Debt Free Living Guru - Blog

Our old tenant moved out June 6 and on June 16 we signed a lease and received the deposit for a new tenant. I'm very thankful! I didn't like paying utilities and bills for two homes.

Here is a landlord tip. Sign a "landlord agreement" with utility companies. That way, when tenants move out the company will waive the connect fees for utilities. While the property is vacated, they keep the utilities on under the landlord's name without charging a fee.

Do you have any tips for landlords to help cut down on cost?

Our tenant just moved back to Maryland after renting one year. Great tenant! Always paid early and let us know if something was wrong. Now I’m preparing the house for a new renter. Have to get the house professionally cleaned, yard done, and do some minor repairs. Of course I’ll take if out of her deposit.

I wish we could sell the house, but the economy still sucks. Sometimes I think about keeping the house forever. Having a rental property is great residual income, and it would be ideal to have in retirement. However, if we could just get a long-term 20-year renter, that would be absolutely wonderful. Oh well, such-is-life in the world of being a landlord.

Are you a landlord? How is it working for you?

Bankruptcy is a personal choice. When the average person is overcome with money issues and debt, the typical response is to take the quick way out and file for bankruptcy. The stress from creditors calling can send anyone over the edge. However, regardless of your financial situation it is important to think with a clear mind. Otherwise, you may jeopardize your financial opportunities in the future. If you are considering bankruptcy, first look at different options. Have a clear understanding of what it means to file for bankruptcy. Once you are educated about your bankruptcy options then you can make an informed decision. Bankruptcy really should be the last solution.

Alternatives to bankruptcy
Your first step is to evaluate your financial situation to determine if filing for bankruptcy is right for you. If it isn’t the right choice, look at other options.

• Call your creditors yourself. Explain your situation, and see if an agreeable payment plan can be implemented. They may be able to reduce your minimum monthly payments, waive late fees, give you zero interest, and extend the payment period. You don’t know until you ask.

• Contact Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS). CCCS is a non-profit organization that helps individuals in debt. They are nationwide, and they have partnerships with many financial institutions. They will work with you and your creditors to come up with a debt management plan that is tailor made for you. They may be able to help you avoid bankruptcy.

• Think about consolidating all your debt into one payment. Consider getting a debt consolidation loan or transferring your debt to a zero interest credit card to have one payment. Look for hidden fees associated with this choice.


Be aware that bankruptcy will temporarily stop bill collectors and creditors from harassing, calling, and filing lawsuits against you. However, the creditors may start harassing you again. Also, certain financial obligations cannot be apart of your bankruptcy filing.

1. Student loans
2. Alimony
3. Child support
4. Restitution for DUI
5. Fraudulent debt


Bankruptcy is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. It is a personal choice that will affect your credit and finances for seven to ten years. Before moving forward with bankruptcy, look at all your options. If it still makes sense, you will have to decide.

I’m choosing to be happy no matter what the cost. Being happy is a learned process and behavior. It can be daunting at times. However, it is better then the alternative – misery. Sure everything isn’t perfect, and people and situations still get on my nerves. Nevertheless, I’m learning to take control of my emotions, feelings, and choices. No more will I allow them to determine my daily outcomes. Happiness is a choice and I choose to live and dwell in happiness.

It doesn’t mean my choice to be happy is easy. Matter of fact, at times it can be pretty darn hard. However, I’ve rearranged my life, home, and time to fit my new objective -- happiness. Wow, what a difference a day makes when your goal is to enjoy instead of destroy everything you’ve been blessed with.

When negative thoughts come I’m trying to dwell on what is good and pleasant in my life. When pessimistic feelings and emotions try to take a stronghold, I think about how I am so blessed to have my health, strength, and my “right” mind. I'm blessed to have my husband and daughter and to be here for them.

My happiness means I’m reading less of the news, and thank God I don’t have television to steal my hope, joy, and dreams. In spite of this economy and the doom and gloom that is presented to us daily, I can truly say I am content and happy. I love where I am in my life. I’m happy with my choices. And, I’m excited to wake up each day to see where my life-journey takes me. Happiness is truly a choice worth choosing.

What about you, are you happy?

