This is a super long and yummy list. Grab a coffee, maybe print it out and enjoy its deliciousness.

 The following are ah-ha moments from our lastest book: Moolala by Bruce Sellery:

• The book was mildly entertaining but definitely worth the read (overall consensus).

• Many of the responses found that they spent their money (in a dumb way) usually on spending too much on their home; home comforts, home nicknacks, home must haves, new clothes to hang in their home closet. One Wilma said that Ikea is her financial downfall--she can't help herself. She has so many Ikea items that her apartment is actually crowded.

• Many of the Wilma's spent most of the time with this book in the 'context' section. i.e. what their context was for money--following Bruce's steps to learning how to identify it and modify it. My favourite quote from all the responses was "my mom's attitude towards money still has a powerful hold over me, namely that only stiffs save money and that people who want to enjoy life- spend it."  This same Wilma has vowed to be a "stiff" for the next few years to achieve some financial goals (traveling and buying a house in the country).

• Great quote from a Wilma: No one else is going to stop doing dumb things with my money-- except me. I'm really the problem, not my income.

• About 1/2 of the responses still feel an emotional hurdle with talking to people about their financial goals in their social or family circle.  Note: this was one chapter I really enjoyed as it's why I started the Wealthy Wilma's- to encourage women to read, talk, and ask questions to move financially forward. Way to go Bruce Crunch Crunch! The other surprising thing that one Wilma said--is that she found it hard to believe that anyone else was interested in her financial goals. Another Wilma said--she felt too conceited talking about her financial goals when some of her friends and family were really struggling financially (until, that is--she noted that they too could change that, like her)! Another Wilma said she has started asking people in her social circle what their financial goals were, just turning the table. She was surprised at how many of her friends actually had a financial goal. She had no idea!

• A few Wilma's commented that they didn't realize that their financial situation was too complex for them--they just thought they were dumb; just didn't understand what their financial planner was doing with their money. And one of them commented that she met with her financial planner to simplify her investments so she could keep better track of them ("knowing that no one will care on how my investments are performing like me-- so I better understand them") since reading Moolala, she said she feels much more in control (and her planner was shocked that she didn't understand but took the time to review, shift and accommodate her).

• I think the number one comment I received was when Bruce introduced the Online Retirement Calculator. I myself had never done this (didn't know they existed)-- I went to the Canadian government's website (https://srv111.services.gc.ca/INT_02.aspx) and learned that I myself would only receive $524/month of a pension when I retire at 65 years old-- which is $6288/year. GASP!! Other Wima's went to other sites like:

• http://www.getsmarteraboutmoney.ca/tools-and-calculators/rrsp-calculator/

• One Wilma really did her homework and found this: http://www.getsmarteraboutmoney.ca/tools-and-calculators/rrsp-calculator/

The following are little tid-bits from the book "Smart Women Finish Rich" by David Bach. There were far too many learned ideas to list-- so you'll just have to read the book for yourself. The tid-bits are:

When we read how high the percentage was of successful female entrepreneurs, most in the room were interested in a forum of how to start a business-- “if other women could do it, so could they!”

If you don't know how to keep your money, there's no sense in working more harder for it (ie. Why work overtime if all you're going to do is go buy a $300 dress?).  Set up an automatic RRSP withdrawal instead.  Pay yourself first.

Overall women really believed that you don’t have to be rich to be an investor, and most were excited to teach their kids what they didn’t know ; start young.

Is this book a road map to financial success? Most loved it, but knew the road to true financial success was in the application of the ideas found in this book.

This sentence kept coming up “You are only as successful as the people you hang out with”—most women were Wealthy Wilmas to find a new successful circle of friends.

It was interesting to read that most people stay at a poor job (bad pay or lack of a challenge) because of who they work with, which is to say if you left, most would become casual acquaintances-- if they really were your friend, then they would want you to move on. This isn't the case with 90% of work "friends".  A friendship is different from an acquaintance.  Friends support each others' successes and encourage each other to move on.

This sentence hit home “it is neither safe nor practical to assume that the man in your life can be counted on to take care of your finances." The Wilmas really understood this, especially after reading this book. There is just one person they can rely on—themselves.

Two quotes from Wilmas about this topic:

“It's just so comfortable to feel like we're being taken care of.”

"Cushions and blinders protect us and seduce us to feeling comfortable and happy.  It's time to take them off and see the real picture and take action.”

Some action Wilmas took after reading this book: they went to see a lawyer to draft a will. They went to a financial planner. They gathered all their finances—assets and debts to see what their situation really was. Some even checked their credit scores and found mistakes on it—had them corrected. Boo-ya!

Wilmas understood David’s philosophy of “its easy to make your dreams come true—with a financial plan. They went as far as to say “Plan your work and work your plan”.

It’s time to negotiate Wilmas! Enjoy some tips and ah-ha moments gleamed from reading the book Ask For It!

Overall this book got two pretty thumbs up! If you haven’t read it- start it immediately. Do not pass go, do not collect $200- just get and read this book.

