Be Old-Fashioned & You May Find Out How Cool That Is

It's been awhile since I last blogged...guess life is happeniing in my household!!!!  We took a vacation to the beach and had a magnificent time.  Unfortunately, my husband's blackberry was Murphy in the car and he had to deal with work-related issues while on vacation.  There is a challenge in today's society for folks to truly be away, rest up and enjoy time off from work.  The technology today may be of great benefit to many, but I believe that there is a growing dysfunction in society where few put down the technology and actually talk, be there and be a normal human being with others. Children especially are seeking time and attention from their parents.  April Perry of The Power Of Moms writes a great article that many of my friends are liking called Your Children Want YOU!   Folks are hiding behind their blackberry, their texting, their e-mails or their curtains and are isolating themselves.  If you watch the movie Wally, it shows the funny way that folks get wrapped up in all that technology.  Could it really happen?

We drove down the interstate road and saw lots of DVDs playing in the car.  Yes, we pulled ours out later in the day, but after we made a point to play I Spy, Guess a Number between 1 & 100, Category: Vegetable, Mineral or Animal, and a few other family games.  We were laughing and sharing a special memory making moment without technology interfering with our old-fashioned fun.  We even tracked all the different license plates tags from across the country including Nova Scotia & Quebec making it a geography lesson for my kids.  At the restaurant, we played the game Left, Right & Center and even got GrandPa laughing.  Folks were envious of our fun, that is the ones who weren't distracted with technology. 

There are lots of technologies eager to eat up your time if you allow them to do so.

24/7 TV/Cable TV/Direct TV/Satelite
Internet for Social Networking sites as well as news feeds or online gaming
Texting
E-mailing
Watching a movie
Radio

It's so easy to have access because you just have to push a button.  The nice part is that you can push the OFF button.

Being in the military, it's challenging to connect with folks outside the network.  For one thing, folks don't get what your spouse does for a living.  Yes, they are in the military and they appreciate it but really and truly...theres's an unknown.  It's challenging to find common ground with folks.  Even within the military community, it's challenging to connect with others because of politics, background, living arrangements and (let's be honest) likeability. 

Another issue is relocating, moving, traveling and/or being in different places not knowing many folks.  It's challenging to connect.  It gets lonely even when the family PCSs together. 

It's easy to eat excessively.  Check out our high obesity rate as well as our rise in diabetes.  Rachel Ray's foundation Yum-O! is encouraging to counter this epic problem in our country.

It's easy to watch too much tv or surf the internet.  As one pastor challenged his sunday school class, he said go without the tv and internet for two weeks, and you will see a dramatic improvement in your sex life.  

It's easy to get into activities you would not dream of doing.  Some taboo topics and some unexpected.

It's easy to overdo because you are compensating for what's missing in your life.

Yes, here is where I must plug in that God is exactly what you need in your life especially if you are lonely.  Going to church or the base chapel is difficult at first but it is the best way to not only feel better about yourself, meet and socialize with other, but to seek the One who can  only give you the peace and understanding that you need.

Financially speaking, it's of great benefit to be old-fashioned and to find out how cool it really is.  You will see a big difference in your life.  I can't say that the technologies are bad or that you should not do them.  I am just saying that you need to keep things in balance and yes, old-fashioned values are coming back in vogue in more ways than what you may realize.  The next time you are questioning things....keep in mind that God is my refuge and strength (Psalms). 

By Stephanie Arredondo 2012 for Alfa Sugar

It's Easy to Get MisFocused

Today is when the events and acitivities for the past week or so have finally caught up with me.  My body is tired.  My stress level is present.  My time is fleeing by faster than I can blink.  My money is not as guarded as I'd like.  My family is feeling the out of routine.  It's a wonder no one isn't sick or have had something major occur because I don't think that I can take this anymore!  But God knows how much you and I can take and He is with us every step of the way.

"Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said "I will never leave you nor forsake you."  Hebrews 13: 5

If you stop and read this scripture, it gives a sense peace. Tranquility.... I love this word that Dr. Norman Vincent Peale used in his The Power of Positive Thinking. 

What is it that you and I are doing day to day if we can't be content or at peace knowing that He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you, precious child of God?

It is so easy to get carried away with the to do list.  Work pressures mount high as jobs are on the line.  Family needs heighten as little ones grow and need new clothes, shoes and such.  Not to mention health care costs, insurance, and education.  For those single, it is seeking love in many places but the one that gives contentment.  It's easy to become misfocused as you and I live our day to day life.

Being misfocused is easily done.  Technology is great at this.  Peer pressure and gettting caught up in the crowd mentality is easy to do.  Forgetting to pray as you chase after a child or sit in a serious meeting or whatever activity is occuring is not good.  Sometimes going to too much church or other related activities can easily misfocus you on worshiping the One we need most in our life.

How do we stop being misfocused and help ourselves get refocused?  For starters, getting your finances in order is a black and white answer to your behavior and what you are or are not doing right.  For example, if you are working a written plan and watching your spending behavior, then when you review it and realize how artificial it truly is, that is a reality check on where you are misfocused.

