the events in our lives (and that we shouldn’t even try). For example, when the doorbell rings while you’re in the middle of recording an episode of Smart and Simple Matters and your two dogs start freaking out – running around and barking – make the best of it by pausing the recording and hoping your editing skills are up to the task. Now you know why there’s a strange edit about five minutes in. If you like fountains, wisdom, or fountains of wisdom, you’ll love my chat with Colin. Whether it’s building your personal brand, why you should live like a sphere instead of a box, or how the “team” you’re on can cloud your view of the world, there’s something for everyone. And besides, nobody else I know can seamlessly drop a Final Fantasy IV reference to Palom and Porom in a relevant way and make me almost have to stop the conversation to laugh hysterically. Listening to this is fun but, more importantly, it reveals some insight that’s sorely lacking in our lives. There are a number of reasons I think we all should be more like Colin, but here’s one of my favorites from our talk straight from his mouth: Anybody can replace a writer, or replace a designer with somebody cheaper, somebody outsourced, or a robot sometimes. But nobody can replace Colin Wright because I have this unique collection of skills and experiences. He says this humbly and he’s damn right. And now I’m off to try a diet of cake icing. You’ll understand what I mean after listening to the episode. What You’ll Learn Besides why you should shoot Colin an email to say hello, you’re getting a ton of stuff in this one. In this episode you’ll learn about: * The smartest way to start building your personal brand. * The “grandma” test for an ethical business. * How telling people what you’re not is putting you into a box. * Why the majority of people everywhere are almost identical to you … * And how the small differences are as delicious as icing on a cake. * Why religion, sports, and politics give people a “team” to be on. * Why it’s dangerous to look at business as something separate from yourself. * Colin’s view on the importance of curating (and it’s not what you think). * What kind of accomplishment it takes for Colin to stop being so damn modest. * The majesty of road tripping across New Zealand (and an awesome travel hack). Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode Include: * Websites: Exile Lifestyle (http://exilelifestyle.com/), Asymmetrical (http://press.asymmetrical.co/), Exiles (http://exil.es/) * Colin’s Books: Iceland India Interstate (http://exilelifestyle.com/iceland-india-interstate/), Real Powers (http://www.amazon.com/Real-Powers-Part-One-ebook/dp/B009NHG442/), How to Travel Full Time (http://www.amazon.com/How-Travel-Full-Time-ebook/dp/B006479AUY/), Start a Freedom Business (http://www.amazon.com/Start-a-Freedom-Business-ebook/dp/B006W6XPLW/), How to Be Remarkable (http://www.amazon.com/How-to-Be-Remarkable-ebook/dp/B0061ZPRWO/) Topics * [03:50] What got Colin started as a globetrotting entrepreneur * [08:14] Building your personal brand * [12:16] Why differences in religion are dwelled upon so heavily * [21:15] The organic evolution of life and business ethics * [29:14] The muse for Colin’s books * [32:19] Old school videos games like Tetris and Final Fantasy IV Awesome Ways to Subscribe to the Show If you’re not already subscribed for automatic notifications of a new show, please do so with one of the links below. * Click here to subscribe with iTunes * Click here to subscribe via RSS (http://feeds.feedburner.com/ValueOfSimplePodcast)

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg) In this episode of the Smart and Simple Matters (SASM) show, I talk with one of the smartest, funniest, and well-spoken people I know. Pam Peterson, one of t...

