Do I Really Need A Credit Card
by
Connie David
Credit Cards. You can’t live with them, and you can’t live without them. Some people would say that’s kind of like….never mind. In many ways it’s true. Some people think that if you don’t have credit cards, you can’t get into debt. well, maybe.
but here’s the catch. If you don’t have a credit card, you have a very difficult time establishing credit. In addition, there are things that you absolutely can’t do without a credit card. Try making airplane reservations without a credit card. How about reserving a hotel room? A credit card is sometimes accepted as a 2nd form of identification. Last but now least, using a credit card is the best way to establish your credit.
Credit is important. If you want to buy a house or get any kind of loan, you have to have credit. You have to be able to show lenders that you are a good credit risk. You do this by having a good credit score. So how do you establish a good credit score without getting into debt? Simple. Get a credit card. charge as little as $10 a month on that card. when the bill comes, PAY IT!
Pay the entire bill. what lenders want to know is, do you make your payments on time? By paying your credit bill in its entirety every month, you are establishing good credit. You are showing that you do pay your bills, and that you are responsible. That is what those interested in your credit score want to know. People who get themselves into trouble with credit cards spend beyond their ability to pay. People who think they will just buy it now and pay for it later, usually have much more to pay for than they can afford. If you make it your policy to only charge on your card what you know you can pay for when the bill comes, you won’t go into credit card debt.
Now I realize that sometimes emergencies force people to spend more than they have at the time. sometimes it can’t be helped. But if you are buying something you can’t afford just because you want it, then save for it. work for it. when you finally buy it, pay for it in cash. Or, charge it to your credit card, and pay the bill in full when it comes.
You’ve Made Your Budget! Now What?
So you have spent the time to make your budget, and you found out that it really wasn’t rocket science. Or, you took the shortcut and downloaded and modified the one on my website, www.itsstillyourmoney.com. Now what do you do? The next challenge is to stay within your budget as much as possible. You know how much you have for disposable income, and you need to not overspend. That is what may have gotten you into some debt in the first place. Here are a few things that might help.
Look at the number of credit cards you possess. How many do you really need? If you are going to use them at all, only spend what you know you have the money to pay off at the end of the month when the bill comes. Otherwise, hide them. Better yet, if you are a person who can’t control your credit card habit, call the companies and cancel them. Then cut them up or shred them. Stores don’t like to take shredded cards. If you are going to hide them, make it really difficult to get to them. The more inconvenient it is, the less likely you will be to dig them out.
Give yourself a spending waiting period. Most of us look through the Sunday paper, making mental or actual lists of the things we “just have to have” from the ads. Go ahead and do that. and then go to the stores and actually look at the things you think you have to have. Pick them up. Hold them. Then put them down and go home. Force yourself to wait a minimum of 24 hours before returning to the store. During that time, give yourself a spending limit. go through the paper again.
Look at each item very carefully. ask yourself, “Do I NEED this or just want it?” If you still honestly need it, figure out how you can buy it without over spending your budget. Try to do it without the credit card. Make ATM withdrawals only once a week. this will force you to plan for the week ahead. How much cash will you need, and for what? Don’t pad it too much if you can help it. Try to be pretty exact. Lack of cash can help to cut down on impulse buying.
Don’t count on the raise or tax return. Work with only the money you have right now. when you really get the raise or tax return, then you can decide how to allocate it. You know, have an emergency fund is always a good idea. That can help you not use the credit card for emergencies. Learn how to shop for groceries. This can be very difficult, especially if you have children. Cut coupons. Buy store brands when they are cheaper. Don’t buy 5 of something because they are 5 for $10 if you will just end up throwing 4 of them away. If it will benefit you, visit a food warehouse and do some price comparing. In fact, do that with the grocery stores in your area. buying from the most exclusive doesn’t always mean the best products.
Renegotiate insurance rates and utility plans. Every couple of years, take a look at your home and auto insurance. Do some comparison shopping. Can you get a better rate someplace else without compromising on coverage? Are you getting the best cell phone plan for your useage? Maybe the plan you bought 2 years ago isn’t working now that you have a teenager sharing your minutes. Last but not least, find your coke factor. If you don’t know what that is, then you might have to buy my book. that is one of the first chapters. You can do that at www.itsstillyourmoney.com
So there you have it. I am sure you can think of other ways as well. Try to have You’ve Made Your Budget. Now What fun with this. Turn a challenge into a game, and get the whole family involved.
Household Tips
1. Remove Broken Key From Lock.
Put some super glue on broken off part, insert and hold a few seconds – will pull out rest of key.
2. Remove Broken Light Bulb.
Stick a bar of soap into jagged edges, use soap as handle.
3. Remove Stubborn Screw.
Heat with a soldering iron for a few seconds first.
4. Protect Children From Sockets.
Keep a piece of electrical tape over them when not in use.