Our finances can tell us a lot about ourselves.  As much as we don't want to face ourselves in the mirror and admit our mistakes (and the fact that we are not perfect), it is a  necessary discipline to do so.  I along with many must constantly self-evaluate.  It's no easy task.  But let's not let this negative bring us down or destroy self-esteem.  Let's forgive ourselves and admit to do better.

To get refocused, it is wise to take a look at your monthly spending for the last 1-3 months.  From there, categorize your areas of spending.  Most folks overspend in the personal area as well as the food area.  Perhaps challenge yourself with a new goal.

Another area to get refocused is to do tax preparation work.  This is the time of year when you force yourself to organize your tax material as well as your financial paperwork.  Reviewing so many items will help.  While it's not fun and a little tedious, the outcome can be of great benefit.

Once you've refocused yourself and worked to get your finances back up and running in a better way, then it's time to check out other areas of your life such as TIME MANAGEMENT.  Time is just as important as money and perhaps more so because there's only so much of it that you can give.  Managing your time means you can direct your attention to the areas of your life that are important and not waste your time in other areas.

The financial perspective to learn about is how to correct where it is in your life that you are misfocused.  The number one area is have a relationship with God and then all else will follow.  I have found this to be true that if I invest my time into a relationship with God then all else gets better including the finances.  It's getting focused on the One who will never leave us nor forsake us!

By Stephanie Arredondo  (c) 2012 Alfa Sugar

Nagging is NOT Profitable

Is nagging a marriage killer????

According to the Wall Street Journal's article on Nagging in Marriage is More Common than Adultery, I find it interesting how nagging is just as toxic for the relationship as is alcohol, adultery, drugs or (not even mentioned but should be) computer addiction.  Yet, nagging has been going on for many years.

Let's define nagging as the grounds where one person in the relationship seeks something from the other but the other person ignores that request thus prompting another request then ignore....the circle continues until something has to give.

Yet a marraige killer, I am not certain how farfetched this idea is.  Nagging certainly is no fun for either person.  It is a clear sign of a communication breakdown between two people.  The possible solutions to solving the problem will vary according to what's being ignored and what the request is all about.  For two people who love each other and have made a commitment, it is an ongoing challenge because over time, there is a certain level of comfort knowing that you don't have to do much because your spouse will still love you and be around. 

Liken this to couch potatoes who have developed large guts, it's time to change tactics.  Nagging is a problem to the marital relationship.  What I am saying is that even though you ask your spouse to take the trash out and they continue to say In a Minute while watching tv, you know that if you make the request again, it is STILL not going to happen and you've increased the perception of nagging.  Getting someone to do what you desire especially when you've become their warm, fuzzy comfortable bedroom slippers means a definite change in tactics.  Now this is not easy for those of us whose husbands go away on deployments for long periods of time. 

NAME THE PROBLEM is one way to start the process of addressing this negative behavior issue surfacing in your relationship.  By naming it, you redirect the focus from the other person in the relationship to the issue.  No one is being blamed. 

TALK THROUGH THE REQUEST is recommended.  Even though one person does not see why this request must be done immediately, it is wise to have empathy and find out why.  Perhaps your spouse had a horrible day at the office and doesn't want to burden you with it all and just needs a moment to regroup before engaging in home life.  Perhaps your stay at home spouse dealt with a screaming child all day and just needed to feel a little bit of love in the form of taking out the trash.  Perhaps you both endured hardship with a child neglecting their studies for other activities and just need to realize it's not your parenting style but a different problem at stake.  Whatever the situation, it is wise to step back, name the problem (not the sympton) and understand more of the big picture.

LISTEN MORE & TALK LESS is a wise approach when resolving conflict.  It's good to hear the other side talk.  So often, it's easy to talk and dominate the conversation to get our point across.  This isn't a win win approach.  Perhaps allowing yourself to listen to the words being presented will clarify what the matter is truly about.  You both may be upset about an unpaid bill (i.e. the sympton) but the real problem is about NOT doing a household chore or you hurt my feelings on the phone earlier today or lack of sexual interest. 

Marriage seasons like wine over time,  and as the years add up, there will be more and more issues to surface for the different seasons of life you both live.  Nagging is easy and quick to make known a hurt.  Yet it's not profitable to your marriage and over time, the negative effects of nagging do add up to a negative balance....ultimately you may divorce because of no resolution and irreconcilable differences. 

For military marriages, nagging can hinder growth in many ways.  For example, when your spouse returns from a combat zone, it's easy to nag him to do household chores and other things.  Even though it takes time to reintegrate from a deployment, many military have just experienced a life-changing experience that few can understand. To reintegrate back into society it takes time.  Nagging is more harmful because two people are overcoming separation and reuniting to start a new lifestyle.  It just adds to the pressure rather than lift both partners up.  If you add children to the equation, it adds another level of challenge.

The financial perspective here about nagging is to watch yourself and don't do it because the negative effects are more costly than what's been realized to date. Even if you do nag (which we are all guilty of at some point in time), it's good to revert back to being kind, saving face and taking the higher road.  More important, your request of the other person matters because you matter.  If possible, reassess your request and reask it rather than nag. It is amazing what is accomplished when you change yourself and your approach.