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg) Courtney Carver knows a lot of great ways to simplify life. Whether it’s her collaboration with Tammy Stroebel on Your Lovely Life (http://yourlovelylife.com/), teaming up with Leo of Zen Habits on the ClutterFree book (http://clutterfreecourse.com/book/) and course (http://clutterfreecourse.com/course/), The Goodblog Project (http://bemorewithless.com/business/the-goodblog-project-is-open/), or entrepreneur business planning assistance (http://bemorewithless.com/business/) (just to name a few), she’s helping people all over the place. And if you like bite-sized improvements that you can act upon immediately, this is for you. Wisdom like this is only the beginning. What you call it isn’t nearly as important as what you do with it. – Courtney Carver Her home base is Be More with Less (http://bemorewithless.com/) and this is where I first learned about her. Courtney’s ability to concisely and powerfully explain what most people can’t put into words separates her from almost everyone else. And she’s as genuine, warm, and supportive as they come. Basically, she’s a perfect fit for SASM. Chalk up yet another place that Courtney’s providing tremendous help (right here). So grab your coffee, tie your running shoes, or settle into a comfy spot for this chat. I learned a ton from Courtney and you can too. What You’ll Learn I think some minor spoilers from this episode are in order. Don’t worry, there are plenty of surprises left in our bag of tricks. In this episode you’ll learn about: * What habit stacking is and why it has amazing benefits. * How to pay yourself first and have plenty left over for everyone else. * Using your own wake up call to help other people avoid theirs. * Whether the differences between simplicity and minimalism are real. * The deal we made about Mexico and Buenos Aires. * The biggest benefit when simplicity is added to life. * The story behind the quote, “I ask for a moment instead of putting on this super woman façade.” * Making doing work you love accessible through minimalism. Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode Include: * Websites: Becoming Minimalist (http://www.becomingminimalist.com/), The Minimalists (http://www.theminimalists.com/) * Resources: How Minimalism is Changing Entrepreneurship (http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/5711), mini-missions (http://bemorewithless.com/mini-missions/) * Books: The Power of Full Engagement (http://valueofsimple.com/The-Power-Of-Full-Engagement) (affiliate link) * Challenges: The 100 Thing Challenge (http://guynameddave.com/about-the-100-thing-challenge/), Continuous Creation Challenge (http://valueofsimple.com/ccc) Topics * [03:24] Courtney tells us her origin story and some past challenges * [07:21] The beauty of the blogosphere * [16:31] Are there differences between simplicity and minimalism? * [22:11] How Courtney uses her blog to curate the best stuff * [25:30] Habit stacking * [31:04] How far away Courtney is from living on the beach in Mexico * [35:29] Courtney’s message to everyone about the power of story Awesome Ways to Subscribe to the Show If you’re not already subscribed for automatic notifications of a new show, please do so with one of the links below. * Click here to subscribe with iTunes * Click here to subscribe via RSS (http://feeds.feedburner.com/ValueOfSimplePodcast) * Click here to subscribe via Stitcher (http://stitcher.com/s?eid=22879980&refid=stpr) Transcript * Click here (http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Podcast-006-Transcript.pdf) to download the transcript I’m Grateful for Your iTunes Reviews! If you enjoyed this specific episode or the Smart and Simple Matters show in general, I always appreciate when people go to the iTunes page (http://valueofsimple.com/iTunes) and leave an honest review.

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg)In this episode of the Smart and Simple Matters show, I talk about a topic that’s no longer flying under the radar. And that’s a very good thing, because it’s of increasing importance in a world exploding with technology and information. I’m talking about curating. This is part 1 of a multi-part series about curation, a topic I’m endlessly fascinated by and always trying to help people with. If I get a little carried away or animated during this episode, you now have some context for it. And a good curator always makes sure they’re providing valuable context. Here’s the Value of Simple definition if you’re not familiar: Curating is the act of intentionally sifting through your experiences and what you consume, archiving and categorizing the best stuff, and making it accessible and sharable for your future benefit and the use of others So who’s this for? Well, everyone really. But there are some people who are great candidates for becoming dynamite curators and making an easy transition into a curating mindset. People like: * Tech savvy folks with a lot of digital possessions. * Anyone with a strong drive to organize. * Freelancers that require a stash of inspirational material or proven resources for new projects. * Passionate travel or recipe researchers. * Self-improvement types who don’t like to choose between convenience and quality. * Those that do small amounts of work up front to eliminate huge amounts later. * People with a desire to help others and be a resource master on certain topics. * Someone who has a poor memory (like me) and resembles Forgetful Jones. * The kid who always got excited the day new encyclopedias were delivered. Don’t worry if you don’t see yourself in these descriptions. You’ll still appreciate this and enjoy digging into a little understood world that’s making our collective lives richer and more meaningful. And this is a must listen show if you or someone you care about has one of these problems: * Information overwhelm * Poorly or non-existent organization of key files, data, and resources * Being an information junkie but not benefiting from it * Unintentional hording of great resources that other people could benefit from * Not being able to get the information you want from a Google search * Having the same information in multiple places, each set being different from the rest * Not being able to attract people to participate and collaborate on the shared topics you all love What You’ll Learn I cover why curating is so essential now, some great examples of curating tools, case studies of curating experts, the primary way I curate, and more. In this episode you’ll learn about: * Just what the heck curating is and why it can make you look amazing. * The types of struggles a curator can be a master problem solver for. * What we all spend three-fourths of our day doing without realizing it. * What kind of simple system I use to curate. * The best three minute video about curating ever made. * What high quality and low class curating systems look and feel like. * The truth behind the 100,000+ words a day we’re exposed to. Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode Include: * Websites: BrainPickings.org (http://www.brainpickings.org/), Curation Nation (http://curationnation.org/pages/aboutsteven), Master New Media (http://www.masternewmedia.org/), Michiel Gaasterland (http://www.michielgaasterland.com/), NextDraft (http://nextdraft.com/), Rhizome (http://rhizome.org/), Big Think (http://bigthink.com/) * Example Curating Tools: Evernote (http://evernote.com/), Bit.ly (http://bitly.com/), Pinterest (https://pinterest.com/joelzaslofsky/), Instapaper (http://www.instapaper.com/), Springpad (http://springpad.com/about), Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/), Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/), Library Thing