Some fun summaries of the international book club meetings:

A quote from the researched content of Ask For It: Today-women on average make 77¢ to every dollar that a man makes. Yep, this ticked us right off. Why? Because we felt (on average) that it was our fault for not asking for it. So- why don’t we ask? We had lots to say:

• We feel too greedy
• Women are content as long as our needs are met
• We’re comfortable playing victim and sitting back and complaining that we weren’t offered a raise vs doing something about it
• We don't know what we're worth- so what are we asking for anyways?
• Fear comes from rejection. We’re scared! What if they say no?
• Its too embarrassing

After reading this book:

• About 1/3 of the book clubs had tried to negotiate (before the meeting) - of that -70% of what they asked for, they got! This includes discounts on coffee, clothing, getting their husband to vacuum and getting a raise. Well done Wilmas!

The biggest ah-ah moment on how to successfully negotiate:

• Understanding that they are expecting you to negotiate. They are already negotiating with you- if you don’t, you’re losing out.
• Do your homework!
  • Know what you’re worth- try the Workopolis salary calculator tool: http://bit.ly/85g8VN
    
  • Know what your target value is- and your BANTA (best alternative to a negotiated agreement)
  • Practice it- just like being in a play- rehearse (find someone who is like your decision maker- role play)

Great overall tips!

• Don’t ask for a specific even number when negotiating. Ask for an odd number. E.g. Instead of asking for $50K ask for $52,800 – you’ll have a better chance at getting that number.
• Always start with a Target Value -it’s the number that’s that makes you very happy- and usually the number just before the number that makes you giggle (i.e. if asking for a new salary of $100K/year makes you want to wet yourself from laughter- see what $90K does to your bladder/giggle reflexes? How about $85K? but damn it Wilma…you’re allowed to have a bloody big grin when asking- ie aim HIGH)
• The company’s job is to pay you as little as possible (but just enough so you don’t leave). Your job to get what you are (really) worth! They will low-ball you. Whether you think it’s a low ball offer or not- its never the highest they can go- because THEY ARE NEGOTIATING.
• BLUFF: when asked how much you currently make- bluff (no, it’s not a lie; you’re just enjoying the art of negotiating). If you currently make $55k/year, say that you currently make $65K/year (or $56K- whatevs).
  • Note: HR is not legally allowed to say anything more than yes or no about a person who has worked in their company. I.e. they cannot confirm or deny how much you really made/make
  • In negotiations- why should you never ask just for what you really want? Because you’re not always going to get it- so over shoot to ask for more and settle (with a smile) for what you really want (makes you almost giggle)! 
• Not prepared for negotiating? You need to be prepared- the more leverage you have, the more power you have ie are your results great this year? Use it. Does the company need you to pull off a miracle? Use it. Be prepared, use the tools you have at hand, read this book and figure out your strategy. Only Richard Gere in Pretty Women can negotiate without practice!
• Hearing “no” can inspire you to do things i.e. leave a job that you’re underpaid for. Try and enjoy the word- it might be friendlier than you think.
• It’s an art; a game…learn how to play, and how to play it well.
• Best quote fromAsk For It:

If you never hear no, you’re not asking enough

-----

Ah-ha moments from 4-Hour Workweek:

The Wilma mission after reading 4 Hour Workweek: Wake up happy everyday and look forward to your life’s adventure!

A lot of the Wilma’s weren’t use to thinking of their OWN desires. It was scary and EXCITING!

The Wilmas have taken on our parent’s legacy “work hard and suffer” to get to retirement. We have to reprogram.

When Tim asked us to Dreamline (dream with a timeline) an unrealistic dream- when all the Wilmas answered that question out loud- something happened.  For the Wilma who was describing their dream it sounded “unrealistic”  but for the Wilmas listening to that Wilma describing her dream- it was very doable, like unbelievably doable.  It was shocking what a Wilma considered unrealistic when it was an idea/dream in her head, but when she said it out loud- it became a very doable reality. One which she could map out to a timeline (with a little homework).

Wilmas agreed if you want to change your financial destiny- you will have to learn to let go and try a new approach!

Dreamlining:

• Wilmas are dreamlining! They are getting a picture of their unrealistic dream –putting it on the fridge and working towards it. E.g That home, that vacation, being paid to travel,  own a winery, get that award, that book you’re going to write, that sailing trip you’re going to take etc

Say no! Let it go!

• Women need to learn how to say NO.  That seemed like the hardest part of automation;  not to be accommodating- to just say no. Say no. No, I said no. No.
• Women have  the urge to finish many tasks, its ingrained; hard habits to break.
• Women don't normally like to disappoint others, we’re going to have to let go! 
• To Do Lists are structures in our lives and there is satisfaction in them - hard to let this one go

Automation:

• Wilma’s taking action to get their life back (vs work their life away) in effort to stop being “lazy” by being busy ie checking email. Email can be a kind of addiction – Tips for that:
  • Delete  all subscription emails that you don’t use
  • Dump ALL send items- and trash them.

