LifeEdit.netLifeEdit.netA blog dedicated to frugality, organization, productivity and a happy life. Articles
Post-Holiday Financial Fitness
2007-12-25 02:29:00 Following up after a serious money-spending spree, depending on how well it was planned and how much damage you did to your bank account, it might be time to start tightening the spending belt and looking to build up your financed once again. Unfortunately, this season breeds spendaholics - not only do you have a large chunk of gifts, money and gift-cards, but post-Christmas shopping sales can be hard to resist.In addition to these sinfully fun activities, post-Christmastime brings a new year and a new opportunity to realize financial goals. The key to a successful holiday wrap-up is to balance your interests, wants and needs. How you do this is entirely up to you, but here are a few tips to get you on the right path:Repay Debts. If you managed to accrue any debts over the holidays, now is the time to pay them off. This is a priority above most saving and definitely over Christmas-week sales. Do whatever you can to eliminate unnecessary interest payments, whether this means payi... More About: Fitness , Holiday , Financial , Post
Recipe: Penne Pasta with Spinach and Bacon
2007-12-23 14:16:00 Nothing beats a good pasta for a hearty, healthy, quick and convenient meal. This one includes a great source of nutrients (spinach) with one of my family's favourite flavour punches (bacon). From AllRecipe s.Ingredients 1 (12 ounce) package penne pasta2 tablespoons olive oil, divided6 slices bacon, chopped2 tablespoons minced garlic1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes1 bunch fresh spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces Directions Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta, and cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place bacon in the skillet, and cook until browned and crisp. Add garlic, and cook for about 1 minu... More About: Pasta , Spinach , Bacon , Penne
Carnival of Life Editing #5
2007-12-22 14:27:00 MoneyWhalehooks presents What Options Do I Have If I Am Behind On My Mortgage Payments? posted at Student Loan Consolidation.Mike May presents Give to Receive posted at UpbeatBrain.com.HomePat Ruppel presents Family and Going Home posted at Plain Talk and Ordinary Wisdom.Mitch McDonald presents Rent Back House Tips To Avoid Home Loss posted at FYI About.com.Life styleJames DeLelys presents Look with your Heart! posted at Author James DeLelys.James D. Brausch presents For Drinkers This Season posted at Weight Loss Dude.Tupelo Kenyon presents How to Live the Life of Your Dreams Through Intuition posted at Tupelo Kenyon.Alex Marlin presents 11 Tips To Getting Anything You Want posted at Life Improvement Tips For The Wise Few.FoodRoger Haeske presents What Magic Question Will Make You FEEL Like Going Raw? posted at Raw Food Diet, Bodyweight Fitness & Self-Help.WorkDavid B. Bohl presents Goals: Know When to Fold ?Em posted at Slow Down Fast Today!.Looking to join in? The deadline to ... More About: Carnival , Editing
Get the Most out of Your Job
2007-12-21 12:20:00 It's important to keep the bigger picture in mind for all aspects of life; planning for the long-term can give you financial and emotional stability. For many, our careers and our professional life is incredibly important and can have a substantial impact on our well-being. We spend so much time working at our jobs, it is important to take as much from this time as possible. Here are some "big picture" ways to get the most out of your job:Education. Depending on the type of position you hold and the specifics of your company, you may qualify for sponsored continuing education - your employer might pay for you to take courses or programs that apply to your field. If not, you might want to consider negotiating something with your employer, or even finance your own continued education. Many career paths have certifications, which can provide fantastic networking resources as well as adding some weight behind your salary expectations. Look into local or national associations, are...