This economy has made people rethink their priorities. People are now evaluating what is important in every area of their lives. Today, everyone knows someone or multiple people unemployed for the first time in their lives. With over 13.7 million people currently unemployed, no one knows who will be next. Individuals that never struggled or had a fear of losing what they worked their whole lives for, aren't sure how they can hold on to what they’ve got.

Foreclosures are at an all time high, and the numbers are increasing daily. Otherwise responsible people are walking away from their homes. Banks are so overwhelmed they are shirking their financial obligations, too. For the first time in countless people’s lives they now understand what use to be is no more, and that nothing is promised to last forever.

There is one bright spot in all of this economic mess. People are taking inventory of their lives, relationships, lifestyles, and money. For the first time some people are looking at their real needs and wants, and making sure their needs are actually met. The McMansions, leased luxury cars, and over priced restaurants are no longer a necessity, need, or want. Simpler, smaller, and sustainable is the new “in thing.” Working every hour for things that can disappear tomorrow are not so important.

Affordability, saving money, surviving daily, and trying to keep a balanced life has become high priority. People are going back to the basics of life. God, family, and then work is now important to many. Work is necessary to survive and live. God and family is what sustain us.

How has the economy changed you and your spending habits?

Yesterday my daughter and I went to Wal-Mart. There was a long line in front of a red box. The red box looked like a vending machine. I'm thinking, what is going on here? Come to find out, you can rent movies at Wal-Mart for only $1.

The process is so easy. Its movies in a vending machine! They have a large selection on the screen of the latest movies. You choose the movie(s), pay with your credit card, and the movie comes out of the machine. Just like soda pop. It's too cool. You have until the next day at 9pm to return the movie. You can keep it longer for $1 a day, I believe.

The total charge with fees: $1.06. I never have to purchase a movie again. We returned the movie after church today. It is easy as pie to return the movie. On the screen push the "return DVD" button, put the movie in the slot and it disappears. We rented another movie today.

The name of the movie company is www.redbox.com. You can return the movie anywhere RedBox DVD's operate. I loved Wal-Mart before, but now I really love Wal-Mart. Life sure can't get better then $1 movie rentals.

We have a Brother all in one fax, copier, scanner, and printer. It takes four different cartridges to work. When one goes out the whole machine stops. Yeah, that is right zero copies can be made. In other words the machine was made to force customers to purchase cartridges each and every time one cartridge is used up.

A few months ago, I happen to mention to my neighbor that we needed more cartridges for our copier. She has the same brand but a different model. I told her we usually pay around $14-15 for one cartridge. She then told me, she only paid $4.75 for her cartridges whether they are black or color.

I was skeptical and doubtful that it could be true, but she assured me she had been purchasing these recycled cartridges for years and they worked great. A month ago we purchased a black one. No problem, it worked and looked great. About 2-weeks ago, two of our color cartridges needed to be replaced. We went to the same company.

We received our color ink, 3-times cheaper, and it looks great. We are so happy. In all we paid $14.25 for 3-ink cartridges, instead of $42 or more for three. You cannot beat that savings anywhere. Plus, when we ordered shipping was FREE.

The name of the website to purchased black and colored cartridges to save money is: www.inksell.com.

Do you know any other places to get incredible prices on ink cartridges?

Do you sometimes wonder where the years have gone? My thirty's is like a blur. Oh yeah, I remember I had my daughter when I was 35 years old, but what happened before and after that in my thirties? By the time you get use to writing the latest year down, we are already heading into the next one. Time moves swiftly and quickly. And when you look around, you are older, hopefully wiser, and wondering how much time do I have left to reach my goals. .

I meet people daily who dream of retiring one day, but many have never actually implemented a plan of action to make it happen. Retirement doesn't just happen with a hope and prayer, it takes time, preparation, and planning. Regardless of how old you are, one day you will want to stop working or at least work part-time. Do you have a plan to make it happen? Do you or your spouse have a pension? Have you set aside money in your 401K or IRA's? Do you still have 20 or 30 years left on your mortgage?

In this economy or any other, you cannot put the responsibility of your retirement on a company, spouse, or government. Nothing is promised forever, therefore, regardless of your situation or circumstance, it is your responsibility to look out for you. Whether you are married or single, you have to take the responsibility to make sure your future is secure financially. It may mean putting money in a different account for your retirement.