Written by Stephanie Arredondo
(c) 2012

MIL & Your Mighty Marriage

(Article NOT published on Wives of Faith web site page even though submission was made over 60 days ago so I am posting it here on my blog in hopes that it provides a nonmonetary financial perspective for wives and mother in laws (mil)).

MIL or mother in law jokes abound in ways we least expect.   The newly wed wife said to her husband when he returned from work: "I have great news for you, Honey. Pretty soon we're going to be three in this house instead of two."  The husband started glowing with happiness and kissing his wife said: "Oh darling, I'm the happiest man in the world."   But then she said: "I'm glad that you feel that way because tomorrow morning my mother moves in with us."

"Have you not read,"  said Jesus, "that he who made them in the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh? So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." Mark 10:9.

Jesus addressed the importance of marriage between a man and a woman.  There is a third party involved with each marriage, but it’s not our MIL or somebody else.  It’s Christ himself.  Military marriages benefit from a distance factor when forming their family unit.  PCSing to different bases around the world forces the husband and wife to depend on one another as well as Christ.  Though lonely at times, this opportunity directly supports scripture and helps couples to submit to one another. 

A third of many marriages dissolve because of interference by parents or other family members unconsciously.  This is a staggering statistic that puzzles many; however, over 80% of the in-law complaint letters that Ann Landers receives deal with mother in law problems, specifically the husband’s mother.  Call it a clash of cultures or power plays but the fact remains that it is a challenge for many marital relationships to form their family unit.

The in law relationship can be a great blessing or a toxic relationship depending upon the two women.  Obviously, both have in common one thing – they love the man who is son to one and husband to the other.  Two is company and three’s a crowd can definitely challenge things.  What’s remarkable is when both enjoy the in law relationship as did Ruth and Naomi.  While not all mother in law relationships evolve this way, according to Terri Aptner’s What Do You Want From Me? , the issue at hand for MILs is vulnerability and the threat that this mother/son relationship is changing. 

Change is inevitable, and seeing your son off on a deployment is difficult for MILs.  Marriage can provide a blessing or another threat to the MIL.  PTSD is on the rise with husbands returning from the combat zone, and many MILs and/or family members feel the need to step in and do something, especially when it is a young marriage.  This is when tempers flare, words are spoken and unintentional pain is inflicted upon many. 

When a baby is born, it can be tricky because MILs want certain family traditions passed on.  Sometimes, the new mom experiences doubt and confusion as she gets critiqued by her mother in law.  The MIL sees an inexperienced mother making many mistakes and feels she needs to step in for the sake of her grandchild.  The husband may be deployed or on TDY orders thus adding concern and stress because he is not present.  Around the holidays is when stress levels increase. 

Do you have a MIL situation?  Is your marriage challenged as a result of a MIL or another family member?  What to do?  How do you maintain some form of sanity? 

 First, it is important to be in prayer about your circumstances.  You and your marriage matter.  Communicate with your husband, mother in law and other family relationships that your marriage is between you and your husband (not anyone else) and that you and your spouse will make your family unit’s decisions, albeit finances, estate planning, parenting etc. 

Next, it’s important to set certain priorities to where your spouse is at the top of the list.  Badmouthing your mother in law is not on the list.  Focusing on your husband and what is needed for your marriage is THE priority in addition to prayer. 

Finally, having an exchange of mutual respect with your mother in law is recommended.  You want what is best for the same person as well as for the children. 

Forgiveness is important especially when feelings have been hurt, and while no situation starts off great, perhaps with time, you and your MIL will improve your relationship in such a way that it will blossom and benefit so many around you. Perhaps it’s hard to smile at a person who has deeply hurt you.   While no relationship is ideal and setting aside the MIL jokes, the important point is to have faith that God is with you and your spouse as you walk this wonderful journey of marriage.   

by Stephanie Arredondo

Time is THE currency of your world

Checking out at a local grocery store, I overheard a school teacher comment about how nice it was to shop in a small square footage place where none of her students nor their parents were there to interrupt her shopping experience.  While I thought how odd it is that she doesn't want to make that connection with her students (after all she is a role model), it dawned on me how those interruptions along with all these other interruptions such as e-mail, text messages, phone calls, and such take time away from us getting done what we need to do for daily living. 

Back during the era of Little Women, the joy of socializing with others much less receiving a letter was priceless.  Wall Street began underneath a tree and evolved from bucket shops into this mega computer world of finance today.  The classic movie It's a Wonderful Life brings a stark reality to time spent developing relationships versus time spent on the bottom line.  Certain priorities are the same and/or change depending upon a person's goal in life.  Today, people are in such a hurry to move on if not steer clear of someone just so that they don't have to speak is a polar opposite of the time before computer domination.  Perhaps our social skills are declining, and many military wives are practically screaming for a face to face connection. Perhaps many are too busy to realize what is really going on.  Perhaps many are challenged with the varying demands upon their time.

