The Feeding of the Five Thousand

You've read the account in Matthew 14:15-21 concerning the feeding of the 5,000 and again in Matthew 15:32-38 of the feeding of the 4,000.  God sets many events as a pattern for us to follow concerning multiplication.  "JESUS took the loaves and fishes and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left 12 baskets or 7 baskets full." 

My husband and I decided that we would follow this example concerning our income from any source.  For every check or statement, we hold it in our hands and lift it up to the Lord, GIVE THANKS and ask JESUS to break it and then we take the money and distribute it to bills or savings, etc.  Does it go farther?  Yes, but that's not the point!  Being thankful is more important than anything else.  You will be acknowledging that God is your source and that He is caring for you.  We have seen checks in from unusual sources.  Experience the blessings that God has waiting for you.  He's not obligated, but it's a special way to give Him honor in your life.

Wealthy Millionnaires

There are many suggestions floating around about getting, spending and saving your money.  One very good article is published at http://www.yahoo.com./  It is called, "Financially Fit - Saving smart and living well".  It has many suggestions about getting and keeping your money.  Go take a look - you don't have to have a yahoo account as it is on their home page.  Just scroll through the news items and it will be there.  Like so many things, "it is hard by the yard but a cinch by the inch".  Get some good ideas and put them to work! 

Could you come up with about $5

That's about the newsstand price of April 2011 Money Magazine.  "How To Reach $1 Million" is a great article with real guidelines on "how to" adjust your savings to accomplish this and an estimated time frame to reach your goal. The article states, "To Hit The Magic Number, You Need The Right Plan."  I heartily suggest that you find a copy - even at the Library - and let the information soak in.  It deals with amount of yearly savings, percentage rate and number of years to $1 Million.  It's never too late to start, but it's very important to START NOW! 

Honey, do you remember the PIN for ...

Bank accounts, online ordering, special websites, etc. have caused us "millions" of PINs, passwords, and user IDs.  We used to enjoy "one size fits all", but sites are now requiring complicated information for security protection.  We solved the problem by buying an address book and writing the information for each web address.  We file the name of the website alphabetically and then put in just enough information to remind us, leaving lots of dashes so no one else knows the rest of the passwords - that way you can keep it by the computer even if someone else happens to open your book.  Also, we have another address book with all the information filed in our locked box in case we can't even decipher the dashes.  It sure make life a whole lot easier and more secure.

Do you wish you weren't so broke?

With all my heart, I desire that you have the money you need to be debt free, raise your family and have a great life journey.  The Lord impressed me to write a book about ways to get ahead in a simple manner.  FREEDOM FROM DEBT was published in the summer of 2010 and is available through Amazon, Barnes and .Noble, Target as well as other book websites.  You can also buy it right here on my blog.  Thankfully, the publisher put a low price on it ($7.99) and I think it has a lot of information to help you get started turning your financial picture around.  Is it the very last word?  No, not all, but it is basic information to help you breath and sleep better at night.  You can click on my website, http://eswestmoreland.tatepublishing.net/ and see about the book.  In my opinion, it's a "good read" and great help to families.  I hope you think so too!  Read in the Bible what God's plan is for you, "Beloved I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers" - III John 2.

What do I do with the tax stuff?

Right now you are scrambling around getting all of last year's documents, bank statements, W-2s, cancelled checks, interest reports, donations, etc.  in one place to do your taxes.  What will you do with the papers after you file?  Most authorities say that it is important to keep these papers for seven years. Unless you have a plan, you may just stack it up somewhere.  We bought plastic tubs with covers (maybe a plastic shoe box is all you need) and put all of that year's papers that pertain to tax information in it and label it for that year.  We have a " that pertains to taxes.)box for each year of the last seven and when we put in the current year's information, we shred the oldest year.  Just stack them up in the back of a closet.  If you ever do get audited, you have all the information in one place.  It may not be fancy, but it certainly works.  (I don't mean clean out your files and put all of the papers from the year.  You will need to keep certain papers in their normal files.  I'm talking about the "stuff that pertains to taxes.

Are you losing money trying to save?

You probably know this, but if you overwithhold income tax by claiming fewer dependents, you will get money back on your income tax check,.  Do you realize that you will have loned the US government your money and receive no interest for it.  You could have been making some interest if you would figure up the difference and have a payroll deduction for that amount sent directly to your savings account.  Your paycheck will look the same, and you will have capitalized on this savings opportunity.