5. Good Glass Door Safety Tip.
Put a BIG decal on those glass and patio doors.
6. Keep Nails From Splitting Wood.
Blunt sharp end of nail before you use by hitting with a hammer.
7. Repair Small Holes In Screen.
Plug holes with clear nail polish, let dry, repeat until filled.
8. Straighten Warped Phono Records.
Place record between two sheets of glass, set in sun for a while.
9. Best Way To Clean Phono Records.
Dip in solution of detergent and water, rinse and wipe dry.
10. Make Your Own Fireplace Logs.
Roll newspapers up tightly in shape of log. Papers are wood.
11. How To Remove Oil From Driveway.
Cover with sand, let stand a few days, then sweep off.
12. Keep Fish Hooks From Rusting.
Stick them in a cork and submerge in some baking soda.
13. Make Sandpaper Last Longer.
Back sandpaper with masking tape.
14. How To Revive Old Razor Blades.
Rub them back and forth inside of a drinking glass.
15. Where To Sell Box Tops And Labels.
Eggleston Enterprises, 207, Main Street, Milford, NY 13807.
16. Remove Labels From Bottles & Jars.
Fill with hot water and then submerge in hot water, will just fall off.
17. Cut Glass Without Glass Cutter.
Use tin snips and cut under water, smooth rough edges with sandpaper.
18. Easy To Unglue Stamps & Envelopes.
Put in freezer a few hours then flip off with knife blade.
19. Get Water Out Of Your Watch.
Strap watch to light bulb, turn on for a few minutes. Water drops will form on crystals, open up and wipe off.
20. Prevent Snow Sticking To Shovel.
Coat shovel with car wax.
21. Tighten Your Hammer Handle.
Soak in used engine oil for a day.
22. Low Cost Laminating- EASY.
Cover article with clear contact paper. Works perfectly!
23. Open That Stuck Zipper.
Spray that stuck zipper with shaving foam.
24. Remove Tar & Paint From Auto.
The product to clean paint from your car is BENZOL.
25. Increase Your Mileage.
Put 4oz of benzol to each ten gallon of gasoline to incr. mpg.
26. How To Renew Car Batteries.
Dissolve 1 oz Epsom salts in water and add to each cell.
27. Easily Untie A Knot In A Chain.
Cover the knot generously with cold cream.
28. Loosen Those Tight Shoes.
Put some damp newspaper into shoes and leave for a few days.
29. Make Shoes Slip Proof.
Take scissors and scratch Scissors on the soles.
30. The Ideal Pin Cushion.
Use a bar of soap, makes sewing easier. Needle just slides through.
31. Make Your Own Metal Polisher.
Take a black board chalk and rub into cloth, then rub on metal.
32. Good Dog & Cat Repellent.
Place moth balls in areas where you are bothered by animal odors. They will avoid it.
Animals hate mothball odors.
33. When Your Pet Has No Appetite.
Try a saucer of beer. It’s been known to perk up the appetite.
34. Easy To Rid Pets Of Fleas.
Put a foam rubber pad in the pet’s bed – fleas hate it.
35. Quick Way To Press Ties.
Hang in bath while you shower – steam takes wrinkles out.
36. How To Remove Staples.
An old nail clipper works just fine for removing staples.
37. Eliminate Odors From Disposal.
Throw a lemon in it and let it be ground up.
38. Keep Salt Moisture Free.
Put pieces of ink blotter in shaker. It will absorb moisture.
Or try uncooked rice.
39. Simple Eye-Glass Cleaner.
Vinegar diluted in water makes a fine eyeglass cleaner.
40. Easy Clean Glass Doors & Mirrors.
Just rub with a damp newspaper – they will shine.
41. Easily Reduced Ashtray Smell.
Keep a small amount of baking soda in ashtrays at all times.
42. Messless Painting From Bucket.
Punch several holes around rim of can with small nail.
43. Take Lumps Out Of Paint.
Cut a piece of screen to fit inside of can or bucket, it will float to bottom,
taking the lumps with it.
44. Keep Bugs Out Of Paint.
Pour a little insect repellent in the paint. It does the trick.
45. Prevent Flowers From Fading.
Use a few drops of chlorine bleach in water, add an asprin for life.
46. A Simple Roach Formula- It WORKS.
Crumble cigarette butts in water, let dry then spread in roach areas.
47. Save Painting Clean Up Time.
Cover roller tray with aluminum foil, then just throw away.
48. A Novel Paint Can Cover.
Use plastic lid from a coffee can.
49. Keep Piano Keys Looking New.
Keep cover open, ivory turns dark if exposed to darkness.
50. How To Remove Grease From Rugs.
Pour ample amount of baking soda on it, brush in,
let stand for a day, vacuum off.
51. Destroy Desire For Nicotine.
Take before breakfast 1/2 tsp. each of rochelle salts and cream of tartar.
