Inspired Savings

There is no security on this earth, there is only opportunity.

Being resilient means being able to bounce back. Our jobs, health, relationships and financial situation—none of them are guaranteed for life. Just being aware that we can’t predict the future gives us the opportunity to do some positive “what if…” thinking.

So, think about a time when you suffered a loss, experienced a rejection or failed. What helped you move on? Did you need to pull back for a while and let others take care of you before you could venture forth again? Did you jump into something new and, if so, did that work or was it a disaster? Was a particular person supportive and what type of support did you find most helpful? What did you learn about yourself and what strengths did you find? By being aware of what personal resources you bring to any challenging situation, you can be more resilient. That knowledge can help you turn adversity into opportunity.

Money Saving Tips

Don’t throw away that old leaky garden hose! Punch holes in it and use is as a drip hose to water your plants or lawn. Sprinklers will require 50-60% more water than a drip hose because of the loss of water to sun and wind as the sprinkler water goes into the air.

What made you smile today?

What made you proud of your money choices today?

People need joy. Quite as much as clothing. Some of them need it far more.
Margaret Collier Graham

Sometimes it makes sense to do things that seem impractical because they feed our soul. As the popular commercial says, they are “Priceless!” For example, when I lived in a small town in the Philippines as a Peace Corps Volunteer, I was incredulous that very poor people would spend so much on the annual Fiesta activities. Then I realized it was the one day they looked forward to each year when they put aside the normal life stresses, celebrated and took pride in being able to share their food with relatives and friends. Priceless! I’ve seen families pinch pennies to splurge on a beautiful painting, a piano or a special family vacation. The trick is that they saved until they could pay for it and didn’t go into debt. Their choices may have seemed frivolous, but it brought them joy that was priceless! Joy isn’t about money. It’s about touching a place deep within and making a difference for yourself or others. What can you do to have a little joy in your life today?

Money Saving Tips

If you develop pictures and have extras, instead of throwing them away, use them for bookmarks, write your grocery list on the back, use them as a reminder note or an “I love you” message to put in a child’s lunch or your partner’s pocket. Looking at the picture will make you smile and bring
you joy.

What made you smile today?

What made you proud of your money choices today?

Sure I’m for helping the elderly. I’m going to be old myself someday.

Jim thanked us when we delivered a hot meal to his home. He looked to be in his 90’s, had limited mobility and had himself delivered meals to the elderly when he was able. Although he needed some help with his meals, Jim’s life was rich. He had developed many relationships over the years and those friends routinely stopped by and cared about him.

Preparing for your future is about more than just money. A big part of it is having a lifestyle and attitude that includes people in your life who are important to you and to whom you are important.

Some great advice I heard many years ago was to have friends in every decade throughout your life. Do you include older people in your life, whether they are blood relatives or “adopted family”? Their perspective and company may add a wonderful dimension to your life. Sometimes the challenges that come with aging, which you can see firsthand when you are spending time with an older person, can remind you to slow down, be more patient and enjoy the day.

Becoming friends with people 10, 20, 30 and 40 years younger than yourself can also add another wonderful dimension to your life. Maybe it will just be a wonderful friendship or perhaps you’ll play the role of a mentor or the understanding mom or grandma who provides a safe haven. You’ll likely learn new things, gain new perspectives and have experiences and conversations that are important and meaningful. You can shape your future now by the way you create and appreciate your relationships. They can be wonderful resource in so many different ways.

Saving Tip Moneys

Professionally framing your photos or artwork can be very expensive. Instead, get great ideas by looking at professionally framed pieces that are similar to your photos or artwork. Buy pre-cut mats which are much less expensive or, if need be, purchase a custom mat….but not the whole framing package. Look for frames (and framed pictures that you can remove) in thrift stores. Clean them up or paint them and enjoy your new masterpieces!

What made you smile today?

What made you proud of your money choices today?

Money is always on its way somewhere. What you do with it while it is in your keeping and the direction you send it in say much about you.

When you get money, where does it go? If you can’t quickly answer that question, grab a pad or piece of paper and a pen, keep them handy and vow to keep track of every penny you spend for the next four weeks. Write down all the bills, the dollar you gave to someone collecting for charity, the $38 spent at the supermarket (when you were only going for milk!) and all other expenses no matter how small or routine.

The idea is not to judge your spending, but to be aware of where your money is going. Then you can look at your what you are spending on utilities, food costs, eating out/take-out costs, clothes, entertainment/recreation, etc.

After a month, you may be surprised—good or bad—by the results!  Put a star next to things that you were happy with what you spent or it was necessary.  Then look to see if there were some things that looking back, you were sorry you spent your money that way.

And lastly, see if there are some places you can cut by 10% or more to have more money to save or use differently.  It will make you feel much more in control. Once you know where the money is going, you’ll either be happy about your choices or you can look for ways to change what you’ve been doing to get the the kind of results you want.

Money Saving Tips

Students can save you money! Frequently, specialized schools offer greatly discounted services provided by students who are supervised by professionals as they are gaining valuable experience. Check out schools near you that are training students to be dentists, massage therapists, beauticians, nutritionists or dieticians, physical fitness professionals, etc.

What made you smile today?

What made you proud of your money choices today?