There is only 24 hours per day seven days a week.  With that limited amount of time, some folks suffer sleep deprivation in order to achieve more.  Sleep disorders are on the rise because of an imbalance in present day lifestyles.  I usually react negatively to my children getting sick and having to cancel activities for a few days; however, I surprise myself with how positively happy I am to slow up and enjoy living life.  There is something to stopping and smelling the roses.

Time management especially of self is super-critical of anyone at any stage in life.  It is not how much you accomplish in one day or pack as much as you can in one suitcase for the day.  Rather, it is focusing your time on the top priorities in your life for that day. 

Investing your time into something remarkable such as your marriage, your children, your education, your ability to be a better worker amongst peers or whatever you name is well worth it in the long haul.  Some folks take pay cuts to work less hours or even get more vacation time so that they can enjoy the life that God created for them. 

Time is the currency of your world.  The key point to determine is how you self-manage yourself and your time to achieve your goal(s).  Though time is precious, time is fleeting away at record breaking speed.  It is important to make the most of it.  As us finance gurus love to analyze the time value of money equation, it's even more important to consider the nonmonetary forms of success that lend to creating a life worth it in the long run.

2012 May Be a Financially Great Year

2012 may be a financially great year, that is IF you are willing to do something about it. 

It's important to keep in mind that things just don't happen. You have to take action and make things happen.  So why does this bit of perspective help me out financially?

In the wonderful world of finance where everyone must do basic math on up to advanced math albeit with your income, investments or other means of support, there is action happening.  Your spending behavior is directly reflected in your wallet even if it is buying food or fuel or other.  By not paying attention to your budget or how you spend your money, you are taking action. 

Perhaps you are neglecting your finances.  It's easy to do because many folks dislike the accountability factor involved with budgeting, reconciling your accounts and making financial decisions.  Sometimes financial hardship resurfaces hard times from your past and can cause you to turn the other way  or can cause you to get intense when it comes to your money.

Perhaps you are a good steward of your money, track it and live within your means.  This routine action of managing your finances deserves a pat on the back AND a time to reassess your financial goals.  Are you interested in a return on your funds?  Are you going to take a risk and step out of your circle of comfort?  Are you willing to do more work for more financial gain or are you determining your retirement options?

Perhaps you are in between where you earn income and yet just can figure out why the money was there and is now gone.  This constant merrygoround gets old, discouraging and lackluster.  This is when taking a personal finance class or something related to the topic will help jumpstart you back into action.

Perhaps you have been in recovery.  For many veterans and military personnel coming back from the combat zone, they are faced with medical costs that wipe out whatever savings and/or income that they have.  The financial hardship on the families is difficult.  For some the physical disabilities create challenges including finding a job, keeping a job, and dealing with certain limitations.  For many, they are dealing with PTSD or post traumatic stress disorder.  It's a major issue that few talk about nor the negative effects it has on many military families.  Sweeping it under the carpet is difficult when a military member dealing with PTSD  has a hard time getting out of bed to go to work or to even funtion in American society. 

I write that 2012 may be a financially great year because it can be if you take action.  One problem is the word may, and I specifically use this word to make a point.  Many want to live up to doing a good job and yet they (especially the men) feel that what they do is not good enough.   Bosses and/or supervisors provide negative feedback, expect more than what is realistic and pass judgement on subordinates that beats them down.  Few workers underestimate their ability to do a good job yet most question their superior when it comes to job performance and evaluation.  Yet employment provides a financial means to support the family so many workers just grin and bear it.

Today is the day to take action even if it is a baby step in your financial affairs.  Perhaps you organize your bank accounts into a notebook and your bills into another notebook.  Perhaps you learn about a new financial software via your financial institution's web site page or Internet or package.  Perhaps you pick up a book from the library to read.  Perhaps you cut up your credit card and start paying it off.  Perhaps you open a new account to help jumpstart your financial future with just $20 a month. 

Little steps of action will enhance your financial situation.  Balancing your life and keeping hope abreast will help you navigate through this tricky time.  Perhaps reducing or cutting back in certain areas is a necessary action to help your family go forward.  For example, buying a frozen pizza versus ordering a pizza for delivery is a small step to save some outflow.  Now, if you are on TDY orders and/or PCSing and don't have access to a kitchen, it is wise to eat healthy, drink lots of water instead of sodas or alcohol and make practical choices.  Ask for the military discount when possible and seek restaurants who do give it so that you can cut back on this eat out expense.  Also, during lonely times it is easy to spend money to compensate for not having someone around.  This is when it is very important to do a low cost activity such as a craft, sign up for a class, exercise, attend a church social function or go to the local library for free events (sometimes they are posted on their bulletin boards more so than on the web).

Just taking action to do something will help you come alive with life, venture out, learn something new and gain a whole new perspective on life.  It is so much better than watching tv, playing a video game or anything else via your couch.  Act and see what great possibilities lie ahead. 

   

Out with the Old and In with the New

New Year's Resolutions abound in ways we least expect.  Everyone has something new to do this year whether it's losing weight, doing better in an area of life, getting pregnant, finding a special love, making more money, or on and on and on.....

This year, it's a good thing to focus on out with the old and in with the new.

