http://www.familylifecredit.org/ee_flcs/index.php en joe@familylifecredit.org Copyright 2008 2008-06-25T21:01:00-06:00 http://www.familylifecredit.org/index.php?/site/did_you_receive_a_large_tax_refund/ http://www.familylifecredit.org/index.php?/site/did_you_receive_a_large_tax_refund/#When:21:01:00Z Options for increased monthly cash-flow...If you recently received a large tax refund and you are still having a difficult time making ends meet, consider talking with your payroll department to see about changing your withholdings. In many cases, you can work with your payroll department to have less money taken out of your paycheck in order to have the cash now vs. tax season. When talking with the payroll department, be sure to let them know that you don’t want to be in the position where you have to pay in the following year though. Remember that your refund will be less the following year however you will have the ability to increase your immediate cash flow. Blog, Community Outreach, News, Homebuyer Education, Credit Counseling 2008-06-25T21:01:00-06:00 http://www.familylifecredit.org/index.php?/site/affordable_gift_ideas_for_loved_ones/ http://www.familylifecredit.org/index.php?/site/affordable_gift_ideas_for_loved_ones/#When:20:59:00Z Now is the time of year that we are able to show our appreciation for our loved ones especially our Mothers and Fathers. You can’t turn on the television...Now is the time of year that we are able to show our appreciation for our loved ones especially our Mothers and Fathers. You can’t turn on the television or the radio without hearing advertisements aimed at convincing you to buy that diamond necklace or the new riding lawn mower. Is this realistic for the average family? I don’t think so. I believe there are much better ways to show your appreciation for your loved ones that actually take time and thought. Make a homemade card: Go back to the first grade for a moment and get out those crayons and glue. Make an effort to have some fun with your kids or even by yourself while trying to make the ultimate card. This is an opportunity to write out your feeling towards your loved ones and express what they mean to you. In many cases giving someone a homemade card is much more rewarding than giving a purchased one. Make coupons: Think of ways that you can help or assist your loved one and make up a creative coupon that could be redeemable. Some examples would be; free car wash, wash dishes for a week, lawn care, wash windows, laundry, etc. This is inexpensive and really only costs you time. Remember that it’s true you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on someone to make them feel appreciated. Sometimes the things you put the most thought into have the greatest satisfaction and the least cost associated with them. Blog, Community Outreach, News, Homebuyer Education, Credit Counseling 2008-06-18T20:59:00-06:00 http://www.familylifecredit.org/index.php?/site/finding_your_financial_independence_day/ http://www.familylifecredit.org/index.php?/site/finding_your_financial_independence_day/#When:20:57:00Z Do you feel like you are in a war for your Financial Freedom? Some of you may feel as though no matter how hard you try and work you will never be able to win the war for financial freedom...Do you feel like you are in a war for your Financial Freedom? Some of you may feel as though no matter how hard you try and work you will never be able to win the war for financial freedom. I know what that is like. I have walked in your shoes. I have a couple thoughts to help you win your daily battles as well as the war in front of you. Determine your payoff date. Knowing a rough payoff date for your debt is a motivating factor. Although it may be several years from today, at least you can post it on your refrigerator and know that when you wake up tomorrow, you are one day closer to the end of the madness. If you are unsure of your scheduled payoff date, contact the home office. We can help you with this. Set goals. Set daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals. One way to change your mentality from spending to saving is to begin tracking and documenting your goals. Maybe your goal would be to drink water this week instead of ordering sodas. Write it down so you can see the amount saved. At the end of each time period, add it up and see how close you came to reaching your goals. Consider your future financial plans. If you stay on course and things fall into place, you will be debt free in time. What then? Rather than setting a date to purchase a new car consider the option of investing your monthly payment. This would be the best option to find Financial Freedom. Your goal should not be to become debt free only to find more ways to wrap yourself into bondage. Often times I talk to clients and people that are getting close to paying off their debt and they can’t wait to buy a new car or house. I always try to encourage them to take a step back and consider putting money aside for awhile. This will allow you to build some wealth and truly find Financial Freedom. See the big picture. Know that the little decisions you make today do make a difference. It is true that a penny saved is a penny earned. Our plans are not always God’s plans. This is the most difficult one to grasp and understand. We can work as hard as we want and make as many sacrifices as we can but no matter what challenges we face, it is up to God to determine the outcome. We need to submit to Him and seek Him for our daily direction in our finances and life. Joe Larson -FLCS Staff Blog, Community Outreach, News, Homebuyer Education, Credit Counseling 2008-06-11T20:57:00-06:00 http://www.familylifecredit.org/index.php?