Remember to save your receipts

Keep your sales slips for your Christmas shopping and add together to see what you need to save for next year.  Divide the total by 12 and save that much each month.  A payroll deduction that goes to a savings account is best (or easist).  Also, if you pay property taxes in December, add that amount in also.  Life is so much easier if you don't have to try to figure out where the money will come from. You'll breathe a lot easier next December. 

Do you have papers everywhere?

It is so confusing to find a paper that y ou need.  Most people file "last date on top" and end up with a whole pile of miscellaneous information.  A better way is to buy a box of manilla folders ($5-6) and make up file folders and store in a box, a filing cabinet, or a drawer.  Nothing is worse than needing a document and being faced with a huge stack of mismatched papers.  Here is a general outline for making up your files.  Use this list as a beginning and then add whatever your household needs to keep organized:

A General
     Address Lists
     Automobile -1
     Automobile -2
 B General
     Bank - Checking
     Bank - Savings
     Bank - Debit Card
     Bank - Credit Card (if at a bank)
     Birth Certificates
     Budget Plan/Finances planning
C General
     Child #1 _______
     Child #2 _______
     Child #3 _______
     Civic Association  
     Contributions
     Credit Card #1 ______
D General
     Doctor/Dental
E General
     Employment records #1 _____
     Employment records #2 _____
F General
G General
     Gift information (family and friends)
H General
     Home General
     Home - Appliances & Equipment Warranties
     Home - Small appliances, toys, etc. warranties
     Home - Gas
     Home - Electric
     Home - Telephone
     Home - Cell phones
     Home - Mortgage Company
     Home - Yard and Gardening
     Home - Previously sold properties
I General
     Immunization records
     Income Tax - previous years
     Income Tax - this year
     Insurance - Automobile
     Insurance - Home
     Insurance - Home contents (or renters insurance)
     Insurance - Life #1
     Insurance - Term
     Insurance - Medical
J General
K General
L General
M General
     Magazines, newspapers & Associations
N General
O General
P General
     Powers of attorney
Q General
R General
     Retirement information
S General
     Safe Deposit Box information
     School Information
     Social Security Information
     Stocks,  Bonds & Royalties
T General
     Travel
U & V General
     Veteranian
W General
     Wills (copy)
X - Y - Z General

Use whatever files benefit your home system  Add your own file needs to this list, cross off what you don't need and then assemble your own filing system. 

**  Another really important organizational item for me is to have a "bill box"  - a specific place where all important mail (bills, checks, short term special information) is put immediately upon entry to the house.  It should be an important hands-off location that no one messes with.  It saves so much time and anxiety when its time to pay the bill or execute the action.



    



    
    

$15,000

We have only one more of Dave Ramsey's FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY classes to go before we complete the 13 week course.  Three people handed in their figures stating their debt beginning August 29 and what it is now.  They have each paid off about $5000 in these 12 weeks.  The others will turn theirs in next week and we'll have the final figure.  They are happy campers.  There is a light at the end of the tunnel and they've found that it is NOT a train.  What a great course this is. 

Some people think that Dave is telling them how to spend THEIR money.  Others think their financial situation is so grim that they are embarassed to have anyone else know.  The truth is:  no one knows your finaces nor does Dave tell you what you must do.  He only gives you the truth and you figure out where you can win better.  My desire is that everyone - teens on up to old age - take this course.  I know of no other that gives not only gives Bible-based information, but shows you how to implement it.  People feel like they have been let out of prison. 

Something to check out!

I'm understanding that some of the new cameras have a GPS tag in their photos that designate exactly where you are when you took the picture (if at home, everyone knows where you live).  You must turn that feature off for each picture or it is embedded.  You may want to find out more information.  Some popular people moved after posting a picture as they were no longer under the radar.

Are you paying for the "right stuff"?

Even though you may be "pinching pennies", you might not be paying for the right things!  I encourage you to find Dave Ramsey's, FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY classes http://www.daveramsey.com/ and bite the bullet and take the 13-week course.  One of our class members said, "(I) wish it were forced learning for so many others".  The cost of the kit if about $100 if ordered with the class.  Could you afford to spend $100 to reap such great rewards in your finances?

Are you ready for Christmas or Taxes?

If not, here's a solution:  Add the totals of up coming expenses and divide by 12.  You will know how much to save each month so the funds will be ready when you need them.  Take a deep breath - aaaahhhh!

Where are you?

According to USA TODAY, "Out of one hundred people age sixty-five, ninety-seven of them can't write a check for $600, fifty-four are still working, and three are financially secure."  (from Dave Ramsey, "The Total Money Makeover", page 154)  As a first step, at least get $500 or $1000 in an emergency fund.  It's so important to get debt free and BREATH.

The Parable of the Talents in Luke 19:23

"Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury (interest)?"  Really think about saving money - not to hoard, but to prepare for your future.  One of our FPU class couples reported that for the first time in their married life they have $500 in Savings.  That kind of preparation will bring peace and self-confidence into the life of your family.

Will you be wise too?

And the Lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.  Luke 16:8  It's so important to understand compound interest.  Money either works for you or AGAINST YOU.  Know the difference and make wise choices!

