Income & Expenses

This is a long post but there are THREE good ideas in here...

In 1oth grade, I took accounting with Mr. Doran. I learned about the two sides of the income statement (or was it the balance sheet). Anyway, the two main points I have retained from that class are: Income & Expenses. How do these apply to my household?

Expenses: Here are two things that I’ve done to save hundreds of dollars:

· #2: I just joined Couponsense (after going to a short orientation class last Saturday). Coupons have never been my thing (I'm not that organized). However, after seeing women on the news buying $100 worth of groceries for $1, I explored it and found that I could save $300-500 a month on food and supplies (including diapers for two).

Check it out: couponsense.com.

(The best part organizationally is that I don't have to actually clip the coupons until it is time to go shopping and they tell me where to buy what based on sales and coupons.)

Here is how it works: (Overall approach: match your coupons to store sales)

a. Organize coupons so you can find them when the sale starts (perhaps weeks after the newspaper publishes the coupons). Coupons last for 4-6 months.

b. Get the coupons each week and store them in a hanging file folder. Buy three papers and get three sets of coupons! (Couponsense even has a deal with the Arizona Republic to get extra Sunday papers for 75 cents each-just so you can get additional sets of coupons.)

c. Use the couponsense website to create a grocery list (They'll tell you what is on sale where and what coupons you have saved from the Sunday paper. They cover 13 stores in AZ. This may mean you need to shop more than one store to get the best deals. You can opt only one store if you want.)

d. Get the matching coupons from your hanging file folders (the website tells you which coupon is in which coupon packet in your hanging file folders).

e. Shop and save.

Example:
Couponsense tells you:
a) X-grocery store is having a sale on toothpaste (regularly $2 and on sale for $1) AND

b) You have a 50 cent coupon for toothpaste in your hanging folder.

You go to the store, which happens to double coupons and buy the toothpaste for $1. You turn in a 50 cent coupon from your hanging file folder system, which is valued at $1 (store doubles the coupon).

You get the item for FREE!

Seriously, that is how it works.

I tried it out last week: matching coupons to sale items and got shampoo and conditioner for free at Walgreens (I had to pay sales tax only). Um, yeah....I could handle this - as long as they do the organizing.

I'm going to try it for the spring. They said that you can really see a difference in your grocery bill by week 6. As long as they organize it and I save, I'll keep going!

(The ladies at the class said they no longer pay for toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, etc...they ALWAYS have coupons to match to sales = free!).

Also, there are so many things that I can get for free that even if I don't use that specific product, it is an easy way to collect items for free to donate to food banks or other charitable causes.

Cost for this program: $14/month for couponsense ($4 for 1st month) and ~$10+ a month for the paper. So, if I save at least $24, I can keep going. My goal, save $300+.

· #1 – I’m buying used clothes. Honestly, I’ve always done this. This might sound crazy (and it probably is) but I’ve always felt that once used, clothes have a story. Some other kid wore these shorts and they went certain places and did certain things and now my kid is wearing them and doing things. I know, strange. I digress.

I recently purchased an entire wardrobe for my son for $14 at a garage sale in my neighborhood (less shoes). For shoes, I exchanged some of my kids' outgrown clothes for shoes at a used clothing store (Kid to Kid if you are in the Phoenix area). My cost: gas to drive the 5 miles.

Seriously, $14 for a case of little boy clothes and shoes. Cute stuff. Gap, Old Navy, Gymboree, Children's Place, etc. That is savings in the hundreds of dollars.

Summary: SAVE wherever you can! The money is God's so commit to using His resources wisely.

Income:
OK, I know we covered the Proverbs 31 woman for 2 weeks (14 posts) but I have to bring her into this discussion. Verse 24 says that “She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.”

I interpret this to mean that she is resourceful. She was running a home-based business. She used her knowledge and abilities to produce something. Then, she was able to use her skills to get people to buy her products (individuals and other businesses). That is industrious!