Simple Drinks for Your Holiday Party
2007-12-20 23:17:00 We are officially 5 days to Christmas, and holiday party season is in full swing. There is a pretty good chance that you'll be attending or hosting at least one more party, open house, dinner or potluck this season, and many people's thoughts turn to the meal and the dessert. LifeEdit.net has two previous posts that cover both sweet and savoury party food ideas, but what about the drinks?Adding one or two signature drinks to your party can make it extra memorable for your guests. As always, if you are serving alcohol, take care - you are responsible for the wellbeing of your guests at your party as well as on their way home. Be sure to offer plenty of food, non-alcoholic beverages, and a safe way home if necessary. For this reason, I will be posting two catergories - alcoholic and non-alcoholic party drink ideas.AlcoholicBayou Blast - 1oz tequila, 1/2oz melon liqueur, 5oz lemonade, 1/4oz green creme du menthe. Garnish with a peppermint stick.Champagne Ginger Punch - 4 cups u... More About: Holiday , Party , Drinks , Simple
Being a Stay-at-Home Parent
2007-12-19 12:20:00 A while ago, I was reading Brip Blap's post on being a stay-at-home parent and was struck with a thought that has been in the back of my mind for a while now - would I be a stay-at-home parent? I have always said that I would probably go stir-crazy if I had to spend more than a week at home, but every person I have spoken to who has been in the situation says that the time flies by and you are certainly anything but bored. Between coworkers, friends and family who are stay-at-home parents or have a stay-at-home spouse, I've managed to compile a list of things I consider to be pros and cons; things that would influence my decision on whether the boyfriend or I would ever consider staying at home with a young child:Pros:Decreased child-care costsPotential for increased bond between parent and childPotential for increased efficiency within the home (cleaning, cooking, shopping, balancing books, etc)Cons:One primary income unless you look for alternative streamsPotential for less so... More About: Home , Stay , Parent , Pare
Decorate Your Home Office on a Budget
2007-12-18 11:21:00 Working from home can be considered both a blessing and a curse - those of us with a home office or home office space have the luxury of working in comfort and with minimal trips into boring and flavorless offices. Unfortunately, it is difficult to balance work space with personal space and often the two become irreversibly intertwined. Someone with a pull-out sofa in their home office knows exactly what I'm talking about, especially during the holidays.Decorating a home office is unlike other home decoration plans. The space is not meant to relax you and take you away from work - instead, it must become an energizing, motivating space with minimal stress and distraction. After a few big-ticket purchases (namely your electronics), decorating your home office on a budget can be a snap. Whether your home office is an entire room or merely a nook by your front door, a functional, organized and beautiful space can help you become more productive and much happier when working from h... More About: Office , Home , Budget , Home Office
How to Cope With Being Broke
2007-12-17 12:14:00 Whether you've lost your job, accumulated a great debt or experienced unfortunate circumstances that have left you financially unstable, being "broke" can be incredibly frustrating and stressful on both you and your family. Many of us find ourselves in situations where we have less money than we "need" to survive, and while we can try to cope in the short term, we often find ourselves at a dead end with no hope in sight.There is no secret to coping with being broke - you simply need to plow through the worst of it and keep a positive ending in sight. While there is no secret to this, there are some things that can help make life a little easier:Stabilize. After any major financial blow, you need to stabilize what you do have and stop any additional "leaks" that will worsen your situation. Take this opportunity to dip into your emergency fund if needed (and if possible). Look at your spending habits and eliminate any unnecessary expenses as soon as possible. Work out a budget ... More About: Cope
Recipe: Chicken Parmigiano Casserole with Fresh Basil
