Financial Simplicity:
I really can’t think of anyone who is debt-free. The way things are going, many people don’t have much choice, but to fall deeper and deeper into the trap. It seems more people these days are taking out high interest loans and some even use home equity loans to finance car titles; some even for survival.
Pay off your credit cards, school loans and anything preventing you from saving monthly. Don’t use one credit card to pay another and if you find yourself buying food and medicine on credit that should be an immediate sign you need to budget and simplify.
Try public assistance and medical assistance if need be. There are tons of free services offered for the disabled and veterans of war. Most states offer food, medical, money and housing for mothers with young children.
If you really need the help, take it and don’t feel ashamed…it’s better than getting yourself into debt you might never be able to get out of. We pay taxes and should accept the benefits when we’re really in need.
When you finish paying off your credit cards, don’t charge again! I keep a few cards around for emergencies. You no longer need a credit card to rent a car. Some rental car places will let you use a debit card. Sometimes I treat myself to a small purchase but make sure I pay it off immediately.
Late payments and high interests rates will get you in the end. If you don’t pay it off immediately, you end up paying more for each product purchased.
Keep away from home shopping channels and television. Don’t allow the advertisers to tell you what you need. Once you’ve established the difference between your wants and needs you should have no problem controlling desires to purchase unneeded material possessions.
If you can’t pay off your credit card balances every month, definitely try 10% and no less. Be careful with some of those companies offering consolidation loans; there usually seems to be a catch. Research anything and everything!
One method I use for keeping my finances under control is the CHEAP and NECESSARY METHOD. When I go through my checkbook, every month, I try and make sure that all purchases were cheap and or necessary. Sometimes you can’t go cheap , still, think about alternatives before purchasing.
No matter what, treat yourself and your family from time to time; and remember, there’s lots of fun and free activities out there. If you don’t have the cash, try to do without – but don’t charge! Buy used and save the difference.
Investigate financial institutions before going with just any bank. I bank at a credit union. I find they offer more services than banks and pay higher interest on savings. They’re more about membership then catering to the rich. There was a time anyone could get into a credit union but nowadays they might check your credit and won’t offer you a checking account upon joining…it’s worth the wait though.
Fashion Simplicity:
The fashion bug has affected all of us at some point; for the most part females. We are constantly made to feel we must have a certain product or we won’t fit in and be beautiful enough. Too often, we think we’re fat and need to buy membership at the nearest gym, or call a weight loss center and purchase their expensive, unhealthy meal packages to end up looking like something we’re not – and there goes more money.
For exercise, I walk as much as my time allows. It’s free, healthy for almost any age and helps maintain a healthier weight. I don’t live on a diet but rather incorporate regular mild exercise, drink lots of water and choose more natural foods. I don’t feel deprived at all and I still enjoy Peanut M&M’S every once in a while.
A healthier diet can reduce your grocery bill as well.
Cosmetic and fashion companies know just how to make you feel less of a person; as do some of the new TV shows that make people feel like they have absolutely no sense of dress or make-up application. Sometimes I think after people are made over on some of these ridiculous shows, they actually end up looking worse.
I wear very little or no make-up at all. I don’t wash my face with soap every day as that will tend to dry out your skin. Women spend so much money on creams and cleansers that actually remove the ph balance from skin. Sometimes plain water is all that’s necessary. I’m 41 and at times still get carded.
If I want to smell extra special other than just a soap and water scent, I use natural perfume oils or naturally scented lotions. I find lotions last longer on the skin and have a moisturizing benefit.
I can’t see paying hundreds of dollars on ladies fragrances mostly containing drying alcohol and other ingredients I can’t even pronounce. I love the fragrance and body products from http://soul-flower.com.
They’re reasonably priced, great customer service and most items are handmade…great soaps! Another great site for homemade soap, modest dresses, self-sufficiency products and books is http:/mennonitemaidens.com.
Jewelry: well, lots of women love it and it’s another way of wasting your hard earned money. Lately, I stopped wearing much jewelry at all and even my wedding band seems to get in the way.
