My husband is taking a few classes currently to get this state social work certification. He went back to school 3 years ago to get a social work degree, because it was something he was really interested in. He graduated from UWL, but still needed to take a few classes to get his certificate. He just finished this 2 or 4 classes last Tuesday and his teacher told them to check out, http://www.storyofstuff.com/ . We both watch this last night and I have to say most people don't think about what happens to all the stuff they buy. This is a great 20 minute presentation on how the chain works.
I have to say after watching this that I am so guilty of that shopper. I see things on TV and say I need this and I need that, when I really DON'T. This is something that I am going to really try to work on.
Shopping is a hobby to me, so I need to find a new one!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Say good-bye to granite countertops
This article was posted on thenest.com and I was really surprised by it.
The article was originally posted on CNN.
Say good-bye to granite countertops
<http://tinyurl.com/yt8fd5>
My husband and I have been talking a lot lately about remodeling our kitchen. I would really want a lot of top of the line items along with engery star. Now I'm wonder if we'll even get the return if we do this. We were thinking granite counters, new appliances, cabinets, and floors eventually. So maybe we could start the project sooner and choose some less expensive options.
One good thing is the cabinets in our house will most likely go into one of our rental houses, since ours are nicer then the ones currently occupied in them. I also found a site that reviews energy star appliances. http://www.energystar.gov/
The article was originally posted on CNN.
Say good-bye to granite countertops
<http://tinyurl.com/yt8fd5>
My husband and I have been talking a lot lately about remodeling our kitchen. I would really want a lot of top of the line items along with engery star. Now I'm wonder if we'll even get the return if we do this. We were thinking granite counters, new appliances, cabinets, and floors eventually. So maybe we could start the project sooner and choose some less expensive options.
One good thing is the cabinets in our house will most likely go into one of our rental houses, since ours are nicer then the ones currently occupied in them. I also found a site that reviews energy star appliances. http://www.energystar.gov/
My own cleaning products
It has been a few weeks now since I have been using non-commercial cleaning products. After reading Organic Housekeeping and doing some searches on the interest. I have found that all the chemicals in most cleaning products are not good for anyone. I am a person who suffers from allergies. Certain scents and chemicals trigger these allergies also. This is one of the main reasons for my switch.
I now clean with a 50/50 vinegar water mixture. This is an all-purpose cleaner. For sinks and tougher cleaning projects I will add baking soda to the mixture. I was surprised by how well this works. I'm not a huge fan of the vinegar smell, but adding a little fresh lemon juice to the mixture is great!
Other items to help with cleaning:
Salt - Will help to dissolve tarnish.
Baking soda - Will to absorb odors and act as a mild abrasive.
Hydrogen Peroxide - Will help act as disinfect.
Cleaning with vinegar is not only a great way to avoid exposure to many hazardous commercial household cleaners; it’s also cheaper, safer and easier on the environment.
I now clean with a 50/50 vinegar water mixture. This is an all-purpose cleaner. For sinks and tougher cleaning projects I will add baking soda to the mixture. I was surprised by how well this works. I'm not a huge fan of the vinegar smell, but adding a little fresh lemon juice to the mixture is great!
Other items to help with cleaning:
Salt - Will help to dissolve tarnish.
Baking soda - Will to absorb odors and act as a mild abrasive.
Hydrogen Peroxide - Will help act as disinfect.
Cleaning with vinegar is not only a great way to avoid exposure to many hazardous commercial household cleaners; it’s also cheaper, safer and easier on the environment.
Become a Millionaire
So in college I once had a Finance teacher Denise, who gave us an equation to becoming a millionaire by the time you retired. I have been searching the internet to find this equation, but right now I'm empty handed. It went something like this though...
Around the age of 22 if you contribute $2,000 every year for eight years you will have close to a millionair dollars by the time you’re at retirement age. If I could find the equation I could give more specifics on interest rates and so on. The reason this is because the sooner you save money the more interest you will make over time and then you can make interest on that interest. Compound Interest if you would like.
