Just before our first son was born we had a little bit of a family fiasco. Our washing machine, refridgerator and stove all had to be replaced within three days of each other! It was crazy. But, we have never been happier to have our emergency fund. Well, maybe it was when the pipe busted in our cellar and water was spraying everywhere and a plumber had to come replace the pipe. I take that back... we might have been a bit more relieved when our car broke down during our "day trip" with our 14 month old. A trip that was supposed to be just a quick trip for a day at the zoo and under $150 (including food & gas) turned into a three-day, two-night stay with rental car, hotel costs, a tow truck & a mechanic. We definitely busted the budget! I will never again go on a "day trip" without an overnight bag - especially not with young kids!
Challenges and tough times come. No one is excluded from that. A God-focused outlook and prayerful attitude will see you through. One thing that my hubby and I try to do is prepare for those tough times: spiritually and financially. That's why we always put some extra money into our emergency fund. Credit cards are great for quick access to funds, without atm fees, but interest rates... ugh. I don't have anything nice to say about that.
A great rule of thumb for an emergency fund is $1000. It sounds like alot to set aside in one sum, but it's a great number and covers the majority of emergencies we've faced. Just remember: it's for emergencies ONLY! For the unexpected. We've dipped into the fund in the past for "non-emergencies" and it's usually not the best idea. We always work hard to get the money quickly replaced, but it can to easily become a bad habit of dipping into the account. We actually have it set in it's own account at the bank. It's not in an envelope at home (too easy to access) and it's not in our normal savings either (that pays a couple bills each month via autopay). In short, set aside $1000 and keep it separate! If you use a credit card to pay upfront, go home and pay the bill with emergency funds. That's what we've done in the past and it's worked pretty well!
So make a plan to set aside some emergcy funds - every little bit counts.
Stayed tuned for Part #4 of what to do with extra cash: Stocking Stuffers!
Friday, May 31, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
Part #2 of What To Do With Extra Cash - Funny Money
As I mentioned before, my hubby and I work really hard to stretch those extra doses of income we get throughout the year, like bonuses and tax returns. We really want them to be as effective as possible to our financial goals. Although I do some childcare on the side, 90% of our income comes from my husband's job. Over the years, we have casually developed this list of things to do with our extra cash. A couple days ago I shared the first thing we do is tithe (see blog here). After that first step, we pick and choose how to spend the rest of the money based on our current financial goals. One thing we almost always do is what we have come to call funny money! Basically, we set an amount (somewhat proportional to the amount of extra cash we have) that each of us gets as expendable income. We usually go out to dinner an extra night, maybe something nicer than just ordering pizza. But we set aside money that each of us gets to spend - no questions asked. So, I can get my nails or hair done, buy as many mochas at Starbucks as I want, or buy a new shirt/shoes, etc. My hubby can buy a record, put money into his "picking" business, etc. It might only be $40 or it might be $100, but we each get the same amount and get to have fun spending it! In short, it's fun money or funny money as we've come to call it!
The point is this: by determining in advance what we get to spend, we don't splurge on some big item that we don't need just because it looks like a good deal. We also don't feel bummed out that we had extra money and didn't get to do anything fun with it. By spending a little on some fun, we feel better about spending a lot on our long-term goals.
At tax return time, I limited our amount of funny money. My hubby was kind of bummed, but went with it because I made such a good argument for needing to save and all that. Well, we did put some into savings (which I'll talk about next), but we also had a kid-free, weekend trip to Chicago for our anniversary. We ate at some great restaurants, stayed in a nice hotel, and (most importantly) got to see a Bulls game! With the economy as tight as it is right now, don't forget that it's okay to have a little fun with you're extra income. Set your funny money budget and stick to it! In the end, you'll feel better about what you're accomplishing with your money if you don't feel like you have to sacrifice everything all the time to get there.
Stay tuned tomorrow for Part #3 of What To Do With Extra Cash - Emergency Hotline!
Sunday, May 26, 2013
The search is on for a great homemade oatmeal bar!
In an attempt to cut grocery store costs, I've starting trying some at home recipes for some of our favorite store bought snacks. I'm currently on a search to find a great oatmeal bar recipe.
Last week, I tried this recipe I found on pinterest.
First, I had to convert the measurements to standard system. Based on my conversions, here's the recipe I used:
2 bananas (mashed)
7 tbsp butter (melted)
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp cinnamon *next time I'd only use 1
3 tbsp honey
2 cups quick oats
Put mixture in a greased 9x9 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
Let cool. Cut into bars/squares.
My finished product looked like this:
My ratings:
Recipe difficulty: easy
Time: took me less than 10 minutes to make, then 45 to bake
Ingredients: all things I had in my pantry
Taste: too much cinnamon for my first round, that's why I noted I'd only use 1 tsp next time
Texture: the downfall of this recipe - too chewy/rubbery for my liking. Judah (my-two year old) didn't seem to mind the texture. He ate four one day for lunch! But everyone else who tried them agreed that the texture seemed off.
