Andrew Carnegie - The Ben Franklin of Pittsburgh?

Pennsylvania has been home to many famous public figures, philosophers, and business men. Often, we get tied up in the ideas of Ben Franklin or William Penn. But, another figure looms large, and that is Andrew Carnegie, who's name, reputation, and personal wealth are intricately tied to Western Pennsylvania and the city of Pittsburgh.

Recently, the Art of Manliness Blog wrote a piece about Andrew Carnegie, comparing him to Ben Franklin (a bit anyways) and discussing some of the life lessons that he lived by. Carnegie was a wealthy man, but he always had a charitable cause that he could work towards.

Click here to read the article!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony
 

10 Questions to Ask at Job Interviews

As a recovering Human Resources employee, I remain interested in the employment process and developments in the industry. I also try to put the skills I've learned to work for our DeMolays, assisting them with resume writing and interview practice. Just this week, I noticed that "Dad" Tom Moyer had a major job interview. According to him, that interview was easier than the State Master Councilor Interview Panel! DeMolay can prepare you for some of life's major moments and interviews definitely fit into that category.

The biggest skill I find that most job seekers lack is the ability to ask insightful questions about the job they are applying for. Yes, that's right - you should be asking questions too! The interviewer is there to determine if you are a good fit for the company. You are there to determine if the company is a good fit for you. You can also score major brownie points by showing that you've researched the firm and have an understanding of the business.

The Art of Manliness recently published an article entitled 10 Questions You Should Ask at an Interview. I encourage everyone to give it a look and file it away for the next time you are up for a job or a promotion.

I look forward to seeing everyone at Autumn Day at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown this weekend - safe travels!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

George Washington's Advice to Students

Today's post comes from frequent guest writer "Dad" Peter Brusoe. Enjoy!

Saturday evening, I was standing on a front porch of a country estate looking at almost 2,000 17-18 year olds from across the United States and the world.  There were conversations happening and you could hear southern drawls, the clipped northeastern style of talking, the flat “A”s of Wisconsin and Minnesota, some Long Islanders tawlking, some Spanish, some French and some Mandarin. It sounded like a waterfall with all of the noise and the air had a spark of electricity about it that was contagious.   This must be what roadies and back-up musicians feel like before the star of the show comes on.  All of a sudden a man goes to the microphone and the waterfall becomes a brook.  He introduces the next speaker, General George Washington, the first President of the United States and the owner of Mount Vernon, the estate that we were all on. The waterfall is now as silent as a desert, you could hear a pin drop.

This was the class of 2018 for the George Washington University, the premier university in Washington, D.C. This was their first night together as classmates, friends, and colleagues. I was lucky enough to be invited to join as the Masonic & Eastern Star Charities of DC and the Scottish Rite Charities were funders.  Most of these students were born in the years 1995-1997.  What could a man born in 1732 have to share with the Millennials of today? It turns out quite a lot.

George Washington was not a historically verbose speaker.  His second inaugural address was 135 words, in contrast President Obama’s second inaugural was 2,137 George Bush’s second inaugural was 2,062 words. The reenactor was extremely good.  Even in talking about Masonry it took a couple of tries to get out that his membership was in  Concordia Lodge No. 67 in PA and not Alexandria No. 22 or Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4. Similar in manner and style, he kept his talk brief.

He spoke about the need of integrity, the importance of tolerance for others as a good basis upon which to build one’s life.  He then talked about something that Dr. Benjamin Franklin said “Well done is better than well said.”  He cleared his throat and said “or simply put, deeds not words.”  

For us as DeMolays and DeMolay advisors this is good advice we too should follow.  How often do we talk about doing things for DeMolay, or talk about what the chapter will do or talk about the importance of sharing DeMolay, but sometimes we fail to do it.   We should strive to live up to the standards and values of President Washington in our daily lives.

He closed by recommending to the students his rules of civility, or more formally “110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation” especially the last one “Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.”