Instead of dwelling on past failures or past life experiences, it is important to embrace the present like none other.  So often we blame ourselves for what's happened and yet we forget to forgive ourselves and try to do better by starting with the little, insignificant, detail stuff that matters in more ways than you'd expect.

For veterans and those dealing with PTSD, it is important to try something new that blesses you. 

The financial perspective here is to clean up your finances, prepare taxes and get control of your financial affairs.  Kind of like weeding a garden, it's good to let go of investments where the return is lackluster and redirect to a new investment instrument that better meets your needs.  It's an arduous task that few enjoy; however, it is a great necessity should you desire to change your family tree.

Embrace the new and try something new in your life.  This is your year, and according to Dr. Seuss' book Oh The Places You'll Go, you will succeed indeed!

Celebrate The Season One Nation Under God

Americans struggle this time of year with celebrating the holidays.  For some, it's a lonely time.  For some, it's an exciting time.  For others, it's a crazy busy time.  For others, it's a time when you dread it.  Whatever your struggle this time of year, it is wise to keep some perspective that money can't buy yet provides a return far greater than your investment portfolio.

Getting back in touch with your spiritual side is a nice start.  I listened this morning on the CBS show where three clerics respectively representing the Islam, Jewish and Christian religions spoke about The Deeper Meaning of the Holidays  All three commented on why Americans aren't as in touch with their spiritual side.  For one thing, many are busy and are trying to buy things to satisfy needs.  All agreed that Americans aren't as spiritual as in past times. 

Relationships take time, and you need to invest in them.  It's intimidating for many who must use a credit card to satisfy certain needs.  You cannot buy love.  Though love is unseen, not tangible and not readily available, it is experienced by many so we know it exists.  Perhaps past hurts prevent you from opening yourself back up and being vulnerable to receiving and/or giving love.  If that is the case, then by all means take your time but do not keep the wall up preventing the WHAT IF love really happens this time.  It's a risk well worth taking.

Forgiveness is key.  Impossible to forgive...I believe not....It takes courage and swallowing your pride to forgive.  Though many see this as weakness, it is greater strength than any football player or Olympic champion can ever display.  God forgives us, and perhaps He is desiring us to forgive Him.  We can learn to forgive by forgiving others. 

We are one nation under God.  Isn't it neat that all can celebrate this time of year?

Holiday Season Tips

Frantic about the end of the year?  You are not alone.  Many are.  In addition to all the holiday season busyness, Americans are dealing with an economy that is dismal regarding employment.  For many, Christmas will not be as great as in years past. 

1.  Check your end of the year financials.  The old expression of getting your house in order is recommended. 
2. Budget for holiday gift giving and go lean!  Everyone understands that people aren't doing as much as in years past.
3. Spend less on your children and spend more time with them. 
4.  Travel with a purpose, meaning budget your auto fuel.  Try to merge two or more trips to the store into one.  Try to carpool or get a ride.  Walking, riding a bike or even taking an alternative means of transportation though full of hassles can free up cash elsewhere.  I know of a retired couple who sold their second car and share one vehicle. 
5.  Clothing goes on sale this time of year so be on the lookout for nice gift ideas or a new article of clothing for yourself. 
6.  Attend church especially the Christmas events.  They bring out a cheerful bit of our soul.  Plus they are free and some offer free child care depending upon the event.
7.  Gift cards are all over the place and make for easy gifts (or do they?).  If you are handing the recipient a gift, it is best to give cash.  Gift cards now come with a $3.95 activitation fee in addition to the amount on the card.
8.  Impulse spending occurs so quick as stores and salespeople put the push on you to spend spend spend.  Be wise.  Watch your wallet. 
9.  Technology is allowing thiefs to get ahold of your credit card.  Check your free credit score as well as your credit card and debit card.
10.  Shop during low volume of people times.  Weekends, after work and school holidays are when traffic will be high.  Plan a day off.  Better yet...shop online and plan to be at home when the UPS man delivers your package.

Layaway is Back!

The ads are astounding how more retailers are offering layaway this 2011 holiday season. 

Walmart Toys R Us  Sears  K-mart  Best Buy  and more!

It's an aggressive move to recapture sales at a time that consumers are more debt-savy.  The reality is that you may not capture those huge sales or markdowns as the holiday season nears to an end.  Paying full price for an item on layaway will help with your cash budget but perhaps stockpiling the cash in your wallet and waiting for the sale may be a good thing depending upon your wish list this season. 

It's important to reassess your budget this year and see what's a priority and what can wait until closer to the date.  Also, each layaway option has different fees or rules so check out the full details before signing on the dotted line. 

eLayaway is another fee-based company that enables you to make payments on certain items such as iPads and other items.  For a small fee and a proven reliable business in layaway, you can stay on target with your budget this holiday season.

 

Unemployment vs. Employment

Companies are not hiring those who are without a job!  I learned of this interesting finding via the news yesterday and became greatly disturbed.  If a person is unemployed, they are readily available to work and will probably work 10x harder. 

A disturbing trend because of the economy is that employers are letting go their employees who are underperforming and are hiring better job performers.  Perhaps this shakedown is trickling to an end; however, the bleak times for many continue as many taking unemployment and still seeking a job are closing in on 2 years. 