52. Destroy Desire For Alcohol.
Mix goldthread with golden seal tea. It creates a violent taste for alcohol.
53. Excellent Insomnia Formula.
One tbs. powdered milk, 2 tbs. honey, 1 tbs. brewers yeast,
stir into cup of warm milk. Take before retiring.
54. Famous Diet Formula Plan.
Mix 1tbs safflower oil to 2 tbs. grapefruit juice, take before meals.
55. The 40.00 Beauty Facial.
Spread milk of magnesia over face, let dry, cover again, let dry,remove with damp cloth, then apply some warm olive oil, then apply some ice cold witch hazel.
56. How To Improve Your I.Q.
Hydrocotyle asiatica teas are a noted brain food.
57. Make A Pantyhose Last Longer.
One tbs. alum, 1 quart water, rinse, let dry, the wash with soap, rinse dry.
58. Remove Blood Stains From Carpet.
Sponge immediately with cold water, then use a bit of soap, rinse dry.
59. Make Your Guitar Really Shine.
Rub some toothpaste on, let dry, then buff it. It will shine!
60. Keep A Burn From Blistering.
Apply ice cubes to burn immediately.
61. Remove Ink Stains From Carpet.
Apply a paste of milk and cornstarch, let stand a few hours. Brush off.
62. Dry Shampoo Your Pet (GREAT).
Rub baking soda into fur and brush out. Will smell great!
63. Put A Shine On Your Windows.
Brush with nylon stocking, then use blackboard eraser to shine.
64. Unwrinkling Plastic Materials.
Heat ironing board, lay materials on, smooth with hands.
65. Easy Needle Threading (NEAT).
Dip tip of needle in clear nail polish and let dry.
66. How To Clean Your Neck Ties.
Put tie in jar with some carbon tetrachloride, shake, take out and let dry.
67. Easy Clean Your Nail File.
Press a piece of tape into file, pull off. Remove all dirt.
68. How To Remove Scorches.
Wet scorched area and cover with cornstarch, brush off when dry.
69. What To Do If You Oversalt Food.
Drop a potatoe or two in it. Absorbs the over-salt.
70. Watermelon Ripeness Test.
Look for a creamy surface underneath the melon.
71. How To Freshen Stale Nuts.
Stick them in the oven for 15 minutes at 250° C.
72. How To Destroy Fish Smells.
Rub butter on your hands or wherever smell is to be removed.
73. How To Destroy Onion Smells.
Dampen hands and rub some bicarbonate of soda over them.
74. Keep & Use Over Ripe Bananas.
Mash and freeze for making cakes and cookies.
75. How To Boil A Cracked Egg.
Add a dash of vinegar to the water.
76. How To Make Mocha Coffee.
Instead of milk or cream try some chocolate milk, MOCHA.
77. Easy Boiled Egg Peeling.
Keep lid on a few minutes after boiling, pressure causes shell to fall off.
78. Eliminate Popcorn Duds- FAST.
Freeze it first, the it will all pop.
79. Easy Clean Kitchen Windows.
Add starch to water and clean with a piece of newspaper.
80. Easy Clean Silverware – The BEST.
Use baking soda and damp cloth, clean, rinse and let dry.
81. Vegetable For Liver & Prostrate.
BEETS.
82. Fruit Soothes Intestinal Tract.
PAPAYA.
83. A Fruit For Arthritic Gout.
CHERRIES.
84. An Appetizer Fruit- GOOD.
PINEAPPLE.
85. Fruit For The Stomach.
COCONUT.
86. A Fruit For Constipation.
RAW APPLES.
87. A Fruit High In Iron.
STRAWBERRIES.
88. Fruit For Neutralizing Acid.
LEMONS.
89. A Fruit For Healthful Kidneys.
WATERMELON.
90. A Fruit Good For The Nerves.
BANANAS.
91. Two Fruits Thought Anti-Tobacco.
APPLES & GRAPES EATEN RAW
92. A Fruit Thought Anti-Cancer.
FIGS.
93. Vegetable Good For Kidney.
CELERY.
94. Vegetable That’s Antibiotic.
GARLIC.
95. Fruit To Tune Blood Vessels.
ORANGES.
96. Vegetable For Breath Purifier.
PARSLEY.
97. Ingredient Good For The Heart.
HONEY.
98. A Vegetable Good For The Eyes.
CARROTS.
99. A Good Source Of Iodine.
KELP.
100. Vegetable With 6 X More Vitamin C.
GREEN PEPPERS.
101. How To Shine Your Refrigerator.
Use Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge.
102. How To Remove A Hot Cake Pan.
Use clothes pins (pegs).
103. Keep Windshields Frost Free!
Apply solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water over windshield.
104. Make Dry Cell Batteries Last Longer.
Seal in plastic bags, wrap in aluminum foil, keep in refrigerator.