As DeMolays we are helped along with this process by having our obligations to check and help guide our conscience. But we need to always be mindful to ensure that the spark stays alive in our daily actions.  If this blog entry is the first time you’re hearing about Washington’s rules, I would recommend reading them and seeing how well you conform to them in our daily lives.

There’s a link here:
http://www.foundationsmag.com/civility.html

George Washington finished speaking and he was deluged with applause.  The message had connected and after the dessert reception and candle lit tours we boarded busses back to Washington, D.C. and each of us was handed bracelet that said “Deeds Not Words.”

How do your deeds speak for you?

"The places you will go are going to be amazing, but please bring the Lorax with you!"

Today's post is from a special guest - "Dad" Peter Brusoe, Past International Master Councilor. Thanks, "Dad" Brusoe for your article!

Graduation season is upon us! Last week American University (www.american.edu) held their college graduation, this weekend my undergraduate, the University at Albany (www.albany.edu), holds theirs. It is truly an exciting time as colleges and universities honor their students for all of the hard work done to earn their degrees.  Pomp and circumstance will soon be the bane of every university musician.  One of the surest ways to tell graduation season is upon us, however, is the appearance of Dr. Suess’s "Oh the Places You Will Go" in gift shops and special stands set up at your favorite neighborhood bookstore.

"Oh the Places You Will Go" is a powerful story.  It motivates the reader by talking about the brain in your head, your feet in the shoes, taking your mountain and climbing it.  They then proceed to go to far off lands in the mystical and magical world that is Dr. Suess. There’s a strong admonition about avoiding the waiting place and not making excuses.  It’s a great  book, the elementary school student I read to during my lunch hour loves it.  Yet, if I were to add a few footnotes to "Oh the Places You Will Go" it revolves around the companionship and responsibility.

Life is a journey and like most journeys it is not meant to be taken alone.  We learn this in DeMolay.  In our induction ceremony a new member journeys with the Senior Deacon and the Stewards.  In the DeMolay drama while Jacques DeMolay is the star of the drama, it is Geoffroi de Charny who stands beside him.  The Lord of the Rings is an epic six book drama.  Yet, if Frodo did not have the Fellowship of the Ring, or Sam and the other Hobbits the book would have been called Your Guide to Mordor. If there was a time machine I would convince Theodor Geisel - Dr. Suess – to change the title to be "Oh the Places You Will Go Because of the love of your parents, the amazing teachers you had, and your other mentors and guides." The problem is that it does not rhyme that well. For those who are graduating or for those who will be graduating take the time to express appreciation to those who have helped propel you to the success you now enjoy. We hear in the flower talk how our mothers do the trouble healing, thoughtful and considerate things that only mothers seem to know how to do.  Fathers do the amazing inspiring things that all sons need.  We should make sure that we are doing our most to thank them for the guidance and support they give.

"Oh The Places You Will Go" is it fails to talk about the responsibility that comes with success.  At graduations we hear that a degree is conferred with “The honors, duties and responsibilities there unto pertaining.”  At the Legion of Honor Ceremony we hear that the door open wide to you for additional service, at DeMolay we hear that we need to translate our lives into ones of service.  The Evangelist Luke records in his Gospel Account that to whom much is given much is expected.

To find a book that addresses that, one needs not to go far, rather, just look down the book shelf to   The Lorax. It is a good choice for college graduates, and perhaps mandatory reading for all students. The Lorax talks about the decimation of The Truffula Trees by the Oncler and his compatriots. The Lorax, like an apocalyptical Old Testament prophet, comes back time and time again to warn the Oncler about the dangers of his activities.  At the end what was a paradise is transformed into a dystopian ecological wasteland. The Lorax disappears and writes the words
                                                                     

UNLESS

The Once-ler ponders what this word means and then comes to the conclusion of this:

         

“UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.” The Oncler drops the last remaining seed of the Truffula Trees into the hands of the boy and girl waiting to go fix the mistakes of the preceding generation.