College graduates and those new to the workforce are even more challenged because of little to no experience.  How can one obtain work experience when no one will hire them?

Military spouses are dealing with similar issues; however, because of PCSing and other challenges, many military spouses are challenged to find decent paying jobs.  Colleges and universities are like sharks, more than ready to take your money but the promise of a job to offset the costs of education is what prevents many from doing this.  There are scholarships and educational discounts for military and their spouses; however, you must submit applications which can take more time than is realistic for the military person.

In this troubling economic time, it is difficult to find encouragement.  The only recommendation that I can write is to not give up, keep networking and applying for jobs, and be more open to taking a job that is perceived to be lower on your list.  Perhaps digging deep and working hard will build character in you in ways you least expect. 

Realistic Tips on Today's Social Security Benefits

Social Security is a program instituted under President Roosevelt in the 1930s (many immigrants believe it to have always existed but that is not the case).  It is in dire need of reform as it's Trust Fund is predicted to go bust.  While my grandparents benefited from it and were able to enjoy a better lifestyle while in retirement than working, today's retirees are not enjoying the same benefits from 30 years ago. 

This Smart Money article Things Social Security Won't Tell You is very interesting and is why I've added this information to Alfa Sugar for your information gathering purposes.   As always, please conduct your own research because laws and legislation change frequently. 

For those currently in retirement, it may prove wise to return to work and increase your income.  I understand that employers are not hiring older workers (even with all the laws in place to protect this class of worker).  By increasing your income, you could increase your social security benefit. 

Same goes for those who are close to retiring but not there....it is wise to continue to work another year or two before retiring.  Financially speaking, you would benefit in the longer run from Social Security should it not go bust.

For those younger and working in the workforce, it is wise to save for your retirement.  Relying on the government to take care of you is foolish financial thinking.  For those Americans who are collecting on Social Security Disability (yes, that number is higher this year than in years past), it is imperative to note that you are only hurting yourself in the long run if you truly are capable of working. 

You can be unemployed and retired.  There is a class of people age 60 and older who are collecting unemployment checks because of the sour economic times.  If it's any consolation, the government is not gaining more revenue because of poor econimic times.

Bottom line is an increasing financial divide between hardworking producers and folks not working but getting handouts from the government.  This mathematically will not sustain itself in the long run. 

While past generations were able to reap a double digit percentage return on money paid to Social Security, today's worker is looking at double digit percentage loss on funds paid to Social Security.  It is government so we by law must pay this tax.  However, many Americans will not appreciate this problem, and for some, it comes at a time of too little, too late.  Reforming Social Security is a major item for anyone in government to undertake.  While President George W. Bush attempted to reform it as well as other politicians, it is that 90,000 pound gorilla problem that will take lots of sweat and agony to address.  Until then, it is wise to be realistic when it comes to your retirement and your present day financial situation. 

Commemorating 9/11

Given the 9/11 anniversary coming up soon, many of us Americans are already reflecting on what's become of that historical change in our nation's history.  Terrorists attacked our country.  Normally, this is a declaration of war, but since the enemy is cleverly hiding, it's challenging to fulfill that traditional sense of war. 

Can you recall where you were and what you were doing on September 11th?

Many of us can.  Many of us mourn the loss of lives during this significant change in our nation's history.  Many of us remain leery of future attacks.  Life has changed. The days of showing up at the airplane are very different from today's strip down to get through airport security.  In some ways, it's more expensive to go and do certain things today than 10 years ago.  That is why many got a wake up call and took a lower paying job to be closer to home to have more time with the family.  More stories are evolving as time passes.

It is important to honor those lost on 9/11.  May God Bless America. 

Financial Fallacy

This morning's news echoes what many are questioning....why is the United States developing a financial fallacy with regard to its debt and just common sense management of govenment business?  I believe that the S&P 500 will lower our AAA credit rating. 
For many folks especially the military, this is discouraging news.  I have a difficult time turning on the tv or internet and read these bleak reminders about all the arguing in Washington DC.   Since I can recall back to the 1980s, it made sense to payoff the debt before it went on a credit spiral.  Today, we are experiencing a credit spiral. 

This wonderful capitalistic country is on the verge of something none of our American ancestors would want for us.  These seven points below outline general financial perspective as we encounter an economy that is teetering on the edge of a potential financial disaster.

