Do you think you could pay all your expenses and stay out of debt earning only minimum wage? Check out this New York Times minimum wage calculator here to see how you would do.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Conquer Clutter: The Payoff
Over the past two years, I have slowly been decluttering our home. It all started when I decided that I was sick and tired of spending so much time taking care of and cleaning things. I wanted to spend my time doing things that were of greater value. So, my journey began to get rid of the unnecessary things in my life so I could spend less time cleaning and more time serving and learning. There have been ups and downs along the way. Sometimes I wondered if it really made any difference. When you get rid of one thing a day, you don't see the results as quickly. But, steady progress does pay off eventually. It has been easier to make more difficult decisions when you take it one step at a time. I started with the stuff that didn't fit, we didn't use or didn't need. Once the easy stuff was done, I started on things that had no sentimental attachment. Last, I am working on things that are heirlooms. It is easier to find a balance when you aren't rocking the boat too much at one time.
Each person has their own balance of what is right for them. If you do get rid of the unnecessary items from your life, you feel a sense of freedom as well as it lightens up the work load. It is so much easier to clean the house if we are expecting guests. It really does make a difference. It takes me much less time to clean than it used to. It is wonderful and worth it.
It really doesn't matter what method you do or how fast or slow you go. What matters is that you do something and are consistent until things are the way you want them to be. Letting go of things makes it easier to let go of more things. It is just stuff and you won't take it with you when you pass on.
I have worked with several people who just can't get rid of stuff, including junk. They are so attached to it and won't let it go. They hate the way their home looks because they are embarrassed to invite people over. They feel bad about themselves being surrounded by stuff everywhere. How many times do we hang onto things and feelings that are destroying our peace? I have found that once the stuff leaves, unresolved feelings surface and you have the chance to declutter the feelings that you have been hanging onto that don't contribute to your well being and improve your life.
Letting go brings freedom. It really does make a difference.
If I could go back in time, with the knowledge I have now, I would skip my phase of materialism where the world teaches that what you have is an indication of who you are. I would have more money in the bank, less wasted time shopping, and more peace with what I do have. I wouldn't worry about what others think if I am at peace with my situation. I am grateful for the experiences that I have had and the lessons it has taught me. It doesn't really matter how old we are when we finally start. We can make changes and have that peace the rest of our lives.
Let go. Feel the freedom. It really is worth it.
Each person has their own balance of what is right for them. If you do get rid of the unnecessary items from your life, you feel a sense of freedom as well as it lightens up the work load. It is so much easier to clean the house if we are expecting guests. It really does make a difference. It takes me much less time to clean than it used to. It is wonderful and worth it.
It really doesn't matter what method you do or how fast or slow you go. What matters is that you do something and are consistent until things are the way you want them to be. Letting go of things makes it easier to let go of more things. It is just stuff and you won't take it with you when you pass on.
I have worked with several people who just can't get rid of stuff, including junk. They are so attached to it and won't let it go. They hate the way their home looks because they are embarrassed to invite people over. They feel bad about themselves being surrounded by stuff everywhere. How many times do we hang onto things and feelings that are destroying our peace? I have found that once the stuff leaves, unresolved feelings surface and you have the chance to declutter the feelings that you have been hanging onto that don't contribute to your well being and improve your life.
Letting go brings freedom. It really does make a difference.
If I could go back in time, with the knowledge I have now, I would skip my phase of materialism where the world teaches that what you have is an indication of who you are. I would have more money in the bank, less wasted time shopping, and more peace with what I do have. I wouldn't worry about what others think if I am at peace with my situation. I am grateful for the experiences that I have had and the lessons it has taught me. It doesn't really matter how old we are when we finally start. We can make changes and have that peace the rest of our lives.
Let go. Feel the freedom. It really is worth it.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Simple Savings: Track Your Spending Challenge
Tracking your spending is a good way to get information about your spending habits. Find a note card or a piece of paper to carry with you and jot things down as you spend. That way you always have it with you wherever you go.
I usually have a pretty good idea of how much I spend. As long as I stay in my budget and save money in the bank each month, I am pretty satisfied. This month I am going to track all of my spending. I do this every so often to just see if I am on track or if I am wasting money on things I don't need.
Please join me if you would like. It will provide some great information that could be useful in knowing where you need to make changes.
Spending for the month of March:
March 1: $4.10 on 2 packages of strawberries and 4 bananas
$30 on doughnuts for a church activity that I will get reimbursed for
$11.70 going out to eat
$8.69 on groceries: Organic celery 2.99, Organic bananas 1.38, Hot house cucumber 50 cents, Lemon 44 cents, Organic red pears Two packages at 1.69 each
I usually have a pretty good idea of how much I spend. As long as I stay in my budget and save money in the bank each month, I am pretty satisfied. This month I am going to track all of my spending. I do this every so often to just see if I am on track or if I am wasting money on things I don't need.
Please join me if you would like. It will provide some great information that could be useful in knowing where you need to make changes.
Spending for the month of March:
March 1: $4.10 on 2 packages of strawberries and 4 bananas
$30 on doughnuts for a church activity that I will get reimbursed for
$11.70 going out to eat
$8.69 on groceries: Organic celery 2.99, Organic bananas 1.38, Hot house cucumber 50 cents, Lemon 44 cents, Organic red pears Two packages at 1.69 each
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