DEBT FREE LIVING

To my Dad

2008-06-14T06:40:00.000-07:00

What Is A Dad?

A Dad is a person
who is loving and kind,
And often he knows
what you have on your mind.
He's someone who listens,
suggests, and defends ~
A dad can be one
of your very best friends!
He's proud of your triumphs,
but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient
and helpful and strong
In all that you do,
a dad's love plays a part ~
There's always a place for him
deep in your heart ~
And each year that passes,
you're even more glad,
More grateful and proud
just to call him your dad!
Thank you, Dad...
for listening and caring,
for giving and sharing,
but, especially, for just being you!

Happy Father's Day

Love
me (the first born :))

Fathers Day

2008-06-14T06:32:00.000-07:00

The creation of a national day for Dads began back in the 1900s when a grateful daughter wanted to express her deep appreciation for her own father. A gentleman by the name of William Smart, a civil war veteran, was widowed when his wife died in childbirth. Mr. Smart raised his six children on a rural farm in eastern Washington State. When Sonora Louise Smart Dodd, one of Mr. Smart's children, was grown she wanted to show her appreciation for her father. He had shown her a great love and strength in raising her and her siblings as a single parent. So, in 1909, she proposed a day to honor her father in June (the month of her father's birth).

The very first Fathers' Day followed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Washington. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge showed support of this becoming a national holiday. However, it wasn't until 1966 when President Lyndon Johnson officially proclaimed Fathers' Day a national holiday to be celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of June.

Harry C. Meek, president of the Lions Club in Chicago, was also a component in establishing Fathers' Day. He gave several speeches around the United States expressing the need for a day to honor our fathers. In 1920 the Lions Clubs of America presented him with a gold watch, with the inscription "Originator of Fathers' Day".

Traditions

If your father is living, wear a red rose.
If your father has passed away, wear a white rose.
The very creative tie as a gift.
A cookout usually. prepared by Dad himself.
Tell your Dad how much you love him--and why.
Give him a great big hug.

I finished it!!!

2008-06-14T06:25:00.000-07:00

by C. Warner

Very impressed! That is what I have to say about the book. I said I would keep everyone updated on it, The Total Money Makeover is a great book. I actually ran into a intern at work who is about my age, late 30's early 40's and he said he has paid off his debt, using the info in this book and is going to be clear on his house soon. This was a bonus for me, running into someone I know who it worked for. I am sold. I will begin implementing it in my family and keeping you all updated.

some money myth busters

2008-06-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

by C. Warner

I am reading a great book called The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. In it there are several money myths, I thought I might share a few with you today. Check out his website for more information and for information to help fix your money situation.
http://www.daveramsey.com

Myth: Car payments are a way of life, you'll always have one.
Truth: Staying away from car payments by driving reliable used cars is what the average millionaire does, that is how he or she became a millionaire.

Myth: You can get a good deal on a new car at 0% interest .
Truth: A new car loses 60 % of its value in the first 4 years, that isn't 0%.

Myth: You need a credit card to rent a car, check into a hotel or buy online.
Truth: A debit card will do all that!

Myth: Cash Value life insurance, like Whole life, will help me retire wealthy.
Truth: Cash Value life insurance is one of the worst financial products available.

Myth: Debt consolidation saves interest, and you have one smaller payment.
Truth: Debt consolidation is dangerous because you treat only the symptom.

His book contains many more Myths/ Truths. Some hit really hard, and they explain why it is the truth. They make total sense. I will let you know how it is going. So far I am still reading.

Expenses Risen

2008-06-02T17:30:00.000-07:00

By C. Warner

My expenses have risen, A LOT, in the last few months. This gasoline crisis is making everything more expensive. Truckers pay more to haul our items to the stores and so therefore we pay more to buy them. Our pocketbook is taking the biggest hit. And I believe it is going to get worse before it gets better. I hope I am wrong.

Somewhere, someone needs to figure this out and come up with a solution. When the cost of gasoline for a family is about the same as their house payment, "Houston we have a problem!"

I was just reading today where some places are even thinking of having their employees go to a 4 day work week instead of 5 to cut down on gas consumption. I don't know if that would work, I think most people would just consider it vacation and find somewhere else to drive and spend that gas.