/site/gods_guidance/ http://www.familylifecredit.org/index.php?/site/gods_guidance/#When:20:10:00Z God has given us verses on finances which help to guide us through our journey here on earth.God has given us verses on finances which help to guide us through our journey here on earth. I believe God supplied these principles in order that we may be able to live a life of freedom from earthly bondage. I have included a few verses that I feel are important for us as Christians to read, understand and apply to our lives. “Do not weary yourself to gain riches, cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings, like an eagle that flies toward the heavens” (Proverbs 23:4-5). “For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it?” (Luke 14:28). “My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full” (Proverbs 8:19-21). “And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:8). God has given us the best tool and resource for our personal money management. That is the Bible. Don’t forget as you look for direction in your finances that God has some wonderful guidance waiting for us in His word. Joe Larson FLCS Staff Blog, Community Outreach, News, Homebuyer Education, Credit Counseling 2008-06-05T20:10:00-06:00 http://www.familylifecredit.org/index.php?/site/no_need_to_eliminate_family_time/ http://www.familylifecredit.org/index.php?/site/no_need_to_eliminate_family_time/#When:19:22:00Z Many families enjoy going on their annual summer trips, but with gas prices out of control, how far can the family go this year?Many families enjoy going on their annual summer trips, but with gas prices out of control, how far can the family go this year? Many people have already called off the family summer getaway, and I can certainly understand why, but how about moving the trip a little closer to home? You don’t want to just throw away all of the excitement that goes along with family vacations, do you? I remember the family vacations that we used to go on and they are some of the best memories of my life. Sure you have the fighting in the backseat, the packing and unpacking, the constant restroom stops, but you also have time spent with the people you love the most. Family trips are forever burned inside our minds. Everything may not go as planned, but those are usually the best memories of all. No matter where we go, what we do, or how long we do it, we have these memories with us forever. Don’t let anything get in the way of family bonding! Satan uses just about everything to end family time. Television, I-pods, video games, inflation, arguments, telephone, drugs, alcohol, the list can go on and on, but all of these roadblocks can be overcome with love, patience, and wisdom. Family time is what builds up and polishes these three very important qualities into our lives, and believe me Satan knows this. So even though gas prices are unbelievably high, just figure out a destination a little closer to home this year. Stay somewhere a little less expensive. Pack up the cooler instead of eating out. Plan outings that cost nothing or very little. Bring games to play inside and out. The best way to save this year is to plan out your vacation’s budget and stay inside it. Remember, it’s not all about what you do, as much as it is who you do it with. Have a fun and enjoyable summer. Jeral Croaker Certified Credit Counselor Family Life Credit Services Blog, Community Outreach, News, Homebuyer Education, Credit Counseling 2008-04-23T19:22:00-06:00 http://www.familylifecredit.org/index.php?/site/kids_and_budgets/ http://www.familylifecredit.org/index.php?/site/kids_and_budgets/#When:19:18:01Z Kids and budgets, now there are two words that don't seem to go together. I always would say if I had any cash on me the kids could smell it and I would hear...Kids and budgets, now there are two words that don't seem to go together. I always would say if I had any cash on me the kids could smell it and I would hear: Mom I need... and it seemed they would know just how much I had. Ok, I am probably stretching that a bit but anyone with kids, especially teenagers, probably can relate. Getting a bit more serious, it is very important to teach our children the art of budgeting. As parents, our children look up to us and learn from us. They watch us and take in everything that we do, even our bad habits. As a parent I have had a hard time telling my kids no - I would love to be able to give them everything. In reality I needed to teach them the importance of budgeting, money managing and patience. We have turned into an instant gratification people. We see something, we want it, we buy it right now by using our credit cards and the thought we will pay for it tomorrow. While our kids are growing up, if we buy them the things they want right now as items come out on