I have had a photography business for ~5 years now. I primarily photograph high school seniors and infants. I guess that I’m industrious in that I have had a good amount of people purchase prints!

My example? My mom sews. She recently pulled out the ole machine and some thread and started making aprons for kids, bibs, blankets and bean bag sets – to sell to parents and daycares. That is industrious!

Summary-
Income: Does God desire you to explore bringing in extra cash to support your household? What could you do? $100 extra a month? $200, more? A product or a service? Where are your talents? Could you use your God-given abilities to help support your family in different ways?

Expenses: Be industrious. Be resourceful. Be creative. (Plus you might just enjoy the journey…the thrill of the hunt for good deals!)

,..And you might meet some incredible people along the way. I have!


Thanks, Mr. Doran…It really is about balance: income and expenses in this case! And from a Biblical perspective it is about using what God has given us both wisely and for His glory. That is - time, talents, money, physical resources, etc.

You Can't Take It With You

Being thrifty...you mean there is another way to live? I want to take a little different approach other than just tips. There are two reasons for that...(1) I am single and don't have others depending on my income and (2) it's a lifestyle for me...not birthed out of the current economic crisis. Before sharing ideas, I feel it is important to know a little about my history.

Being the daughter of some really awesome parents, money was never a luxury for me. From an early age I wasn't "given" an allowance, but I "earned" one. Along with that came the teaching about giving back to God. "Tithing" was always first. If I had a dollar, then God's tithe came out first. Second to that, was the lesson from Dad about saving money. So, I never really thought the whole "$1" allowance per week was mine...I only had about $.80 o each $1 from the beginning.

Along with that has been the luxury of "debt free" living. You save for big items and/or pay cash. Going into debt for things (other than a house) was NOT an option. Yep, I am a debt free chick who has not lived life any other way. Now, the "savings" account may not always have been "full", but debt-free. And...just in case you are wondering...no, I don't live in the lap of luxury. I don't have money to burn, but I am not poor or living in a dump either! It is SO rewarding and "free" to not be shackled by my finances.

With that being said...here are some things I do to "enjoy life" without breaking the bank:

• Be generous to others...tipping, toys for needy, buy a friends lunch, and stuff like that! Keeps the selfishness in check...at least for me! =)
• Movies...go in the afternoon before the price change or buy movie ticket coupons at the afternoon rates, but use them at night. (I know Carmike Theaters do this.)
• Go out to lunch at the nicer places...lunch pricing is usually less expensive, but plenty of food.
• Splitting a big meal with a spouse or friend can be good, too. Drink "free water" instead of purchasing a $2 (or more) beverage.
• No matter how thrifty you are ALWAYS be a good tipper! (Pay it forward thing.)
• Coupons and NOT buying name brands can save.
• Use the discounts you can get through places (without opening a credit card)...like the cards you can have punched or marked each time you spend, then you get a free something or discount on a future purchase.
• Buy the $10 "student fund-raiser" card if it has things you will use. I have MORE than $10 of savings just from eating at the Mexican place in town!
• Save for big things, then pay cash...I got a 10-20% discount on my new furniture because I paid cash!
• Plan and save for vacations and/or pay ahead of time. Sometimes you get a better deal "ahead", but also you can enjoy your vacation more. If you planned that the meals will cost double "normal" at the amusement park, then it's already paid and it's easier to let it "roll off your back" and enjoy the time with friends and family...no bill when you get home.
• Credit Cards...if you even have one...get totally PAID at the end of each billing cycle. Yes, I have one and it gets paid off each time...I use it because I get "cash back" or "bonus points" in a way that I really can and do use!
• Fill up the gas tank...car runs better when you fill it each time and don't run it down to EMPTY.

It is easy to get caught up in the material world of America. One of the best ways to keep that in check...remember "You can't take it with you."