This, my brothers, is our greatest challenge. As we travel to whichever place we will go we must bring our passion and dedication with us and we must care.  If you are a newly installed Master Councilor, take your chapter to new heights, and care very much.  When you see something in your community that needs fixing – graffiti or trash- be the person who cares an awful lot to make the world a better place.  If you are a recent college graduate or high school graduate take the education you have amassed over 13 or 17 years to make our world a better place.
           
            My DeMolay Brother
            Remember the Onceler
            For every day we can care
            our brotherhood is to share
           
            In our home and nation
            regardless of our station
            From helping & caring others
            to honoring our fathers & mothers
            The future belongs to us
            So come, let’s not fuss
            For today we must do more
            that is our noble chore.

 Remember brothers, unless we care nothing is going to get better.

Interviewing Logic

As a recovering Human Resources employee, I'm always interested in what is going on in the HR world and how that impacts the general population. One of the ways that HR usually interacts with people is through the interview process when a person is applying for a job. The art of an interview is very distinct and some people are very good at (while others are not.)

Recently, "Dad" Labagh forwarded me a link that his wife sent him with information about what interview questions are actually trying to find out about you. If you know what a person is trying to learn, then you can be better prepared to answer. Check it out!

http://lifehacker.com/the-logic-behind-19-common-interview-questions-1376990545

I've always appreciated LifeHacker and this article is no exception. Anyone can benefit from this article, whether it be DeMolays or adults.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Happiness Vs. Wealth

I've recently been having discussions with several DeMolays (and Masons) about their careers / future careers. Many of these conversations touch on all the subjects you would expect - the job market, money, benefits, relocation, etc. However, one of the things that often seems to get overlooked is, in my opinion, the most important factor of all - happiness!

Working for the fraternity is never going to net me a giant pay check. I realize that I could probably make much more in the commercial sector. However, what's immeasurable is the happiness in my job. I spent several years working in Human Resources. Some days were really good. Some days were really bad. I didn't dislike my work, but like every job, it had its stressful days. In my current job, I could count on a single hand the truly stressful days that I have each year (most of which occur around Convention / Key Man time, by the way.)

Whenever I talk careers with anybody, one of the first things I ask them is "what would you be happy doing?" Sometimes they  have a clear picture of what they want to do, while others don't have a clue. Many people fall back on their hobbies and say they'd love to do that all the time. As someone who works for one his "hobbies,"  I can tell you that it's both rewarding and painful. Others think they'd be happy doing something that makes them a lot of money. "I'd be happy being an attorney." Most of those people are wrong.

I came across this article from Parade Magazine, entitled What's the Happiest (and Unhappiest) Job in America? Guess who hates their job the most? High paid lawyers! Who loves their jobs? Construction workers and sales people. Their jobs may not be high profile, but they find their work rewarding and engaging. Actually, according to a Forbes article, the happiest people make about $50,000 year. That's much less than most expect.

So, as you ponder your career, I urge you to quit looking at the dollars and cents and instead look at what makes you happy. You'll be more content in the long run, I assure you.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

SMC Speaks to PA Masonic Leadership

Bro. Matt Blaisdell, then State Master Councilor of Pennsylvania DeMolay, spoke at the Annual Banquet of the Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, on Saturday, July 14th at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.  This annual banquet usually has about 600 people at it-- 300 of the most influential Masons of PA, and their wives-- who are there for a social and fraternal experience.  To be a featured speaker at THIS gathering is a huge responsibility for anyone, and for a State Master Councilor it is usually a stressful experience getting ready for it, because he is required to turn in his text for publication in the Annual Proceedings of the organization.  They get to read and study the remarks of previous SMC's so that they don't repeat what was said by another, and also, so they can see the quality of writing that is required of them.  For every SMC this is a huge challenge, and there is writing, editing, rewriting, more editing, and then practice, practice and more practice to make sure that the text and its delivery will be heard and understood by all who are present.