105. Remove Wax From Candleholders.
Freeze holders in refrigerator and it will just peel off.
106. Prevent Kitchen Stools From Slipping.
Put rubber tips from crutches on bottom of legs.
107. Rid Scratches From Plastic Watches.
Use Q-tip dipped in nail polish remover, rub over face, scratch disappears.
108. Excellent Lubricant For Appliances.
Put a drop of glycerin in gears, makes an excellent lubricant.
109. Keep Garbage Bags From Slipping.
Use 3 or 4 clothes pins, keeps them from slipping.
110. How To Clean Glassware.
Clean with stale tea. If they spot, soak in buttermilk, let dry, wipe off.
111. How To Clean Carved Furniture.
Use an old toothbrush to clean then use furniture polish on brush.
112. Remove Ink From Varnished Furniture.
Rub with soft cloth filled with equal parts vinegar and linseed oil.
113. Remove Mildew From Luggage.
Put bar of soap in luggage before storing.
114. Remove Smoke, Grease From Woodwork.
Paint wood with solution of starch and water, when dry rub off.
115. Really Shine Your Kitchen Floor.
Add some sour milk to your rinse water, it will shine!
116. How To Clean Rust From Chrome.
Rub it with aluminum foil.
117. How To Really Clean Enamel.
Use a paste of salt and vinegar then wipe off.
118. Remove Shoe Polish From Clothing.
Use carbon tetrachloride or rubbing alcohol.
119. Remove Cigarette Stains From China.
Rub it with a cork that has been dipped in salt.
120. Make Your Own Ink Eradicator.
Mix one part liquid bleach to ten parts water. Works great.
121. Make Your Appliances Really Shine.
Rub them over with rubbing alcohol, they will stay shining.
122. Remove Stains From Coffee Cups.
Rub with salt and vinegar.
123. Make Your Own Furniture Polish.
Use 2 parts olive oil to 1 part vinegar. Have it warm while using.
124. Make Your Own Silver Polish
Tooth paste or baking soda makes an excellent silver polish.
125. A Really Good Copper Cleaner.
Use a paste of salt and vinegar.
126. To Clean Your Diamond Rings.
Use tooth paste with an old tooth brush, rub and rinse and let dry.
127. Clean Tarnished Gold & Silver.
Rub with a paste of water and baking soda, rinse and let dry.
128. How To Make Good Jewelry Cleaner.
Clean with a solution of 1 tsp. ammonia and 1 cup of water.
129. Reset Stone In Your Jewelry.
Put clear nail polish in the base, set the stone in and let dry.
130. Prevent Costume Jewelry From Tarnish.
Put a thin coat of transparent nail polish over it.
131. Good Cleaning Aid For Dishwashers.
Add some vinegar to dishwasher.
132. Cure Scratches From Furniture.
Use machine oil or same color shoe polish.
133. Make A Good Fingernail Brush.
Cut down the bristles on an old tooth brush.
134. Food For The Whole Litter (HOW).
Use a muffin pan so the runts can have some.
135. Lengthen Life Of Wooden Clothespins.
Boil them in a salt solution.
136. Make A Neat String Dispenser.
Nail a funnel to wall and pull string out of bottom of funnel.
137. Tip On Storing Plastic Curtains.
Sprinkle talcum powder between the layers as you go.
138. Basting Made Real EASY.
Just tape and sew around the pieces of tape.
139. How To Revive Old Clothing.
Shave those little fluffs off with a safety razor.
140. Make An Emergency Clothes Brush.
Wrap a piece of tape around the hand, sticky side out.
141. Stop Clothes Catching On Hangers.
Put a coat of clear nail polish over splinters and rough edges.
142. A Needle-Sharpening Pincushion.
Use steel wool to fill your cushion, keeps needles sharp.
143. Make A Good Yarn Preserver.
Wrap yarn around a moth ball for storage.
144. Handy Tips On Cutting Fur.
Use a razor blade on back of fur when cutting, you won’t cut any hair.
145. Tips On Sewing Slippery Material.
Stick a piece of waxed paper in seam, pull away when finished.
146. Easy Pick Up Of Needle Spills.
Use a small magnet to pick up any needle spills.
147. Excellent Knitting Tip.
Keep ball of yarn in nylon stocking, will flow out free of tangles.
148. How To Get Rid Of Shiny Pants.
Make a solution of 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water, soak a cloth in it,
wring out, put over the pants and press lightly.
149. When You Need Heavy Duty Thread.
Use dental floss.
150. Make A Handy Tape Measure.
Just put tape around an old tape spool.
151. Prevent Nylon From Yellowing.
Add some baking soda to wash and rinse with water.
152. Make A Perfect Sock Darner.
Pull socks over light bulb, makes it easy.
153. How To Restore Velvet Like New.
Brush good, then hang in steamy bathroom.