I did find an article online that has a similar equation: How To Become A Millionaire (In 6 Easy Steps!)
I'm happy to say that I'm on track and have contributed more then the equation states. How I look at it is... I would rather live comfortably now, but not splurge. This way when I retire I don't have to worry about $$. Some people say live now... what happens if something happens to you. If something happens to me that is the way things go and the money I have will be given to my children and/or spouse and then they can use it as they like. I would rather have no worries and not have to work at retirement age.
Whatever you decide to do saving now, saving later, just make sure you make it a point to save something for retirement.
Around the age of 22 if you contribute $2,000 every year for eight years you will have close to a millionair dollars by the time you’re at retirement age. If I could find the equation I could give more specifics on interest rates and so on. The reason this is because the sooner you save money the more interest you will make over time and then you can make interest on that interest. Compound Interest if you would like.
I did find an article online that has a similar equation: How To Become A Millionaire (In 6 Easy Steps!)
I'm happy to say that I'm on track and have contributed more then the equation states. How I look at it is... I would rather live comfortably now, but not splurge. This way when I retire I don't have to worry about $$. Some people say live now... what happens if something happens to you. If something happens to me that is the way things go and the money I have will be given to my children and/or spouse and then they can use it as they like. I would rather have no worries and not have to work at retirement age.
Whatever you decide to do saving now, saving later, just make sure you make it a point to save something for retirement.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
No more Junk Mail!!
Well maybe not NO MORE... but at least it will minimized.
I went to www.directmail.com and signed up to remove my name from several mailing lists. We receive credit card applications weekly. It's annoying to have to shed all this paper and throw it.
I also went to all of my online banking accounts and signed up for e-delivery. This way I don't receive a monthly statement. We usually file these and then year end shed and throw them away. Most banks now keep a years worth of online statements to view and print, so there really is no need to have a paper statement sent to your home.
I went to www.directmail.com and signed up to remove my name from several mailing lists. We receive credit card applications weekly. It's annoying to have to shed all this paper and throw it.
I also went to all of my online banking accounts and signed up for e-delivery. This way I don't receive a monthly statement. We usually file these and then year end shed and throw them away. Most banks now keep a years worth of online statements to view and print, so there really is no need to have a paper statement sent to your home.
Welcome Kaitlin Susan!
I am excited to see Kaitlin Susan my newest niece!
I am happy to announce that I once again am an aunt. My niece Kaitlin was born this morning at 9 lbs 5 oz and I hear she is a cutie. This is A (we'll call her), who’s my closest sister in-laws second child and second daughter. We can't wait to go visit them this weekend and see the new addition.
Speaking of my sister in-law, who is only 1 year older than me, and is one of the smartest women I know. She graduated from college with a Business and Accounting degree. Then after her Bachelors she went straight on to get her masters. She worked for several years in Accounting at an energy company and then became a consultant. I would have to say anything she does she does it's over 110%. She and her husband both ran a franchise cleaning office buildings also. She knows money and she knows it well. They together had purchased many properties fixed them up sold them, rented them, and lived in them. They also own a sports bar in Madison, WI. A stop you must make while attending any Badger game or even any time you visit Madison.
LUCKY'S check them out: http://www.luckysmadison.com/modules/web/index.php/id/1
A is currently a stay at home mom, and is very good at it. At 1 her daughter said so many words. She also runs her own business Best Dressed Window's. She sells window treatments. She and her husband just build a new house. The house they sold was beautiful, but this one is unbelievable. It's big. They have 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 3 separate living area's, a bar, a gym that over looks a half court basketball court, and book cases that are doors to a theater room. You got to love it. The first time I walked in I felt like I was walking thru the pages of a Pottery Barn magazine. These two know where to invest their money and always invest it well, as you can see.
Real Estate - Always a good investment! In most cases you will get all if not more money back. When you are renting you are just throwing money alway that you will not receive back.