I could tell you how I feel Matt Blaisdell did in representing you, but, I would rather have you watch this video, and judge for yourself.  It starts just after he mentions that his boss, the Executive Officer for PA DeMolay, was on a Church Mission Trip and could not be present, but had some advice for him:

When you get the chance, ASK MATT how he felt during the preparation, practice, and finally the delivery, and aftermath of the speech, and especially what it was like to get a standing ovation at its conclusion!

We are so fortunate in Pennsylvania DeMolay to have had Matt Blaisdell lead and represent us this past year! 

"Dad"  Tom Labagh,
Executive Officer in PA

A Promising Night

The spring time brings an important yearly event in nearly every high school in the United States - Prom. Short for "Promenade," this yearly dance is the highlight of the social year for most young people. The Senior Prom has become the "be all and end all" of the High School career - a summation of four years of work let loose in one night.

In reality, it's whatever you make of it. Some people treat it like a chance to have a good time and enjoy themselves. Others make it into an excuse for poor life decisions and irrational behavior. But, as a DeMolay, you can make your Prom experience a memorable one, marked with positive feelings and great photos. The best way to do that is to follow some advice.

Thankfully, the folks over at "The Art of Manliness" blog have created a how-to guide for all the Prom going gentlemen out there. You may think it's lame and corny, but let me tell you, if you follow this guide, you'll be the one looking back on Prom as one of the best experiences of your life, while your friends look back with second thoughts.

So, check out "A Young Man's Guide to Prom" - you'll be glad you did!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Celebrating the Skilled

One of my favorite television shows is "Dirty Jobs" on the Discovery Channel. For those unfamiliar with this program, it centers on a fellow named Mike Rowe who travels the country attempting to do jobs that most people would find uncomfortable. He's worked with farmers, steel workers, sanitation crews, and more. From a crab boat in the Bering Sea to a gator farm in the Southern US, he's been everywhere. Heck, he's even been to Pennsylvania a number of times. It's very interesting show, that's for sure.

Recently, I found a video, from 2008, of Mike Rowe speaking at a technology summit in Silicon Valley. Much of his presentation was spent discussing a very unsavory job that he had to perform, but his final message really harmonized with me. You see, during all of these jobs, Mr. Rowe had ingrained upon him the value of a hard day's work. Our society seems to have decided that any job that requires physical labor is disliked at best and menial at worst. Very few individuals wake up in the morning and say to themselves "I want to shovel for a living." But, without individuals willing to perform that work, our world would crumble. Take a watch... 

In DeMolay (and Freemasonry) we have men and women from all different walks of live. There are technology guru's like "Dad" Greg Schaeffer (Senior Project Lead at IBM), design wizards like "Dad" Rodney Boyce (owner of Square Peg Design) management professionals like "Dad" Dennis Snedden (professional speaker and consultant), and most importantly tradesman like "Dad" Mike Desalis (plumber) and "Dad" Mike Nace (carpenter.) While we tend to idolize those people who work with technology or their mind, there is something to be said for a man who is skilled in a trade. It can take just as much brain power to properly measure and construct timber for a home, or to create precision finished carpentry that is both beautiful to look at, and fully functional, as it does to design an attractive corporate logo.

My own father spent most of  his life as a laborer. He worked on a road crew for a local municipality. He toiled in the hot sun, shoveling burning asphalt onto road surfaces so that others would have a safe and comfortable ride to where they are going. My maternal grandfather was an operating engineer (a fancy term for a man who runs heavy equipment.) He helped to erect Kinzua Dam in Warren County, PA. That dam holds back the Allegheny River which in turn keeps downtown Pittsburgh from flooding. My paternal grandfather was the manager of a cemetery, where he helped to dig hundreds of graves, many by hand. I'm the first generation in my family to not have to engage in manual labor to make a living, but every day I count my blessings in that regard. It was thanks to the manual and physical labor of previous generations that I can have the job I have today. 

