In the News:

* Check out Valorie's "Solve It" column in the DECEMBER issue of Heart & Soul Magazine with Patti LaBelle on the cover. This month: How can I get over my fear so that I can enjoy more success? Am I too old to pursue my dream? How do I speak up for myself? Pick up this month's issue and order a year-long subscription for just $7!

*Interested in starting a business? Check out my "pick" as a great resource at the bottom of this week's newsletter, "Small Business Camp."

*For more news, read to the bottom of this e-newsletter.

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TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HOLIDAY SPENDING

The last newsletter, "Take Control of Your Financial Life," generated an overwhelming response so I thought I would extend that theme into a second message. Being smart about your money means planning ahead. With the holidays almost upon us, now is a critical time to make some important financial decisions. This year, why not make a plan before the holidays begin. Not only will you control your spending, but you'll decrease your stress level by getting a head start shopping. Here are a few strategies to keep more money in your pocket this year:

1. ACKNOWLEDGE THE REASON FOR THE SEASON. One of the reasons spending gets out of hand during the holidays is because we are tempted to buy into the commercial notion that Christmas is about gift-giving. If you make a decision to focus on the spiritual significance of the season - a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and an opportunity to share God's love with others- you can begin to remove some of the pressure and expectations you may feel to overspend.

2. COMMIT TO A SPENDING LIMIT. Before you whip out the checkbook or credit card, take an honest look at your personal finances. Holiday spending can set a debt trap that many people spend half of the following year trying to get out of. How much can you comfortably spend this year without spending above your means or going into debt? Write this number down. Set a limit to your spending, and more importantly, stick to it.

3. MAKE A GIFT LIST. Create a list of everyone you plan to shop for - and if you have clients to shop for, don't forget to make a separate list. By comparing your list with your spending limit, you can begin to prioritize the amount you'd like to spend on each gift.

4. DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT BEFORE YOU GO SHOPPING. Gifts are more fun to give when they reflect something special about the person receiving them. Before you go shopping, look at your list and identify the type of gift each person on your list would appreciate. Ask yourself, "What would they really enjoy? Is there anything that they need? Do they have a hobby or special interest that I could center my gift around?" Knowing what you want before you go shopping also saves time and frustration.

5. SET FINANCIAL GOALS FOR 2004. We're nearing the end of the year, which is the best time to make decisions about what you would to do in 2004. What are your top three financial goals for 2004? Write them down. Be specific. How much income do you want to generate? How much do you want to invest? Is there a major purchase you'd like to make - like a house, car or boat? Do you want to get out of debt? By thinking about your goals now, you recognize the significance of taking control of your holiday spending.

With these guidelines in place, you can have more fun shopping and not suffer a spending hangover in January!

Until next time *

Warm wishes,
Valorie

Valorie Burton is author of Rich Minds, Rich Rewards: 52 Ways to Enhance, Enrich and Empower Your Life (Villard ? $14.95) and an advice columnist for Heart & Soul Magazine. Her daily radio feature, "The Good Life," can be heard on 30 stations nationwide. Shop for her books and tapes online at www.ValorieBurton.com.

Her second book, Listen to Your Life: Following your unique path to extraordinary success, will be released March 16, 2004.

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LIFE COACH
Valorie coaches successful CEOs, entrepreneurs and professionals to maximize their business success while maintaining a fulfilling
personal, spiritual and family life. If you are ready for a higher level of living, visit www.ValorieBurton.com/lifecoach.htm or email
valorie@valorieburton.com to schedule a sample coaching session.

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COLUMNIST AND MEDIA CONTRIBUTOR:

* National, monthly column in Heart & Soul Magazine. Got a dilemma or question? Email AskValorie@Vanguarde.com. Available at
newsstands, bookstores and grocery stores nationwide.

* Valorie's daily, 60-second radio feature, "The Good Life," now airs three times per day: 6:10 a.m., 6:10 p.m. and 11:40 p.m. EST. The Good Life inspires you with tips for living a more fulfilling, less stressful life. It airs weekdays on 30 stations via ABC radio in cities such as Seattle, Birmingham, Tulsa, Buffalo, Providence, Pensacola, Minneapolis, Dayton, Montgomery, Helena and Richmond.
Visit www.classicsoulhits.com for more info.

* Submit questions and read Valorie's column online at www.BlackAmericaWeb.com. Click on the women's channel.

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From time to time, I'll be sharing resources that I believe could be helpful in your efforts to live a more fulfilling life. This month, I'd like to share Andrew Morrison's Small Business Camp:

Learn How to Build Your Business Over the Next 90 Days!

Join other entrepreneurs as they learn proven strategies to make more money with less effort and stress. Your instructor, Andrew Morrison, built a multi-million dollar direct marketing company and appeared on Oprah, CNBC, and is the winner of the Young Direct Marketer of the Year Award.

Visit www.smallbusinesscamp.com to register for a FREE seminar-by-phone held every Thursday at noon and 9pm (EST).

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Please feel free to forward the Rich Minds, Rich Rewards E-Newsletter to friends and colleagues, but please forward in its entirety.

The Rich Minds, Rich Rewards E-Newsletter is written and distributed by Valorie Burton Unlimited. Copyright (c) 2003 Valorie Burton. All rights reserved.

http://www.ValorieBurton.com.

Send mail to:
Valorie Burton Unlimited
938 E. Swan Creek Road #202
Fort Washington, MD 20744

To subscribe or unsubscribe to the e-newsletter, visit http://www.ValorieBurton.com/newsletters.htm.