Rental - If you are able to purchase a property for rental purpose. Just do it! Especially if you are able to get enough rent to pay the mortgage. You then have someone else paying your mortgage payments, thus you are gaining equity.
Stocks - The Company I worked for gave us a 15% discount on their stock prices. It was a no brainer to invest, because no matter what you will make money. I just wish I would of invested tons more. We were purchased again and this is no longer an option. Darn! So if your company has this and your not buying... re-think this option and enroll as soon as your next open enrollment period is available.
Money Market - If you have a savings account try changing it into a Money Market account. They usually have a higher interest rate. There sometimes will be a 2,500 or 5,000 balance minimum so combine other accounts you have. The more money in one account the more interest you will receive.
I am happy to announce that I once again am an aunt. My niece Kaitlin was born this morning at 9 lbs 5 oz and I hear she is a cutie. This is A (we'll call her), who’s my closest sister in-laws second child and second daughter. We can't wait to go visit them this weekend and see the new addition.
Speaking of my sister in-law, who is only 1 year older than me, and is one of the smartest women I know. She graduated from college with a Business and Accounting degree. Then after her Bachelors she went straight on to get her masters. She worked for several years in Accounting at an energy company and then became a consultant. I would have to say anything she does she does it's over 110%. She and her husband both ran a franchise cleaning office buildings also. She knows money and she knows it well. They together had purchased many properties fixed them up sold them, rented them, and lived in them. They also own a sports bar in Madison, WI. A stop you must make while attending any Badger game or even any time you visit Madison.
LUCKY'S check them out: http://www.luckysmadison.com/modules/web/index.php/id/1
A is currently a stay at home mom, and is very good at it. At 1 her daughter said so many words. She also runs her own business Best Dressed Window's. She sells window treatments. She and her husband just build a new house. The house they sold was beautiful, but this one is unbelievable. It's big. They have 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 3 separate living area's, a bar, a gym that over looks a half court basketball court, and book cases that are doors to a theater room. You got to love it. The first time I walked in I felt like I was walking thru the pages of a Pottery Barn magazine. These two know where to invest their money and always invest it well, as you can see.
Real Estate - Always a good investment! In most cases you will get all if not more money back. When you are renting you are just throwing money alway that you will not receive back.
Rental - If you are able to purchase a property for rental purpose. Just do it! Especially if you are able to get enough rent to pay the mortgage. You then have someone else paying your mortgage payments, thus you are gaining equity.
Stocks - The Company I worked for gave us a 15% discount on their stock prices. It was a no brainer to invest, because no matter what you will make money. I just wish I would of invested tons more. We were purchased again and this is no longer an option. Darn! So if your company has this and your not buying... re-think this option and enroll as soon as your next open enrollment period is available.
Money Market - If you have a savings account try changing it into a Money Market account. They usually have a higher interest rate. There sometimes will be a 2,500 or 5,000 balance minimum so combine other accounts you have. The more money in one account the more interest you will receive.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Time
This weekend I was playing Little People with my daughter and thinking that I could not believe she was almost 14 months old already. Time sure flies after you have kids! Maybe it's because your life becomes busier. Not only do you need to think about yourself, but you have another human being to raise into this world. You may also have a boyfriend, husband, significant other, or partner to add to the equation. Yes... there are sacrifices you must make.
Two years ago I would sit on the couch and watch pointless TV shows for hours at a time. I planned my nightly routine by what was on TV for that evening. This is something that I have sacrificed, but I wouldn't call it a sacrifice now. I now think of the time in my life I wasted. Nothing significant has come from watching those shows... yes maybe some entertainment for the night, but not much else.
I can say that I now spend my time with my family... mostly laughing. My daughter is hilarious. She has been adding to her vocabulary daily and when she says words it sounds so cute. She gets mad when she can't do something perfectly, loves to run free (naked), loves to sit by herself reading books, and has to say HI to everyone. This is our entertainment now and it's much better then anything. To watch a little baby go from crying and sleeping... to... holding their head up... to... sucking their toes... to... waving bye... to... crawling... to... walking... to talking is just a unbelievable thing. It's something that you just need to experience.