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg)In this episode of Smart and Simple Matters, I talk with a guy who radiates inspiration and moves people to take action. And it’s none other than Pat Flynn of Smart Passive Income (http://www.smartpassiveincome.com/passive-income-101/) fame. Pat has directly helped tens of thousands of people (me included) with the principles of creating and maintaining passive income streams. Whether it’s through your own products and services, affiliate marketing, apps, advertising, membership communities, eBooks, and more, Pat knows about it all. And he’s wildly successful in just about any way you can define it. I’m talking things like: * The love his community expresses for him. * The traditional “how much I make” kind of way (check out his income reports (http://www.smartpassiveincome.com/my-income-reports/)). * His ability to empower other people’s success. * His influence via the 50,000+ subscribers to his website, over 1.5 million YouTube views, and other staggering numbers that keep going up. * Creating some of the finest “how to” content about online and offline business anywhere on the web. But it’s striking how humble, genuine, and transparent Pat is about his personal and business life. As much as you’ll benefit from hearing about Pat’s success and the insightful actions he recommends in this episode, he’s just as likely to be seen discussing how he’s failed over the years. My grandpa would call him a mensch. My aunt would call him a sweetheart. And I would call him one of the biggest influencers around in online business, ethics, and personal growth. Even if you don’t have a business or care much about what’s happening online, I’m confident you’ll get a ton from this chat. It was a thrill to speak with Pat and even more awesome to listen to his wisdom on a range of topics. And now you get to be thrilled and enlightened too! What You’ll Learn We have a ton of valuable stuff to share with you so you’ll want to listen to the whole show. In this episode you’ll learn about: * Which passive income stream Pat would keep if he had to give up all the rest. * How being laid off can be the greatest thing to happen to someone. * How he launched his first product and made almost $8,000.00 the first month. * The skinny behind “just in time” marketing and why you might need it. * A powerful example why single tasking can be critical for success. * Which one of us has stayed awake for 72 hours straight … and why. Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode Include: * Websites: GreenAcamedyExam.com (http://www.greenexamacademy.com/), BlueHost (http://valueofsimple.com/Bluehost) (Affiliate link) * Resources: The Personal User Guide (http://valueofsimple.com/free-personal-user-guide), LEED Study Guides (http://www.greenexamacademy.com/leed-study-guides/), Evernote (http://evernote.com/) * Books: The 4-Hour Workweek (http://valueofsimple.com/The-4-Hour-Workweek) (Affiliate link), Getting Things Done (http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity/dp/0142000280). Pat’s Upcoming Amazon Kindle Book (https://www.facebook.com/groups/357112331027292/) * Podcasts: Internet Business Mastery (http://internetbusinessmastery.com/) * Challenges: The Continuous Creation Challenge (http://valueofsimple.com/ccc) * Pat’s Social Media Presence: PatOnFacebook.com (http://patonfacebook.com/), Twitter (http://twitter.com/patflynn), YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/smartpassiveincome), and iTunes (http://www.smartpassiveincome.com/itunes) Topics * [04:48] Pat shares his background and the motivational origin story of his business * [09:44] Exploring how to create eye popping income numbers in your first year as an entrepreneurship * [13:49] Using Evernote and other tools to curate * [19:13] Scenarios, boxes, and the value of single tasking

