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Max Bottaro
Santa Barbara
Wells Fargo Financial
Banking
Fans (14)
Groups (4)

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Kelly Seiler I'm "visiting" a company next Wednesday. It is scheduled for 4 hours and they asked me to put together a short presentation so people will get to know me a little better. I'm assuming this is an unofficial interview of sorts, but it's not advertised as an interview and they don't actually have a position for me (however they might make one). So, what do I wear??

78 weeks ago from Salary - Negotiating & More and Dress Code Personal Style

Lucas Starbuck: You never know who you might happen to be introduced to, even though its informational-only.. the President might happen to be in the office.. and ...MoreYou never know who you might happen to be introduced to, even though its informational-only.. the President might happen to be in the office.. and you're in jeans = that sucks.
77 weeks ago
voleine: Yes, always look professional. I hire people as part of my job and I absolutely hate it when people under dress. It just shows a lack of ...MoreYes, always look professional. I hire people as part of my job and I absolutely hate it when people under dress. It just shows a lack of professionalism. Even if it's not an "interview" it is an interview.
77 weeks ago
 
J. Maureen Henderson Hey folks, I'm working on a new project and am interested in knowing what your biggest areas of interest/needs are in the realm of personal finance as it relates to career mgt and entrepreneurship. Do you need knowledge of personal financial planning? Info on specific financial products? General motivation to keep yourself on target and accountable to your goals? Etc. Also, where do you turn for info now? Peers? Social media? Independent learning? Your input will directly shape the end product!

87 weeks ago from Young Professional Women (YPW), Economics and Finance, Personal Finance and I am Gen Y2 more

J. Maureen Henderson: Thanks for the response, Melissa! Very helpful. I'll shoot you an email with the details of what's in the works (things haven't officially ...MoreThanks for the response, Melissa! Very helpful. I'll shoot you an email with the details of what's in the works (things haven't officially launched yet), as I think there's definitely some cross-promotion potential between this project and PW.
87 weeks ago
Max Bottaro: which jobs pay the most for people who just have undergrad degrees, and maybe didn't do something really specific like accounting.
81 weeks ago
 
Max Bottaro What programs has anyone heard of out there that does really high LTV mortgage? I know FHA is 97.75 on rate term, anything above 100%? Anything up there but maybe a different program than FHA?

81 weeks ago from FinanceAnswers

 
Elisabeth Ericson I'm two weeks from a small windfall that will wipe out my credit card debt ($1,600). With that and the deposit from my summer apartment, I'll still have about a grand to put away until I graduate from college next year. My only other debt is a few hundred in interest-free medical bills that I'm paying monthly, and student loans that won't accrue interest until graduation. Besides my 1% APY savings account, is there anything useful I can do with it for a year? I'm not used to having spare money.

92 weeks ago from Personal Finance

Beth Dearborn: Make sure the debit card transactions are free and that the places you normally would use them - - gocery, dept. store, etc. - - accept that ...MoreMake sure the debit card transactions are free and that the places you normally would use them - - gocery, dept. store, etc. - - accept that bank's debit card. Though most debit card transactions are handled like an ATM and cost nothing, there is a recent surge is banks considering those separately. It is unlikely there will be a debit card transaction fee or that a local grocery, clothing store, etc. won't accept the card, but it doesn't hurt to make sure. And though you think you have 15 debit transactions per month, it wouldn't hurt to look at past statements and your current spending pattern to make sure. If you see fewer than 15 most of the time, find out what the bank charges or if they reduce the interest earned.

If you discover a charge or interest reduction, it doesn't mean it isn't still a good deal. A little addition and subtraction will help you decide if the overall difference earns more than your current bank.

Another question to ask is "Are there other perks?" Does the local bank offer free lost card replacement and identity security at no charge? Do they have a fraud policy in case your card or information is stolen?

As with all things if you think it might be too good to be true, you need to take additional time to read the fine print. Once you have decided you can always make a different decision if it isn't what you expected.

Good Luck! I'm sure you will choose what is right for you!

91 weeks ago
Max Bottaro: you can't really make a G go that far these days unfortunately... CD rates are crap right now. Nothing you can really do would justify the effort. ...Moreyou can't really make a G go that far these days unfortunately... CD rates are crap right now. Nothing you can really do would justify the effort. I would suggest waiting until you can get into a good mutual fund or a vested 401K before you start saving for retirement or a home. uhmmm penny stocks can have some pretty crazy returns, but the down side is you can get a huge return literally overnight!
81 weeks ago
 
Russell Allert Okay, I need some other points of view on this one. I had a discussion with my GF last night over the purchasing of pre-loved (that is, secondhand) clothing. She believes it to be overly cheap and a tad "yucky" where as I believe it is simply being economical and is good for the environment (as it re-uses resources). All I was after was some casual pants I can wear around the house. Any thoughts on this? Is shopping for pre-loved clothing a good or bad thing?

98 weeks ago from Personal Finance

Hannah Kane: I bought all of my business clothing at the Salvation Army-- it's amazing how when you cut out the shoulder pads you have a pretty awesome looking ...MoreI bought all of my business clothing at the Salvation Army-- it's amazing how when you cut out the shoulder pads you have a pretty awesome looking blazer. For me, I love thrift stores because I feel like I'm generating less for the waste stream, and I'm saving myself a ton of money on what most of the time is still perfectly great clothing.
91 weeks ago
Max Bottaro: as long as its not undergarments.
81 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Jenn Pedde Hey #brazen fans! So I'm working on launching a new website called Eat Your Serial, that will feature up and coming writers mainly in the area of fiction. We're looking for writers and editors and are currently reviewing submissions. If you're interested in publishing a story and getting some free promotion, take a look at our pre-launch blog and send in some story ideas! http://eatyourserial.wordpress.com/2010/05/03/join-the-eat-your-serial-f... Would LOVE to have any Brazen writers!