Clothes Swapping Party

I thought I was pretty thrifty/frugal/cheap/money-wise (however you want to say it) by not shopping at the mall (except for clearance racks) but instead shopping at my favorite consignment stores 'A Second Look' and 'My Sisters Closet and Attic' but then I saw something really cool on Channel 3's news cast and website. It's this new idea of getting friends together for a Clothing swapping party and you spend zero $$$$!
How cool is that?
Here are some websites and info I found.
Check it out.

Free Clothes swap
Community
This swap is for people interested in swapping quality clothing & accessories with others. Clean out your own closet and take home something you can use? Clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry, accessories are each worth one ticket, the more you bring, the more tickets you get, unless a item is wanted by more than one person. If an item is wanted by more than one person, that item will be auctioned for tickets, raffled or silent auctioned. This will make it fun and exciting! The boutique will gladly keep whatever you don't want, or you can take it back home with you. Here are some basic rules to follow to ensure a good swap: 1. No undergarments, however you can bring slips. 2. Please only bring good quality items for swapping. No worn, torn, or stained clothing. 3. We will auction, raffle or silent auction items that are wanted by more than one person. 4. You will get one ticket per each piece you bring. (clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, accessories all welcome) 6. HAVE FUN! Get new stuff. Who can get… Saturday, March 21, 2009, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. ShopDevious.com Beauty Lounge & Boutique. For more info visit www.deviouswigs.com.


C:\Documents and Settings\Owner.YOUR-BA9F125FAB\Desktop\7 Queens of Sheba Blog\clothes swap.htm

THRIFTY

I love the thought that we can be good stewards of our money if we put forth a little effort. Right now in my wallet I have a card that says "WWJB"- What Would Jesus Buy! Every time I open my wallet now I have to see that card. It doesn't always work, but it is a good reminder.
When Justin and I got married we got into debt pretty quickly. Had to have the right ring, the right couch and the right clothes, right? I mean, who doesn't need a pair of Gucci sunglasses! Well, we took a crown class and realized very quickly that thinking that way was not at all biblical, not to mention it wasn't very good common sense either. We kept relying on the next bonus or tax return to pay off the credit card. Fast forward a year later we are $16,000 in debt not including school loans.
We were up to our ears in monthly payments and didn't see a way out. Through Crown Ministries and a fun little book "Americas Cheapest Family" we were able to make a plan and are going to be completely out of debt by December!
It all started with little steps towards a big goal. I am proud to say that I plan meals from sale items and sometimes go to a few grocery stores to find the best prices. I have also become very fond of garage sales and craigslist.
You don't have to be in debt to take the step to be financially responsible. Especially in this economy. Every little thing helps. Bottom line---Spend LESS then you make!!!!!

Being a Good Steward

I too lived with "Thrifty Tam" although I used to refer to her as "Cheap Tam". As I look back now, I see that for my mother, it wasn't really about being thrifty at all. It was about being a good steward of the things that God had given her. As stewards we have a responsibility to use what we have been given wisely. Whether it's our money, our gifts or simply our time. The Bible talks about stewardship in Matthew 25:14-30.

In the Parable of the Talents, a master gave three servants money (called a talent--approximately equal to about $1,000). They were to manage it while he was gone. The first servant received 5 talents. He worked hard, made wise decisions, and doubled the money. The second servant received 3 talents, but he too worked hard and made wide decisions to double what he was given. The third servant received 1 talent and buried it, achieving nothing with it. He did not make wise decisions with his talent. The master was happy with the first two, and they received increased responsibility and blessings. The third was chastised for his laziness.

As Christians, if we understand that, “the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it,” (Psalm 24:1) we can see that we are merely temporary stewards of the things that He owns. It doesn't matter how much or how little we have, what matters is that we make wise decisions with what God has given us.

What kind of steward are you when it comes to your money? Ask yourself these questions:

-Am I being a good steward of what God has given me?
-Am I making wise financial decisions?
-Do I use the my money to help those in need?
-Am I planning for my future?
-What do I do on a daily basis to make sure that I am making good decisions with my money?

