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Don’t forget to say please and thank you!

Wild Card Wednesday

March 17th, 2010 by Emily

One of the great ways to give your relationship and the emotional piggy bank (read more about this here) of your significant other a boost is to remember what you learned in elementary school.  For example, saying please and thank you.  It’s not much, but this little showing of respect and love is a huge boost to your emotional piggy bank that makes you feel better.  Why does it make you feel better?  Because it shows respect and appreciation.

Now, I am quite positive that most of us have heard people say that communication is the key to a good relationship.  Well, that statement is not only inaccurate, seeing as it has to be GOOD communication to be worthwhile, but it also leaves out a couple of other very important parts of a healthy relationship: Respect and appreciation.  Although we all know that respect and appreciation are important, we are all generally so self-centric that we only focus on when we aren’t receiving them.  And what I have to say to you is this: Why?  Why do you think that your partner should show you respect and appreciation if you aren’t showing them that same respect?  It isn’t a one way sort of thing!  It’s just like saying please and thank you!  You should WANT to show respect and appreciation to the person that you love, just as much as you want to receive it.  I don’t wake up in the morning wondering what ways my husband can show me his love, respect and appreciation!  I wake up wondering what ways I can show him my love respect and appreciation! 

Here’s the short and tall of it:  You can communicate until you’re blue in the face, but if that communication (or any other part of the relationship) doesn’t include respect and appreciation, then the relationship will suffer.  Not sure how to get started??  How about saying please and thank you?  How about asking your partner if you can do anything for them?  That way, their emotional piggy bank fills up and overflows, making it easier on them to reciprocate!

DIY…We should get back to taking care of ourselves!

Mucho Moolah, Monday's Money Saving Tips!

March 15th, 2010 by Emily

These days we hire out all sorts of things that we used to do ourselves.  We pay people to mow our lawns and shovel our driveways.  We pay people to clean our houses and carpets and vehicles.  Why do we do this?  Are we lazy?  Too busy?  Do we have too much money?  No matter what the reasoning is, as individuals who need to save for our future (I don’t know anyone who doesn’t need to do that), we should be doing these things for ourselves as opposed to hiring them out! 

So you say you don’t know how to do certain things around the house?  Learn.  Lack of knowledge is no excuse for not doing something!  Check out the Diy Network for instructions on how to fix lots of common things around the house.  Every time you fix something yourself, you’re saving money for your future!   If you’re hiring out lawn mowing and driveway shoveling, stop.  Unless you are not physically capable, there is no reason you should be paying someone to do things around your house!  Besides, a little extra physical activity is good for us all!

Your favorite southern couple hates to hire out work.  We try to do as much as we can ourselves, and only hire out when absolutely necessary (having a broken tree removed from our yard, for example).  If we don’t know how to fix something, we research it.  We do understand that not everyone is “handy” around the house, however.  If you’re not handy, then befriend someone who is, and trade services.  Whatever your talent, exchange that for their help.  Maybe they fix your toilet and you help them (as a personal trainer, for example) teach them a basic fitness program in return. 

Whatever the circumstance, figure out a way to do things for yourself!  Not only will you save money, but you will become more self sufficient!

If you save it, then you choose how to spend it!

Friday's Financial News!

March 12th, 2010 by Emily

Today’s article is titled Spending a school fund on CNNMoney.com.  It brings to question a subject that many of us either don’t think will ever happen, or, at least we hope it won’t!  The question?  What happens when your child decides not to go to college, and you’ve saved lots of money in an ESA, 529 or other savings account for them to use on that schooling?  Worse, what happens when you have 2 children, and 1 of them used the college fund, and the other decides against school and says you should just give them the money?  I bet you can guess my answer!

If the child decides not to go to school, there will be penalties in an ESA or 529 account that isn’t used for schooling, so you can just kiss some of that money goodbye.  Now, this isn’t a totally terrible thing, since had you not saved it for education, the money would’ve been taxed anyway, but I’m sure it will still sting a little.  I don’t have a huge problem with a child that decides not to go to school, financially anyway, because it’s not impacting your budget, only (possibly) their future. 

My problem, as I’m sure our regular readers know, is with the child who asks for (demands?) the money you saved for their education, to be paid out to them in cash, since you paid for their siblings education.  In spite of what your child seems to think, your money is NOT their money.  I know that you want to be fair with your 2 children, but this money was set aside for their education, not for their amusement.  It’s your money, and if the child decides not to go to school, it should STAY your money!  Like the article says, if the child wants money, tell them to get a job! 

Creative income and sacrificing for what you want.

Wild Card Wednesday

March 10th, 2010 by Emily

In this world, there are many different types of people.  We all approach a difficult situation differently.  While one person might attack a problem with voracity, another might decide to shelf it until a solution presents itself, while still another person might decide that they aren’t capable of solving the situation, and either seek outside help or give up entirely.