2007-12-16 11:13:00 From: LCBOFresh basil is an inexpensive winter luxury that adds depth of flavour and tantalizing aroma to this layered bake. Serve with a soft mound of thyme-scented polenta or earthy mushroom risotto and the freshest vegetables you can find, simply steamed. Sauce1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil1 medium onion, diced2 garlic cloves, minced1 sweet red pepper, seeded and diced1 carrot, very finely grated28 oz (796 mL) can diced tomatoes1 tsp (5 mL) granulated sugar2 tbsp (25 mL) finely chopped fresh basil1/4 tsp (1 mL) freshly ground black pepperCasserole 8 skinless, boneless chicken breasts4 to 6 tbsp (60 to 90 mL) olive oil1/4 cup (50 mL) all-purpose flour1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt1 large garlic clove, minced2 cups (500 mL) fresh Italian or French breadcrumbs1 cup (250 mL) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided1/4 cup (50 mL) finely chopped fresh basil8 oz (250 g) mild provolone cheese, sliced or grated 1. To make sauce, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion... More About: Recipe , Chicken , Basil
Fraudulent Credit Card Use
2007-12-16 01:46:00 As mentioned earlier this week, we had to take our Boston Terrier to the vet on Wednesday (ahem...my birthday) because his back legs weren't working. We put a $300 deposit on his overnight stay and went home for a pathetic night of sleep, and I had taken Thursday off work to wait for the call to pick him up.Also, because the time around my birthday is always so fun for everyone, my father was in for day surgery on my birthday as well. After making an appointment to pick up the dog in the afternoon, I went out to see my father and bring him a few things as he was on doctor-sanctioned "house arrest". I grabbed my credit card, license, and left the house. When I pulled into the grocery store parking lot, I went to grab my card and it wasn't there. I'm almost positive that is when I dropped my card, but running on little sleep...I assumed I had left it at home. I turned around, searched the house, and nothing was there. I went back to the parking lot of the grocery store, searc... More About: Card , Credit , Credit Card
Carnival of Life Editing #4
2007-12-15 13:38:00 Thank you again to everyone who submitted their articles for the Life Edit.net Carnival of Life Editing #4! I am happy to see some "repeat submitters", but I would like to (again) clarify the rules of this carnival:Submissions must include a category to be acceptedSubmissions must be even slightly relevant to the categories and LifeEdit.net's contentUnfortunately, I had to decline about 8 submissions because they did not meet the above two criteria. There are a lot of submissions that fall into those problems, which is unfortunate as it is outlined clearly in the submission guidelines as well as the blogcarnival.com page itself.That being said, I will be closely reviewing all submissions for the Carnival of Life Editing up until the new year. If I find that things might be better off without the carnival, we'll look to change things up in the new year.But without further ado, on to the carnival!MoneyRyan Russell presents Gift or Gaffe? Interesting Gift Card Facts posted at My Mo...
How to Ace an Interview
2007-12-14 12:19:00 I love the interview process - both as a candidate and interviewer. Being in a position as a human resources professional gives me a unique understanding of the interview; while I am being interviewed, I am simultaneously assessing and analyzing the interview technique. I love the process because I get really excited about sharing my experience and learning about new opportunities and new ways to discuss my qualifications. I might be incredibly strange, but I truly love interviews.Most people are not like me - interviews create high levels of fear, stress and apprehension. This is a shame, as it is your best opportunity to show how qualified you are for the position and really cement your place as a top-running candidate. What I hope to show you is the best way to minimize these negative feelings and get the very best out of your interview:Dress the Part - dressing and looking the part will increase your confidence and your potential employer's confidence in your abilities. If... More About: Interview
Off-Topic: Luxating Patella for our Boston Terrier
2007-12-13 17:18:00 Hi everyone! I'm not one for making off-topic posts, but I thought it would be useful to pass on this information as it might be affecting my posting schedule in the future (and we can always use the extra good thoughts).The picture at the beginning of this post is our little Boston Terrier - one of our two dogs. His name is Gordon and he has a lot of attitude. He adores playing with any of his many, many toys, loves to give kisses, and is sure that he weighs at least 100 pounds and is 5 feet tall (human or dog, we're not sure). Gordon is a lot of dog in a small package.Over the past few days, Gordon has had some severe diarrhea, but aside from that, he's been right as rain. Last night we came home to find our house filled with stink and mess, and our Great Dane standing over Gordon, who was doing his "sexy pose" (sitting with his back legs kicked out to the side), but looking very un-sexy. We called him over to us to go outside, and the Dane wouldn't leave him...and Gordo... More About: Topic , Boston Terrier