My sister who has two sets of twins, and had always been a stay at home mom decided she wanted to save since her husband is not a saver. What did she do? She got a part-time job in the evenings, stocking shelves, and saved $50,000 in just three years to go towards their retirement. They are only in their early forties, still relatively young.

What about you, what are your financial goals for retirement? Are you working towards meeting them? If not, what do you plan to do?

It is usually not a good idea to loan money to family. So many things can go wrong. In this economy many family and friends may need help, and of course we want to help ease their stress and pain. Even though lending a financial hand seems like the right thing to do, it can actually backfire and cause drama and distress.

Have you ever used your hard-earned money to help someone that is broke keep their house, car, utilities, or put food on their table? Then to see them a few days later with a new manicure, pedicure, or hair cut. Have you loaned money with a promise to repay and after they ditched and dodged you for months and even years, you realized you would never see your money again? So what should you do when you are approached by family or friends to borrow money? First, find out why your friend or family member is having a difficult time. If they have a history of being irresponsible or reckless with money, why should that be your problem? If they are consistently bad with money, giving them money would do more harm than good. In fact, if you give someone money that is not interested in changing their spending habits, loaning money can ruin them and your relationship.

Below are some suggestions on loaning money to family:

Do not lend money you do not have. You have your own bills to pay. If you are in a jam who will be there to help you? If you cannot afford to lose the money, do not do it.

Do not co-sign for a loan. You want to ruin your credit and get in debt? Co-sign and take on someone else's financial obligations. If you want tension, stress, possible resentment, and a stained relationship, go right ahead co-sign. Not a smart move.

Teach them how to budget. Giving a loan or money is not always the solution to someone that is having financial troubles. Show them how to manage their money, prepare for the unexpected, and take preventative financial measures to be sustainable.

Give a small gift. I never loan money. But, what I will do is give towards a person's need if I feel lead to do so. Many times I do not feel lead to do so, but when I do I let them know it is not a loan and they do not have to repay me.

Get a loan in writing. If you do decide to loan money, make sure you put all the terms and conditions in writing. The agreement should include a date for repayment, monthly or lump sum amount, signatures of both parties, and copies should be made. The original should go to the lender and a copy to the borrower.

There is no shame in saying no.

If your answer is no, that is okay. You do not have to give a long explanation or reason, keep it short-n-sweet. Let them know you cannot loan them money, but you can offer a small gift (if you can). Bottom line, it is up to you to look at all the options and make the best decision for you, your family, and your situation.

Have you ever loaned money to family or friends?

I use to love to talk on the phone and watch television. Of course that was before the Internet. Now, I could care less if I talk on the phone (if it isn't business related). We are strange, we do not have cable so we get zero channels on our TV. I could actually live without a phone and TV, but if I had to go without the Internet for just one day, OMG, no!

With the Internet, I get connected to people and they connect with me. I get all of my news both local and worldwide from the Internet. Of course, I get all my Hollywood gossip there too. The phone and television were previous distractions, but the Internet has to be apart of my life and I consider it a friend.

Plus, the Internet has saved me tons of money by researching and getting the best deals. It's a great place to check reviews, comparison shop, and get the best discounts and specials. I'm all about saving money. I find my recipes, restaurant reviews, vacation packages, pay my bills, do my banking, find my landscaper, plumber, electrician, and look for my doctor and dentist on the Internet. Additionally, it's on the Internet we have found our homes, keep track of the weather, look for free entertainment, and see what the traffic is like.

I don't have to eat out, go bowling, swimming, golfing, movies, or talk every day to everyone I know on the phone. Just give me my Internet and I will be just fine. I do not like to say addicted, but I don't think I can live without my friend the Internet.

What is it you cannot live without?

I've always cooked. However, now I'm cooking even more. Food has gotten expensive, so I continuously look for ways to save, cutback, and find better alternative ways to do things. There are three in my family. We spend around $300 a month on groceries, not including supplies. Not a little bit of money, but not a lot either. At this stage in my life I do not eat out much. Restaurant kitchens aren't always clean, neither are people's hands, and the luxury of dining out can add up. We probably eat out three times a month, spending around $30-40; using coupons at www.restaurant.com or www.diningperks.com.