Being thrifty is just one of the ways we can be good stewards of the money that God has so graciously given us.
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I wanted to end this blog by giving you some useful tips on saving money, so I went to the thriftiest people I know...the teachers I work with. Here are some of their great ideas.

-Take at least one day to pray over any large purchases. Pray about it and sleep on it before making a large purchase. Allow God to help you make decisions on how you spend the money that He has allowed you to earn.

-Eat out less. Cook at home and pack your lunch.

-Participate in a food (produce) co-op. You get a laundry basket full of fruits and vegetables for 15 bucks. It would cost 50 to 60 bucks at the store. Really nice quality, enough to feed a family of four for two weeks.
You pay online and pick up Saturday mornings. The site is http://02b8ce3.netsolstores.com/producebaskets.aspx.

-Create a budget and live within that budget

-Did you know that anything you have plugged in is using electricity? Your toaster, cell phone charger, hair dryer, etc.--all those things you use only briefly--are driving up your utility bill? Only wash clothes and run dishwasher on offpeak hours.

-My friends and I (who have younger kids of different ages) rotate our kids toys that they either don't play with or aren't the right age for anymore. This saves us from buying a bunch of new stuff and since we're always swapping things for a few weeks my girls never get bored with having the same old toys in our house.

-Clip coupons...favorite ones are the Grocery Game and Coupon Sense.

-Use the library instead of buying books, instead of having a gym membership hike, bike or swim in the pool.

-Instead of planning your meals and then going to the grocery store...go to the grocery store and then plan your meals around what is on sale.

-Save money on insurance by having your home and car with the same company.

Here is my favorite quote from one of the wonderful ladies I work with that helped put things into perspective.

"Remember...you are rich...so am I....I just don't have the money to spend! We are blessed with wonderful girls, precious husbands and many good friends...who could want more!"- Mary

Buy the Bible

Growing up I had to contend with Thrifty Tam. She was, after all, my mother. When we went to eat at sit-down restaurants, Thrifty Tam reared her ugly head and made us take in canned soda to have with our meal instead of buying a fountain drink. We could not go out to eat with Thrifty Tam unless she had a coupon. If we were out shopping and saw an outfit we liked, Thrifty Tam would declare, “I could make that for half the cost!”. Thrifty Tam sewed us homemade Jams (remember the shorts from the 80’s?). Thrifty Tam spent hours in line to get price adjustments of just 50 cents. Thrifty Tam still takes her own peanut butter and pickles in to Einstein Bagels. Now you might think I am not a fan of Thrifty Tam, but truth be told, she is actually my hero! Now that I make my own living and pay my own bills, I admit it - Thrifty Tam was smart! I could use some of her smarts, especially now with the present state of the economy.

Unfortunately Thrifty Tam has always told me I have expensive taste. After a conversation with a friend on how much is too much to spend on a purse and me declaring I would never go over $50, this cute green bag called out to me and no sooner had I thrown down the purse price gauntlet did I find myself purchasing said green bag for $70!! So now officially I will not pay more than $70 for a purse, unless something in the $80 range catches my eye…or $90? $100? Oh my!

I love to shop and I am a perfector of the impulse buy. I reason with myself in my own head at stores and can usually justify buying most things, you know, with “Amy” logic. I never met a Target I didn’t like and feel it is my duty as their #1 shopper to purchase items on a weekly basis. My favorite book is ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’. Hello, my name is Amy and I throw caution to the wind and shop like it is my job.

So what would God say about my obsession? I am pretty sure I don’t take him with me on my shopping sprees. He might be with me, but I sure can ignore the heck out of Him. So what can I do about my obsession? I could blow it off and live by the motto – ‘Life is short, buy the shoes!’, OR I could follow the more biblical motto – ‘You can’t take it with you when you go!’.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” (1 Timothy 6:6–8)

I wrote this verse on a note card and put it up all over my house. I even clipped it to the strap of my cute green purse! Now every day this week I will be reminded to be content with God and not earthly possessions.