Great Snacks for Kids
2007-12-13 16:01:00 Sometimes, finding a healthy snack for your children (or even yourself) can be near impossible. More often than not, you are limited by time and materials - but still must manage to create a nutritious, complete snack that will satisfy and stave off hunger until the main meal.The secret to a good snack is simple products, quick preparation and good ingredients. Below is a list of ideas that might get you started, but here are some rules of thumb when making a snack:The snack should take no longer to eat than it does to make (the less, the better!)The snack should use limited utensils and limited dinnerware (the less, the better!)The snack should include basic foods (cheese, veg, bread, crackers, fruit, etc) that you have around the home on a regular basisNow, on to those snacks!Smoothies. Utensils (Blender, spoon, knife) - Dinnerware (glass, straw). Smoothies are a great way to get an energy boost and include a little more fruit in your day. Using a base of yogurt or milk, ad... More About: Kids , Snacks , Great
How to Motivate Change in Your Life
2007-12-12 12:18:00 We all have things we hope to achieve - a better salary, a smaller waistline, a healthier marriage. Each of us set out in life hoping for the best and doing what we feel is required of us in order to achieve these things; far too often, we reach a breaking point where our goals and desires stretch just beyond our reach and we begin to lose our motivation to keep going.For most, life is about hard work and taking personal responsibility for your actions and desires. Although some of us can continue down our life path with a strong dedication to our purpose and goals, most of us need a little extra motivation to add positive change to our life. Even for those of us who are driven and dedicated in our daily lives, a little added motivation never hurt - in fact, it can help push you to new levels of greatness.The question remains - how do you motivate yourself to become motivated?Fluff Your Feathers - A little boasting can go a long way when it comes to motivating change in your life... More About: Life , Change , Motivate
Decorate Your Bedroom on a Budget
2007-12-11 12:09:00 When it comes to decorating the home, many of us focus on the public rooms and leave our bedrooms until the very end - resulting in little to no budget for our personal space. A well-maintained and beautifully decorated bedroom can help relieve stress, strengthen intimate relationships and allow us to take some time for ourselves. Luckily for those of us who did not (or cannot) budget for an expensive bedroom, it is easy to achieve a luxurious, relaxing space with very little money.Create a Neutral Oasis - the key to a relaxing bedroom is a relaxing color palette. Using soft shades of your favorite color on your walls, bedding, drapery and accessories, create a harmonious color scheme that fits your personal taste. I love to see a lot of white and "whitened" colors (blues, grays and browns in particular) used together to create a neutral space.Indulge Your Senses - pick linens that appeal to your sense of touch (spend a little extra on Egyptian cotton or a nice, cost-efficient f... More About: Bedroom , Budget
5 Simple Ways to Save
2007-12-10 12:21:00 It's easy to think in terms of maxing out your retirement savings or putting thousands into your emergency fund - not only is it easy, thinking this way can be very financially productive. In looking at the "bigger picture", you're able to think about your actions and your spending habits from a grander scale - i.e. spending less money now to save for the future.If you want to be as frugal and as financially "under control" as possible, you also need to start looking into the details, way beyond the "bigger picture". Take those patterns and behaviours you have identified on the larger scale and adapt them to your daily life; with a few small adjustments, you might find yourself saving more money and spending less money with little to no effort.A few ways I currently save and hope to save in the future are as follows:Pay into your retirement ASAP - field "experts" say that you should max out your retirement savings before paying down your debt/mortgage and your children's saving... More About: Simple , Save