154. Get Rid Of Knots On Sweaters.
Just rub a piece of sandpaper over sweater.
155. How To Remove Lint From Wool.
Use a damp sponge and touch lightly.
156. Caring For Leather Upholstery.
Brush with skim milk every 3 months.
157. Repair Scuffed Patent Leather.
Cover with same color polish, let dry, then cover with clear nail polish.
158. Prevent Patent Leather Cracking.
Before each wearing, rub briskly with your hand, then a soft cloth.
159. Repair Scuffed Baby Shoes.
Rub shoe with white of an egg.
160. Tip On Buying Shoes.
Buy shoes in afternoon, feet tend to swell in the morning.
161. What To Do When Shoes Get Stiff.
Cut a raw potato and rub all over. They will come back to life.
162. Black Suede Shoes Last Longer.
Wash with warm water, then rub castor oil into leather.
163. How To Soften Leather Shoes.
Sponge with black coffee.
164. Remove Salt Rings From Shoes.
Brush with a solution of vinegar and water.
165. Keep Vegetables Green While Cooking.
Lift the lid of the cooking vessel from time to time while cooking.
166. Get Juice From Dried Up Lemon.
Boil it for a few minutes.
167. Quick Onion Rings.
Onions slice more easily if you leave skins on while slicing.
168. How To Kill Taste Of Olive Oil.
Add a touch of salt.
169. Good Bread Crumbs Substitute.
Potato chips, corn chips or pretzels.
170. How To Keep Your Berries Fresh.
Don’t wash until ready to use and keep in refrigerator until ready to use.
171. How To Cut A Soft Pie.
Use a buttered knife to cut through a soft pie.
172. How To Cut A Frosted Cake.
Rinse a knife in hot water first, each time you cut a slice.
173. How To Make A Fluffy Egg Omelet.
Add a teaspoon of corn starch when mixing eggs.
174. Keep Dressing From Going Rancid.
Put a spoon of sugar in it.
175. How To Stop Cabbage Odors.
Throw a couple of walnut kernels in pot while cooking.
176. How To Soften Butter Quick.
If your butter is frozen, grate it, it’s same as soft butter.
177. How To Keep Cauliflower White.
Pour a little milk in the water when boiling cauliflower.
178. When Is The Omelet Done.
When you press it lightly and it springs back.
179. Keep Milk From Scorching.
Add a pinch of sugar while cooking and do not stir.
180. Cheese Cutting Tip.
A dull knife is more successful than a sharp one.
181. When You Need An Extra Egg.
When you need an extra egg for the recipe add a little corn starch.
182. Peel Onions Without Tears.
Let water run over them while peeling.
183. The Proper Way To Ripen Fruit.
Keep it out in open at room temperature. Refrigerator slows down ripening.
184. How To Pick Fresh Eggs.
Old eggs are shiny, fresh eggs are rough and have bumps.
185. How To Cut Acidity In Coffee.
Add a pinch of salt.
186. Good Refrigerator Deodorizer.
Keep an open box of baking soda in it at all times.
187. What To Do About Grease Spills.
Pour ice water over it, it will lift off before it can soak in.
188. Make A Good Egg Separator.
Crack egg, put in small funnel, white will come through separated from yolk.
189. Reduce Wilting Of Root Vegetables.
Cut off the tops as soon as you get them.
190. Keep Vegetables Fresh Longer.
Put paper towels in bottom of bin. It will absorb moisture which causes decay.
191. How To Keep Meat Fresh Looking.
Cover the cut side with leaves of lettuce.
192. How To Perk Up Wilted Lettuce.
Soak in cold water with a dash of lemon juice, cool in refrigerator for half hour.
193. Make Frozen Vegetables Fresh.
Pour boiling water over them. Restores fresh taste.
194. The Best Way To Slice Onions.
Freeze them first.
195. Keep Beets & Cabbage Red.
Add lemon juice or vinegar to water.
196. Keep Potatos From Sprouting.
Store apples with them
197. Get Rid Of Cooking Odors.
Boil hand full of cloves in water for 30 min. All odors will disappear.
198. Truss Poultry Up So It Will Stay.
Use dental floss, it won’t burn.
199. Tell When Custard Is Done.
Stick knife into custard, if it comes out clean, it is done.
200. Tips For Cutting Hot Cake.
Use a thread, hold both ends tightly and lower through slowly.
Budgeting Isn’t Rocket Science
by
Connie David
Do you equate family finance with rocket science? Does it seem like an overwhelming concept to develop a budget with which you can live? If this applies to you, take heart. Budgeting doesn’t have to be nearly as difficult as rocket science! Here are five tips to make creating a realistic budget a little easier.
