Wise Money Habits

Some thoughts on wise spending habits, in no particular order. Just some things I’ve found helpful in life.

1. If you don’t need it, don’t get it. Something that is not needed immediately and can wait for the next paycheck probably should.

2. Keep track of how much you typically spend on “date night”; dinner and a movie can quickly add up to more than $50. If you do this every weekend, that’s $200 that you can’t get back. Save up for special nights: a trip to Disney World, perhaps.

3. Instead of going out every weekend on a nice date, try a casual date night. Dinner at your local pizza buffet (Cici’s – $5 all March!) and then hit up the cheap show times at your local movie theater. You’ll end up spending about $25, half of a typical date night. Or, if possible, catch a drive-in movie and take a picnic lunch. Go to the beach for an afternoon and get smoothies to cool off, or take a walk at the pier with some hot chocolate from Starbucks. Romantic moments don’t have to be expensive!

4. Refrain from getting a snack or drink every time you’re on the road. In fact, avoid eating out during the day as much as possible. Your wallet and your waistline will thank you.

5. Regarding sales: If you didn’t need it, you didn’t save anything. Grandpa’s wise words.

6. If you can pack a lunch or cook at home, do it! The food is much healthier, and you will save a lot of money. Find quick meals you enjoy and you’ll look forward to it.

7. If you can do it yourself, don’t pay someone else to do it. This applies to things like: sewing buttons, mending clothing, cooking meals, installing car batteries, etc. I inherited a bread-making machine: It costs about $20 to make an average of 6 or 7 loaves of bread. Much healthier for you, and cheaper than the $4 wheat breads at the store.

8. Decide what things you need to spend a little extra on, and then buy the store version of everything else. I have long hair, so I use shampoo and conditioner that is about $5-7 a bottle instead of the cheap brands that ruin my hair (I use Dove, Fructis, and Pantene most often). If you value eating healthy food, it’s ok to spend a little more on that. If you think Walmart brand Cheerios aren’t so great, try the Publix, or just stick with the more-expensive cheerios. You get the idea.

9. It doesn’t have to be a Lamborghini. You can get by with the Toyota of almost anything. I use CoverGirl makeup instead of Clinique, like I used to. It’s cheaper, and works nearly as well.

10. When it comes to items that need to last, like sneakers and appliances, buy a decent item the first time. Go ahead and spend that money. If you’re a runner, buying a pair of $50 running shoes is more economical in the long run if they’ll last 6 years instead of buying $30 pairs every three years.

11. Buy in bulk when you can. My husband and I use honey instead of sugar, and it’s an ingredient in his favorite lunch: peanut butter sandwiches. Buying in bulk lasts longer and is cheaper in the long run.

12. Support local stores and mom&pop shops. I go to a local produce store instead of Publix; the food is fresh, better tasting, and much less expensive. When you go out for lunch, support a local family-owned restaurant. The service is usually friendlier too!

13. Don’t by useless gadgets that you’ll never use. Remember that weird looking chopper in your drawer? It’s a pineapple slicer. Last time you used it? 3 years ago. Now the apple-corer, on the other hand, you use on a weekly basis. Don’t buy things that you won’t use if you can do it yourself; they waste money AND take up space. A strawberry slicer would be neat, and we do eat strawberries a lot, but would it lessen my work load significantly? Probably not. Now a sweet potato fry slicer, that is a worthwhile investment. We eat them often, and the fries are terribly difficult to cut.

14. Avoid going to the mall if there isn’t anything you actually need. Instead, try a place like Plato’s Closet or Ashley’s Closet. These are second-hand stores that only purchase from the seller those items that are in excellent condition in the current trends. There is always such variety of style, size, and color, that you are almost certain to find something that you need and like. For $20 I can get a pair of Levi’s and a shirt from American Eagle. Not a bad deal for a whole new outfit!

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Blessing In Disguise

It’s amazing how the things that happen in our lives that seem like negative events are often things that make way for our lives to be better. God has a better plan than I do, and He can see the bigger picture. I just have to have faith that he will fulfill His promises and that He knows best.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

Most of you who will read this blog know that I had a music teaching position last year for 6 months, in lieu of a teacher who had to suddenly leave. I was not selected to continue in the position, as there were other more qualified and more experienced people who were interviewed. I also was passed over for another position for reasons that I believe were less than legitimate. I was rather frustrated with this for a while, really wanting to be able to help my husband in payment of the bills, his college loans, and general savings. I also wanted to be able to have some fairly decent health insurance, and have a better standard of living than I had been able to in the early years of my life. I was somewhat depressed by the turn of events; I had been so looking forward to having a full-time job!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Now I realize that God has put me in a wonderful position in life! I currently teach music lessons twice a week; I have about 9 students total, and I am clocked in for about 6-8 hours a week (depending upon the lesson schedule). I also substitute teach every week, usually averaging 2 days per week, though sometimes I get longer jobs for teachers out on illness, vacation, etc. I have the opportunity to practice my teaching skills in varying classrooms and I am able to experience different teaching styles through the lesson plans given me by the absent teachers. I use the time that I am not working to keep the house looking neat and clean, run errands, cook/bake, study scripture, practice music for church worship team, exercise, pay bills, manage the mail, grocery shop, and do laundry. I am able to spend time with my sister occasionally, and help her with college tasks. I have time to develop skills needed to care for my husband and be a good and loving wife. I nearly always have the house cleaned up and smelling nice, dishes done, and dinner on the table when my husband gets home from work. He doesn’t have to do anything! Once a week I usually attempt some form of new culinary or baking venture so that my husband has something delicious and different to eat, and isn’t stuck with the same foods every day. I also enjoy making healthier foods (I made fresh bread!) that aren’t processed or canned. And the best part is that I can just spend time relaxing with my husband when he gets home — neither of us have to be stressed or rushing around to get things done in the evening because it is already finished. I love being a part-time worker and full-time housewife!

All this is to say, when God closes a door for you he has another one open somewhere that he wants you to go through. It may not be open yet, and you may not recognize it when you walk through it, but have faith and patience and you will see that God has everything under control. 🙂

^” Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31

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Creeper Count

So…I work at a music store, and it’s a pretty neat place to work; you learn many new things and meet all kinds of interesting people. Most people are harmless, friendly, or just odd, but occasionally you’ll get a creeper. I think I need to write a blog and call it “Creeper Count .com” to keep track of all my creepy encounters.

Today: Man walks in with a bright-yellow tom tom, and I have to write him a pass so we know it’s his when he tries to leave with it. There is a little box on the slip I fill out that says “reason for carry in:” and I check one of several reasons, or create one in the blank space. I asked him why he was bringing the tom in and he said he needed to get a head for it. Then he asked, “can I get a little head?” >:O I was so flabbergasted I didn’t know what to say. I eventually said something to the effect of “No you may not.” He asked where to go and I told him where the drum room was and that a police officer would be waiting to escourt him out afterward. I didn’t say much to him when he finally left, but if he had made any more inappropriate remarks I would have said something that I probably shouldn’t.

This is probably the worst, or second worst, thing that’s ever been said directly to me in that store. More to come later.

Should I make a blog about my creeper count? Comments please!

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