All too often we are quick to talk to our high school age members about the importance of college and an education, while completely ignoring skilled trades as an option. No, it's not glamorous to be a steam-fitter, plumber, or construction worker. However, a man can still make a good and responsible living in those and similar professions. Just ask the thousands of iron workers still employed around the Commonwealth.

As usual, I'm sure you are asking yourself "... what does this have to do with DeMolay?" Our organization was founded by men who knew the value of a hard day's work and who weren't afraid of a little physical labor. Let's make sure to show our members the importance of men in all fields and remind them that while college may not be for everyone, there are still many viable and respectable fields of service for a man to be employed in.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

A Parable of Sorts

I was trying to think of something to write about today and was having a bit of trouble coming up with a topic. Generally, when I have that problem I turn to other sources. But, rather than just linking you off to another site, I really wanted to give you something more substantial to read. I dug into the far corners of my mind (which is kind of link Cheers - everyone knows me there!) and decided to relate a story from one of my previous employers.

As many of you know, I spent one crazy and amazing year working at Games Workshop. For those who haven't heard of them, Games Workshop officially makes "high quality miniature wargames," however, that's just a sugarcoated way of saying toy soldiers. Yep, I worked for a company that made and promoted the hobby of playing with toy soldiers. When I took the gig, it was quite literally my dream job. I dropped everything - work, family, etc., and moved to Maryland for it. I learned a lot about myself that year and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. The best part is the stories that I now have to relate to folks.

Today's tale is an apocryphal one that came from the echelons of upper management, which was headquartered in the United Kingdom (Nottingham, England, to be precise.) You see, Games Workshop held the rights to one of the most lucrative product lines one can imagine - the Lord of the Rings. They owned the rights to produce games based upon that franchise and it was a smash hit for them. Games Workshop was so involved in the Lord of the Rings that four members of the Games Workshop staff actually appear as extras in the scene of the Battle of Pelenor Field in the final movie. So, needless to say, when the movies came out, Games Workshop was at the forefront.

Pictured left to right, Alessio Cavatore (GW Author), Alan Perry (GW Sculptor) , Brian Nelson (fellow GW sculptor) and Michael Perry(another GW Sculptor). Notice the blue screen with dead Mumak in the background.

As with any company that was involved in the property, they were issued several tickets to the London premier. In a show of democracy unknown in many other companies, the upper management decided to place the tickets in a pool and do drawings to see who would go. In the meantime, one senior manager had finagled a way to get an extra ticket for him and his wife to go, ensuring his presence at the premier regardless of the raffle. The night of the show came and, lo and behold, there stands the senior manager on the red carpet, even though he didn't win the raffle. His colleagues were understandably angry and his supervisors took a stand. They sacked him. Why? Not only had he done something wrong by taking tickets on the side, he had shown that his own personal gain was more important than being a team player and partner to to his colleagues.

So, how does this relate to DeMolay? At a time when honors abound and people are being recognized for their achievement, never forget that we are Brothers. You may have just gotten a Chevalier, but what are you going to do continue to prove that you deserve that honor? Those who have received the Representative DeMolay Award are enjoined to "help another Brother earn the RD himself." I know for a fact that most do not. All of this comes back to the fourth precept - Comradeship. Are you being the best DeMolay - the best Brother - the best Comrade that you can be?

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Tick... Tick... Tick... BOOM!

I'm having another writer's block day today. Failing to come up with anything new or witty to write about, I took a dive into the electronic archives to see if I could find some useful material to share with you. As usual, I found something funny yet on point.

Today's post was written by "Dad" Brent Richards and is meant to be taken lightheartedly. It tackles the issue of conflict resolution from a different angle than normal. For the sarcastically impaired:  This essay is an example of irony … saying the opposite of what you mean to make a point.  If you actually do the things suggested in this essay, you will lose most of your friends, and your Chapter may very well fall apart. Don’t say you weren’t warned! On to the article!