Recipe: Quick Lasagna
2007-12-09 13:30:00 Quick Lasagna 1 1/2 pounds ground beef4 cloves garlic, minced1 small onion, diced1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce1 (8 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, shredded1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese or cottage cheese1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese2 eggs1/4 cup milk9 lasagna noodlesBrown beef in skillet with onion and garlic.Drain fat and add spaghetti sauce.Combine ricotta/cottage cheese, eggs and milk in a bowl, season with salt and pepper.Layer a 9x13" pan with just enough sauce to cover the bottom and lay three lasagna noodles in the pan.Cover with sauce, then ricotta/cottage cheese mixture, then shredded mozzarella.Repeat until left with a layer of noodles at the top. Cover with sauce, shredded mozzarella and a final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Farenheit for 30 minutes covered, and 15 additional minutes uncovered.Best served with a delicious side salad, soup and crusty bread! More About: Recipe , Quick , Reci
Carnival of Life Editing #3
2007-12-08 13:30:00 MoneyChristine presents Being Frugal in France: Buying Cheap Theatre, Opera and Dance Tickets posted at Me, My Kid and Life : An American Single Mom Living in France.Peter presents Banking Mistakes That Cost You Money posted at I will change your life . com.HomeDebora Silkotch presents O Christmas Tree posted at Ramblings.Chief Family Officer presents Holiday decorations and small children posted at Chief Family Officer.LifestyleBrip Blap presents What Lies Before Us posted at brip blap.Madeleine Begun Kane presents Time Travel posted at Mad Kane's Humor Blog.Tupelo Kenyon presents Ego or Soul? Who's Driving? posted at Tupelo Kenyon.Pearl presents Random Act of Kindness posted at Interesting Observations.Wenchypoo presents The Scam That is Global Warming and How it?s Making People Rich (L-O-N-G) posted at Wisdom From Wenchypoo's Mental Wastebasket.julie presents A Typical Day in the Life of a Stay at Home Mom posted at More4kids Parenting & Family Life.Alvaro Fernandez present... More About: Carnival , Editing
What to Do When You Absolutely Hate Your Job
2007-12-07 12:26:00 We all feel this way sometimes - whether it's about our job, our family, our wardrobe or our life in general, there are moments when most of us would give it all up for anything new and exciting. Unfortunately for a strong percentage of the population, changing your life around in an instant is not possible or probable. In short, you often have to "suck it up" and deal.When it comes to your job, things can get very messy if you don't enjoy it (even a little). An unproductive worker can be a detriment to his or her own career as well as the livelihood of his or her employing company. If you hate your job and make it known, your performance may deteriorate and you might be out of that job sooner than you think. It also is a great cause of stress and anxiety in your life, which can blow the problem out of proportion and have a huge impact on your daily life.So, what do you do when you absolutely, truly hate your job?Think About What You Hate . Are you having a problem with coworke... More About: Absolute
Buy Better in Bulk
2007-12-06 12:13:00 During a recent jaunt into Costco with my mother, I was amazed to see the sheer volume of products available in bulk (I haven't set foot in a Costco for at least six years). With what is likely one of their main draws, it didn't take long for me to join the masses in roaming each and every giant-sized aisle looking at huge tubs of peanut butter and large bottles of shampoo. It was an experience - from finding a parking space, to grazing on food samples; from fighting over fuzzy sweaters to lining up at the most interesting cash experience of my life.What's worse? My mother "bought" me a Costco membership - which means that she will be renewing my/her membership and I will have access to the dark recesses of the bulk shopping world. I have always been adamantly against paying a premium for items you can purchase at comparable costs for free - we have several chain bulk food stores and a few of our grocery stores carry bulk-sized items.That being said, there is some value in pu... More About: Bulk
Survive Christmas Shopping