Would I make this again? Probably not. They're not bad for my first attempt, but since I'm not hooked on the flavor or texture - I'm convinced there's something better out there.
Last week, I tried this recipe I found on pinterest.
First, I had to convert the measurements to standard system. Based on my conversions, here's the recipe I used:
2 bananas (mashed)
7 tbsp butter (melted)
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp cinnamon *next time I'd only use 1
3 tbsp honey
2 cups quick oats
Put mixture in a greased 9x9 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
Let cool. Cut into bars/squares.
My finished product looked like this:
My ratings:
Recipe difficulty: easy
Time: took me less than 10 minutes to make, then 45 to bake
Ingredients: all things I had in my pantry
Taste: too much cinnamon for my first round, that's why I noted I'd only use 1 tsp next time
Texture: the downfall of this recipe - too chewy/rubbery for my liking. Judah (my-two year old) didn't seem to mind the texture. He ate four one day for lunch! But everyone else who tried them agreed that the texture seemed off.
Would I make this again? Probably not. They're not bad for my first attempt, but since I'm not hooked on the flavor or texture - I'm convinced there's something better out there.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Hefty odor shield trash bags for $.10 each!
I
I'm always on the hunt for the cheapest price for essentials like toilet paper, paper towels, baby wipes, etc. The best generic brand, dollar store price I've been able to dig out for trash bags has been 45 bags for $5.
Yesterday, I beat that price on hefty odor shield bags at target! Found this box of 100 bags on clearance for $11.77.
Leave a comment with your budget buys!
Friday, May 24, 2013
Part #1 - what to do with extra cash!
Today begins a blog series on what to do with extra cash! As a homemaker operating a family budget that is partially based on commission sales, it's important for us to maximize the extra cash we get throughout the year. My husband and I have a general list of what we do with extra cash. It's helped us pay off some debt and keep up with our growing family! With the exception of today's post, these ideas are not listed in any particular order.
First things first - TITHE!!!!
Tithing is giving 10% of your income to God. Most tithers give their 10% to their home church - that's what we do, although I think giving your tithe to any ministry that's Bible preaching, Christ-uplifting fits the bill. This is a starting point for giving - anything beyond the tithe is thus an offering. Since we have a home church, our tithe goes to our home church. If we have extra beyond our tenth to give, we look for specific project within our church, a missionary team, or even an outside ministry (like a radio station or program, etc) to give to.
From personal experience, I can tell you that tithing can be a hard habit to start and maintain, especially if your on a tight budget living paycheck-to-paycheck. That being said - I can also testify that it is totally worth it. I have never regretted my tithe, even when it meant a bill was paid late. Tithing is a discipline. It's a way to demonstrate your faithfulness to God and your faith in God. It's a way of saying that you're thankful for all God has given you and that you trusting in Him for supplying your future needs. I'm not telling you that if you don't tithe you're not a Christian or anything like that. Or that there aren't other ways of demonstrating faith to God. But I am saying that this one way.
Some food for thought:
First things first - TITHE!!!!
Tithing is giving 10% of your income to God. Most tithers give their 10% to their home church - that's what we do, although I think giving your tithe to any ministry that's Bible preaching, Christ-uplifting fits the bill. This is a starting point for giving - anything beyond the tithe is thus an offering. Since we have a home church, our tithe goes to our home church. If we have extra beyond our tenth to give, we look for specific project within our church, a missionary team, or even an outside ministry (like a radio station or program, etc) to give to. From personal experience, I can tell you that tithing can be a hard habit to start and maintain, especially if your on a tight budget living paycheck-to-paycheck. That being said - I can also testify that it is totally worth it. I have never regretted my tithe, even when it meant a bill was paid late. Tithing is a discipline. It's a way to demonstrate your faithfulness to God and your faith in God. It's a way of saying that you're thankful for all God has given you and that you trusting in Him for supplying your future needs. I'm not telling you that if you don't tithe you're not a Christian or anything like that. Or that there aren't other ways of demonstrating faith to God. But I am saying that this one way.
Some food for thought:
- Genesis 14:18-20 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying,“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High,
who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. - Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
- Matthew 6:25-33
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ... So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Again, please hear my heart on this - I'm not trying to sound condemning or overly Pharisaical - I'm not one for operating my faith under the law - "for the law made nothing perfect" (see Hebrews 7:19). I think it's very important for us as humans to "put our money where our mouth is" so to speak. Putting our money where our hearts are and storing up treasures in heaven is SO IMPORTANT. It reminds us to keep God in all aspects of our lives - which is exactly where He wants to be. God wants to POUR out so much blessing we cannot contain it! I would rather have His blessing, whatever that is, than money - wouldn't you?
Stayed tuned for Part #2 of What To Do With Extra Cash - Funny Money!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Felis catus and Canis lupus familiaris
As my sisters and I were sitting around the table yesterday afternoon enjoying some lunch and laughter, the topic of my not-so-exsist Friday blog came up. It has been on my mind lately that perhaps I won't be blogging about being a homemaker... I just don't know if that's God's focus for me right now. I mean, I am trying to figure out this homemaking business and my main job is caring for my kids, but I don't know that a blog about homemaking is another thing that needs to be on my plate.
