Jul
26
2008
Now days it seems we are all searching for more personal finance knowledge. For some of us it is to increase our wealth. For many more it’s guidance in debt reduction. An easy an economical way to get started on your quest for knowledge … is to visit the websites of some renown financial experts.
There really is no shortage of “financial expertise” out there.
These experts all have different personalities & styles and best of all a ton of excellent information & ideas. What’s really cool is you should be able to connect with at least one-out-of-the-bunch that fits your situation. And he or she will hopefully inspire you on your personal financial journey!
The Financial Experts:
- Dave Ramsey is probably the most well known in inspiring debt reduction. His book The Total Money Makeover has changed the lives of many, many, people. He is known for coining the phrase gazelle intensity when speaking about working towards eliminating personal debt. I think a lot of people like him because he has such a no situation is hopeless attitude … which gives many inspiration to start moving forward.
- Jean Chatzky is a busy lady! Most of us would probably recognize her from her appearances on the Oprah Winfrey show. But as her website states … she is also a best-selling author, award winning journalist, and a motivational speaker. Jean has a common sense approach that many of us need to hear. Which gets us out of denial & on the right path.
- Larry Winget is one of my favorites because he is just a big old reality check … they call him the pitbull of personal finance. He is incredibly smart with a stop making excuses and do-it style. Larry can be seen on the television programs Big Spender & The Millionaire Inside. He is also a motivational speaker and best-selling author. Here is a partial list of some of his books: You’re Broke Because You Want To Be, It’s called Work For A Reason and his latest one - People Are Idiots And I Can Prove It!
- Suze Orman was the first personal finance guru that caught my attention. She motivated me to get my family’s financial budget in order. I like that she has a people first … then money … then things … way of looking at life! She has a ton of books out there that could probably be found at most public libraries. She also has a nightly show on CNBC in which people ask her personal finance questions.
So there’s a short list of some of the financial experts we have to guide and teach us.
There are lots more … a Google search of financial experts brings up 10,700,000 hits.
The thing is to find a source that inspires YOU!!!
Jul
22
2008
Finally a spare moment to catchup and read some of the interesting articles, I’ve been bookmarking with my browser. This one at the New York Times, is about a 47 year old woman named Diane Mcleod. She’s in trouble - due to consistent spending beyond her means. The article is called “The Debt Trap“ The article annoys me a bit. It shifts quite a bit of the blame for her predicament to her creditors. I don’t really understand that … because aren’t we as individuals responsible for our personal finances? As a caring & empathetic woman I truly feel for her - but she is the one who chose to spend beyond her means! What’s your take on this? Let me know what you think!
(Here is a post from Everything Finance that Diane needs to check out)!
Over at msnbc there was a story about FREEGANS … have you heard this term before? These are pretty hardcore dumpster divers, but I say more power to them! It really is so sad & wasteful the good stuff that gets tossed in the trash - it just isn’t right!
At About.com:Frugal living I found a list of the best time to buy everything. It’s always good to refresh the memory on this information.
The Wealth, Money & Life Network has seven terrific bloggers that you should seriously consider subscribing to! My favorite is “Saving For a Home of My Own.“
Finally a post called “Are You Crazy Enough To Succeed? ” by the editors of Men’s Health magazine. It compares obsessive compulsive disorder making or breaking your career. It was really interesting!
Jul
13
2008
This is from an old Dear Abby column, in which a young 14-year-old, requests Abby to reprint this poem by Wanda Carter. Ms. Carter wrote this poem during some difficult times in her life and it has gone on to inspire others.
To Achieve Your Dreams, Remember Your ABC’s
Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits.
Believe in yourself.
Consider things from every angle.
Don’t give up, and don’t give in.
Enjoy life today; yesterday is gone, and tomorrow may never come.
Family and friends are hidden treasures. Seek them and enjoy their riches.
Give more than you planned to give.
Hang on to your dreams.
Ignore those who try to discourage you.
Just do it!
Keep on trying. No matter how hard it seems, it will get easier.
Love yourself first and most.
Make it happen.
Never lie, cheat or steal. Always strike a fair deal.
Open your eyes, and see things as they really are.
Practice makes perfect.
Quitters never win, and winners never quit.
Read, study and learn about everything important in your life.
Stop procrastinating.
Take control of your own destiny.
Understand yourself in order to better understand others.
Visualize it.
Want it more than anything.
Xccelerate your efforts.
You are unique of all of God’s creations. Nothing can replace you.
Zero in on your target and go for it!
What an inspirational use of the alphabet …
Have a terrific day!
iowahippiechick
Jul
12
2008
Listing those freebies yesterday got me in the mood to list some frugal tips…
In The Bathroom-
- Think about store brands for some of your needs. Over the years, Craig and I have discovered, that we like the store brand of anti-bacterial hand soap, mouth wash, baby oil, and liquid body wash. (We also buy the big refill of the generic anti-bacterial soap to refill the little pump container).
- Consider St. Ives for some of your skin care products. They are much less expensive than the department store brands, and they work just as well. (We love the apricot face scrub & the face mask).
- You may also want to consider trying some of the Suave hair care products. (Once again, much less expensive, and they work quite well).
- Make sure and use up all of your products. This may seem like a no brainer, but sometimes family members might not be on the same frugal page as you! It took me awhile to train my husband and sons, but eventually they conformed. We flip shampoo and conditioner bottles upside down, to get the last bit out. We always squeeze the last bit out of the toothpaste tube, as well. (Hey … every little bit helps in the long run)!
- Always remember to turn off the water faucet when you are brushing your teeth… it can really help reduce your water bill over time. I hate to admit it, but I was terrible at this one. (It was a bad habit I had to overcome)!
- I use the big tub of generic baby wipes for quick and easy clean ups, around the toilet/sink/ counter top. (It’s much cheaper than antibacterial wipes for cleaning).
- I always save the old shower bath pouf body scrub thingies. They are awesome for scrubbing the shower doors and tub. (Try it, you won’t believe how well they work)!
- I totally stand by Scott single ply toilet paper… bought in the large 12 roll pack. (They are much less expensive… due to the fact they last FOREVER compared to the more expensive two ply brands).
Kitchen-
- Make your own coffee at home. You will save a ton of money just by implementing this one tip. I even save the left over coffee that doesn’t get used in the morning and pop it in the fridge. ( After work, I will mix it with a little fat free vanilla creamer and make a lovely iced coffee drink).
- Always try and eat breakfast at home. Even if you can just grab a piece of whole grain toast, to eat on your way out the door. At least you will get something in your tummy, to keep you from splurging on something, when you get hungry mid morning. On Sunday morning we usually make a large family breakfast. We always make extra pancakes & scrambled eggs. (They can be frozen and used during the week).
- Once again, consider store brands for some of your grocery needs. We always try the generic brands and usually like them. (This saves us a whole lot on our grocery bill).
- Make your lunch to take to work as much as possible. Don’t eat out! This will save you SO MUCH MONEY!!! Don’t cave in to peer pressure! At least if you take your lunch to work most of the time, when you do eat out for lunch it will feel like a treat, instead of something common. (You won’t regret trying this one, because it will save you a lot of money)!!!
- If you do drink soda, take your own bottles or cans to work. (This is another tip that will really add up the savings).
- Don’t forget to recycle your bottles that you paid a deposit on. (It’s your money, take the time to get it back)!
- Try to make a home-made pizza at home. It’s kind of fun! And it’s so much cheaper than ordering delivery or going for takeout. We buy the little pouches of pizza dough mix that you just add water. At our local grocery store we can pick them up 3 for $1.00 on sale, or 2 for $1.00 regular price. Use a little spaghetti sauce, combined with toppings that you like, to make your own homemade pizza. It’s quite inexpensive and is especially fun to make with someone. (Kids also love participating in this little cooking adventure)!
- Try to double up something when you are cooking. When I’m baking a roast or something in the oven, I will try to throw something else in, at the same time. (The goal I’m shooting for, is to get a 2 for 1, on my energy use of the oven).
- If you eat sweets, don’t be afraid of baking at home. You can make much healthier sweet treats at home, and they are definitely less expensive, than store bought ones. (Our family favorite is oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and banana bread…yummy)!
- When making dishes that call for meat, consider using less. I used to use two pounds of ground beef in my spaghetti sauce. I don’t know why…it’s just what I always did. Then awhile back I started using only 1 pound of ground beef. Now do you think anyone in my family really noticed? Nope… they didn’t! So right there I am saving ½ of my meat cost for the meal. Think about some of the things you make and see if you can cut back on the amount of meat. (Your significant other and/or family will probably not even notice).
- Eggs are a relatively inexpensive source of protein. We try to always keep a couple of dozen around. We make a quick an easy egg drop soup by combining the whites of a couple of eggs in some heated chicken broth. We also boil up a bunch of eggs, then use the egg whites chopped up and sprinkled on a quick salad. (The point I’m trying to make, is it’s an easy and cheap way to add some protein to a meal).
- Keep your pantry stocked. This will help you to be able to throw something together quickly when your feeling lazy or in a hurry. (This will also help keep you from heading out the door to spend money eating out).
Laundry-
- Consider washing most of your laundry in cool water. (It will save you the cost of heating the water for those loads of wash).
- Remember to read the directions for the amount of laundry soap to use & actually measure it out when you do use it. (Sometimes less than what they say to use will actually work).
- If you can - hang laundry outdoors or on an indoor drying rack to dry. (This saves me a bundle on less dryer energy costs).
Home office-
- If you have old printer ink cartridges laying around trade them in for a $3 credit at Office Max. (You can take up to 5 cartridges in at a time).
- Or don’t buy new printer ink cartridges. Have your empties refilled for much less at Walgreen’s. (Or whatever store that does it in your community).
- Don’t go crazy buying stuff you really don’t need…simplicity really is the key to a successful home office. (Always remember less is more)!
Ebay Selling-
- Let family and friends know if your selling on Ebay. Ask them to save packing supplies they might get for you. (It saves them from having to recycle or toss them).
Pets-
- We use Petco for our dogs vaccinations. It is SO MUCH cheaper than at our Veterinarian’s office. We still use our veterinarian - just not for vaccinations. (The vet at Petco even sends the vaccination information to your vet for you).
I hope maybe you got a new idea or two to help you in your frugal pursuit…
Have a terrific day!!!
iowahippiechick
Jul
11
2008
Don’t you just love something that’s free? I sure do! If it isn’t something my family can use … I save it and donate it to my church’s food pantry or local shelter. I also tend to recycle the bubble wrap lined manila envelopes the samples come in. (They work perfect for a lot of the items I sell on Ebay).
Anyway - check them out:
I hope you found something fun and useful on my list!
Have a terrific weekend …
iowahippiechick