2007-12-05 12:21:00 Imagine a beautiful, empty mall (and an equally beautiful, full wallet) - a perfect environment for a day of shopping. You would be hard pressed to find this scene during one of the busiest holidays of the year. Welcome to the world of Christmas shopping, and if you're one of many who did not cross everything off your list well before the snow hit the ground, you're in for a treat.Battling the mall at Christmastime can be draining - physically, emotionally, and financially. Unfortunately for most, it is also an inevitable trip that you will need to make. As a consumer and a former mall employee, I have been on both sides of battle and can say that the easiest way to survive the mall mauling is to avoid it entirely. Short of that, a solid head and a plan to go in and out as quickly as possible is your next best defense.Prepare Yourself Mentally - the first step to surviving Christmas shopping is to be honest, upfront and aware of what you're getting into. Don't expect to fi... More About: Shopping , Survive
Decorate Your Dining Room on a Budget
2007-12-04 12:25:00 The heart of a home often exists in its kitchen or its dining room; for many families, the communal traditions of cooking and eating are what bring them together on a regular basis. Whether hosting a casual breakfast in the morning or a full-fledged formal holiday dinner, your dining room is the perfect place to let your personality shine and create a comforting space that everyone will enjoy.The key to a well-decorated dining room is to keep the decor as universal and as neutral as possible, while still allowing for personal touches that can change according to the season or the event. Planning and creating a beautiful dining room on a budget is possible, with a few tips and tricks on how to stretch every dollar to its full worth:Use (But Don't Abuse) Color - The easiest way to bring new life to a drab room is to add a touch of color, balanced by neutral tones that allow you to relax in the space. If you choose a bright shade for your walls (a deep cranberry, gold, turquoise or ... More About: Budget , Room , Dining , Dini
How To Save Money Dining Out
2007-12-03 12:09:00 Although you can't beat a great home-cooked meal, there is something to be said about the ambiance and experience of dining out. You have the opportunity to try new foods in an environment that is exciting, bustling, romantic or casual. You have the opportunity to truly indulge and spend some quality time with friends and family. And, one of the most important aspects of dining out, you have the opportunity to forget about planning, preparing, cooking and cleaning up after a well-made meal.Unfortunately, take-out and restaurant dining can leave you with a hole in your pocket if you rely on its convenience too often. Dini ng out can be blended into your eating habits and your family budget to provide you with some well-deserved breaks from the kitchen. Some tips to a happy meal and a happier wallet are as follows:Plan Ahead - One of the worst ways to dine out is on the fly. Instead of planning ahead, looking for deals and choosing carefully, you pick your location and your meal... More About: Money , Save Money , Save
November Carnivals and a Note of Thanks
2007-12-02 17:23:00 Thank you again for a wonderful November at LifeEdit.net! The site has now been live for approximately two months, and I have really appreciated everyone's support in visiting the site and adding LifeEdit.net to your feeds and email subscriptions. Special thanks to Krystal at Give Me Back My Five Bucks for her very sweet "shout out" earlier in the month - it was so nice to be recognized by the writer of a fantastic personal finance blog.Thanks to Brip Blap; this blog's author, Steve, had a fantastic idea to make public declarations regarding the things we hope to change in our lives...and it has motivated me to work out the kinks in our debt repayment plan (as outlined in Public Declaration: Bringing Down our Debt). It looks like we'll have our line of credit paid down by either January or February 2008 (two/three months).December is a busy month for me - aside from all of my work responsibilities (Human Resources gets a bit overwhelmed this time of year), there is Christmas a... More About: Carnivals , Note , Hank
Recipe: Easy Beef Fajitas
2007-12-02 13:56:00 My mother came to visit last night and we actually made this quick and yummy dinner. One caveat - no matter how you make it, this recipe for Beef Fajitas always ends up being more than you need. The joy of this meal is its versatility - you can add different elements if you'd like (new vegetables) or change up some of the ingredients (cheddar to feta) if you're looking to create some new flavour combinations.1-1 1/2 lbs sliced beef2 green sweet bell peppers, thinly sliced1 onion, thinly sliced1-2 packages of fajita seasoning mix (or your own recipe)1-2 cups shredded cheese (I like old cheddar)1-2 cups shredded lettuce1/2-1 cup chopped tomatoes6-8 large flour or corn tortillasIn a large skillet, cook the beef, onions and peppers until veggies are soft and meat is cooked through. Add the fajita seasoning.While meat is cooking, prepare tomatoes, cheese and lettuce and arrange in bowls.Serve meat mixture in a large bowl with additional items arranged on table around it. Each perso... More About: Recipe , Easy , Reci