Imagine a calm and rational Chapter where disagreements are handled fairly and quickly, where resentment and in-fighting are not allowed to build into flaring tempers and rash words.  What fun is that?  Here’s some sure-fire ways to make sure your Chapter doesn’t get stuck in such a boring fight-free environment:

1. Don’t discuss disagreements.  Just let them simmer for months at a time.  This is particularly helpful if you assume that the other party “ought to know” how you feel.

2. When you must discuss disagreements, get personal.  Attack the other side, calling them names, if possible.

3. Portray the other person’s opinion in the worst way possible.  Your ideas aren’t “different,” they’re “right.”  Their ideas are “stupid.”  In fact, not only is the idea stupid, so is anyone who would suggest it.

4.   Never allow for middle ground.  Every problem has to end with a “my way” or “your way” solution.  There is no such thing as “our way.”

5. Raise your voice and swear a lot.  If you start getting angry, avoid taking deep breaths, or pausing to think about your words before you say them.  Say it when you think it, before you decide not to.  Some people are in the bad habit of getting out of a situation and taking time to “cool down” –if you must distance yourself, at least make a show of “walking out.”  Better yet, storm out of the room, slamming at least two doors behind you (if there is only one door, I recommend slamming it twice).

6. Take everything personally.  Everyone with a different opinion is obviously doing it just to make you mad.

7. Practice “Mind Reading” – Waiting for someone to explain their ideas is a waste of time.  You already know why they did or thought what they did, so don’t be mislead by explanations or details.  It might help to tell them you know their motives, like “We all know you’re just doing this to kiss up to the Advisors.”

8. When you can’t discuss, ridicule.  Sometimes you just won’t be able to think of a reasonable objection to the other guy’s perspective.  Don’t despair.  You can always just make fun of him.  Most people can’t tell the difference between a good argument and a good jab anyway.

9.   Interrupt whenever possible.  This keeps your opponent on their toes, makes them mad, and prevents any accidental reaching of consensus.

10. Don’t stick to the topic.  Any disagreement is a great opportunity to tell your foe everything else you don’t like about them.  See item 2.

11. Indulge in some archeology.  If the current situation doesn’t seem to be providing you with sufficient ammunition, go digging.  Bring up every past flaw or failure you can think of to make your opponent feel like dirt and look like an idiot.

12. Always disagree publicly.  Correcting a mistake or disagreement in private is far too constructive.  The middle of an open meeting, especially with important guests present, is a much better opportunity.  And, on a related note…

13. Go behind people’s backs.  There is nothing better than blindsiding your opponent… let them think you agree, but tell everyone else you don’t.  Complain to other people about them instead of discussing your concerns with them directly.  Alternately, “go over their head” to a higher authority without telling them.  Spread rumors.

14. Blame!  “This is your fault” or “If this fails, we’re gonna have you to thank” are great lines.  You can even blame somebody else for your own failures (“I wouldn’t have had to do that if you hadn’t…”) or your emotions (“You make me mad” is the correct phrase.  “I am angry right now” is not acceptable… it shows far too much willingness to accept personal responsibility).

15. Divide and Conquer.  Make every effort to get people on “your side” and to alienate people on “their side.”  Watch out for people who try not to take sides.  They are very dangerous to the cause of discord and dispute, and tend to have serious calming effects on everyone involved.

With these few simple rules, you can almost certainly prevent the outbreak of unwanted cooperation and unity in your Chapter.  If you can’t keep conflict going with these methods, then you’re obviously too stupid to be involved in a good fight, and that’s not my fault.  But call me anyway, so I can make fun of you.

So, what are you doing to help your Chapter implode? Oh, wait...

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Don't bank on it!