Maybe you've seen it, God has been working out in me lately. A big part of that is my taking the time and effort to let Him. Another part of it has been entering this season of relative rest - not havnig a job outside the home, not being in a leadership role in a ministry through my church - but truly focusing on my relationship with God and my family. So for the time being, I'm not going to be tyring to write a blog about anything imparticular, but just whatever's on my mind, whenever it's on my mind. And we'll see where God takes us - together.
A big sigh of relief now that's of my chest and we can begin with something that God has been brewing in me.
Do you know what "Felis catus" means? How about "Canis lupus familiaris"? Good guess, they are the scientific species name for the domestic cat and dog, respectively. Notice, they're different. If I asked you in my best teacher voice to do a quick compare and contrast between these two species, you would probably come up with 10 or 15 things that they have in common and perhaps an equal number of areas where they differ. Great!
2 Corinthians 5:17 "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." Now, I'm not a scholar of ancient language, but from my personal study it seems to be that the word creation here literally is translated as a new SPECIES. So, when we come to Christ, we are no longer Homo sapiens but a new species entirely!
But you say, "I don't feel like a new species". Often times as believers its easy to forget how much God has done for us and in us. We feel like the same old us trying to do all the God stuff too. Take heart! You are a new SPECIES. You're not the same old you, even if you don't feel different. You don't have to do it all. As a matter of fact, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" Philippians 1:6. God began the work in you and HE will carry it out. Our job as a believer is to have faith and act in obedience.
Leviticus 22:32-33 " I am the LORD, who makes you holy and who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD."
2 Corinthians 6:17 "Therefore come out from them and be separate..."
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God has been calling his people to be separate. He has been pulling us out of the world, out of our comfort zones and Then he names us a "new species"! We are DESIGNED to be DIFFERENT. From a girl who has spent her whole life desiring to fit in, I'm finally starting understand that I'm not supposed to. So, I'm done comparing cats and dogs and expecting to not find any differences. As a being in God's new species, God calls us to act different. We might even behave in ways that seem crazy to the world. But God's been calling his people out of the world since Genesis. And it's not to make us feel bad, but it's to make us holy. it's to glorify Him - so that people might see Him in us.
Father God,
thank you for making me in your image. for calling me out of this world. Although, I don't always understand your plan - I know you are working out in me. I trust you to continue that work. Help me to live according to your WORD and not my feelings. Let me be set apart for your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Maybe you've seen it, God has been working out in me lately. A big part of that is my taking the time and effort to let Him. Another part of it has been entering this season of relative rest - not havnig a job outside the home, not being in a leadership role in a ministry through my church - but truly focusing on my relationship with God and my family. So for the time being, I'm not going to be tyring to write a blog about anything imparticular, but just whatever's on my mind, whenever it's on my mind. And we'll see where God takes us - together.
A big sigh of relief now that's of my chest and we can begin with something that God has been brewing in me.
Do you know what "Felis catus" means? How about "Canis lupus familiaris"? Good guess, they are the scientific species name for the domestic cat and dog, respectively. Notice, they're different. If I asked you in my best teacher voice to do a quick compare and contrast between these two species, you would probably come up with 10 or 15 things that they have in common and perhaps an equal number of areas where they differ. Great!
2 Corinthians 5:17 "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." Now, I'm not a scholar of ancient language, but from my personal study it seems to be that the word creation here literally is translated as a new SPECIES. So, when we come to Christ, we are no longer Homo sapiens but a new species entirely!
But you say, "I don't feel like a new species". Often times as believers its easy to forget how much God has done for us and in us. We feel like the same old us trying to do all the God stuff too. Take heart! You are a new SPECIES. You're not the same old you, even if you don't feel different. You don't have to do it all. As a matter of fact, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" Philippians 1:6. God began the work in you and HE will carry it out. Our job as a believer is to have faith and act in obedience.
Leviticus 22:32-33 " I am the LORD, who makes you holy and who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD."
2 Corinthians 6:17 "Therefore come out from them and be separate..."
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God has been calling his people to be separate. He has been pulling us out of the world, out of our comfort zones and Then he names us a "new species"! We are DESIGNED to be DIFFERENT. From a girl who has spent her whole life desiring to fit in, I'm finally starting understand that I'm not supposed to. So, I'm done comparing cats and dogs and expecting to not find any differences. As a being in God's new species, God calls us to act different. We might even behave in ways that seem crazy to the world. But God's been calling his people out of the world since Genesis. And it's not to make us feel bad, but it's to make us holy. it's to glorify Him - so that people might see Him in us.
Father God,
thank you for making me in your image. for calling me out of this world. Although, I don't always understand your plan - I know you are working out in me. I trust you to continue that work. Help me to live according to your WORD and not my feelings. Let me be set apart for your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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