Below is how we save money on groceries and cooking.

1. Have a set amount each week budgeted for groceries, and stay within the amount.
2. Shop for food one day a week. Go through cabinets and refrigerator for inventory. Create a weekly menu, and purchase according to what is on the menu.
3. My husband goes to Wal-Mart for most items and then to Kroger for fruits and vegetable one day a week, like clock work.
4. Once a month I order groceries from www.angelfoodministries.com. For $52 I get enough meat, vegetables, fruits, starches, eggs, and dessert to last a couple of weeks. For us, there is enough meat to last over a month or so. We aren't big meat eaters.
5. I cook on Sundays and Wednesday, only. I usually cook 2-3 vegetables on both days. Also, I mix up pasta, casserole, roast with potatoes and vegetables using lots of garlic and onions, on the other days.

The benefits of cooking at home:

a) Our gas bill is only $21 a month, because I cook only two days a week. Our stove is gas the rest is electric.
b) We have good food in a clean kitchen made with clean hands.
c) We save a fortune by eating at home.
d) We eat healthier because I'm cooking using fresh ingredients from scratch, and not boxed or processed foods.
e) We are able to enjoy a meal together as a family at the table and talk.


Are you cooking more? If so, how has it benefited you?

The economy sucks, no doubt. But there are certainly many positives and blessings amongst all the misery. If you are still gainfully employed or not, there are tons of bargains and specials everywhere. Now is the time to get your finances in order, but also to take advantage of all those dog-gone bargains out there.

Restaurants
If you love eating out but money has been short lately, food at restaurants have been almost dirt cheap. There are coupons galore. Coupons for buy one get one free, lunches for $4.99, fine dining dinner entrees for less than $10.00, and kids eating free on Tuesdays and Sundays.

Vacation
My brother and his wife just purchased a 4-day cruise on Carnival for $165 each. Resorts are having specials where you can get a room for two-nights for $159. The rooms were regularly $265 a night.

Cars
Car dealers are really trying hard to bring people in. Who ever heard of purchasing a car with interest rates as low as 2%? Or if you lose your job the dealer will make your payments for 6-months. Unbelievable car prices and unbelievable deals!

Homes
If you ever wanted to own a home, now is the time. Interest rates are at an all time low. Home prices have dropped nationally around 20%. Homes that would have cost $300,000 just two years ago now can be purchased in some areas for $199,000 or lower. Plus, if you are a first time home owner (haven't owned a home in the last 3-years based on Government standards), you can get an $8,000 refund credit on your taxes.

There are bargains everywhere. What bargains have you found in this economy?

I love going to garage sales. I've learned that buying other's "junk" is my treasure.

This weekend my daughter and I went garage sale hopping. My husband packed us a cooler with water and snacks we went on our journey. Our sole purpose was to look for a few items for her room since we are redecorating it. There were so many garage sales my daughter said we were in "Garage sale heaven."

For $11.25 we walked away with the following: a floor lamp -$1.00, a fuchsia colored picture frame - $.25, DVD player - $5.00, pink book holders from Bombay and Company - $4, hair blow dryer - $.25, bulletin board w/diamonds around it - $.25, insulated lunch bag w/shoulder strap - $.25, and a black wood 14" x 20" picture frame - $.50

We probably saved $150-$200 by purchasing items at garage sales. The plus, everything was in like-new condition.

When is the last time you went to a garage sale? Did you get great bargains?

There is a lot of hype about the before school sales tax-free weekend for school supplies and clothes. I for one do not get hyped up or excited when everyone else does. We actually went school shopping over a month ago. We went to an outlet mall an hour from our home with 140 name brand stores. We purchased around 10-12 items of clothing for around $110. Then the next weekend we went garage sale hopping. At the last house of our trip, we came across a goldmine. A teenager that only wore name brand designer clothes who hardly wore them or they were still new, was selling them per bag. So for just $5.00 my daughter walked away with 11 items that would have easily cost over $300.00-400.00 if purchased brand new.