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg)In this episode of the Smart and Simple Matters (SASM) show, I explore the freedom-giving and fear-inducing world of technology. As a former corporate technology...

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-1400x1400-300x300.jpg)In this episode of the Smart and Simple Matters (SASM) show, I tap into the amazing resources of a professional Daily Money Manager

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-1400x1400.jpg)I don’t normally tell you what to feel. But right now, you should feel excited! Why? Because the first podcast of Value of Simple – the Smart and Simple Matters show – is ready! I promised you audio in the About page (http://valueofsimple.com/about), the intro (http://valueofsimple.com/welcome-to-value-of-simple) to this refuge of simplicity, and the YouTube welcome video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUShoJ5yWvI&feature=g-all-u). I’m making good on that promise today with the first of many podcasts. Why Smart and Simple Matters? You’ll want to listen to the podcast for the full rundown on what to expect for the current and future shows. But here’s a brief explanation of the significance for the name Smart and Simple Matters. * “Smart” refers to you. The smart people in our community who love being inspired, educated, and entertained by the spoken word. It’s also a promise. A promise that only smart topics and smart people will be featured on the podcast. I humbly include myself in the smart category…although I got there just barely. * “Simple” refers to what this place is all about. It was essential to highlight this as the podcast is an extension of Value of Simple. * “Matters” refers to two things. The first is the important matters of life that are always on your mind and the essential, unglamorous matters that are ignored at our peril. The second is to stress that simple matters. The podcast and the people on it are here to remind, convince, illustrate, and activate the message that the value of simple just plain matters. The forces of chaos and needlessly complex have no place here. Now, let’s jump right into what you’ll learn in the first podcast. You're about to Learn ... There’s a lot to like and learn as I light the fuse for bigger podcast booms. So stop, collaborate and listen. Joel is back with my brand new invention. In this podcast episode you’ll learn about:   * Why I’m really doing the podcast (hint: it’s not for me). * The answer to the question, “Who is this guy?!” * My secret for consuming podcasts and videos in half the time. * My definition of simple, what it means, and how I use it. * A sneak peek of my “put it in a spreadsheet” benefits. * How serious a slang using, laid-back dude can be. * The dream job I wish I had (besides my current one). * The kinds of topics we’ll cover in the future. Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode Include: * Newsletter: Value of Simple (http://valueofsimple.com/newsletter) * Video: All About the Value of Simple on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUShoJ5yWvI&feature=g-all-u) * Pages: My Story (http://valueofsimple.com/my-story) and About (http://valueofsimple.com/about) * Social Media: Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ValueOfSimple) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/joelzaslofsky) communities * Software: VLC Media Player (http://www.videolan.org/) * Free Products: The Personal User Guide (http://valueofsimple.com/free-personal-user-guide) Topics * [02:51] The run down on me, the podcasts, and the website * [06:44] My definition of simple, what it means, and how I use it * [10:42] How things work and the structure of the podcast * [17:04] The driving force behind this podcast * [21:23] My simple secret for ultra-efficient podcast and video consumption Subscribing to the Podcast I’ll be cranking out podcasts regularly so I want to give you an easy way of knowing when a new one is available. If you’re subscribed to this websites RSS feed (http://feeds.feedburner.com/ValueOfSimple) (and if you’re not, don’t wait any longer) you’ll normally see an article with the details of a new podcast. However, the podcast specific RSS feeds are the best way to instantly know when a new one is ready. * Click here to subscribe via iTunes (http://valueofsimple.com/iTunes)

In this installment of experiments we bring you "Help Day". Customize the way to help others that you find most rewarding and let yourself define the guidelines for the greatest impact.