107 weeks ago from Copywriters, Creative Writing, Creatively Inspired, Freelancing and Professional Writers and Editors3 more

Max Bottaro: sounds cool. what are you guys looking for? shorts or like a novel?
92 weeks ago
Sarah Peck: Jenn - I love your website idea! I'd definitely be interested in talking to you about either writing or editing. Check out my blog for writing ...MoreJenn - I love your website idea! I'd definitely be interested in talking to you about either writing or editing. Check out my blog for writing samples: www.waterfallingupwards.com -- I can also send you some other stuff if you're still looking for people.
89 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Harriet May Making start-up money, and why I try not to focus on salary - http://www.brazencareerist/2010/08/12/making-start-up-money-and-why-i-tr...

92 weeks ago

Michael Felberbaum: I don't think it's every possessions themselves that make us happy -- it's what those things do for us. New clothes make a statement. A new TV ...MoreI don't think it's every possessions themselves that make us happy -- it's what those things do for us. New clothes make a statement. A new TV allows for more enjoyable viewing.

This may sound out there, but I think the whole idea of "consumption" is faulty. It's not like most material goods are edible. We really are "users" of stuff -- users of TV sets and cars, clothing and sofas. That's why experiences and vacations are a good use of money -- because they recognize that the value is always in experience anyway -- it's rarely in consumption.

Thanks for an interesting post.

92 weeks ago
Harriet May: @Ryan I think for me, I am so early into my career that right now I can afford to put experience way before salary (way, way, way before salary). ...More@Ryan I think for me, I am so early into my career that right now I can afford to put experience way before salary (way, way, way before salary). Of course the potential of a bigger salary motivates me to work hard so that I can make the most of opportunities as they come. Money is really only a medium through which you garner the freedom to do more, which I think from what you said means a lot of the same things to me as to you (travel, house, marriage, etc). But since Jason and I have effectively no debt, I've just opened an IRA, and we're both making a conscious effort to save what we can, I feel like we're taking the right steps towards creating our own stability, even though I work for a start-up and he works in the car business (which I'm learning is almost as unstable as a start-up!). And really, the adventure has only just begun, right??

@Max I agree. Cash does open a lot of doors. The key I think comes from deciphering when you're making a valuable-- in terms of experience and meaningfulness-- purchase over acquiring things for the sake of it. That's always going to be different for different people. An imported car, for instance, might be a status symbol for one person but for another it might be a hobby and a childhood dream. A lot of it is about staying true to yourself and your long-term financial goals over impulse shopping-- sometimes I struggle with that.

@Michael That's a great point. That leads me to a conclusion similar to Max's comment: that it's about knowing who you are as a consumer/user, so that you are able to make the wisest choices when spending. That way, all your purchases will hold some kind of emotional value, and that's meaningful when it comes to seeking happiness.

92 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Sid I do IT work in financial services for a big company, I hate my job, and I want to get more into Social Media. Do I try a way to spin it at work or just start looking for something outside? General thoughts?

93 weeks ago

anjum azad: Great insight please. Thanks.
93 weeks ago
Max Bottaro: I agree- just ask, what's the worst that can happen? they say no, and maybe appreciate your initiative? I'd offer to do it for free at first, and ...MoreI agree- just ask, what's the worst that can happen? they say no, and maybe appreciate your initiative? I'd offer to do it for free at first, and then show them how you can make some tangible value for the company in terms of $$$. Not everyone talks PPC, SEO, or Social branding- but everyone talks $$$. If you can do this for them, maybe they will even pay you for it!
92 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Max Bottaro Where ever you are; be there now.

92 weeks ago

Katie Colihan: This is the quote that I have on my outgoing e-mails. Awesome choice, Max!
92 weeks ago
 
La Donna Lokey Banking Career Tip: A great way to get into banking if you've got no prior experience is to start as a Teller. If you have at least a year of customer service or cash-handling experience (such as working in another retail store or as a cashier), you meet the minimum qualifications for many banks. With some basic training on bank systems, regulations, and processes, you can begin helping customers and growing your resume!

110 weeks ago from Breaking Into Banking

Max Bottaro: good tip. Must major banks have pretty typical corporate hierarchies, and hire from within for the most part. You can pretty much start anywhere ...Moregood tip. Must major banks have pretty typical corporate hierarchies, and hire from within for the most part. You can pretty much start anywhere and work your way straight up, or up and over if thats your goal.
101 weeks ago
Specialties
Numchuks. Scotch on the rocks. Seducing women. A close shave. Formula 1 driving. Big game hunting.

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Fans (14)

Elisa Doucette
Website Designer
Jim Parker
Ryan Healy
christine
Ryan Paugh
Daniel A. Murphy
Daniel Saynuk
faith
Harriet May

Following (11)

Katie Colihan
JR Moreau
La Donna Lokey
Ryan Paugh
Harriet May
Leo Warren
Sid
Antoinette Williams
Maura V. Pingor
Jenn Pedde