Now don’t get me wrong, I have been known to be a little thrifty myself. I mean you can’t live with Thrifty Tam for 18 years and not pick up on some things. If you catch me on a good day, you might see me putting back that impulse buy and actually leaving a Target with nothing more than what I came in with! I have also taken a drink in to a sit down restaurant and when I’m paying the bill, I realize it’s not such a mortifying idea. I often have stores do price adjustments and think of Thrifty Tam and how proud she would be. This is really a great idea, just pay attention to the Sunday ads because a lot of stores will adjust prices due to a sale for up to 2 weeks after you originally purchased the item.

Now Thrifty Tam has no idea how to turn on a computer, but I bet if she did, she would be all over on line coupons. If you are purchasing something online, they always ask if you have a special offer code. To get these codes all you have to do is Google the item and store and you can find working and valid codes that = big savings!! I do this all the time and it works like a charm.

My favorite thrifty date night is me and my hubby surrounded by books and magazines at the local bookstore. You don’t have to spend a dime, unless you can’t resist the cappuccino at the café. But even still, you can read magazines for free and play footsy under the table with your man – who can ask for a better date?!?

Here is a picture of me and Thrifty Tam last year...the yummy dessert was free because it was her birthday!!



Free to be me...

Growing tougher skin or a softer heart?

I have been told more than enough times this week, "grow a tougher skin". I just hate that saying, because I know it is true... but, also a cure to worldly situations. 

My week has been one that I found myself in a position of defending myself, my practices and pondering is that Proverbs 31 woman every in this position? In the turmoil of the week, (Why do woman judge each other?) I couldn't see the outcome but, on Sunday night after giving into rest and listening to God's word... I see my focus was off - way off! 

I was focused on toughening up my shell. I sought friends who would sympathize with my perils and allowed this situation from taking center stage of my life. I not proud that I let what others say or do, rob my joy and sends me in a tailspin.  This worldly solution of my own attempt to grow a tougher skin, only proved to be sour. 

As I reflected on the Proverbs 31 woman again this week, I see clearly that in my weakness, God seeks my undivided attention. In the deep valley, the Proverbs 31 woman turns to God... her path always leads to God, the great encourager and deliverer.  I am confident that Proverbs 31 woman would not have given into growing tougher skin, she would have stood strong and called blessed rather than stirring the pot to demonstrate her strength. 

I always count music as a gift, especially when God places a skillful lyric in my mind at the perfect moment. The lyric gift I was given is by Big Daddy Weave from the song, What Life Would Be Like.  The lyrics of this song illuminates that I am human and need to devote every thought to God and not work to create my solution to a worldly problem.

The lyrics: 

I wish I was more of a man

Have you ever felt that way?

And if I had to tell you the truth

I'm afraid I'd have to say

That after all I've done and failed to do

I feel like less than I was meant to be.

What if I could fix myself

Maybe then I could get free

I could try to be somebody else

Who's much better off than me

But I need to remember this

That it's when I'm at my weakest

I can clearly see, 

He made the lame walk and the dumb talk

He opened blind eyes to see.

That the sun rises on His time

Yet he knows our deepest desperate need

And the world waits while His heart aches

To realize the dream

I wonder what life would be like if we let Jesus live through you and me.

What if you could see yourself thru another pair of eyes

What if you could hear the truth

Instead of old familiar lies?

What if you could feel inside

The power of the hand that made the universe, You'd realize

All our hearts they burn within us

All our lives longed for more

So, let us lay our lives before the one who gave His life for us

How do I feel inside the power of the hand of the Amazing God who made the universe? 

For me, I must take every thought, word and action captive and turn them over to my God.  So, I'll awake in the morning rushing to God instead of to Starbuck's, my job, to do list or a friend to hear about all the injustices I am encountering. I will be reminded that in the deep valley, God will always be there to raise me up.  I will praise rather than complain, I will pray rather than try to toughen up my skin, emulate the ways of the Proverbs 31 woman, rather than take part in the ways of the world's women.

Softening my heart, rather than toughening up my skin...