1. Inflation - we will experience higher inflation than in previous years.  The purchasing power of the dollar is dismal in this type of economic environment.  For those in retirement or about to enter retirement, it means a lower quality of living since the cost of living standard (just to maintain present day cost of living) will be a challenge.  For military families, it means hardship because many are challenged financially.  Relocation with the military is expensive, more so than what people realize.  While there are items provided for, it's still a challenge for many to meet budgets.
2. Jobs - what jobs are being created today?  Manufacturing ventured overseas starting in the 1980s, and today there are fewer manufacturing jobs left in this country.  (Many work part-time  jobs with little to no benefits.)  For those 55+, the ability to get a job is on the decline as youth versus experience is the preference.  For those in the military, there are some cutbacks occurring that will force military families into civilian world and that may mean unemployment.  One couple has been struggling with employment for three years now, and it's a direct result of his military reserve status. 
3. Discouragement - if you shop local pawn shops and thrift stores, you will see a huge increase in traffic buying clothes, shoes and other basic necessities.  Pawn shops are packed full of merchandise such as guns, guitars, jewelry, tools, electronics and more simply because people need money to get food and provide shelter and transportation.  This increased level of activity spells out to me the increasing discouragement that we as a nation are enduring.
4. Money - many are working longer hours with increased job responsibilities for the same amount of pay (or less).  Benefits such as health insurance are changing and costs are rising.  More are having to pay out more in medical expenses than before.  It makes me rethink picking up the phone and calling the doctor's office before incurring that bill.  The bad fact is that I never know what kind of bill I am looking at with medical expenses even when it is for the same routine checkup.
5. Children - parents spend a lot on their children.  With an increase in cost of living, we may see a resurgence of family nights where folks play games or we may see more children left by themselves because of daycare costs as well as working longer hours.  Children consignment sales are very popular as you are able to beat certain thrift stores for good clothing.  Sports activities and other extracurricular activities may see less enrollment because let's face it, budgets are tight and people are tired of these overcompetitive parents yelling at the games.
6. Pets - the animal control centers are seeing an increase in loose pets as a direct result of the economy.  People move and leave the pet wandering to survive on their own.  Pet stores continue to see sales rise; however, more animals are being put to sleep.
7. Nursing home care and hospice - as the bulk of our US population enters the Golden years, it is raising concern for the quality of care.  The elderly are experiencing certain financial challenges. Nursing homes are claiming that elderly person's assets before allowing Medicare to kick-in and are even holding family members financially accountable going back seven years.  In addition to financial challenges, it is common for families of loved ones in nursing homes to encounter abuse of loved ones.  For example, a nurse aid contacted all family members and asked for money for their loved one.  She did not realize that the family she was conning was one full of attorneys, military officers and educated people who called her bluff.  While her jail time was next to nothing, she will try this again. 

While the outlook appears bleak and discourages those of us who are hardworking, exercise our right to vote as a U.S. Citizen, and are doing what's right (i.e. not into drugs or other bad behavior), it is important to understand this season of life that the United States faces.  Who knows, we may be revisiting the time of Ninevah where a higher power is exerting influence to get our attention.

Wedding Season: Is the Happy Couple Financially Ready?

It's wedding season.  Is the happy couple financially ready?

Most couples when they tie the knot haven't reviewed some important financial items when they marry.  Granted in today's American culture, more than 70% of couples marrying have been living together.  I could not believe this statistic when I read it in the Wall Street Journal's article The Gifts on Every Wedding List by Sue Shellenbarger.  What amazes me is how much time, effort and attention to detail each couple getting married spends on the wedding registry as well as wedding planning and yet they tend to overlook certain matters such as finances and debt.  Setting up house is just as important as setting your financial affairs in order.  With today's couple marrying in their late 20s, each has had an opportunity to accumulate some items as well as some debt or savings. 

First, it is important that you both review your last tax return statement, your investments and financial statements, your debt (credit card, student loans, auto loan, etc...), your assets and your income(s).

Second, once you've determined your combined net worth statement, it is important to review your financial goals for before, during and just after you marry.  Are you planning to buy a house and have two condos to sell?  Do you have $120,000 in student loan debt?  Are you working your way through college?  Are you paying for your wedding?  Where you both are and where you plan to be after you marry is important to review, determine a financial game-plan and then forecast how you aim to achieve this financially.

Third, it is important to decide as a couple how you both plan to go forward from your wedding day.  Will you both relocate to a new city and be a first-time homeowner?  Will you merge your salaries and pay off those student loans?  Is one of you returning to school while the other works to support you both? 

Fourth, upon review of your goals, dreams and/or plan, then it is wise to develop a spending plan.  How much money will you have coming in?  How much money will you have to spend on your relocation?  How much will you need to purchase that house?

Finally, once you've reviewed this initial game plan, then it is wise to seek accountability with a financial advisor, a parent or trusted person, and/or your premarital counselor.  Gaining wisdom from those who have been married a long time will enhance your decision-making for the early days of your marriage. 

I recently read the book The Family CFO: The Couple's Business Plan for Love and Money by Mary Claire Allvine and Christine Larson.  It's a neat book that I wish my husband and I had when we were merging our households together.  Now I am not going to do a book review here, but merely offer it as a good resource to read and check out.  I've read also Dave Ramsey's book Financial Peace and really appreciated the approach to marriage from both couple's perspectives.  Regardless of how you start your marriage, it is important to get some good premarital counseling and discuss your fianances. 

BTW, if you do not get good quality premarital counseling, then I highly recommend that you seek another way to get superior premarital counseling....Our minister just saw with us for three sessions and it was too vague, broad and general for what modern couples need.  We should have pursued another premarital setup that went into great detail.  Marriage is never easy and having this kind of opportunity to work on premarital issues will really make you and your soon to be spouse at ease during your wedding years.  For those in the military, it's easy to marry and walk into marriage so please contact Military OneSource as well as the base chaplain for more ways to better prepare for marriage. 

