Posts filed under 'Health and fitness'
There is one way you are sure to never successfully overcome a problem – and that is to try and ignore it. Even if you can bury it for a while, it will find a way to dig itself to freedom. This is especially true with finances.
Recently we went from a household income of almost $4000 a month to one of just under $2000 a month – without warning. I wanted to just push the bills aside and not think about them, but they are spilling out onto my keyboard now and making the financial reality impossible to ignore.
The scary thing is that we haven’t even begun to feel the strain yet. I think it is the idea of the strain that is keeping me from confronting the situation – especially this time of year. Who wants to tighten the belt just when it’s time to splurge on family and friends?
Despite my apprehension, we are staying afloat – and will probably even manage to put back a few buck.
1. Stay on budget. When the ship starts to sink, it’s not the time to splurge. Sometimes we get an attitude of “what does it matter now” that only sinks us farther. Don’t go there. Stay focused on the budget and refuse to give in to temptation.
2. Put a three day wait on all purchases. If you think about something then you may realize you don’t have to get it. For those of us who are bargain shoppers, this may require going to the store BEFORE the sale, but it will be worth it.
3. Think outside the box. Look for bargains everywhere. We recently got a notice from a car dealership. All we had to do was stop in and we’d get a $10 coupon towards a turkey (which was on sale for under $1 per pound at the local grocery). Thanksgiving dinner – almost for free.
4. Pay your bills. When the horizon is looking rather dark it can be hard to let go of any money. The problem is that if you don’t pay your bills on time then you rack up those late fees, which eat even more from your budget.
5. Avoid credit with all that you are. It is too easy to turn to the credit card in time of crunch. If you don’t have the money to pay before the due date, then you are only digging a hole that you might never get out of. It is better to pay cash and do with less.
6. Save something. When the income drops by half (and it seems you were barely getting by even then) it may seem impossible. If you look hard and squeeze tight, you might be able to find a couple of dollars here and there. Having something in savings will help you sleep better at night.
We will survive. Better yet, we will prosper during this transition. We are working as a family and planning each step. There is no way to go but up!
November 20th, 2007
During bible study this morning, I nearly stumbled over the statement about how God wants me to be in joy during the different stages of my life. I went back and read it again – be in-joy. So I have decided to injoy my life from now on.
1. I will make time to play, whether it’s a board game, or kickball, or tag there will be time in my busy schedule to just have a good time.
2. Be in the here and now, not focused on the yesterday or tomorrow because the wrong focus will make you miss all the good in your life right now.
3. Take pleasure in the things that are provided for you (like food, home, land, pets, etc) and actually take the time required to fully appreciate them – just patting the dog on the head as you walk past into the house doesn’t count.
4. Do it right now (or as soon as possible) instead of putting it off (this includes the chores as well as the fun) because you don’t know what tomorrow may hold. How many people do you know that have put off everything until retirement only to have one of them pass away BEFORE they could enjoy retirement?
5. Laugh – a lot – with your children, with your spouse, all alone because the simple act of laughter can life up any day.
There is only one life for me and it is going to be one worth talking about. It won’t be special because I will do great and wonderful things (although I do intend to do a few of those) but simply because I lived, I laughed, and I injoyed!
November 15th, 2007
The banks are trying to pull a fast one on the consumer. Even those of us who are trying to save are having the wool pulled over our eyes. It’s a conspiracy, I tell ya.
Yesterday a friend asked me to help with some finance articles – one about savings accounts in particular. Over the years, our family has had several “savings” accounts (in traditional banks and in other financial institutions as well). The ones that we opened away from traditional accounts had much higher interest rates – or so I thought.
As I began to dig out information for her article, I discovered some interesting facts. It made me aware that like many things in life you have to know exactly what you are getting in order to compare it to other things like it.
1. What is the monthly or quarterly interest rate? Most traditional banks accrue interest on the quarter, so that’s easy enough to figure out. The other institution (an insurance company “bank”) gave us a nice interest, but it was a total yearly interest. In other words, that rate was divided by 12. When I did the math (after having the account for ten years), I felt like I had been had. All this time I was bragging about how much more interest that company was giving me. Although the interest rate was still a small amount better, it was no longer worth the hassles that came with not having a physical location to use.