the market, we are training them that this is the way life is. Once our children grow up and go to college or start out in the world they have the same "need it right now” expectation, which can potentially rack up a lot of debt in a very short time if followed. My first real experience with teaching budgeting was when my oldest (she was in junior high) started wanting the brand name items (shoes, jeans etc.) - items outside of our normal budget. What I also noticed was sometimes when she got these items they would only be worn or used a few times and discarded as the next up and coming trend would start. My daughter received a monthly allowance, so I started saying I will pay half and she needed to pay half. When she had to invest some of her hard earned money, her requests were on a more limited basis. All of a sudden some items were not as important as they were before and the items actually purchased were used more. We also started noticing, by having to wait for some items, trends would change and in some cases prices would go down. We also worked very hard on putting at least half of her money she received in savings. Last but not least, before she started college, we discussed debt, budgets and credit cards. So many kids get to college and are immediately wooed by the credit card companies so it is very important that they understand debt. The best thing we can do as a parent is to give our children the tools they need to start off life on the right foot. Blog, Community Outreach, News, Homebuyer Education, Credit Counseling 2008-04-16T19:18:01-06:00 http://www.familylifecredit.org/index.php?/site/consider_yard_sales/ http://www.familylifecredit.org/index.php?/site/consider_yard_sales/#When:19:16:01Z Have fun – Enjoy your day. If you have kids, involve them in the day’s events. Make it a memory. Involve your friends and neighbors...With spring on its way, now is the time to take advantage of yard sales in your area. Yard sales can be exciting, adventuresome and profitable. If you are wondering how you are going to pay for your summer adventure or family vacation, consider organizing a yard sale. Often times you have all sorts of things laying around your house or apartment that could be worth something to someone. Sell that stuff since it is doing no good but adding clutter to your life. Things to consider while organizing a yard sale: Pricing Goods – Be sure to keep your prices low as people expect to get a “deal” at a yard sale. Just because you paid $80.00 for a pair of jeans 3 years ago doesn’t mean someone will pay $15.00 for them now. Price them to sell. How about $3.00? Remember, what you don’t sell, you have to pack up and store again or haul it to a local charity retailer . Multi-Day Sales – When people are looking at yard sale ads, shoppers are often turned off when they see an ad that has multiple days listed. They know the good stuff goes first. Consider running a separate ad for each day. Bag Sale – Towards the end of the day, consider offering your customers a “$3.00 bag sale”. Tell them that everything they can fit in a bag they can have for $3.00. Now use your judgment on this. My wife and I are just happy to get rid of things so I would rather get paid to have someone haul it away than spend several hours packing things up. Keep your prices flexible – Part of the fun in going to yard sales is price negotiating. Don’t be offended if someone offers you less than what you are asking for something. Have some fun with it. Do a bit of bartering. Once again, ask yourself, do I want to pack it up or get paid to have someone haul away my old stuff? Have fun – Enjoy your day. If you have kids, involve them in the day’s events. Make it a memory. Involve your friends and neighbors. Yard sales are a great way for you and your family to earn a little extra money to help with your spring cleaning needs. Blog, Credit Counseling 2008-04-09T19:16:01-06:00 http://www.familylifecredit.org/index.php?/site/have_you_taken_it_to_the_lord/ http://www.familylifecredit.org/index.php?/site/have_you_taken_it_to_the_lord/#When:20:45:00Z This is the Easter season. Jesus died and rose again for each one of us in order that we may experience life.One of our staff members has a simple yet wonderful phrase that she uses on a regular basis. The phrase makes you take a step back and really analyze your faith and your situation. The phrase is, “Have you taken it to the Lord?” Think about that. What are you going through today; good or bad? God wants you to share your heart with him. Take it to God today! This is the Easter season. Jesus died and rose again for each one of us in order that we may experience life. He desires a personal relationship with each and every one of us. If you’re not familiar with the importance of Easter, please contact us. Blog 2008-03-19T20:45:00-06:00 http://www.familylifecredit.org/index.php?/site/slaves_and_masters/ http://www.familylifecredit.org/index.php?