I know a woman who demonstrates a dedication and voracity that is rarely matched, with an eye for creativity in the face of her problem.  This woman has 2 children, both boys.  She would very much like to try for a girl, but she needs to have a surgery to be able to try for her baby girl.  This will cost several thousand dollars that is not covered by her insurance, so, she was faced with a difficult situation.  She did not cower or give up, though.  Instead, she has decided to start a side business outside of her normal job.  She is quite talented at decorating cakes, and so, she has taken that talent and turned it into income!  She is offering cakes to friends, family, and anyone else interested in visually interesting cakes for a reasonable price.  Her goal is to save up enough money to pay for the surgery.  This is not a woman beaten by her circumstances.  I always say that you can’t let life happen to you, you have to happen to your life…and she is doing just that!

What type of dedication do you have?  Do you rise to the occasion when you are faced with a problem, or ponder on it too long, or do nothing?  Whatever your answer, you can be sure that others are starting businesses in their kitchen, getting their extra slice of the money pie.  Will you let your opportunity pass you by, or rise to the occasion?

Get your audiobooks for free!

Mucho Moolah, Monday's Money Saving Tips!

March 8th, 2010 by Emily

I know that some of you don’t do audiobooks, but for those of you that do, you know that newer release books cost quite a bit to download/purchase.  Well, this weekend, while trying to find the best price on an audiobook that Jerrill and I wanted to listen to, we stumbled across a great way to listen to them for free!

Our local library (and hopefully yours as well) offers audiobooks to be downloaded on their website for free!  Our local library connects us to NetLibrary, an eBook and eAudiobook content distributor.  They have a huge selection for their members to choose from, and offer the content FOR FREE for a set time.  The audiobook we wanted to listen to was available, and with an access code, we downloaded it for free for 20 days, which is more than enough time to listen to an audiobook!

Take it from me when I say that this is a great way to read or listen to books!  Not only is it free like your local library, but you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home!  What a great way to save some money!

You might want to start saving for college BEFORE you have kids…

Friday's Financial News!

March 5th, 2010 by Emily

College tuition is a very hot topic with most people.  Either you went to college and experienced the hefty cost, sent your child to college and experienced the hefty cost or decided not to go to college BECAUSE of the hefty cost.  What’s worse than the cost of tuition??  When the cost goes up almost every year!  Today’s article, Public college tuition spikes 15%, even 30% reports on the recent spikes in college tuition, thanks to the lack of funds in some states’ budgets.  This is no news to some of us.  Some of us experienced yearly increases of around 10% each year in college (one particular year the increase was 17%…ouch!), but I digress.

An example of the worst increase?  The University of California, which estimates a 30% increase in the 2010-2011 year, thanks to the huge state deficit that’s been in the news for the last few months.  But irregardless of these increases in tuition prices, public schools are still much cheaper than private schools, which average $26,273 a year!  And people pay the price tag, so there is no deterrent to raising the rates…so it will continue. 

So what do you do?  You start saving for college, for you or your child, and you start saving as soon as you can!  Dig into our past blog post that has tips for saving for college.  With rates going up so often, you should be looking into savings plans before you go to college or before you have children.  Planning for the future is always a good start on the road to success!

Spoiled children and silly parenting.

Wild Card Wednesday

March 3rd, 2010 by Emily

One of my best friends shared a story with me the other day that I felt compelled to share with our readers today.  She was at her salon, getting a haircut, when a mother came in with her 5 year old daughter for a manicure.  Big deal, you might say, until I tell you that the manicure was for the daughter, and while she was there, she also purchased the 5 year old a spa package!  What silliness!  What 5 year old child needs a manicure, much less a spa package!  Does she need a massage after having such a hard day?  A facial, to get rid of all those blemishes and wrinkles?  Seriously, what possible reason could a child need a spa package?  There isn’t a good reason.  This is simply an example of a mother being overly indulgent and not realizing the damage that that kind of parenting can cause. 

Instant gratification is having a lack of impulse control, and, conversely, delayed gratification  is having the ability to wait for something you want (i.e. willpower or impulse control).  In our society we tend to think of children as having no impulse control, and learning this ability as they get older and become an adult.  Well, what happens when the child isn’t taught impulse control, and grows up with the same attitudes they had as a child?  We think that these children grow up to be the people who struggle with any vices that require willpower/impulse control, such as spending money and overeating etc.  These people still have the “I want it now” attitude, and whatever “it” is, they don’t deny themselves the treat, because they “deserve” it.  Can you imagine what the little girl with the spa package at age 5 will act like as an adult if she  doesn’t learn to have self control (which is not likely to be learned from her mother, I’m sorry to say)?  So, what’s the good news?  If you struggle with impulse control, you can learn it as an adult.  You just have to take each instance where you need willpower and ask yourself why you need the item now, and if it’s worth it.  It’s not easy.  You will fail on occasion.  But every time you don’t fail, that’s one step closer to mastering the skill!

Delayed gratification is one of the biggest tricks up the sleeves of people who succeed.  They know how to wait for what they want.  Knowing this, as a parent, make sure you teach your child how to have willpower, and as an adult (who lacks willpower), decide that you aren’t going to fall victim to your childhood whims of instant gratification and help yourself succeed!