Sales tax-free weekend just ended this weekend. The malls were packed and people were buying like crazy. My daughter decided to return a couple of the outfits from the outlet mall, and take the money to get more stuff at garage sales. When we went into Children's Place, Justice, and Osh Kosh I didn't see any bargains or sales. I saw jacked up prices with huge signs advertising a "sales tax free." What a rip off! And, people buy into the media hype.

I asked my daughter if she would rather have a bag full of name brand clothes for $5.00 or to spend $100-$200, and still need more clothes. She said, "A bag of designer clothes for $5.00." The money we saved on her clothes we are using to redo her room.

Was the sales tax-free weekend a bargain or rip-off for you?

I just got off the phone with MTV. They're doing a documentary on newlyweds that are having financial problems, and are looking for couples that are interested.

Requirements:

* Young couple having money problems
* Married - less than one year
* Age - 18-27 years old

If interested call:

Gina - 310-752-8253 or
Email - newlywed@mtvn.com

I've been away for a really long time. I wanted to give you an update since my last blog. Well, on April 1st we put our rental property on the market to sale. I've sold three of our homes before, but this is a different economy and market. After two months showing the house three times, and getting around eight phone calls, we put it on the market to rent.

I put the ad on Craigslist, and got my first call within two minutes, literally. After that I showed the house almost daily. It was rented in three weeks. I'm not mad!

I know the ecomomy will change, and our home will be worth even more. Which means we'll have a bigger paycheck from the sale. You can't get discouraged, frustated, or defeated with the economic climate. Just go with the flow and be patient.

Are you trying to sell or rent? How's it going for you?

We're selling our rental property. Yesterday I met with contractors to get estimates on multiple projects in order to put the house on the market. I received three quotes to paint our 1900 sq. ft. rental property. One was $1,900, $3,000, and $3,800. The house is in pretty good condition and so are the walls.

I usually do not choose the cheapest price. I believe you get what you pay for. However, in this case the one for $1,900 and $3,000 both have outstanding recommendations and testimonials from a third party website. The highest bidder has zero testimonials online, but was recommended by a realtor. I think I'll go with the $1900 estimate. Get this, the estimate for $3,000 doesn't even include painting ceilings.

The depressing part, that price is only for the paint job. I still need carpets installed, and around eight small projects done. Oh well, such is life. Why complain? It has to be done, right?

We are selling our rental property. Yeah, yeah, yeah the economy, housing, lending and everything sucks, but I don't care. My trust is in God. Okay, so I've sold all four of our homes by myself in the past and never had a problem.

This time, I was thinking of using a realtor because I now work and felt I probably wouldn't have the time. But when I found out the fee was 6% and that would cost $10,000, I said, "I will take the time to sell my home myself."

I kept asking the realtor, so what exactly do you do that I can't do? We make flyers, show your home, and market it. Well, okay, I can do all that for less than $10,000. Nobody know and cares about my house more than me.

So our tenants move out officially tomorrow. I will get some work done in the next week, and then the house will go on the market. Yeah, the economy sucks but who cares. I'm excited, I have a new challenge to sell our home. I can't wait to see what happens, can you?

Yes - for free. Is your adjusted gross income (AGI) less than $56,000? If so, you can prepare your taxes for free. Go to www.irs.gov.com to prepare your federal taxes for free.

To get your state taxes prepared for free go to your state income tax website. There you should be able to prepare and e-file your taxes for free, if they offer it. Most states offer the free service. If you prepare your state taxes on the "free" federal website they will charge you for preparing the state taxes. If you are expecting a refund, you can e-file for free, and get your refund deposited into your bank account within 10 days.

Truth -- this world's system is set up to separate you from your hard-earned money, so keep as much as you can.

Do you pay to get your taxes done or do them yourself?

I went to the Dollar Store yesterday, and was shocked to hear the cashier, while ringing people up, screaming for the manager -- loud. The manager came, and the cashier told him a worker was driving up in the parking lot, and she was 20 minutes late. Then loudly she continued to complain about the worker, while ringing up customers, and told the manager to call the worker on her cell phone to turn around and go home. For a few minutes they both argued about who should call her, while she continued to ring up her customers. Finally, the manager went into a little office with no ceiling, called the worker -- yelling, and told her to turn her car around and go home. He said, "This time he wasn't playing."