Tip #1: Think positively about your money. Money is a fabulous thing. It enables you to have a wonderful roof over your head, wear the clothes that help you tell the world who you are and what you’re about. Money buys education opportunities, cultural experiences, and money enables you to help others in need. You would certainly think money
was terrific if you were giving it to Katrina victims or the parents of a child with a debilitating disease. If you have ever seen the movie ” The Secret,” you will know that whatever you put out into the universe is what you attract to you. So that’s the first tip to creating a budget – think positively about your money. You may find that you have more than you thought you had.
Tip #2: List the categories by which you live. If eating out is a major part of your life then you’ll want to have a dining out category. If after-school activities are a large part of your child’s life and your family expenses then that is a category for your budget. Many budget forms have categories that won’t make sense for your lifestyle. If you want to create a budget that you can live by, and that is easy to use and easy to follow, create categories that make sense to you and your family. The budget forms that I have on my website are a good starting place. Feel free to add categories, and ignore the ones that aren’t appropriate for you.
Tip #3: Be realistic about your income. This is more difficult for self-employed individuals, commission based sales people or business owners, because business fluctuates. For regularly employed people with a predictable pay check, your budget should reflect your current pay check – after taxes. For folks dealing with unpredictable income, take a look at the minimum you’ve made over the past 5 years and base your budget on that income. This way, all your financial bases are covered. If you use the highest income you’ve made in the past 5 years then there may be months when you make less and your budget won’t work. The good news is that when you use your minimum average income you will often have extra money. Plan how you’ll use this extra money so you don’t throw it away on meaningless junk. Now my definition of meaningless junk is probably different from yours, so you will have to figure that out for yourself.
Tip #4: Set realistic financial goals. Budgeting isn’t about going without. It’s about setting and attaining your financial goals. It’s about success, not failure. Before you sit down to create a budget, take a few minutes to evaluate and document your financial goals. Do you want to save for a vacation, college, retirement, a new car or all of the above? You can save for all of these, but you have to have a plan. Without goals, a budget is nothing more than a detailed checkbook register. Many people have difficulty doing this. It is hard sometimes to think past the next week or month, never mind 5-10 years down the road or beyond. Remember, I can help. anyone who has signed up for my newsletter is entitled to a free 30-minute session with me, to evaluate where you are right now, and to determine if you are on the path to meeting your goals. If you would like to schedule a session, send an email with your phone number to me at info@itsstillyourmoney.com and I will give you a call to set something up.
Tip #5: Plan for fun. If your budget is all about financial burdens, it will be painful to create and more painful by which to live. Make time, and financial room, for fun in your life. If you love going to the movies, create a budget category for going to the movies once a month. If you absolutely love skiing or taking your children to the zoo then fit that fun time into your budget. If you have read my book, “It’s Your Money! You Keep It!,” you will know that the savings method I present there includes a category for fun, and the money must be spent at least every 90 days. Fun helps you stay healthy, and helps to reduce stress.
If you want your budget to be something that is easy to create and even easier to follow, follow these five tips. Making a budget can be tremendously empowering. Have fun with it! Remember, I am here to help. Send your questions or comments to me at info@itsstillyourmoney.com http://www.itsstillyourmoney.com
The information in this article may be reproduced, provided the author’ s name and website information stay in tact.
Budgeting Isn’t Rocket SciencebyConnie DavidDo you equate family finance with rocket science? Does it seem like an overwhelming concept to develop a budget with which you can live? Ifthis applies to you, take heart. Budgeting doesn’t have to be nearlyas difficult as rocket science! Here are five tips to make creating arealistic budget a little easier.
Tip #1: Think positively about your money. Money is a fabulous thing.It enables you to have a wonderful roof over your head, wear theclothes that help you tell the world who you are and what you’re about.Money buys education opportunities, cultural experiences, and moneyenables you to help others in need. You would certainly think moneywas terrific if you were giving it to Katrina victims or the parents ofa child with a debilitating disease. If you have ever seen the movie “The Secret,” you will know that whatever you put out into the universeis what you attract to you. So that’s the first tip to creating abudget – think positively about your money. You may find that you havemore than you thought you had.
Tip #2: List the categories by which you live. If eating out is amajor part of your life then you’ll want to have a dining out category.If after-school activities are a large part of your child’s life andyour family expenses then that is a category for your budget. Manybudget forms have categories that won’t make sense for your lifestyle.If you want to create a budget that you can live by, and that is easyto use and easy to follow, create categories that make sense to you andyour family. The budget forms that I have on my website are a goodstarting place. Feel free to add categories, and ignore the ones thataren’t appropriate for you.
Tip #3: Be realistic about your income. This is more difficult forself-employed individuals, commission based sales people or businessowners, because business fluctuates. For regularly employed peoplewith a predictable pay check, your budget should reflect your currentpay check – after taxes.For folks dealing with unpredictable income, take a look at the minimumyou’ve made over the past 5 years and base your budget on that income.This way, all your financial bases are covered. If you use the highestincome you’ve made in the past 5 years then there may be months whenyou make less and your budget won’t work. The good news is that whenyou use your minimum average income you will often have extra money.Plan how you’ll use this extra money so you don’t throw it away onmeaningless junk. Now my definition of meaningless junk is probablydifferent from yours, so you will have to figure that out for yourself.