2. Know the minimums. Every single bank will have different requirements for a minimum balance – but most will charge a fee for going below that balance. You are better off just closing out the account than to go below minimum. The fee will eat up every penny you may have earned (and then some).
3. Look for hidden costs. One of the accounts we have only allows for 6 withdrawals (in any form) each month. Every one after that costs a fee. It wasn’t a problem for us because we didn’t plan to withdraw that often. It is still important that you know and understand the terms of your account.
4. Ask for discounts or upgrades. Some banks will match competitors’ accounts, if you prefer to work with one over another. Few will go up on the interest rate (but it doesn’t hurt to ask) unless you have a substantial amount of money. You may be able to get fees waived if you do an automatic deposit each month or something along those lines.
Savings accounts are not where you want to build your nest egg. They are designed for short term, easy access storage of funds that you don’t want co-mingled with checking funds (either because you lack the discipline or because it’s easier for record keeping). No matter which savings account you put your money, you will not make a fortune from the interest. Even in the prime of savings interest rates, I don’t think they went much over 3%.
If you do choose a savings account then shop around. Read the fine prints. Ask for things to be explained out for you – month to month – so that even your ten year old could understand. It’s your money. If the bank employee isn’t willing to take the time to explain it (or to find someone who CAN explain it) then you don’t want to bank there anyway.
November 14th, 2007
The pastor at First United Methodist Church was on fire. “We are in this world, but not of it.” He was calling me peculiar, but I don’t know if he realized it yet. I’m not supposed to be normal. I’m designed to stand out – to point to a better way. He recently took a sabbatical, and the fire and passion and the heart he returned with, to help the congregation find their uniqueness in Christ, it really showing through. Last week he talked about how God wants me to experience the fullness of HIS joy. This week, he had the steps to get me there.
1. Jesus must be the authority in my life. The pastor was talking about becoming a Christian – the moment when you turn your life over to Christ. The day of rebirth. As he spoke, I wondered if I truly accept His authority. Some days (and for most situations) I would say definitively yes. There are those times when I want to be in charge – regardless of what it might cost. I think I still have a ways to go before I can honestly answer that Jesus is the authority in my life.
2. With new life comes new purpose and direction. The pastor asked me to examine my life and see what has changed. Eight years ago, I would probably say not much. I have been trying to find God’s place for me and God’s way of doing things. I’m reaching for that new purpose – most days.
3. Things lose their importance. The more I change, the more my idea of what is important changed. I keep a list of my needs, wants, and desires tucked away in my journal. Every month (or every couple of months) I rewrite my list. It seems that the more I grow, the more things shift from needs all the way down to desires.
4. People grow in importance. I was a stubborn child (some might even suggest that streak still runs through me – although I would argue with that). As my life continues to switch, my need to control and always be right diminishes – and the feelings and life of the people around become the important things.
5. Money becomes away to help. Instead of looking at what I want or need, I begin to look beyond myself. Money becomes a way to help others and expand the purpose and direction that I have been guided in.
6. Peace and joy come from a focus beyond self. As I see the purpose and direction, and I put people above things, I find a sense of peace and joy that can no longer be disturbed by circumstance.
7. A new life requires new ways. Old habits will have to die (some times a slow and painful death). New habits will be formed to take their place. I’m finally beginning to see that this is one of those processes that will be ongoing.
8. To know the purpose and direction, I have to know the Person. The only way to know anyone is to spend time with Him. I need to have time each day for prayer (talking with God) and study (learning His word).
9. The more I know the map, the more I will use it. The Word of God must become so ingrained in my heart and mind that it becomes the default direction.
10. Last, and most certainly not least, I have to have a firm understanding and grasp on where I am headed – in an eternal sense. (I can’t help but imagine how blessed my life would be if I could come to this firm of an understanding for all the promises of God).