By the time he came out I was in the cashier's line. She now was on her cell phone, while ringing up customers, loudly talking to someone saying how tired she was since she started work at 5:00 a.m. Of course, she had to tell the person on her cell phone about the worker that was 20 minutes late, and how she had to now work double shift and how unhappy she was. Then she told the person on the phone she would call them back in 10 minutes, because she had a long line of customers waiting for her. I was the third and last person in her line.

The cashier is now breathing hard, signing, huffing, puffing, and just plain irritable as we stand in her line. Once the cashier was off the cell phone, she asked the manager about his conversation with the late or fired worker. Then they talked about how trifling she was for always being late. They stated that traffic lights and getting gas is no excuse, and those things are apart of getting to work on time.

When I got to her I said, "Wow...Looks like you've had a really rough day. You've been here since 5:00 a.m.; you must be really tired, huh? I really hope your day gets better and you get some rest. Have a great day."

Geez, and retailers are wondering why they are losing business?

I know it may sound crazy, but I really am excited about 2009. I'm healthy, will be starting a new job, I'm still coaching clients, and I feel like I have a balanced life.

I am refusing to participate in the gloom and doom the media loves to program into us. I see many possibilities for great financial gains and accomplishments in 2009. When the average person is allowing anxiety, worry, and fear to consume their daily thoughts and actions, I choose faith and hope.

Of course faith, hope, and preparation is a major key to weathering this economic storm. I believe since we've been so frugal and have stored away in our time of harvest, we are prepared during this time of famine.

All in all, I'm excited about 2009 and I am looking forward to what the future holds.

What about you, are you excited about 2009 or not?

We have electrical car problems. The inside light stopped working about 3-weeks ago, and this morning we found out the tail lights weren't working. We were so scared the cost would be a thousand or so. I mean come on it's electical work, right?

Well my husband took the car in this morning, and before he left we prayed for an honest person, and that the total bill would be no more than $200.

We got the call a couple of hours ago. The total bill is only $133, and the rental car we will need until Tuesday is only $66.70. Did you know if you put your rental car on your visa, insurance may be covered. Our Marriott Visa covers comprehension, theft, and liability.

Total bill $199.70 (repair and rental). Prayer really does work, and we are so thankful!

Thanksgiving was wonderful as usual. We went to Augusta, GA to spend time with my 4 brothers and sisters, and eight nieces and nephews that live in Georgia. The rest of my brothers and sisters (3) and parents live in Oregon/Washington area. Anyway, our tradition each year in Georgia is to spend Thanksgiving in Augusta at my sister's home. Like usual, we ate so much and it was so good. We all spent the night, woke up early, and cooked a huge breakfast. The breakfast, like usual, was incredible. What I love most is just the hanging out, laughing, talking, reminiscing, and time with a fun and loving family.

Then I started thinking about how thankful I am for the little things in my life. For my husband of 16 years, our daughter, a job, our homes, good health, food, transportation, a loving extended family, healthy parents, clothes, and money to pay bills. I'm just "thankful" for blessings that so many do not have. Yes, the blessings seem simple and basic, but what if you didn't have them? Yes, I am truly thankful that I'm thankful. And in this economy that is saying a whole lot!

I don't know how much you spend for Christmas, but more then anything I hope you don't get into debt. A time that should bring happiness and cheer, can be diminished because of debt.

For that reason, the best way to not get in debt during the holidays is to prepare at the beginning of the year, like January. That means changing your habits. The best method to achieve this is by developing a Christmas list in advance. Matter of fact, set up a saving's plan just for Christmas spending from January to November. Next, determine the amount you want to spend on gifts, and divide it by the number eleven. For example, if the shopping amount is $500.00 divide it by eleven, which is $45.45 per month. Lastly, set up a separate bank account to deposit the $45.45 automatically, or set the money aside in an envelope each month and hide it. If you stick to your plan, by December you will have $500.00 set aside for Christmas shopping!

