Goodwill Industries of Southern New Jersey & Philadelphia is pleased to offer JOB CLUB, a free community service, at its Maple Shade headquarters and training center. The purpose of JOB CLUB is to provide local job seekers with the resources needed to conduct a successful job search—at no cost to them. Located at 2835 Route 73 in Maple Shade, JOB CLUB is open every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Staffed by employment specialists and job developers, Goodwill’s JOB CLUB offers computerized career assessments and assistance in developing resumes, preparing for interviews and overall, creating successful job search plans. Participants also have free and unlimited access to Internet-ready computers for conducting online research and job searches; to local job postings and career fair information; and to phone lines and fax machines. Referrals to local job training programs can also be made through JOB CLUB for qualified individuals. Goodwill’s JOB CLUB is just one way in which Goodwill fulfills its charitable mission of putting people to work.

“With layoffs making headlines on a weekly basis during this tough economy, Goodwill is pleased to offer JOB CLUB,” said Goodwill Director of Mission Services Cheryl Miller. “We encourage local job seekers to take advantage of this free weekly service.

A nonprofit, community-based organization, Goodwill Industries of Southern New Jersey & Philadelphia’s mission is to put people with special needs to work. The mass collection and resale of donated goods in Goodwill’s 19 area retail stores fund career services that prepare individuals with disabilities and disadvantages for competitive employment while contributing to America’s recycling efforts. Currently, Goodwill operates employment training centers in Maple Shade, Pennsauken and Stratford. For more information on Goodwill, please visit www.goodwillnj.org or call 856-439-0200.

Here’s a photo from the Network Now event that I attended!

I know, accepting death sounds like such a downer. But I was reminded today when talking with a columnist that accepting that life is finite is really quite a blessing.  If we are very conscious that at some point, *this* will end, perhaps we will walk through life with more appreciation.  If we are conscious, we will realize that *this* day will never happen again. So we should be grateful for that friend, grateful for that job, grateful for that food shared with others… and do what we can to touch others– no time like the present. I want to LIVE every minute of this life to the fullest. Hope you do too..

Happy New Year!  With the New Year comes New Year Resolutions.  Do you remember last year’s resolution? What is your money resolution for 2010? Whatever it is, I will help you with it.  I’m changing my title from Investment Advisor to Money Motivation Coach. I’m going to be your Money Coach for the New Year!!  How?  By providing you with tough money love!  Here is your first tough money love coaching session…ready? 

Procrastination, don’t do it.  People put off things they don’t want to do.  We don’t go the doctor when we should, we wait until the last minute to pay our taxes or we just have so much on our plate we become overwhelmed and stymied!  But the biggest reason is that we are afraid of bad news or failure. One reason I think people put off dealing with their money is emotional.

 Rolling over that 401k may bring emotional pain from a job you once had or you may have negative thoughts about yourself –am I lazy? Am I incompetent?  Waiting to deal with your money can have terrible consequences, such as not retiring when you want to, reducing your current lifestyle or postponing sending your child to college.  As I said before, “money doesn’t sleep” and the longer you wait to deal with it, the harder it will be to get what you want out of your money!

I procrastinate writing this blog, why? Because it is hard!  Working with Tracy Davidson, I have put a higher expectation on myself.  After all I don’t want to let Philadelphia’s premiere consumer reporter down, right?  It’s that fear of failure that keeps me from writing.  But it is also that fear that keeps me trying to achieve.  This year you can expect me to write two blogs a month. 

So make this year, the year you don’t sleep on the money.  The first step is to start searching for all the paper work nothing more, nothing less!  Take a breath– you are now one step closer.

Next blog, since I know you blew your Christmas budget and did not heed my advice on NBC10 Thrive and Survive; I will tell how you to deal with paying off credit card debt. 

Erwin B. Gant, President

Gant Private Financial Management

1. I will maintain a positive attitude at all times during the job search process.
2. I will keep my resume up-to-date and on target for each job I apply.
3.  I will ask family, friends and former colleagues for suggestions on my job search and ask them to keep you in mind as they hear of opportunities.
4.  I will not say “I will take anything” rather, I will remain focused on the types of work I prefer or can do.
5.  I will expand my search radius or salary range to help open the door to new opportunities that I may have been missing.
6. I will not limit my search to “applying online for jobs” but make calls and network for opportunities on a daily basis.
7.  I will integrate Social Media into my job search for 2010.
8.  I will improve my research skills and knowledge of companies before each interview.
9. I will respond promptly to all communications with companies.
10.   I will keep my skills fresh while searching for a job which might include: education, classes, certifications, volunteering, seminars etc.

In 2010 jobseekers need to be prepared to act quickly with their best foot forward! Make the improvements, set the goals and get started today, not tomorrow.

Kristin Kane, Kane Partners LLC | 215.699.5500

www.kanepartners.net | www.facebook.com/KanePartners | www.twitter.com/KanePartners

Time is of the essence, time waits for no one, and time is money.  We have become a people of consuming more than we need and working more hours than we should.  I was recently talking to a young entrepreneur hair stylist about her IRA accounts.  Between running her business and taking care of her newborn she just did not have the time to review it.  Don’t we all feel this way!

I understand that there is not enough time in a day.  I recently became the fulltime parent of my two awesome kids.  Between working, taking care of them, and running a business time always seems to slip away; where does it go?!

We are all busy and with the holiday season coming, we tend to become busier.  However, we need to stop and take care of ourselves; especially women, later about that.    You may say I don’t have time to stop and take a breath.  You do, and you must take the time to look at your finances.  Many people that I have spoken to don’t have any idea what’s going on with their finances or who there financial advisor is!  Money doesn’t sleep, nor does it wait for you. 

If you don’t have the time to see to your finances, find someone that does. It is that simple and that important.  With the economy in trouble and jobs at risk now more than ever you need to get help. If you don’t have the time or desire to do it yourself– get help!    

This economy has dealt a blow to all of us. We need to be careful of how much money we are spending and re-evaluate our goals.    All of the old financial sayings were proven to be wrong, asset allocation did not work, buy and hold may cause you to hold on much longer than you plan to.  Get involved with your money understand what you want your money to do for you and your family.  Then get help, set up meeting, either in person or over the phone with your financial provider.  Make sure that your financial advisor is on the same page you are on.   

Remember money doesn’t sleep, don’t you sleep on it!

Erwin B. Gant, President,

Gant Private Financial Management