Debt Free Living Guru - Blog

I'm so thankful that I'm thankful

slawson@freedomconceptsusa.com (Sharman Lawson) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 07:21:52 PST

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...

Preparing for Christmas with No Debt?

slawson@freedomconceptsusa.com (Sharman Lawson) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 05:59:51 PST

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...

The gift of time is free

slawson@freedomconceptsusa.com (Sharman Lawson) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:29:14 PST

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...

Lower gas prices, Um...Election trick?

slawson@freedomconceptsusa.com (Sharman Lawson) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 03:51:29 PST

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...

I'm saving on makeup and skincare products

slawson@freedomconceptsusa.com (Sharman Lawson) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:41:19 PST

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...

Are your kids frugal, too?

slawson@freedomconceptsusa.com (Sharman Lawson) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:28:36 PST

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...

Are you worrying or are you happy?

slawson@freedomconceptsusa.com (Sharman Lawson) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:23:20 PST

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'm watching the budget, but cuban food is calling

slawson@freedomconceptsusa.com (Sharman Lawson) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:26:28 PST

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...

Help someone and get a tax deduction

slawson@freedomconceptsusa.com (Sharman Lawson) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:18:43 PST

The end of the year is almost here. All through the year my family collect things that are still in good condition, but we have outgrown, do not need or want. We give our items to the Goodwill.
The great part, we are helping someone in need and we also get a tax deduction.

What...

What are you doing to cutback on spending?

slawson@freedomconceptsusa.com (Sharman Lawson) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:44:35 PST

Wow...times are pretty rough for most people. If you have not made adjustments to your way of life by now, I'm not sure what to say. We're frugal, but we've become even more frugal since June. These are a few things we've changed since June.

- went down to one car instead of two
-...

Buying gifts can really take you off your budget

slawson@freedomconceptsusa.com (Sharman Lawson) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:37:14 PST

I have a baby shower coming up Saturday for a client. I just found out about the date this Friday, so I probably won't be able to attend because we already have plans. However, I do plan to purchase a gift, hopefully, going in on half with my sister (she's her friend too) who will...

When no money comes in how do you cope?

slawson@freedomconceptsusa.com (Sharman Lawson) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:19:23 PST

In this economy with people being laid off left and right, how do you cope if both people in a household lose their jobs? That is a very difficult situation to be in. In 2001, my husband and I moved to Washington state. Unfortunately, 9/11 happened a few months later. We ended up living...

Restaurants: smaller portions higher prices

slawson@freedomconceptsusa.com (Sharman Lawson) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:13:49 PST

There is a common pactice currently going on in the restaurant industry. In the last month or so I have noticed consistently that all their menus have changed. The prices have increased. Some much higher on average then others, but what they all consistently have in common is smaller...

Are your investments FDIC insured?

slawson@freedomconceptsusa.com (Sharman Lawson) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:46:22 PST

I just called my investment company to inquire about our money market account being FDIC insured. It isn't. Then I asked if our IRA's were insured (I thought they were). I was told that only banks and credit union's money is FDIC insured. The Merrill Lynches, Lehman, Vanguard, and...

You can get paid well to work at the voter booth

slawson@freedomconceptsusa.com (Sharman Lawson) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:38:20 PST

Within the last 3-4 years, I've worked at the voter registration booth on election day. Actually, I've done it a total of three times. I did not work through the state office, but through a temporary service.

The first time I did it, they paid me $340 for the day. The last two...

Having to pay for parking really sucks

slawson@freedomconceptsusa.com (Sharman Lawson) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:06:57 PST

Yesterday my family went to the Tennessee Aquarium for a quick one-day get away. When we arrived we needed parking. Surprisingly enough, there was alot of spaces available in the paid lots and on the street.

I told my husband parking on the street was free because if was Sunday....

You can get phone service for only $39.95 a year

slawson@freedomconceptsusa.com (Sharman Lawson) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:43:20 PST

I talked to a friend a few days ago, and she told me she had a new phone service called "Magic Jack." With Magic Jack for only $39.95 you get free local, long-distance, directory assistance, phone number, call waiting, voicemail, caller id, and you get a free trial for 30-days to try...

Falls coming, open the windows and save

slawson@freedomconceptsusa.com (Sharman Lawson) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:08:48 PST

I'm happy. For the last 3-4 days the weather has been in the 70's and we haven't had to turn on the air. Our home is all electric, so our bills range in the amounts of $80-$140 depending on the time of year. However, when I see Spring or Fall coming, I'm so happy. Lower bills!

To...

We got 10 magazines for free

slawson@freedomconceptsusa.com (Sharman Lawson) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:38:56 PST

I stopped buying magazines years ago. However, whenever I would visit friends and family, instead of talking, I spent my time devouring their magazines. I absolutely love to read.

Then one day Delta Airlines sent me a letter saying 14,000 of my frequent flyer miles had expired....

A breakfast dinner saves the day & money

slawson@freedomconceptsusa.com (Sharman Lawson) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:20:16 PST

Some days just before grocery shopping, when the food is getting low, and you're too tired to cook, a breakfast dinner is the solution. It beats going out to eat and spending money, right?

For "breakfast dinners" we may cook omelets, pancakes, grits, biscuits, cereal w/fruit, turkey...