It’s time to get creative!

Mucho Moolah, Monday's Money MAKING Tips!

March 1st, 2010 by Emily

You’ve heard people say that “everyone is good at something”, and I believe that is true.  Everyone has something that they do well, and a lot of the time, that something can make you money!  So today,  I want you to create something (whatever you’re good at) and sell it!

So, what are you good at making?  Perhaps you make jewelry, or flower arrangements, or perhaps you do woodworking, or use leather to make belts, purses and vests.  Whatever you’re good at, now is the time to make some extra money on it!  Here are a few tips for getting started:

  • You need to decide on only a few options you will be offering, since the more you can reuse things, the lower the cost per item will be for you, making your profits higher! 
  • Look into local arts and crafts shows and fairs that where you can sell your creations, and plan to attend.  Be wary though.  It is better to run out early than to have a lot leftover, so put some thought into the amount you’ll make for each show.
  • Look into selling your craft on Etsy.com, an online seller driven marketplace for everything handmade.  Perhaps you will be the next big thing, since everyone loves “one of a kind” or unique items that are reasonably priced.
  • Go to local stores/boutiques that are privately owned to see if they would want to include your items in their store inventory.  These locally owned stores thrive on having something different than the mall, so they are more likely to be interested in something locally made.
  • Keep in mind that it takes time to build a successful side business, so if it doesn’t happen right away, keep plugging away at it!

That’s it!  These tips should get you started down the right path to starting a side job and making some extra money!

Your bank and overdraft protection…

Friday's Financial News!

February 26th, 2010 by Emily

Today’s article, Banks use scare tactics to get you to sign up for overdraft protection, addresses the new bank overdraft “protection” law that basically says that you have to voluntarily sign up for the overdraft protection to let your bank keep processing your debit card transactions even after you run out of money.  As far as I’m concerned, at $35 per transaction, overdraft protection is no service to it’s customers, and certainly shouldn’t be anything someone would voluntarily sign up for!

Now, I’m sure you can tell from above, we believe if you can’t keep a minimum amount in your bank account, or can’t keep from overspending because you aren’t diligent, then you shouldn’t have a bank account, and should operate on a cash only (money orders to pay bills) system.  However, if you choose to have  a bank account, and struggle to keep funds in it, then use the other services that many banks offer, that don’t come attached to a ~$35 fee PER TRANSACTION! 

The scary stuff you get in the mail from the bank, that says your debit card will stop working and the like is true, because OF COURSE it should stop paying people if you don’t have any money in your account!  That is the way it is supposed to work!  The card is not supposed to let you spend more than you have!  Overdraft “protection” is like you receiving a mini loan from the bank…kind of like those payday check cashing places, but wrapped in a prettier sounding name.  Ignore these letters from the bank!  You don’t want to keep paying $35 a transaction loan fees for the rest of your life!  DO NOT opt in to this plan, just learn to watch your account and don’t over spend. 

If you absolutely CANNOT LIVE without overdraft and refuse to be on cash only (hard headed, aren’t you??), then there are a couple of alternatives.  Many banks will allow you to link your checking account to your savings account to prevent overdrafts.  Some will also link it to a line of credit (not something we recommend) to prevent these overdrafts from happening.  Neither of these programs are free, but they are cheaper than overdraft, and won’t catch you off guard either, because, let’s face it, if you don’t have the money to cover your purchase, you definitely don’t have the money to cover your $35 a transaction overdraft “protection”.

If or when you start receiving these notices from your bank, do yourself a favor, and “just say no” to overdraft protection…instead, be more diligent with your account, or switch to cash!

Some stars should keep their day jobs!

Wild Card Wednesday

February 24th, 2010 by Emily

There’s a new show about to start on NBC called The Marriage Ref, and while I think it’s likely to be funny, I also think there will be people out there who take the advice offered by the celebrity guests as more serious and less entertainment.  Why shouldn’t they take it as real, valuable or decent advice?  Because the stars slated to offer this advice include the likes of Madonna and Alec Baldwin!  Really?  Who in their right mind would take marriage advice from Madonna, given her 2 divorces and other past relationships.  What help could she possibly offer a struggling couple that a real, licensed therapist couldn’t do better? 

And let’s not forget the nasty divorce between Alec Baldwin and Kim Bassinger.  That situation was all over the entertainment magazines and shows when it was top news, and most of us remember the not so distant and very public fight he had with his 11 year old daughter, in which he called her a pig.  I don’t think he’s the best choice for helping a couple work things out.

To be fair, I think that this show will be hilarious, but only because the advice offered from the celebrities will be, to put it politely, “sub par”.  I worry that people watching it will give them credit as being an “expert” on fixing relationships, simply because they’re a celebrity.  We have a tendency to give people more credit than they’re due in our society if they’re on TV, which is ridiculous.  Just because someone is on TV does NOT make them an expert, and I hope our readers never forget it!