It's not always easy... it's an adjustment and is hard work to raise a family, but it is also one of the most rewarding experiences.
Two years ago I would sit on the couch and watch pointless TV shows for hours at a time. I planned my nightly routine by what was on TV for that evening. This is something that I have sacrificed, but I wouldn't call it a sacrifice now. I now think of the time in my life I wasted. Nothing significant has come from watching those shows... yes maybe some entertainment for the night, but not much else.
I can say that I now spend my time with my family... mostly laughing. My daughter is hilarious. She has been adding to her vocabulary daily and when she says words it sounds so cute. She gets mad when she can't do something perfectly, loves to run free (naked), loves to sit by herself reading books, and has to say HI to everyone. This is our entertainment now and it's much better then anything. To watch a little baby go from crying and sleeping... to... holding their head up... to... sucking their toes... to... waving bye... to... crawling... to... walking... to talking is just a unbelievable thing. It's something that you just need to experience.
It's not always easy... it's an adjustment and is hard work to raise a family, but it is also one of the most rewarding experiences.
Organic Meats
Over the last several weeks I have done a lot of research on organic meats (mainly grass-fed beef). In my search I have discovered many benefits to switching to this instead of grain-fed.
When you feed your family grass-fed beef, you can feel quite confident that you are doing the best you can to dramatically reduce, if not eliminate, many of the health concerns you may have regarding the quality of the beef you consume. Grass-fed beef are not given antibiotics or hormones from start to finish.
I then search for some places that I could purchase these meats in bulk. I found a few places around the area where I live, but in the back of my head I was thinking... how do I know it's really organic? Later that night I was talking to my cousin on the phone and I told her all the things we have been trying to do to be greener and how I really wanted to switch the meats we are currently eating. I was presently surprised when she told me that her husband’s family raised organic meats. So I will be giving them a call as soon as my freezer is empty to stock up on some healthier meats. I never really thought about what goes into animals before getting to the markets, until recently.
E-coli : A study by Cornell University has determined that grass-fed animals have far fewer E. coli (approx. 300 times less) than their grain fed counterparts. Also in the same study, the amount of E. coli they do have is much less likely to survive our first line defense against infection, stomach acid. This is because feeding cattle grain makes their digestive tract abnormally acid, and over time, the 'bad E. coli' has become acid-resistant. So if we ingest them in our food a large number of them can potentially survive our stomach acid and go on to grow in our gut, causing an infection. Since the Cornell study in 1998 many groups have tried to contest the results. A study by the USDA Meat and Animal Research Center in Lincoln Nebraska (2000) has confirmed the Cornell research.
When you feed your family grass-fed beef, you can feel quite confident that you are doing the best you can to dramatically reduce, if not eliminate, many of the health concerns you may have regarding the quality of the beef you consume. Grass-fed beef are not given antibiotics or hormones from start to finish.
I then search for some places that I could purchase these meats in bulk. I found a few places around the area where I live, but in the back of my head I was thinking... how do I know it's really organic? Later that night I was talking to my cousin on the phone and I told her all the things we have been trying to do to be greener and how I really wanted to switch the meats we are currently eating. I was presently surprised when she told me that her husband’s family raised organic meats. So I will be giving them a call as soon as my freezer is empty to stock up on some healthier meats. I never really thought about what goes into animals before getting to the markets, until recently.
E-coli : A study by Cornell University has determined that grass-fed animals have far fewer E. coli (approx. 300 times less) than their grain fed counterparts. Also in the same study, the amount of E. coli they do have is much less likely to survive our first line defense against infection, stomach acid. This is because feeding cattle grain makes their digestive tract abnormally acid, and over time, the 'bad E. coli' has become acid-resistant. So if we ingest them in our food a large number of them can potentially survive our stomach acid and go on to grow in our gut, causing an infection. Since the Cornell study in 1998 many groups have tried to contest the results. A study by the USDA Meat and Animal Research Center in Lincoln Nebraska (2000) has confirmed the Cornell research.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Organic Foods
I have been doing a lot of research on Organic Foods and have decided that I will try a few new products each time I purchase groceries.