Tip #4: Set realistic financial goals. Budgeting isn’t about goingwithout. It’s about setting and attaining your financial goals. It’sabout success, not failure. Before you sit down to create a budget,take a few minutes to evaluate and document your financial goals. Doyou want to save for a vacation, college, retirement, a new car or allof the above? You can save for all of these, but you have to have aplan. Without goals, a budget is nothing more than a detailedcheckbook register.Many people have difficulty doing this. It is hard sometimes to thinkpast the next week or month, never mind 5-10 years down the road orbeyond. Remember, I can help. anyone who has signed up for mynewsletter is entitled to a free 30-minute session with me, to evaluatewhere you are right now, and to determine if you are on the path tomeeting your goals. If you would like to schedule a session, send an emailwith your phone number to me at info@itsstillyourmoney.comand I will give you a call to set something up.
Tip #5: Plan for fun. If your budget is all about financial burdens,it will be painful to create and more painful by which to live. Maketime, and financial room, for fun in your life. If you love going tothe movies, create a budget category for going to the movies once amonth. If you absolutely love skiing or taking your children to thezoo then fit that fun time into your budget. If you have read my book,”It’s Your Money! You Keep It!,” you will know that the savings methodI present there includes a category for fun, and the money must bespent at least every 90 days. Fun helps you stay healthy, and helps toreduce stress.If you want your budget to be something that is easy to create and eveneasier to follow, follow these five tips. Making a budget can betremendously empowering. Have fun with it! Remember, I am here tohelp.
Send your questions or comments to me at
info@itsstillyourmoney.com
http://www.itsstillyourmoney.com
The information in this article may be reproduced, provided the author’s name and website information stay in tact.
Budget! It’s Really A Great Word!
by
Connie david
Sit among a group of friends and associates and mention the word budget, and suddenly everyone has somewhere else to be. Usually no one wants to talk or think, about budgets, and certainly nobody wants to follow one. However, if you look at budgeting with open eyes it is actually a fantastic thing. Here are three reasons why “budget” may become your favorite word):
Reason #1: A budget puts you in control of your money instead of your money controlling you. On what did you spend your last $100? You may not remember. Maybe it was a pizza, or stickers for your children, maybe it went to
piano lessons or a new pair of boots. The point is, many people have no idea where their money goes. When you set, and follow, a realistic budget your cash is freed up so you can spend your money on things that are important to you and your family rather than spending it on purchases you won’t remember buying ten minutes later.
Reason #2: A budget can improve your relationships. Everyone knows that money is the biggest cause of stress in a marriage or relationship. Debt causes tremendous stress and so does the fear that you won’t be able to pay your bills. Not only is this stress hard on the family, but it can ruin your health. When you form a financial plan with your family, you work together as a team to reach your goals. The lines of communication are opened and the stress is eliminated because you have a plan and a team of support. Additionally, when you’re all on the same page financially there are no arguments about money, which makes better relationships with your spouse and your children.
Reason #3: Most people would agree that it is better to live within your means than to get into debt. However, some people don’t realize they’re living beyond their means until it is too late and the debt has become overwhelming – and stressful. A sound budget keeps you living within your means and prevents or eliminates debt. A structured and realistic budget prevents the “Oops I spent too much on my credit card this month” mistake that we often make month after month until we’re paying more on our minimum balance than on our mortgage. If this applies to you, don’t let it get to this point. Take advantage of the power of a budget and gain control over your financial life.
There is absolutely no downside to forming a budget and we’ve only scratched the surface of the benefits they provide. Take a few minutes to realistically analyze your spending habits, your income, and your financial goals. I promise you’ll be glad you did. I’ve even made it easy for you. You can download two budget sheets from my website. One is in Microsoft Word format, the other is in Excel. Feel free to add categories that reflect your family’s spending. the worksheets can be downloaded at www.itsstillyourmoney.com/Budget_Worksheet and www.itsstillyourmoney.com/budgetworksheet.xls
One more tip: print a copy to hang someplace where you will see it. working with it on your computer is great, but it won’t help you much of you can’t see it.
Good luck, and send any questions you have to info@itsstillyourmoney.com. For more information visit http://itsstillyourmoney.com
This article may be reproduced, provided all iditentifying information including the author’s name and URL are left in tact.
Benefits Of Creating A Budget
by
Connie David
A budget is a spending plan, and it is your single best tool for knowing where your money is going and with how much you have to work. Just the mention of the word budget can send even the most structured and organized person running for the hills. A budget, however, has several tremendous benefits.