/site/slaves_and_masters/#When:19:29:00Z How many of us know of a traditional slave that needs to obey their master. I don’t know of any. I believe it goes past that thought...Have you ever thought and wondered how Ephesians 6:5 applies to us living in America? Ephesians 6:5 (NIV) reads, “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.” How many of us know of a traditional slave that needs to obey their master. I don’t know of any. I believe it goes past that thought. In 2 Peter 2:19 (NIV) Peter wrote, “They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.” Look around and see what many are enslaved to? Debt! Many of us are enslaved to debt. We have signed a contract agreeing to pay something back with no real guarantee that we can live up to that contract. We have given our word and now indebted ourselves to a certain debtor. This would make us a slave to the debtor. Often times I hear of clients calling and complaining of being charged outrageous interest rates and ridiculous fees. I also hear people talking about how they are considering stopping all together paying back the debt because they don’t feel the arrangement is fair. I understand where they are coming from, but the bottom line is you signed the agreement agreeing to pay back what you owed. You are now a slave until you are released from your agreement. This is the trade-off though. You now fall under Ephesians 6:5 as being obligated to obey your earthly master with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart just as you would obey Christ. In many cases it is easy to look around and see the unfairness in society. Yes, we do live in a broken and fallen world, however we each make decisions on a daily basis that ultimately determines our earthly freedom. This should serve as a constant reminder that many of us are slaves and will be slaves until we pay the price. We also have no room to complain. As tough as it may be, we need to treat our creditors with respect, fear and sincerity of heart just as we would obey Christ. I will leave you with Romans 13:7 (NIV) “Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” Continue to seek God for your strength each day. No one ever said being a slave would be easy. Joe Larson -FLCS Certified Credit Counselor Blog 2008-03-12T19:29:00-06:00 http://www.familylifecredit.org/index.php?/site/hows_your_new_years_resolution_going/ http://www.familylifecredit.org/index.php?/site/hows_your_new_years_resolution_going/#When:21:28:00Z It is the beginning of March and already many New Year Resolutions have been broken. We always start off the New Year with good intentions...It is the beginning of March and already many New Year Resolutions have been broken. We always start off the New Year with good intentions - going strong and ready to take on the world - we forget that we need to start with small but steady steps and to make our "resolutions" achievable. I stopped making resolutions years ago and changed my focus on goals. As we are now into 2008 it’s a good time to look at our finances to see where we are and to set our goals for the rest of the year. The first step to setting financial goals is to take a close look at our budget. If you don't already have a budget now is the perfect time to sit down and set one up. The first step is to put down the fixed monthly expenses. This would include our house payment or rent, utilities, cell phone, cable, internet, loans, monthly credit card payments, food, gas, insurance ect. If you don't know what you are spending monthly or haven't added it up lately take a close look at last month's bills to see how much is really being spent. A couple of month's ago I added up our food and gas receipts - I was still pretty much on track with the food budget but gas prices had really gone up - more than I had anticipated. Once the budget is set compare it to your monthly income - then look at how much extra you have per month and plan out any projects / big purchases / vacations - or extra's you might be planning for the year. If you are like most American's and living pay check to pay check this is also the best time to take a closer look at what can be cut from the budget. A few items to look at that may be changed: Internet service - know how much you are paying a month - is this the best deal / keep an eye out for other providers and what they have to offer. Cell Phone - know when your contract expires / how much per month you are paying / do you ever go over and pay extra / is your plan the best for you and your situation. Again keep an eye out for what other providers have to offer once your current contract expires you can make the move to the better plan. Cable TV - Look at what you are paying - do you have more than basic service? Can your service be down graded? This is a good place to save a bit if you are living pay check to pay check. Eating out - This is expensive - much more reasonable to eat at home. The list goes on. Now is also the time to take a close look at your credit card statements. Take a close look at the APR you are being charged as well as the amount of your monthly finance charge. Many times the minimum monthly payment barely covers the monthly finance charges. So whenever possible try and make a higher payment per month then requested to help pay off the balance in a more timely manner. Getting our finances under control can relieve so much stress and worry from our lives. This sets the pace for so many other good things. Wishing you a great 2008! -Sandi FLCS Staff Blog, News, Credit Counseling 2008-03-05T21:28:00-06:00