Last week I stopped at my local People Food Co-op. I purchased some organic fruit, spaghetti sauce, pasta noodles, and apple sauce.
I made organic lasagna and I have to say the sauce alone with the noodles tasted so much fresher then the Prego sauce and noodles I normally buy.
If you are unfamiliar Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance our environmental quality for future generations. Organic meats, poultry, eggs and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. A product can be labeled "organic" after given Governmental approval certifier inspects the farm where the products are grown. The USDA at this time makes no claim that organically produced food is safer or more nutritious, but looking at the facts.
Would you rather have something pure or nature.... or exposed with chemical you don't know what would do to your body?
Fact... it's a personal choice.
Last week I stopped at my local People Food Co-op. I purchased some organic fruit, spaghetti sauce, pasta noodles, and apple sauce.
I made organic lasagna and I have to say the sauce alone with the noodles tasted so much fresher then the Prego sauce and noodles I normally buy.
If you are unfamiliar Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance our environmental quality for future generations. Organic meats, poultry, eggs and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. A product can be labeled "organic" after given Governmental approval certifier inspects the farm where the products are grown. The USDA at this time makes no claim that organically produced food is safer or more nutritious, but looking at the facts.
Would you rather have something pure or nature.... or exposed with chemical you don't know what would do to your body?
Fact... it's a personal choice.
Rental Property
I'll start out by saying this is a great way to earn equity and sometimes cash flow right away, but it's not always that easy.
My husband and I have very different management styles when it comes to managing our rental properties. I would say I'm stricter, and he is very laid back.
Well this year we decided that he would pretty much manage them alone and I would do the financial responsibilities once rent was paid. This has helped with our different view points. For Christmas this past year he decided it would be a good gesture to send both families a gift card to Festival Foods. I was not necessarily for this since they both owed us a few months rent. He did it anyway and I tried to bit my tongue... which was very hard.
Come mid-January.... they both sent really nice person Thank-you notes alone with rent paid in FULL. I have to tell you I was so shocked that his gesture paid off I didn't know what to do with myself.
My husband and I have very different management styles when it comes to managing our rental properties. I would say I'm stricter, and he is very laid back.
Well this year we decided that he would pretty much manage them alone and I would do the financial responsibilities once rent was paid. This has helped with our different view points. For Christmas this past year he decided it would be a good gesture to send both families a gift card to Festival Foods. I was not necessarily for this since they both owed us a few months rent. He did it anyway and I tried to bit my tongue... which was very hard.
Come mid-January.... they both sent really nice person Thank-you notes alone with rent paid in FULL. I have to tell you I was so shocked that his gesture paid off I didn't know what to do with myself.
Organic Housekeeping
I have received the Organic Housekeeping book that I recently ordered. I have finished a few chapters and have to say I agree with a lot of thing in this book.
Since reading this I have decided to give my mom most of my old cleaning products and have switched a home made vinegar base cleaner. To tone down the vinegar smell I add a little fresh citrus to the mixture. The cleaner works great and I have to say I love. I have very strong allergies and with all the chemicals in store bought cleaners, it's just simply NOT GOOD for anyone. It's also safe for younger children to be around.
Check out the book!
Since reading this I have decided to give my mom most of my old cleaning products and have switched a home made vinegar base cleaner. To tone down the vinegar smell I add a little fresh citrus to the mixture. The cleaner works great and I have to say I love. I have very strong allergies and with all the chemicals in store bought cleaners, it's just simply NOT GOOD for anyone. It's also safe for younger children to be around.
Check out the book!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Jack Johnson
In my household we love Jack... and have him playing on the iPod often. Even more than his music Jack Johnson is very eco-friendly, which is great to see.
Well Jack recently created a "green" building complete with solar panels for power. The wall insulation made from 100-percent post-consumer waste (cotton from blue-jean scraps) and roof shingles made from recycled material.