Today I get to climb on my soap box (sort of.) I've decided to start shopping for a new bank. I've been with my current bank for over 3 years, but sadly their locations just aren't convenient any more. As I begin this process, I'm reminded of how scary financial stuff can be for young people.

As I was standing in line to make a deposit today, I overheard a young man asking a teller where his pay check was. She explained that it hadn't been deposited (via direct deposit) but he didn't understand. He just thought the bank had his money and he wanted it. In reality, his company hadn't paid him yet. However, in the moment, to him it seemed like a bank issue.

So, I decided that today would be a good Take Control! lesson day to talk about finances for young people. It's not my place to discuss the in's and out's of personal banking, but I can share with you a list of tips that I've found to be particularly helpful. They come from the website studenomics.com and will serve you well.

1. Eat breakfast at home. First of all you should always breakfast in general because if you do not then you do not save the money, you actually end up spending more money throughout the day on lunch and dinner because your energy levels are so low and your body is starving for food. The reason you should eat breakfast at home is because it is usually over priced to the max. I did not realize how cheap breakfast could be until the day I purchased a carton of eggs, some toast, and some juice. Not only was this breakfast healthier, it was cheaper and it lasted a week.

2. Look into your cell phone plan. I know that most of us are content with our current cell phone plans but we should not be because cell phone companies are in constant competition for our business. Just simply call up your cell phone provider and ask them for the available monthly plans. Once you hear all of your options tell yourself that you will pick a new plan that is at least $10 cheaper. I will discuss this matter in a later post when I try out a few tips on obtaining lower monthly plans myself.

3. Stop using your debt card. There are two reasons I recommend everyone stop using their debt cards; 1. There a lot of hidden fees that most of us have are unaware of. 2. You spend money more carelessly when all you to do is swipe a card to purchasing something. The first thing you should do is check your monthly bank statement and check how much money you pay towards bank fees. Typically, these bank fees are attributed to all of the times you swiped your debt card. On top of these bank fees, some money machines and stores charge you anywhere from $1-2 to access money through your debt card.

4. Avoid the extra latte or extra coffee. Yes I do support having a cup of coffee in the morning, but there is no point to purchase a fancy latte or to buy another cup of coffee in the evening. The reason many of us make these useless purchases is because we say it’s only a couple of bucks. It is only a couple of bucks but if you manage to save $2-3 a day by not having more caffeine than you need, you can save anywhere from $60-90 a month. Obviously the $60-90 a month will not get you rich, but over time it will add up to a good chunk of change.

5. Avoid the vending machine. On top of all the calories you will avoid, you will also avoid spending all your pocket change. Most of us have a tendancy where we walk by a vending machine and notice that we have some change in our pockets to spend that change on a bag of chips or whatver we choose to buy. Next time you walk by a vending machine and decide not to purchase anything, hold on to that dollar you just saved because after 30 days you will have $30 dollars saved.

6. Cancel something. That’s right, go ahead, and cancel one of your many monthly subscriptions. If you go to a fancy gym that costs a lot of money then try going to a cheaper gym. If you order a lot of magazines then try reading the content online or sharing with a friend. If you have an iphone or blackberry then try cancelling the data plan, chances are you already have internet access, so do you really need to see those pictures of yourself drunk from the weekend on your phone?

7. Start a change jar. Everything ties into this final point, which may seem very childish. I started a change jar in my room a year or so ago and ever since then I will wait about 6 months and then wrap up the change and take it to the bank. The change usually adds up to at least $50-80 a month, coming from all the money saved by some of the tricks above. I use this jar to hold all of my change, absolutely no exceptions, every little bit of change that I have goes into this jar. Every time I save any bit of change I throw it into the jar, even if I find a quarter or dime around the house. Believe me it all adds up.

What are you doing to Take Control! of your finances?

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

What are you doing with your life?