A few additional ways to enjoy a debt-free Christmas is to use a piggy bank to store spare change. Let the money accumulate, then deposit it every month into a bank account. At the end of the year you will be surprised to see how much you have saved. Finally, use your God-given talents for gifts: bake goodies, do hand-made gifts, or cook a meal for a group of family or friends.

There are so many other ways to walk away debt free at Christmas. What ideas do you have?

Today is my 16th year anniversary and my daughter's 11th birthday. We actually celebrated my daughter's birthday yesterday and had a great time. We took her to see High School Musical 3, had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, took her shopping for clothes, and brought her two finches as pets. Okay, that is way more than we usually spend on birthdays, but she's doing so good as a home schooler and becoming so responsible. We decided to do more than less.

Okay, so today is my anniversary, 16 wonderful years that went incredibly fast. My husband said, "Let's just give each other the gift of time." I thought what a wonderful idea -- time. And, it's free. So we have been enjoying the day reminiscing, laughing, talking, and just having "together" time, ah.

What I know for sure, having all the money in the world or receiving the most expensive gifts will not bring me happiness or keep a happy marriage and home.

Ah, the "simplicities of life" really do work!

Yesterday after having a fun day out and about, we stopped to get gas. Surprisingly enough, the prices were quite low compared to just 3-weeks ago. Yes, $2.34 a gallon mid-range.

I told my husband 6-months ago that just before Election Day the prices would start dropping. And, yes they have! I've always felt the whole gas thing was rigged and crooked.

How low are your gas prices where you live? Do you feel the whole gas thing is rigged and crooked?

I've worn Mary Kay products since I was 17 years old. I've loved their makeup, skincare, and even perfumes for years. However, while evaluating my financial priorities and needs and wants, I'm staying focused on what is real important.

Yes, I need makeup, pretty skin, and to smell good, but also I need to re-evaluate if I can get all those things and save money too. I can and have!

Thank God I've found alternative products that I am happy with that have saved me a fortune. You know every penny really does count. I don't think my face and body knows the difference. They're just happy someone takes the time to care. Thank you Wal-Mart and Sally's Beauty Supply!

What changes have you made to save money on makeup and skincare products?

My daughter loves American Girl (AG) products. She is 10 years old. If you aren't familiar with AG, their stuff is good quality but very expensive. My daughter gets paid $10 from our neighbor to vacuum her home most weeks. She saves her money and when she gets $30-40, what does she do? Spend it on AG.

Okay, the dolls cost $90. Thank God her grandma gave it to her for a birthday gift last year. However, my daughter brought her doll a tennis outfit that came with a visor and tennis racket. It cost $48. I told my daughter I wouldn't pay $48 for an outfit for her, let alone for a piece of plastic.

Anyway, obviously our daughter is a great saver. But once she saves her money, it all goes to this pretty plastic non-human thing. I've started to take 50% of her earnings to go towards her savings account.

Funny, my husband and I are so frugal, and our daughter loves saving for pricey frivolous things. Hopefully she'll grow out of it.

Have your kids picked up your frugal ways?

Do you live your life saying, "I'll be happy when?" One thing I know for sure, happiness is a choice and so is worrying.

Regardless of our current economic crisis, I have made the decision to be happy and continue to enjoy life. Yes, we have lost plenty of money, too. However, I've been there and done that before. The season passed, we kept on living, and continued to save. You just do what you can do, right?

When you realize that you have absolutely no control of what will happen in the world and even your life, you just learn to ask God for his favor and blessings.

In spite of the economy I am happy and not worrying. I am doing better than some and worst then others, but I'm happy and okay with life and me. Are you?

With the economy as it is, we are watching every penny. We're very frugal, but sometimes I just want what I want when I want it. You know what I mean?

Okay, so we just discovered this wonderful cuban restaurant five-minutes away. Hadn't tried cuban food before that, but basically it's just caribbean or island food. I LOVE it! I actually dream about it, and they have a great dinner special for $6.99 before 4:30pm.

So one thing we have decided to do to save money is to get food to go (no tip), and we are ordering a regular entree and two kids meals. Come on, I'm a kid at heart, right? Anyway, kid's meal portions can be bigger than adult meals at times.

I'm too excited!

What is it that you want when you want it, and sometimes you just got to have it?