The pastor was using his own guideline based on John Wesley’s 10 things that happen in your life at the point of regeneration. I think it’s a good start, and one of those sermons that I will be referring to again and again. There is so much that I need to do and learn to live the life that God desires for me. One thing is certain, God’s ultimate goal for me is that I live a life that complete reflects who HE is.
November 12th, 2007
There are people out there who find ways to save over 50% on their grocery bills. I was always amazed by this idea. I clip coupons. I look for extra savings (where it’s already on sale AND I have a coupon). I even write the manufacturers for coupons. But I have yet to reach the Mecca that these ladies have found.
Part of the reason is that I live in a small community. We don’t have a multitude of grocery stores to choose from. The two stores that we do have are small and don’t offer as much variety as some of the mega grocery stores (that I would LOVE to have around here).
My second problem, and it is probably the larger one, is that I do all of my shopping at the same time. I do my stocking up and weekly essentials at once. Going to the store just to buy items that are on sale is just not an option.
Most weeks find me saving about 15% on my total grocery bill. Some weeks it has been as much as 30%. I don’t spend hours hunting coupons or spend money on services to find the sales for me. Here are the easy, time saving things that I do to save at the store.
1. Use someone else’s coupons. My husband’s aunt and dad both share their coupons with us. I simply cut out the ones that I might use with our family.
2. Keep it organized. I have an expandable folder that I found at the dollar store for just fifty cents. I made each pocket a category (breakfast, breads, dairy, etc) and then I store the coupons in the folder.
3. Check out the sales. When I am at the grocery store, I try to look at the sales and compare them with my coupons. Often there are items I don’t have on my list but that I can get for a great deal. (The other day I got two pounds of baby carrots for $1 – I’ll freeze most of them for cooking with later).
4. Don’t get it just because the coupon will expire. Unless it is something I HAVE to have anyway then I just let the coupon expire. It seems that some companies are always putting out coupons, so I just wait until the next batch.
5. Never, never, never buy cereal without a coupon.
As the grocery prices continue to climb, every little bit help. You might try looking at some of the online services to see if they could benefit you. Which ever route you take, planning and organization will get you a long ways to saving at the grocery store.
October 10th, 2007
Growing up, we never bought costumes for Halloween. Either we pulled stuff from the closet and “created” a character or else my mother made us a costume – which was much rarer as the years past and she focused on her career. I don’t know if it is because of my background or because of the lack of money, but I usually can’t bring myself to buy costumes for the kids.
If you want to go all out, but you don’t want to break your bank, here are some ideas for easy and inexpensive costumes.
1. A hobbit. It helps that my son has a head of hair that is curly and full. For the rest of the costume, I tacked up some of his black pants, put him in a white casual shirt with a black vest on top. For the feet, we glued some faux fur from a stuffed lion to the top of his feet. He chose to be Frodo, so we topped off the outfit with a chain necklace holding a gold ring.
2. Medusa. It doesn’t really matter what you wear – I used a long bit of green material that I wrapped like a toga – the magic of this costume is in the hair. First we braided bits of my hair and then we teased it all to stand out and up. Along each of the braids we attached plastic snakes.
3. Zorro. This is a simple one. All you need is a black cape, a black hat, a black material mask, and a sword.
4. If you can sew – at all – then you can really get outside the box. My kids LOVE the Veggie Tales. I found a pattern for a tomato and just added the face to make it “Bob.” With that same basic pattern in mind (all the veggies are really shapeless) I created a “Larryboy” and an “Archibald.”
Making a great costume can be something that you do as a family. There is plenty of time to raid the closets and see what you can throw together. Try to think of creations that can’t be bought in the store. Soon your kids won’t be focused on going out to beg candy from strangers. October will be about creating their own characters – which will stretch their imagination while saving your wallet.
October 3rd, 2007
It is impossible to please God without faith.
That’s a scary statement. To know that nothing I do, think, or say is of value if I don’t start with faith.
It makes since – faith is knowing something is true without having proof. Faith is resting on God even though the evidence is not there – yet. Faith is believing before there is something to believe in.
It doesn’t make it any easier.