There is no competition:

• Tim says “Do not overestimate the competition”- a question the Wilmas asked themselves was this- do we let opportunity slip?
• Action items for the Wilmas:
  • Wilmas should apply for all opportunities - the worst that can happen is a 'no' and we are not worse off than before - and often we get what we reach for.
  • Don't take 'no' personally - continue to reach out

More of a challenge (not more work)

• The Wilmas agreed that being busy a new form of lazy if our busy isn’t working towards our dream.

A question for the Wilmas to think about:

Is there a better way to make more money than what you’re currently doing that takes up less of your time?

Are you in a comfortable job/routine?

Change is scary, but doable. You have to want it.

General Learnings:

• Start a Tess Book! It's the best 'don't buy that' tip. Tess (who is a Wilma) writes ALL of her purchases down in a book that she keeps in her purse. EVERYTHING. It saved her from buying amazing Guess Jeans (that she wanted vs needed)- $160, banked in savings! Nice one Tess!
• Great tip to prevent yourself from buying new clothes is to rotate your clothes- shuffle it up! The ones that are hiding, put them on hangers so they're the first thing you see when getting ready.
• Great tip to prevent an impulse purchase- sleep on it (vs with it. Dirty Wilma!).
• Another prevent yourself from buying tip- take a picture of your closet, both clothes and shoes. Keep it with you when you’re questioning whether to 'buy that'.
• Best quote: "For every dollar saved, its two dollars earned" by Margaret’s exboyfriend’s cute little Dad.
• A Wilma in sales (like three of the new Wilmas) can kick butt in negotiations and teach the rest of us how to do it! yes pls! Stay tuned. I was impressed! 
• The Story of Stuff was a great reminder that we are consumers with motivations that are impractical and materialistic.

Wilma to Wilma, what’s working:

A few of our Wilmas came up with a great idea: Wouldn’t it be great to be held accountable? What does that mean? It means that if you sign up to become a Wealthy Wilma, you agree to:

1. Know how much debt you have and how much interest you’re paying on your debt – at all times.
2. Pay your bills on time. (Put this in your calendar and do it.)
3. Make a conscious effort to put aside as little as $20 a month into a savings account. (More is better but $20 is a start.)
4. While you're at work, or contemplating spending/investing- always think financially, is this right for me? How can I make it better?
5. Have an awesome goal in mind. Yes ‘retiring stress free’ is an awesome goal! So is buying a husband that cooks and cleans. Write that goal down somewhere where you’ll see it often.
6. Help your fellow Wealthy Wilmas whenever possible.

Ideas/Learnings from Wealthy Wilmas:

• For the most part, the Wealthy Wilma Gathering was the FIRST time that you were able to talk openly and honestly about your financial situation, events that have affected you financially, insecurities, topics that make your brain hurt, why you financially suck, what scares you, what doesn’t etc
• You also met some really cool women who lead interesting lives and had an interesting story and accepted you just as you are. (ala Mark Darcy)
• Half the women in two of four groups purchased a new shirt JUST for the Wealthy Wilma Gathering- to make a good impression. That, and we just love to buy clothes and tell people that it was on sale for around $10. (LOL! We’re all the same! Okay I'm not laughing now. Don't do it again. K? Heart you. Come in wrinkly wear- we're all women, all the same, no one will judge you.)
• When it comes to luxury vs. necessity, you agreed on these things: organic feminine products are a necessity (yes, damn it!) and SHOULD be tax-free. (WWs to start a petition). The topic of “luxury vs. necessity” was a touchy topic for some Wilmas.
• As a group — regionally, nationally, or internationally — we could:
  • Make a group investment at some point
  • Host clothes swaps or a ‘thing’ swap (i.e. my toaster for your mixer)
  • Have a garage sale, then put that money towards our debt or savings or group investment etc.
    

Money tips:

• ING Direct <http://www.ingdirect.ca/en/ is an online bank that’s super easy to use, will garner high interest on your savings (i.e. you will make money just having money in that account). They can help you save by drawing money from your chequing account on any day you like (without you even noticing that it’s gone). No questions asked, literally…it’s all online. No fees.
• Understand how much your interest is costing you every month. Consolidate your debt to pay less interest. (i.e. find out how much you’re paying, and get a loan to pay it off. You’ll have more cash flow and be on your way to being debt-free.)
• Haggle with your banks about lowering interest. Threaten to leave and they’ll likely lower the interest rate (or um, leave). It works (Wilma tried and true).
• If you’re making payments on something, and it comes to an end (i.e. paid off. Youppi!) don’t stop putting that money aside, dump it into a savings account (Ingdirect.ca?).
• When you file your taxes, you can claim giving away clothes without even having receipts. It lowers your taxed income. Look for it. It adds up!
• Clearing the clutter at home works! Do it.
• If your partner manages the money, become involved. If he doesn’t want you to, get naked and bribe him!
• Talk to your parents about their estate planning: do they have a will? What’s their plan when they’re 70+ and then 80+? What if they need long term health care or have to be put in a home, etc? How can this be afforded? Who has this money? Is there insurance that can help (if the family starts paying for it now).

That's it for now. Come back later for more good tips!