If your expenses have risen (and I am sure they have) please write in here and give the readers and myself some ideas of how you and your family have been cutting back and affording to drive!!

And what does everyone think about digging for oil in Alaska??? For or against. Take the poll and let us know. Everyone is going through this together. Thank God it is finally nice weather we can walk or ride a bike some of the time.

Till next time, think on this "If we are unwilling to accept responsibility for our past, we probably will be unwilling to accept responsibility to create our future." - James C. Hunter

quote

2008-05-31T18:01:00.000-07:00

It's not what happens to you, but how you think about what happens to you that makes all the difference.

TV turn off

2008-05-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

by C. Warner

I just got home from church, and the pastor was talking about the things that take up our time, time that we should be directing towards the things of God. He was saying that one of the things that a lot of people spend too much time doing is watching television. I know I do. Season finale of Desperate Housewives is on tonight. Am I gonna miss it? No way! And if by chance I don't catch it in time, well I have it on the DVR, so I can stay up till 1 am and watch it. I will be exhausted the next morning for work, but what the heck, I didn't miss it.
Do any of you have that attitude. It is the same with our finances, we spend with the idea that we have to have it now. Later isn't in our thoughts ( the doesn't think about being tired in the am thing), pretty much the same as I will pay for it later, who cares if it is 23% interest. Lets worry about it tomorrow. But if we don't take care of our finances now, we won't have the finances tomorrow. Debt is like cancer, it eats away until it kills you. God blesses us with money that we are supposed to be responsible with. Take care of our families, pay our bills, tithe, take care of those less fortunate then us.
The shoes that we want today, that we must have ,that we will pay for tomorrow, with a added interest payment, don't help that needy child in Burma that is homeless, hungry and scared today or tomorrow as our shoes sit in the back of our closet, cause we just wanted them for that one outfit. We really should be ashamed of ourselves here in America, we are all so in debt that we need to turn off the TV and take a good look at those that need our help.
Just think if we as a country could get our debt under control, I know you think what fairy tale are you living in? We would not have as much crime or poverty. Everyone would be able to help each other. This can only happen one person at a time. Each person needs to make a decision to stop using the credit cards and to get out of debt.
So really this isn't as much about turning off the television as it is about being fiscally responsible with what you are given. Hey, If i sound like I am yelling it is really at myself! Have a great Sunday!!

Mind boggling prices

2008-05-13T19:02:00.001-07:00

by C. Warner

Monday the price of a postage stamp went up to 42 Cents. Does that amaze anyone else besides me?
I remember penny and nickel candy. And I was only born in the 60's. Gasoline is outrageous, milk should come out of the cow labeled Häagen-Dazs. For it is nearly as pricey. It seems almost a luxury to pour on your cereal.
Do you know the US postage stamp is actually a deal compared to other countries? The average price of a stamp is 83 cents. So hey what the heck, 42 cents is a bargain, especially when we pay $4.00 for a gallon of gas and $4.00 for a gallon of milk. And I haven't even got to bread or eggs which incredibly is like ALOT!

Just the basics are mind boggling.

So what are the average people to do? Well for starters, Make a budget and stick to it.
That is the hardest part but by far the most important. Be accountable to someone for your spending habits whether good or bad and you will be thankful in the long run.

The economy might not be very good right now. But there is always a silver lining to everything. Be ready for that silver lining.

Coupons

2008-05-13T05:43:00.000-07:00

Use coupons when you grocery shop!! You can save a bundle!! I will be adding some savings sites. So watch for them!!

Coming up short

2008-05-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

Wow, have you and your spouse ever sat down and tried to do bills together? Have you ever came up short? This is such a stressful thing to have happen. Stressful for both of you, Here is a article I found on MSN money. It could be helpful in this situation:

How to build your first budget

Can you afford a car, a trip, a new computer? Learn how to master food, housing, savings and the rest, and you can fend off ugly money problems.
By Liz Pulliam Weston

Angelica Trummell, like millions of other college graduates, is trying to figure out how to make ends meet now that Mom and Dad won't be sending checks every month.