There are things in my life that I have felt led to do but have avoided like the plague. Pare of the reason was my own selfishness – I didn’t want to give up doing what I WANTED to do even though I knew the things I was suppose to do would make my day much better. Part of my hesitation comes from my own fear – of what has happened in the past even if the end turned out to be a blessing.
There is no excuse for me not stepping out in faith. God has proven Himself in my life time and time and time again. I know He is faithful. I just have to close my eyes and choose to believe what I don’t see.
Thought for the day: With God, there is nothing that is impossible.
Mark 10:27 “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘with man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
Suggested Reading: Hebrews 11
Lord, help me remember that there is nothing in my life that You will direct me to do that YOU won’t complete. Grow my faith to step out boldly in obedience to Your will.
October 1st, 2007
My children are helping out this morning and even showing their two year old brother how to do some of the chores. I would like to take all the credit and say it’s the amazing upbringing that I have been giving them these last ten years. The truth is, yesterday I was wondering who they were and why they wouldn’t listen to me.
To really keep me on my toes, my children behave in particularly good ways when I’m not present. I can’t tell you the number of times that I have had teachers tell me what a delight they are to have in class (especially when they are in SEPARATE classes).
Maybe their attitudes this morning has more to do with my attitude this morning than I realize. I haven’t yelled or ordered or threatened once (granted it’s only 40 minutes into the morning). The key could be as simple as having a positive, uplifting attitude in order to beget a positive, uplifting attitude.
Maybe they are listening to me because I am listening to them and taking time to do the things that are important to them (like looking at a moth on the porch).
My kids aren’t really all that different from me. I respond better when people are nice. It makes it easier to do what I need to do when I know people will appreciate it and help me along the way. Now, if I could just remember to treat others the way I want to be treated then the day should go just fine.
September 27th, 2007
I love to garden, or should I say that I love having a garden. Growing anything – vegetable, flowers, or shrubs – is hard work. Not only do you have to prepare the soil and then plant what ever you are going to grow, but you have to maintain it.
The other day, I was struggling to pull some weeds. I had let them go a little longer than I should have and the weeds had grown big – with deep roots. “If I had just done this a few weeks ago then it would have taken no time. Now I’ve let them embed themselves in my garden.”
It made me think that bad habits and things we know we shouldn’t do are a lot like the weeds I was trying to pull. The longer they bad is allowed in our lives, the harder it is to get the bad out.
Thought for the Day: Don’t let the weeds in your life choke out the Word.
Matthew 13:7 (KJV) “And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up, and choked them.”
Suggested Reading Matthew 13
Lord, teach me how to have a garden of blessings and not a life full of weeds. Help me to be willing to face them while they are small instead of tackling them when they are out of control.
September 22nd, 2007
There was a brief moment in my life when I thought I might want to be like the Proverbs 31 woman. Her husband praised her to his friends and her family declared how great she was. I could live with that kind of pat on the back.
Then I began to read about the Proverbs 31 woman and what she did in the day. I even took the time to write it out (using the Amplified translation) into tasks I could understand. This wasn’t a normal woman – it was Super-Mom incarnate.
The more I have studied the Proverbs, the more I realize it is not about the number of acts we do. She wasn’t the great and wonderful person she was because she buzzed around from dawn to dusk. Everything in my life must be about God. The Proverbs 31 woman was rooted in God, put God first, and trusted in God. If God is the focus of each and every moment then the rest of the day will be balanced and complete.
In my own way, I am a Proverbs 31 woman. I seek God in the morning and try daily to make every step one that is guided by His word. The tasks that I face are ones I face with the idea that God will give me the wisdom and strength and I don’t have to (or need to) do them on my own.
It is by developing a personal, intimate relationship with God that I get to the place where my children rise up and call me blessed.
Thought for the Day: Wisdom, stature, and favor come when God is first in every aspect of life.
Proverbs 31:30b (KJV) “a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”
Suggested Reading Proverbs 31
Lord, give me the wisdom, strength and tenacity to do all that I need to do and the understanding that there is no way to get there with out You in the lead.
September 21st, 2007
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