Carnival of Life Editing #2
2007-12-01 15:12:00 Woohoo! Welcome to the 2nd edition of the Life Editing Carnival ! I was so glad to see the variety of posts we received and I am really looking forward to next week's edition. I would just like to remind everyone of two things prior to submission - 1. Please only submit one post per carnival and 2. Please ensure that you choose a category for your submission! This is clearly outlined in the Carnival Guidelines.MoneySJ Yee presents How I made USD100 in 1 second and how you can do it too | Personal Development for the Book Smart posted at Personal Development for the Book Smart.Eden presents A Healthy Diet Doesn't Have To Be Expensive posted at Our Family Village. LifestyleChristine presents Is Homeschooling Right For Your Family? posted at Me, My Kid and Life: An American Single Mom Living in France.Yazan Manasrah presents Uncluttering your mind posted at The Blasted Crossing.David B. Bohl presents Small Business Trends Column: Entrepreneurs, Does Retirement Fit Into Your Plans? ...
Lower Your Television Costs
2007-11-30 12:51:00 Growing up, my family lived in such a rural area that we did not have access to cable or satellite television. For the first 13 years of my life, we had access to three channels (two of which were in English) as delivered through the TV antenna mounted on the side of our home and/or a pair of "rabbit ears" attached to the television. In fact, we had to add a few lengths of aluminum foil and some metal clothes hangers if we hoped to see these channels clearly and in color.When I turned 13, our family purchased a satellite TV system - the technology in those days was a little less advanced, and a lot more costly than today's slim and sleek models. We easily spent over $150 a month on the service alone, not taking into account our increased electricity consumption or that we only received a limited number of stations for that price. Since moving out of my parents' home at the age of 17, I have lived almost completely television free - no cable, no satellite, only that pair of "ra... More About: Television , Lower , Costs
How We'll Eliminate our $3,000 Debt in Two Months, No Sweat
2007-11-29 12:15:00 Yeah, I had a hard time believing the title of this post myself, but it's true. At first, I projected our line of credit would be paif off by the end of this year. Then, I thought we could have it done by the end of February. Now, with a little bit of tweaking and some serious rebalancing, we are going to knock this puppy out by January 31st, 2008. How are we going to do it?Use Financial Cushions - As of November 31st, we are going to have $1,000 in our "emergency fund"; this was the minimum limit I set for us before we would be able to aggressively pay down our loan, and we've made it already. This amount will allow us to draw from other money streams (my personal savings, our chequing account buffer, etc) and not worry about any emergency things that come up - that is, after all, the purpose of an emergency fund!Draw From as Many Places as Possible - Now that we have our cushion in place, I will be drawing all extra funds from our different accounts and using any extra reve... More About: Debt , Months , Mont
Eliminating Financial and Physical Clutter
More articles from this author:2007-11-28 12:17:00 I've had the opportunity to post about my Spending Map, my Financial Picture and How I Spend My Money in the past, all three of which have brought to life my obsession with buying junk. I come from a long line of hoarders and "sentimental purchase" owners; in fact, as my parents are in the process of selling their home, my father has brought me box after box of old report cards, toys, pictures and other meaningful but ultimately cluttering items. My father was a collector (McDonald's toys, hockey cards), my mother was a collector (pig figurines - don't ask), and I am in turn also a rabid collector (I had 84 Ninja Turtle action figures as a little girl, replaced by a similar number of Barbie dolls, followed by a Beanie Baby collection that would make your head spin, and we can't forget my Extreme Star Wars Obsession phase).My boyfriend, on the other hand, does not collect or save anything unless he absolutely has to. When we moved in together, I had boxes of magazines, garbage... More About: Physical , Clutter 1, 2, 3 |
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