I don’t feel as free to move and work when I am wearing it. I recently found that sterling silver contains a natural antibiotic element. Gold contains elements which may cause certain skin allergies.
I prefer 999 pure silver as opposed to 925 silver. Organic jewelry is cheaper and generally looks more beautiful than over-priced items being sold at most jewelry stores.
I am lucky enough to have a free clothes store nearby. I simply walk in and pick out whatever I want for free. I usually trade out clothes that no longer fit. They also have free books, games and accessories; a local church runs it and their only rule is you limit your visits to once a month.
My children and I have gotten the nicest outfits there and no one would ever guess they were used and free. Wear what you feel comfortable in and what you like, although you can’t go wrong with a good pair of sandals or tennis shoes… That I don’t skimp on. Your feet carry your whole body and having just one pair of good shoes that last (like my Birkenstocks or Doc Martens) is worth paying more. I have a friend that wears her comfy sandals even to weddings and dressy affairs. Hippyshop.com has some great comfy sandals.
Simple Transportation:
Most of us have no choice but to own a vehicle. I don’t like monthly car payments so I’ve always driven older Volvos. Try to buy used and save the difference. This buy used and save the difference is a concept that could work for almost every single aspect of living.
There are some benefits to leasing but you will always have payments without owning (unless you have a lease to own option) so read the fine print. Many companies such as Honda and Toyota are leading the way in alternative, more efficiently run cars. Lots of people are switching to engines run on hempseed oil or veggie oil. Honda is experimenting on cars run by oxygenated water.
Look around for lowest cost auto insurance and keep up with oil and fluid changes as well as tires, etc. Learn as much about your car as possible and learn to buy used parts and fix it yourself. Try to find a job close to home and carpool whenever possible.
Working at home is your best bet and with your new simplification you might very well have the extra time, money and energy to start your own business. Walk or ride a bike instead of driving and take full advantage of public transportation.
Education:
Some of the smartest self-made business people I’ve met never went to college. I’m not against a college education but be smart about it. Don’t go on credit. Work and pay as you go or investigate different options such as grants and/or scholarships. There are many payment programs that never have to be paid back.
As far as educating children goes, there are many more special programs offered through the public school system than that of private schools so investigate before choosing an expensive private education that’s not worth it. You can save that money for college or helping you child in the future for self-employment. My daughter is in the gifted program at public school and I found most of the private schools in the area did not offer anything close to it.
Also, home-schooling is another option when schools in your area are simply not good enough. Look for families of home-schooled children in your area and start a school of your own. There are home-school summer camps and conventions throughout the nation…simply sign up and go.
Just remember, expensive, private education is not always the way to go… lots of these institutions simply want your money; make sure you get what you’re paying for! As far as religious private schools go, I’ve always wondered why they wouldn’t offer FREE tuition!
Entertainment: Tips for fun…
Have a weekly movie or game night.
Go camping in your backyard.
Public libraries offer many fun summer events.
Look in your local paper for free concerts and events.
Go on a one-tank trip.
Take a vacation in your own home.
Go on picnics, window shop or walk on the beach.
Buy a travel-trailer and live on the road& you’ll have hours of travel and entertainment every day of your life.
Be creative about having fun. Try everything at least once, no matter how silly it may sound. There’s a lot to do out there for free or low cost. It’s not always where you go or what you do but rather spending that very needed quality time with family and friends.
Remember to buy used and save the difference and no the difference between your actual wants and needs. Try the cheap and necessary method.
Create a sensible budget and stick to it. Try saving a percentage of any money earned; you need to have money in case of emergencies.
Think of different ways to make more money; maybe you have a service to offer to think about what you’re good at or simply enjoy doing.
Talk to friends and family and figure out ways to trade services. Clean someone’s home, mow their grass, run errands or walk someone’s dog.
Till next time, Peace Always, Gigi
We limit ourselves by thinking that
Things can’t be done. It’s the one who doesn’t
Know it can’t be done who does it.
Peace Pilgrim
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