It's not that her parents paid for everything. The art-history major worked for the campus bookstore at the University of California, Riverside, and took out $10,000 in student loans to help pay the bills. She also racked up $2,000 in credit card debt.

But facing life now that she has to foot the entire bill for rent, food, utilities, insurance and debt payments is more than a little daunting.

"A lot of my friends are going back home" because they can't afford post-college life, Trummell said. "I really don't want to do that."
Why you should care about budgets
Putting together a post-college budget is crucial if you don't want to spend your way into serious problems. You're also developing a habit that can serve you well throughout your life.

"You're committing to managing your money instead of letting your money manage you," said economist Kathy McNally, head of financial literacy for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. "The earlier you start, the better."

You'll probably find it helpful to first track how you're spending money now. Review one of your recent bank statements to get an idea of your current monthly expenses and your monthly take-home pay. Then track every dime you spend for the next three or four days to learn where your discretionary money goes. (For more, see our Managing Your Budget Decision Center.)
OK, now what?
What your budget looks like will depend on many factors, including what area of the country you live in. People in urban areas tend to spend more on housing than their country cousins, for example, while utility costs will be higher in the Northeast and Midwest than in balmy California.

The simplest way to budget may well be "The 60% Solution." The basic idea is that all your "essential" spending -- taxes, food, shelter, clothing and the rest -- comes out of the first 60% of your total, pretax income. The rest, in 10% chunks, is devoted to retirement savings, emergency savings (or debt repayment), short-term savings for irregular expenses (like holidays and car repairs), and fun money.

New college grads, however, may find essential spending chews up more than 60% of that total pay. And if your employer doesn't provide full medical coverage, you'll need to take care of those costs. Trummell, for example, paid about $140 a month for an individual medical insurance policy.
What if the numbers don't add up?
If you've done and redone your budget and you're still spending more than you make, then it's time for some radical rethinking. Here are the most likely culprits:
Housing: You'll notice this is the single biggest expense you face, so some cuts here can really make a difference. Consider getting another roommate, renting a room from a family member or even moving back with your own dear parents if you can't get this expense in line. Don't worry: it's not forever. Eventually your income will increase and you'll be able to afford better digs.
Transportation: If you have a car loan, you may have already busted the bank in this category. (Read "The real reason you're broke.") Even an economy car costs about $500 a month, said Springboard President Dianne Wilkman, including payments, insurance, fuel and maintenance. If you bought more car than you can afford, consider selling it and buying something less expensive -- or opting for public transportation.

Food, utilities, personal spending
Food: Basic groceries should cost a single person about $150 a month. You'll spend a lot more if you eat out frequently, however, or if you buy lots of processed foods, frozen dinners and gourmet stuff. Cut your food costs by bringing lunches and snacks from home. Substitute potlucks or picnics for expensive socializing at restaurants. Shop grocery-store sales, and learn to make a few healthy meals at home. See "Secrets of superstar grocery shoppers."
Utilities: A cell phone, a big long-distance bill or a need to walk around your apartment in shorts in January can all put you over budget in this category. Shop around for cheaper long distance. Conserve energy and wear a sweater in the winter, shorts in the summer. Consider getting rid of the cell phone, or at least switching to a cheaper plan.
Personal: Let me guess. You're waaaaaay over budget in this category. The good news is that just about everything in this group represents a want, rather than a need. That means you can easily trim out the fat: Disconnect your cable or at least switch to basic; ditch the gym; find a cheaper haircut; carry (and spend) less cash and stop smoking.
Savings: You might have to temporarily trim this percentage to pay off credit card debt. But don't cut savings to spend on anything else. And make sure, if you're eligible for a 401(k), that you contribute as much as you can -- at least enough to get the full company match. If you can, try "7 painless moves to save $1,000."
Debt: If you're like the average college graduate, you've got about $20,000 in student loans and $2,000 in credit card balances before you even get your first paycheck. Just making the minimum payments in this category can put you over budget.

There are several steps you can take to keep these debts from wreaking havoc on your budget. First, consider consolidating your student loans to lock in low rates. In July 2009, grads will be able to opt for a kinder, gentler loan-repayment program based on a percentage of their income (see "College students get a break on costs").