Here is an article about the eco-friendly studio:
http://www.ecorazzi.com/2008/01/29/jack-johnsons-new-eco-friendly-jams-to-hit-next-week/
Jack Johnson's new video:
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20176513,00.html
Well Jack recently created a "green" building complete with solar panels for power. The wall insulation made from 100-percent post-consumer waste (cotton from blue-jean scraps) and roof shingles made from recycled material.
Here is an article about the eco-friendly studio:
http://www.ecorazzi.com/2008/01/29/jack-johnsons-new-eco-friendly-jams-to-hit-next-week/
Jack Johnson's new video:
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20176513,00.html
5 cents
So I went to Festival the other afternoon to pick up some flowers and a few groceries. I had my own bag which I unfolded right before paying. The cashier asks, "Do you have your own bags?" Yes, I said. Ok... and he gave me a 5 cent discount. I know 5 cents is not much, but just think of all the times you go to the store 5 cent could add up over a life time. Plus the big thing is that you are saving on the environment. Which makes one feel good!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Monday, February 4, 2008
The Automatice Millionaire
So yesterday my husband, daughter Bailey and I went to Barns and Noble for some coffee and shopping. We each decided we would get a book. Isaac's was involving history. I don't remember the name, since I was never a big fan of history. Bailey's was Quack Quack. A fuzzy book with different animals and how they feel when you pet them. Mine was The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach. I have wanted this book for several years now and finally made my purchase. I am happy to say that I finished this book yesterday. It was a good read that kept my attention. I highly recommend this book to everyone and will probably start giving it as part of wedding gifts because I believe it will really help anyone. The first thing I did after completing it was to up my 401k contribution from 8% to 10%. This is one of the first steps to Paying Yourself first and that is just what I did. My husband’s employer puts a little over 10% into a 401K plan for him without him contributing a dime. I need to get in there!! Anyway we are setting ourselves up for a great life when we retire.
Friday, February 1, 2008
I'm not cheap!
So being frugal is often seen as cheap, as statement below in its definition.
I did not always consider myself fugal, but do now. I don't just buy clearance items. Although I do like a good clearance buy, I think first. "Would I buy this item if it was full price?" If yes, then it's in the cart. Toiletries, cleaning products, and some home accent items are a few of the clearance things I will purchase. I use to purchase some clothing on clearance, but stay away from that now. Those items tend to have less quality and don't last as long. I love Banana Republic, but they are pricey, so I now shop the outlet. In Wisconsin Dells they have a Tanger Outlet mall, which happens to have a Banana Republic store among other great stores. I only pay about half the price that I would at the regular stores and still get the great quality. Now I buy the clothing I need, which lasts longer but a bit more expensive. Overtime I do believe this will save money.
I did not always consider myself fugal, but do now. I don't just buy clearance items. Although I do like a good clearance buy, I think first. "Would I buy this item if it was full price?" If yes, then it's in the cart. Toiletries, cleaning products, and some home accent items are a few of the clearance things I will purchase. I use to purchase some clothing on clearance, but stay away from that now. Those items tend to have less quality and don't last as long. I love Banana Republic, but they are pricey, so I now shop the outlet. In Wisconsin Dells they have a Tanger Outlet mall, which happens to have a Banana Republic store among other great stores. I only pay about half the price that I would at the regular stores and still get the great quality. Now I buy the clothing I need, which lasts longer but a bit more expensive. Overtime I do believe this will save money.
Frugality defined
Also known as thrift or thriftiness, often confused with cheapness or miserliness, is a traitional value, life style, or belief system, in which individuals practice both restraint in the acquiring of and resourceful use of economic goods and services in order to achieve lasting and more fulfilling goals. In a money-based economy, frugality emphasizes economical use of money in meeting long term personal, familial, and communal desires.
Definition provided by Wikipedia... The Free Encyclopedia.
Definition provided by Wikipedia... The Free Encyclopedia.
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