Among them are:
#1: A budget makes it easy to save and know if you have extra money. By tracking your expenses and income, and controlling how much you spend on variable expenses, you will quite likely find that you have more money than you thought you had. What are you going to do with that extra money? If you are using the savings plan I laid out in “It’s Your Money! You Keep It!”, you know that you can put that money in an envelope to save for Fun. That means you can go to that five star restaurant you’ve been anxious to try. You can also go on that vacation, if you have saved
properly.
#2: A budget saves you time. How long does it take you to collect information at the end of the year for taxes? Even if you don’t do your taxes yourself, gathering all of those financial documents can take days and can be extremely stressful.
When you have a budget, all of your expenses and income, including your taxes, are documented. This is particularly the case if you use a spreadsheet program or accounting software. If you have used either of the budgeting worksheets from my website, you will have a month by month record of your spending, categorized, and just waiting to present to your acountant, tax person, or to put into turbo Tax.
To get those worksheets, go to
www.itsstillyourmoney.com/Budget_Worksheet or www.itsstillyourmoney.com/budgetworksheet.xls
#3: A budget makes it easy to track, and control, your spending. It gives you freedom from the stress of not knowing whether of not you have enough money to cover certain expenses. It is so much better to control your finances than to let them control you.
#4: A budget can reduce family and personal stress. A family budget creates an environment of teamwork and communication rather than one of stress and blame. Everyone is accountable for the spending decisions made and the financial goals toward which you’re striving.
#5: A solid budget makes it easy for you to make spending and investment decisions with confidence. Have you ever had the chance to invest in something but you weren’t sure if you could afford to do it? With a solid budget in place you know exactly where you stand financially and your investment decisions can be made with
the right information at your fingertips.
#6: Budgets help you plan for the future with ease and confidence. Are you saving for your retirement? If yes, are you saving the right amount or should you be saving more? Are you going to need a new car soon? If you are, will you have the money for it? A budget gives you the ability and the confidence to plan for the future because you know exactly how much money you have to work with right now.
There really is no downside to budgeting. It reduces one of the most significant causes of stress in your relationship, and it puts you in control of your money and your future.
For more information on this and other other related topics, visit
Benefits Of Creating A budget
http://www.itsstillyourmoney.com
This article may be shared, provided all resource information, including author’s name and website, remain in tact.
TEN TIPS FOR AVOIDING IDENTITY THEFT
by
Connie David
Everyone seems to be very worried about having their identity stolen, and justifiably so. Credit cards and/or numbers are stolen, social security numbers are easily available to almost anyone, and it seems as though there are more and more unscrupulous people out there just waiting for the chance to prey on some unsuspecting person. Turn your back for a second, and your purse is gone. Fax information to someone, and the next thing you know, someone is buying concert tickets with your credit card.
Well, there are some things that you can do to help yourself in the event you become a victim of identity theft. The sooner you discover the theft and take action, the faster the thief can be stopped from using your information for his/her gain. The first couple of tips can actually help to prevent thieves from using your information. the others will help you stop them after the fact. I hope these tips help you rest a little easier.
The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your check book they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name but your bank will know how you sign your checks. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box use your work address.
Never have your Social Security number printed on your checks. You can add it if it is necessary, but if you have it printed, anyone can get it. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Coppy both sides of each license and credit card. You will have all of the account numbers and phone numbers for the things in your wallet in case you need to call and cancel the cards. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. A home safe or safe deposit box work well.
Make sure that someone knows how to access this information in an emergency. If you are unable to access it yourself, that person can read the information to you, so you do’t waste time reporting the theft. Carry your wallet or billfold in a way that is difficult for someone to get a hold of. If you have a zipper pocket in your jacket of pants, put it there. Then keep the jacket on, or carry it in such a way that the zipper is next to your body. By removing the billfold from your purse, ladies, if someone grabs your purse, the articles most wanted aren’t in there. If you carry your wallet in a fanny pack, wear it in front. You can see it, and it is harder for someone to remove items from it. carry a photocopy of your passport when you travel either here or abroad. When you leave your passport in a hotel room, lock it in the room or hotel safe. Do NOT just hide it in a suitcase or jacket pocket.
We’ve all heard horror stories about identity theft. I recently heard a story about someone who had his wallet stolen. Within no time, the thief had applied for credit cards, established a line of credit for a Gateway computer, and changed his driving record with the Department of Motor vihicles. That was just the beginning. But here’s some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:
We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call.That is why I suggested you make photocopies of all of your credit cards and your driver’s license earlier in this article. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction in which the theft occurred. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation should there be one.
But here is perhaps the most important thing:
Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.
According to the story I told you earlier, there are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves’ purchases, none of which he knew about before placing the alert. After placing the alert, no additional damage was done. It
Seemed to have stopped them in their tracks.
The numbers are:
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
Remember, you can prevent this kind of thing from happeneing to you. Be smart, and don’t give the thieves an opportunity to take advantage of you.