You might also talk to your lender about other options, such as interest-only or income-sensitive plans. If you're really hard up or unemployed, you can ask for a deferral or forbearance, but remember that your interest usually will keep piling up even if you don't pay. This is why it's usually best to pay something each month, although student loans are one debt where it's often OK to just pay the minimum.

That's not true with credit card debt, however. You always want to pay more than the minimum if you possibly can. Otherwise, the interest charges and fees will just keeping adding up, and you may never get out of debt. See "Your 5-minute guide to credit cards." Consider taking money from savings and trimming every other budget category so you can get credit card balances eliminated in a hurry. If you're still having trouble, or if you can't pay the minimums on your debt, consider contacting your local Consumer Credit Counseling Service. Most of these agencies, which are affiliated with the National Foundation for Consumer Credit, offer low-cost budgeting classes as well as debt repayment plans if you're deeply in hock.

Otherwise, congratulations. The blueprint you just made will help you navigate your way through some potential money minefields and should speed you on your way to financial independence.

Liz Pulliam Weston's new book, "Easy Money: How to Simplify Your Finances and Get What You Want Out of Life," is now available. Columns by Weston, the Web's most-read personal-finance writer and winner of the 2007 Clarion Award for online journalism, appear every Monday and Thursday, exclusively on MSN Money. She also answers reader questions on the Your Money message board.

My TOP TEN

2008-05-08T17:46:00.001-07:00

by C. Warner

No denying, life can be stressful. Job, family, friends, finances , even the dog can stress one out. But everything is how one looks at it. Your life may feel like its being stomped on right now. But compared to the guy next door it is the best life ever. I guess it comes down to God doesn't give you more than you can handle, and when he does he always gives you a way out.

I just have to look around when I feel down and count my blessings, I bet if you look around you can find at least 10 things that you have been blest with. Mine are (in no particular order),

I am healthy
I have a wonderful husband
I have 3 healthy children
I have awesome friends
God loves me
I have a wonderful family
I have a nice place to work
I have great pets
I have a great pastor
I live in a free country where I have a say!

What are your top Ten ?

FINANCIAL TIPS!

2008-05-08T04:45:00.000-07:00

DOES ANYONE HAVE FINANCIAL TIPS THEY WANT TO SHARE!! PLEASE SHARE THEM!

QUOTE FOR THE DAY

2008-05-06T03:53:00.000-07:00

Where your pleasure is, there is your treasure:

where your treasure is, there is your heart:
where your heart,
there your happiness.
-Saint Augustine

Exploring on a Budget

2008-05-05T04:32:00.000-07:00

I found this on my sons school news letter, and I think it has some great ideas for saving some money and spending time with the kids. Summer is coming up and of course with the kids home even more money gets spent.

Exploring on a budget from the Home & School Connection (great stuff :))

Exploring your community doesn't have to cost a lot, yet th erewards can be priceless. You will teach your child about the world around her and enjoy time together. Consider these activites.

On the farm
Find a nerby farm where you can pick fruit like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries or peaches. Once you get home , try making pies and salsas. visit www.pickyourown.org for a list of local farms, directions for canning fruit, and recipes.

Join in
Call your local parks department to find free or low-cost programs your family can participate in. You might learn to identify birds and flowers during a nature hike, try a craft like tie-dying, or take part in a parent-child soccer clinic.

Batter up
Attend hometown sporting events (check your newspaper for schedules). Youth leagues usually don't charge admission, colleges might ask only for a small fee, and minor league games may be free if your young athlete wears his/her team jersey. Show your child how officials keep score, and point out examples of good sportsmanship.

A BIG MESS

2008-05-04T00:11:00.000-07:00

by C. Warner

This country seems to be in a big financial mess. Gasoline is the highest I have ever seen it in my 40 years of life. A gallon of milk is just as high. We work most of a year just to pay our taxes. It would seem to one that the country is in such a big financial mess that we could never dig ourselves out. But we the people who started this country... ONE Country under God, need to stand up and raise our voices. If we all even tried to cut our gasoline by say 10 % , walk, ride a bike, skateboard, car pool, roller blade, piggy back ride, whatever, we would make a HUGE impact on the gasoline price. They keep raising it because we keep paying it. Come on people! Lets try and make this world a better place for our children, and that happens how? One step at a time. Take that step walking to work tommorrow for a start!

Without Health, There is No Wealth

2008-05-03T23:10:00.000-07:00

I took this off of Orrin Woodwards website, I really feel that we need to remember that Health and Wealth go hand and hand. Please read it and click on the link on the side that will take you to his website to read more wonderful information.

Without Health, There is No Wealth

By Yap Ming Hui

SINCE young, we are taught by our elders that "health is wealth".

This article, explores the role of health factor in wealth management and how our health affects our financial position.

Since the rising cost of medical care is a concern for everyone, we will look into the financial impact of ill health.

Many wealth management books talk about maintaining good health in retirement years in order to live life to the fullest. I cannot agree more with that. However, in my opinion, the relationship of good health and effective wealth management goes back much earlier than that.

The importance of good health starts when someone is still studying in school. Good health keeps the mind alert and fresh which helps you to concentrate more on learning.

Comparatively, someone who does not have good health will always have various pains as well as complaints of lethargy. This will affect his learning. Even though both persons may graduate with the same degree, a healthier person is definitely more employable.

The relationship between wellness and your personal finance is even more obvious when you start working after college.

When you are in good health, your mind is alert and your body is fresh and strong. You feel more energetic and upbeat physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. You address the problems and challenges more positively and effectively. You would require less medical leave.

A sound mind and strong body will help you to perform your job well. When you perform your job well, you not only keep the job, but you also enhance your chances of getting promoted - all of which supply the income for your wealth management.

However, when you do not have good health, your mind lacks the alertness you need to be at your best all day, every day. Same thing happens to your body. When you are out of shape, your body lacks the stamina you need to be in your top form. This will directly affect your job performance.

When you are not able to perform the job well, you not only decrease your chances of promotion and increment, but you may also have difficulty in keeping your job. When that happens, the impact on your personal finance is direct and obvious.

Down the road, your bad health lifestyle may lead to critical illness such as heart disease, stroke or cancer if it goes out of control. The treatment of critical illness could easily eat away your financial reserves or even wipe them out.

In addition, you would also suffer the loss of income for not being able to work during the treatment and recovery period. When that happens, your financial position would definitely be affected. The consequence is that you are forced to adjust or postpone the attainment of your financial goals and dreams.

Even if you can afford all those expenses and income loss, wealth without health carries no value and meaning.

When you are bedridden or housebound, it is difficult, if not impossible, to pursue your dreams. Without good health, you would lack the energy and vitality for an active and fully engaged life.

You only get to fully optimise the value of your wealth when you are physically fit and mentally fresh. "Health is wealth. Without health, there is no wealth."

Even though you are blessed with good health now, you must not take it for granted. You may need to take some action to keep yourself fit. Your good health today does not guarantee you will still be in good shape tomorrow.

I have a client who was a sportsman when he was in school and college. He is always proud to show me his sport achievements. However, he did not continue to keep himself in good health. He skipped his exercises and was under tremendous stress as the business grew.

The last time I visited him, he told me that he had failed the stress test for his heart. The cardiologist told him that he had a minor heart attack that went unnoticed. The doctor put him on medication and warned him not to do excessive work.

Therefore, it is important to realise that our health could change in an instant. We must never take wellness for granted. It is an ongoing commitment, a never-ending series of moment-by-moment healthy lifestyle choices.

The message is clear. Poor health cost you good money, earned and unearned, now and in the future.

Practising healthy lifestyle to keep your body fit is definitely one of the best wealth management practices.

By taking charge of our health today, we can proactively steer clear of the unhealthy lifestyle that guarantees a reduction in quality of life and erosion of wealth.

In our journey to pursue wealth for financial freedom, we must never exchange it with our health. Always remember to watch your stress level and do exercises more regularly.

* Yap Ming Hui is the managing director of Whitman Independent Advisors Sdn Bhd, the first multi-client family office in Malaysia