Think about it

Even though interest rates are low, would you rather earn interest (possibly less than 1%) or pay interest (14% or more) on credit cards?  It's important to think your "money" through before jumping into what may seem like a good deal.  Money earned is always better than money paid in the higher price of debt.

Financial Peace report

We have just finished our 5th class of 13 in Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.  Everyone   submitted a 3 x 5 card (no name) stating the amount of consumer debt (excluding house mortgage).  Although the total was $632,378.00 for about 14 families, the truth is that's pretty normal. 

Great reports are coming in:  One man got better paying job; some have finished Baby Step One ($1000 in the bank so they can stop using credit when an emergency comes); another has paid off $3000 in debt; we had a terrific Ebay class and learned how to sell "stuff"; and we have scheduled a multi-family garage sale to help get Baby Step One for the others in the class.  We have found that any amount of debt takes the fun out of life and also keeps us from being able to give to special needs in others when they arise.

Hallelujah!  HOPE is rising in hearts that before were very discouraged.  All are commited to change their future!  Why don't you find a class in your area?  It teaches so much more than being debt free.

Old saying on "stuff"

Use it up ... Wear it out
Make it do ... Do without

It seems we not only don't know this advice, but don't want to know it either.  It puts things in proper perspective and we usually find that we really didn't need "it" anyway.  While we're getting out of debt, there are so many things we can do to stretch our money.  After you "get rich", you can buy it new and buy it for other people too.  "Til then, see above".

My Hero

My dear husband is my Hero.  We've been married 47 years and although our lives have changed very much, we have maintained our love and commitment to each other.  Jesus Christ has been the center of our lives and we have so much to be thankful for.   Our very first decision when we married was that we would tithe 10% of our income to God.  Because of His wonderful promises in Malachi 3, we've been blessed with a wonderful family and so many other things that money cannot buy.  As we moved around with the military, God always placed us near a great church where we could grow in Him and raise our family.  It is truly a great blessing to attend a church where you are taught the Bible, and can fellowship and grow with great Christians.  I urge you to find a good church and attend with your family. 

Name brands vs. store brands

Many people clip coupons to reduce their shopping costs. Consumer Reports October 2010 issue compares the prices of brand name products with store brands of the same item.   To find the best deal, compare the reduced price with the price of a store's own brand.  Many times the contents are identical because of a contract price.  If the store brand is less expensive, buy one container to try it out.  If there's no real difference, save the pennies.  If the brand name product is really essential, then buy it.  Give the store brands a try as you may save more than you thought.

Hats off!

We are so excited about the students in our Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University classes.  They have decided to make a serious difference in their financial picture.  Dave has the best financial information that we know about and everyone should take advantage of these 13 week classes which are usually held at a church.  Check his website, http://www.daveramsey.com/, for a class near you.  It might be the best $100 you'll ever spend.

Income/Outgo

Old saying:

"If your outgo exceeds your income,
your upkeep will be your downfall!"

Did school supplies wipe you out?

School comes at the end of every summer, and still it surprises us with the cost.  On the surface, it's easy to remember clothes for school, but there are so many other expenses:  books, clubs, fees, backpacks, etc.  Suggestion:  Tally up what you actually spent this year, divide the number by 12 and begin to set aside 1/12 each month in a special savings account.  Every time you save for expenses, you can enjoy the event so much more.  The same will hold true for other once-a-year expenses like Christmas.  If the event has already passed, rethink it and total the cost and divide as above.  Your life will not have as many road bumps nor financial crises.  This may sound impossible and it probably will be the first year,  but work toward this goal for next year.  This works equally well for items to purchase, vacations, and desires of your heart.  In Proverbs 10:4, the Bible says, "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich".  Hang in there - you're going to make it!

DO Plan for Tomorrow

I watched a very sobering movie tonight.  I think the name was "Make Room For Tomorrow" made in  the 1930's.  An elderly 70 year old couple had their home foreclosed and had to go live with their children, but not together.  Because their children weren't financially able or have the room to care for them both, one went with a daughter - the other with a son.  They were never able to live together again after 50 years of marriage.   Most adult children are not geared financially or emotionally to "raise" their parents.  We know there are nursing homes for those who are old and sick, but what about those who are old and broke, but not sick.  It's important to think through this process and make financial changes as necessary.  A little extra planning now will give you a bright future so you can finally enjoy all of the things you dream of.

Take Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace course

One of the easiest ways to get a handle on your finances is to enroll in Dave Ramsey's FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY classes. They are once a week for 13 weeks and will completely retrain your thinking on basic finances. Go to his website http://www.daveramsey.com/ to find the class in your area. You will need to buy a kit plus shipping for about $100. You will be so glad you did! He also has books about the material which is available at most bookstores.

Welcome to financial ideas to help you win!

Are you struggling with debt?

Do you sincerely want to get ahead in your finances?
Are you wondering which way to go to accomplish your financial goals?
Do you want to create a budget that works and build savings?
Can you even imagine how it will feel to be totally debt free and no longer have to make payments?
Won't you enjoy having the money you need ahead of time?

Sit back, take a deep breath and relax and enjoy these suggestions to help you make your money work for you instead of against you.