As young people, it's easy to think that you have to do things in a certain order. You go to elementary school, then middle school, then high school, then college, then get a job. It's a road map society tells you to follow. However, those who really achieve in our society rarely follow a road map. I've blogged before about wondering if I've really done something with my life. I believe that I am (thanks to my current job.) There are those who are my age that have done way more though. Just check out this link - http://www.businessideas.net/blog/business-ideas-that-made-these-teens-millionaires

These people are under the age of thirty and have net worths more than I will make in an entire life time. While money isn't everything, youth is a gift only granted once. As a DeMolay and a young person in America, are you living the dream that you have for yourself? Today is an opportunity that really will only come around once in  life time!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Taking Responsibility

Recently, Gary Ridge , CEO for WD 40, shared his company pledge with the San Diego Professional Coaches Alliance. Thanks to "Dad" Dennis Snedden, who reads all kinds of good stuff, we are able to share this with you --

"I am responsible for taking action, asking questions, getting answers, and making decisions.

I won't wait for someone to tell me.

If I need to know, I am responsible for asking.

I have no right to be offended that I didn't 'get this sooner.'

If I'm doing something others should know about, I'm responsible for telling them. "

That's not a bad way to view any leadership role --- youth OR adult!

"Dad" Tom Labagh, EO in PA

Mortar Boards and Sombreros

"A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that "individuality" is the key to success." ~ Robert Orben

Ah, that time of year when all of the young people across our great nation drape themselves in gowns and wear goofy, square shaped, caps to celebrate their apparent achievement in reaching a culturally significant milestone; otherwise known as graduation.

Whether it be from a college or university, or simply from high school, our society places huge importance on "graduation." We celebrate the achievement of youth by patting them on the back, giving them some money, and then sending them on their way. As a DeMolay advisor, I get several invitations to graduation parties each year, and it makes me feel good to know that the youth I work with want me to be a part of their celebrations. The party serves as a culmination to several years of hard work, and a chance to look into the future and relive the past. As cliche as it may seem, graduations are certainly not the ending of anything, they are in fact a beginning.

They are a beginning of what is going to be the scariest and most stressful part of your life (especially if you're graduating out of school and going into the real world.) Schools do a great job of teaching you lessons that you will need to write a resume and get a job. That's their purpose. All schools like to trumpet how many of their students end up going on to land jobs. However, I posit that this is a really poor measurement of how well their students have done after they have left the hallowed halls.

What I'd really like to know is how many students end up filing for bankruptcy during their first five years after school? How many graduates boomerang back to their parents because of an inability to manage their own finances and maintain a place of living? How many go on to default on loans, blunder their way through interviews, or lose sight of the important things in life? They can't tell you those numbers, and they never will.

School teaches you scholastics. DeMolay teaches you life. It's that simple. There is never going to be a class in high school or college that teaches you banquet etiquette, and I'm willing to bet very few will instruct a person where a cut of meat comes from on a cow. These are life lessons that a person can learn in DeMolay, and as an Advisor it is my job to do that.

While it may not be the most exciting gift to receive, I would recommend that all Advisors purchase a copy of this book for any DeMolay graduating High School or College - http://www.amazon.com/Life-After-School-Explained-Compass/dp/097173660X/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274966605&sr=8-4

I was given this book by my boss at my first real job. I was long out of college, but she thought the book was good, and gave me an extra copy that she had. Wow! What a book! It covers some really good life lessons, and makes you think about things that were never covered in school. What's the difference between and HMO and PPO? What are my responsiblities when tax time comes around? How should a fellow go about buying a diamond when that special lady comes into his life? What should you look for when renting your first apartment? How should you dress for business casual? This book tells it all.

"So, as DeMolays graduate, and move on in their lives, it's important for us, as Advisors, to change with our members, and give them the life lessons they need to become productive members of society. That being said, I'll leave you with a quote that I find particularly appropriate;

"At commencement you wear your square-shaped mortarboards. My hope is that from time to time you will let your minds be bold, and wear sombreros." ~ Paul Freund

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony