Iowahippiechick

• Haste makes waste - We don’t want to work so fast that we have to spend more time correcting mistakes.  (Moving faster provides a short-term solution, but often not a long-term one.)

• Use a planner - Planning gives us control of our schedule.  (It may surprise us how often we overestimate and underestimate the time we need to complete items on our list and on our calendar.) 
• Work smarter - If we run low on time, simplify our task.  Getting it done with a couple less frills probably beats not getting it done at all.  (Sometimes we forget that preparation and wrap-up can take almost as long as the actual task.)

We all know time is money -

And these days we could all use more of both!

What tips do you have for maximizing your time? 

Care to share?

Have a terrific day!

dawn @ iowahippiechick

personal finance

Are you as sick of this COLD winter as I am?  I am so ready for spring - which got me remembering a lovely and warm summer memory. 

About 15 years ago …
On a warm & rainy evening - I was babysitting my sister’s three children, who were busy playing Ghostbusters with my two sons.
This was when my husband, two sons, and I, all lived close to the Cedar River and George Wyth State Park.
We absolutely loved living there!
It was like living in the country - but literally in the middle of town.
It was a really fun place for the 5 kids (age 3yrs to 8 yrs) to grow, learn, and play!
One of our favorite activities - was to go for bike rides or walks in George Wyth State Park.
On this particular rainy evening …
We decided to go for a drive in the park.
With the goal of trying to spot some deer, turtles, or maybe even a fox.
When we got to one of the parking lots with the boat docks - we couldn’t believe what we found!
There were literally hundreds of frogs hopping around on the wet pavement, in the rain.
It was so cool - and the kids went wild!
We spent a good hour playing in the rain & catching frogs.
It was a night all five of the kids will never forget!
And you know what?
Relatively speaking …
It didn’t cost a dime!

Don’t you love it when stuff like this happens?
When we create those important memories during an ordinary day!
Do you have a special-ordinary-day-memory that you could share?

Photo Credit: Cody

If your looking to declutter and simplify your books and DVD collection -

Why not make some quick cash out of the process?

Here are some online ways to do this:

• Ebay is my favorite way for selling children’s books. I have sold a significant number of them through Ebay over the last couple of years - and am always amazed at the amount I earn.

• Barnes and Noble is where I like to sell my adult fiction and nonfiction books. They have a $10 minimum buyback amount and they pay for the postage. It is so easy and hassle free - you can’t beat it!

• Cash4books, WeBuyYourBooks & ValoreBooks, are all places to check out too. (A lot of the times if one won’t take a book another one will!)

• Media Exchange 123 is a hassle free way to sell back old DVD’s & video games collecting dust. They pay for postage with a minimum number of items sold - just like Barnes and Noble. (I’ve used them twice and been pleased.)

Me personally - Sometimes I like the convenience of a couple of clicks/print off the postage paid label & it’s done.  Other times, I don’t mind putting in the time and energy to put up some Ebay auctions. 

But it’s always fun to make some money off our unused items!

personal finance

Definitions of Thrift -

1. Wise economy in the management of money and other resources.
2. Caution with money.
3. Extreme care in spending money; reluctance to spend money unnecessarily.
4. Careful spending of money, or using of food or other resources, so that one can save or have some left in reserve; economy.

Did you know January 17th - January 24th is National Thrift Week? 

I actually didn’t.

My grandparents would be so proud him for writing on the topic of thriftiness!

(Especially Grandma Alice, who had thrift skills that surpassed Amy Dacyczyn of The Tightwad Gazette fame.)

Personally, I think thrift & frugal are terms that are starting to migrate over to the COOL side of our cultural spectrum. 

It’s definitely not so nerdy or square - to want to use one’s money wisely these days! 

About time - don’t you think? 

Being thrifty, helps Craig and I to have better control over our money. 

Which then allows us, a lot more choice and freedom in what we do with our money. 

It really works for us!

Here are some interesting articles on the frugal and thrift movement -

1. Thrift is Hip  By Marie T. Sullivan, Chicago Daily Observer, June 07, 2008

2. Let’s Make It Cool to Save By Michelle Singletary, The Washington Post, Sunday, May 11, 2008

3. Thrift Is the New FashionBy Daniel Gross | NEWSWEEK Published Oct 25, 2008

Isn’t encouraging thrift a terrific idea?

dawn @ iowahippiechick

personal finance

A Frugal Living Reflection …

“I have three precious things which I hold fast and prize.  The first is gentleness, the second is frugality, the third is humility, which keeps me from putting myself before others.  Be gentle and you can be bold; be frugal and you can be liberal; avoid putting yourself before others and you can become a leader before men.”  - Lao Tzu.

I find it quite interesting - that a piece of philosophy from so long ago is still so relevant.  I really like this … kind of a neat theme for living in 2009.

What do you think about it? 

Do you agree with the father of Taoism? 

Or not? 

Leave a comment with your thoughts!

Have a terrific day!

dawn @ iowahippiechick

personal finance

Have you ever really thought about the answer?  Really?

It isn’t as easy to answer honestly as one might think.  Because in reality there are several motivators for gift giving.  Including:

1. Reciprocation
2. To express positive feelings
3. Maintaining power and prestige
4. Establishing security
5. Promoting self-interest
6. Expressing hostility

Interesting isn’t it?

Who knew there was so much psychology involved in giving & receiving?

Who I am as a gift giver has changed over the years.  Honestly … I know I’ve been motivated by all six on the list during my life. 

I know when I was a young newlywed - insecurity led me to give from a motivation of establishing security when it involved Craig’s family.  Think outsider (me) trying to fit in with them (my in laws.) 

Looking back, I can also see that when my sister’s kids were small, I gave to them from a motivator of power and prestige.  I was the cool aunt and I wanted to maintain that title and place in their lives.  So I spent more money on them than I know I should have - isn’t that just silly?

But it’s sort of interesting reflecting on my gift giving past.  Now that I’m a bit older my motivation for gift giving has simplified.  It’s to express positive feelings - plain & simple.  

Have you ever thought about your motivations for gift giving?

dawn @ iowahippiechick

Politics and religion -

Two things that during the time I was growing up, were not supposed to be discussed in public.  Apparently I failed that lesson.  Because I LOVE discussing politics and religion in public.  I love talking with people that share my perspectives and those that differ.  It doesn’t matter to me …

This past holiday weekend was a buffet of opportunities to chat about politics & religion.  Especially with my sister-in-law Anita.  Who is not particularly fond of the church my brother(her husband), my sister, and I were all raised in …

Which ended in a hair pulling cat fight!

No I’m just kidding …

We had a relatively calm conversation that didn’t convince either of us to change our points of view.  But that’s alright - we can see it differently.  In fact I actually feel closer to her.  Because our respectful conversation helped me to understand her better. 

I believe the greatest gift of the holiday season is enjoying family and friends.  Feeling closer to Anita is so much better than a new Ipod, GPS, or whatever!  Friendship, love, and understanding are so much nicer than more ’stuff.’

I’m choosing to keep it simple this time of year - Less spending money on more stuff, and more time with family and friends!

Have a terrific day!

dawn @ iowahippiechick

… Is the question I read on page 284 in the November issue of O magazine. (Another freebie I earned somewhere along the way - at the moment the details escape me.)  Immediately all sorts of things start flying through my mind.  *There is a God.  *My utility bill is due tomorrow.  *Obama is going to change our economy,  etc…  ~You get the picture.

Apparently, answering this question, is a regular column Oprah writes in her monthly O magazine.  It’s such an intriguing question - something we all should all be asking ourselves.  Our answers, certainly would help us, on the path to simplifying our lives.

If your curious - here are Oprah’s all-time top 20 answers:

1. What you put out comes back all the time, no matter what.  (This is my creed.)
2. You define your own life.  Don’t let other people write your script.
3. Whatever someone did to you in the past has no power over the present.  Only you give it power.
4. When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.  (A lesson from Maya Angelou.)
5. Worrying is wasted time.  Use the same energy for doing something about whatever worries you.
6. What you believe has more power than what you dream or wish or hope for.  You become what you believe.
7. If the only prayer you ever say is thank you , that will be enough.  (From the German theologian and humanist Meister Eckhart.)
8. The happiness you feel is in direct proportion to the love you give.
9. Failure is a signpost to turn you in another direction.
10. If you make a choice that goes against what everyone else thinks, the world will not fall apart.
11. Trust your instincts.  Intuition doesn’t lie.
12. Love yourself and then learn to extend that love to others in every encounter.
13. Let passion drive your profession.
14. Find a way to get paid for doing what you love.  Then every paycheck will be a bonus.
15. Love doesn’t hurt.  It feels really good.
16. Every day brings a chance to start over.
17. Being a mother is the hardes job on earth.  Women everywhere must declare it so.
18. Doubt means don’t.  Don’t move.  Don’t answer.  Don’t rush forward.
19. When you don’t know what to do, get still.  The answer will come.
20. “Trouble don’t last always.”  (A line from a Negro spiritual, which calls to mind another favorite:  This, too, shall pass.)

My goodness - there is some wisdom to digest!

Have a terrific day!

iowahippiechick

Oh my gosh this is a sweet deal, courtesy of Oprah & Snapfish.com …

But it is a limited time offer - so act quickly!

They are giving us this, to help us get organized, with a focus on what to do with all our kids artwork.

But - it does have a lot of potential for many other uses.

You can upload any special digital photo’s and snapfish.com will make it into a hardcover book - for FREE!

Here are the details of the offer:

•  * This offer is only good for one standard 20-page 8″ x 11″ custom-cover photo book per household. Coupon dispersal ends at 11:59 p.m. PST Friday, November 14, 2008. Free photo book must be redeemed by 11:59 p.m. PST Sunday, November 16, 2008. Offer does not include customary shipping and handling changes or additional pages. Offer applies only to mail-order delivery to U.S. customers. Offer cannot be combined with other coupon codes. Coupon cannot be resold or otherwise transferred and is void on the earlier of redemption or the offer end date.

• On Oprah’s Clean Up Your Messy House Tour, you saw how our custom cover photo books easily organize and showcase everything from your favorite photos to your children’s artwork. Now you can get organized too!

Simply create an account or log in to your account to receive this offer.  Click here.

DON’T LET THIS FREEBIE PASS YOU BY - IT’S TOO SWEET OF A DEAL!

Have a terrific day!

iowahippiechick

Writing Monday’s post Time To Simplify Our Lives …  got me thinking about spending style personality traits.  You could probably guess that I’m a penny-pincher. You’d be right - yet my household finances can get sticky.   Because I’m married to a spender. Twenty-eight years as of last Saturday.

We’re as opposite as night and day.

Craig can spend hours wandering through a store looking at all the merchandise.  He loves it all … especially if it’s expensive.  I’m a stick-to-my-list-in-and-out-kind-of-shopper.

Craig may spend all of his weekly allowance the Friday he gets it.  While I have cash in my wallet for days on end - without an impulse to spend it.

Craig’s a talker that loves to socialize.  I’m a listener that enjoys quiet nights at home.

Through all these years we have come to appreciate each others differences.

(As annoying  as they might feel from time to time).

But we have the glue - the glue that holds our opposite ends of the spectrum together.

The glue is the fact that we share the same core values, hopes, and dreams.

So we have adapted some ways to accommodate our spending style differences:

We came up with reasonable “non-accountability” allowances that we both agreed upon.  Then married that idea with the cash/envelope strategy.  Craig knows that he’s in control of his allowance.  What he chooses to do with it is up to him.  I know not to judge or worry about what he does with that money.  Hubby has even started to save up his allowance if he wants something more expensive.  Very sexy to me … his penny-pinching wife!

Another relatively easy change we’ve made is to grocery shop together.  This has a three-fold benefit.  It allows Craig to get some shopping & spending out of his system that is beneficial and necessary to the family.  It also allows him to be truly aware of the cost of feeding our family.  And it really can be fun couple time for us.

When it’s time for us to make a major purchase.   He’s the one for the job.  Shopping for big-ticket items is something he truly enjoys doing.  He loves scouring the internet researching.  Learning about what we should purchase and where we can find it the cheapest.  There is a point I’m trying to make.  This is a great way for him to get some of that shopping impulse out of his system!

Being married to someone with a different spending style can be a challenge. The secret is to embrace each others differences and make them work to your family’s advantage!

Have a terrific day!

iowahippiechick

It’s getting to be that  time of year.

The time to start thinking about de-cluttering, and cleaning up, to get ready for that holiday company.

The time to start slowly, but surely, clearing the clutter from our living space.

We might as well help out some good causes while we’re at it, right?
A list of good causes …

• Got worn out sneakers?  Don’t throw them away - they can be ground up to resurface athletic fields and ball courts.  Send them to Nike’s drop-off locations. For more information,  log on to  http://www.nikereuseashoe.com

• Are you upgrading a family member’s cell phone for Christmas?  You can donate your old models to help domestic violence victims.  For more information call 888-901-SAFE or log on to http://www.calltoprotect.org

• If you have books that you no longer want, the New York’s Prisoner Reading Encouragement program, would love to receive them.  For more information call 212-349-6741 or log on to http://prisonreader.org

• Are you buying the hubby/kid’s a new computer or printer for Christmas? The National Cristina Foundation will take your old PC or printer off your hands.  They provide machines to organizations that work with the disabled. For more information call 203-863-9100 or check out http://www.cristina.org

Hopefully  some of these ideas can help you clear the clutter in your home,  and help out a good cause at the same time.

If you have some other good links to donate items - please add them in the comments!

Have a terrific day!

iowahippiechick

Time to simplify is what all the financial experts seem to be telling us these days.  Simplifying our lives has almost become a necessity  rather than a choice.

Here are some of the steps Craig and I have taken to scale back the various parts of our lives.  Maybe an idea or two can help you start to simplify your life …

Simplify Your Financial Life:

• Inventory your financial papers - Calculate income and expenses.  Figure out a working budget. Check out your bank accounts, retirement accounts, and investment accounts. Become aware of where your at and where you want to be. Organize your will, living will, and insurance papers.
• Organize personal papers - Set up some organization system for your important papers. Don’t keep documents any longer than necessary and shred the ones you get rid of.
• Reduce your accounts - Think about limiting yourself to one credit card. It’s really all anyone needs.
• Set up direct deposit for your paycheck - You actually get your money faster this way!
• Set up automatic payments for routine bills.
• Create an emergency fund.
• Set up automatic payments into your savings and investment accounts.

Simplify and Lower Utility Bills:

• Get a programmable thermostat - Program lower temperatures when your out of the house and higher when your going to be home.
• Seal up your house - Weather strip doors and windows.  Shrink plastic insulation for the interior of windows.  Heavy plastic and lathe strips for the exterior of windows.  Silicone caulk and expanding foam caulk for holes and cracks.
• Conservation - We keep our thermostat lower than most people would find comfortable.  We keep ours between 63 and 65 degrees when we’re home and around 60 degrees when we sleep. It works for us - find what temperature works for you and your family. Every little bit you can lower it will help!
• Install low flow shower heads.
• Use a fiberglass insulation blanket on your water heater - If it is appropriate with what the manufacturer of your water heater says.
• Switch to CFL’s - Our utility company even offered a $2 per bulb rebate if we purchase these by November 30th of 2008.
• Set up a budget payment if your utility company will allow it - We do this more to less complicate our monthly household budget. But this also allows you to spread out larger usage months over some time.

Simplify Food and Meals:

• Plan menus around sale fliers and shop accordingly.
• Eat one or two meatless meals a week.
• Limit or eliminate fast food.

Simplify General Household and Organization:

• Allow time to accomplish the little tasks you want to get done - You won’t waste your energy thinking and nagging yourself about them if you just get them done.
• Declutter and don’t feel afraid of letting go of material stuff - Realize that a lot of the stuff we hang on to and clutter up our living spaces with - are things we have memories attached to. Sort through and decide what things are so sentimental that you can’t let them go, but let go of the rest. Remember you will always have the memory in your mind! You can donate the items your letting go to a worthy cause. Our sell them online. Or give them to friends, family, etc. Having the items that truly have value to you will simplify your space and life.
• Remember it’s never to late to start simplifying - Try some of these ideas and figure out what works for you and your family. We’re all different and different is good!   So make and adapt simplicity choices that work in your situation.

Have a terrific day!

iowahippiechick