From a faith-based perspective, I strongly advise couples marrying today to study what the Bible says about marriage, understand your role as husband/wife, and seek ways to work on your marriage.  It is important to pray for one another.  It is important to spend time together as as couple.  It is important to communicate well.  It is important to manage your finances well together.  In reading the Biblical Marriage, it reminds all readers that the most important relationship in your life is your spouse.  It can provide the most joy and happiness and yet it can provide the most pain, heartache and lasting scars of any relationship.  More people are delaying marriage until their late twenties.  There is nothing wrong with marriage at a young age as long as the people in love go into it for the right reasons. 

Marriage is a wonderful institution where a man and a woman commit themselves to each other, and their wedding day is when that commitment is made public.  While everyone loves to see a beautiful wedding, the wedding dress, the flowers, the reception, and all the other fun and exciting things that go with each wedding, it is a distraction from what's important.  A man and woman are getting married.  Focusing on this union is what's important.  I wish each Couple-To-Be great happiness.

This is Part One on this article and I will write Part Two and post later. 

Wall Street Endangerment

If you click on this link to review this write-up The Risks Are Enormous  then you will read and hear some common sense talk surfacing about Wall Street, Interest Rates and a probable Depression. 

Blah Days As Food and Gas Prices Rise

I don't know about other households but mine is feeling the pinch at the gas station and grocery store.  Forecasters predict food and gas prices to rise even more this summer.  Tomatoes have been a luxery item of late.  I am even learning how to buy milk and freeze it just to cut back on my number of trips to the store.  One of my neighbors did away with their garden one summer because it was too much to handle but now they are gearing back up the garden to feed a family of six this summer.  I've reduce my eat out bill and am even reducing sitter costs.  Whatever the case may be for your household or situation, it is wise to pinch pennies, get creative with meals and reduce trips. 

Just this past weekend at the mall, one store was offering you 25% off anything in the store that day just for coming in it.  I've noticed coupon adds for Gap and Bannana Republic like never before.  Forever21 store was packed at the mall and it's simply because they are selling cheap clothes that meet the practical needs of their customer.  I bought one dress for $14 and plan for it to be my one buy this summer.   There's an increase in advertising and sales promotion but my question is THIS working to generate sales or are these stores still operating in red from the current economy?

My skeptic perspective is reigning high these days as I myself cut back on a lot of expenses and try to do more at home or in more economical ways.  Wives of Faith has reinstated its Coups for Troops program so definitely sign on for that deal if possible. 

If it is like going back to the 1970s where we do more potluck suppers and other creative but cost-reducing ways to socialize, then I believe that we are foreshadowing a challenging and punitive time in our country's business economic future. 

Higher Food Costs That Will Trouble Your Wallet

Food prices are high and are going higher.  According to a Wall Street Journal article written about the CEO of Smithfield Foods perspective on his business and the real world he is living, it's getting harder to bring home the bacon. 

Devaluing the US dollar is contributing to inflationary pressures and is lowering your purchasing power.  Politicians can do something here, if they so choose. 

Ethanol prices or the price of corn is going higher.  If 40% of the corn supply is allocated toward ethanol, then the demand for corn goes higher.  World populations are growing and demand is higher for food. 

For us military spouses who are shopping, it's challenging to determine what to do next.  For retirees or those on fixed incomes, it's more challenging because the trade-off is now do I buy my medicine or my food?  While many may not care and just go further into savings or debt to maintain their current lifestyle, it's becoming increasingly alarming to many who do care.  The future outlook looks grim or entails more creative ways to fund your current lifestyle. 

Reminders of the Great Depression and the more challenging times in the 1930s perhaps indicate the present cycle.  Natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods are shockers.  A lackluster economy that is trying to rebound is dim on the horizon.  Cutbacks on many levels are occurring.  The elderly population is fearful.  The baby boom generation is starting to retire and draw on social security.  College graduates cannot find jobs upon graduation.  Middle-aged workers are working longer hours for same or less compensation. 

Higher food costs that will trouble your wallet stems from the upswing in corn.   Meat prices will surge.  Milk and dairy products will increase in price.  Bread will go higher because it is a grain-item. 

If you track your food prices and can get the best deal for your dollar, it will help you and your budget as we as a nation endure an economical time unmatched since the 1930s.

International Monetary Fund Shows America's Decline Yet How Do You Invest?

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) shows America's decline as a percentage of the world's purchasing power and that China will take the no. 1 positon in five years.  Brent Arends of Marketwatch writes a brilliant article on the IMF Bombshell so please click the link to review it.   With China's economy to likely surpass ours in 2016, it's interesting how more articles are being published about this very topic and the devaluation of the US dollar yet not much is being done.  CNBC's article on Don't Like a Weak Dollar? lends more current news on the dollar. 

Given some grim current news about the US dollar, our national debt and the decline of US dominance with regard to the IMF, how do you invest? 

It's a provacative question that many are pondering in the back of their minds as they go about the day caring for children, working a job, and/or sidelining it in retirement.  My parents are baffled by what the future holds if things don't improve.  Many of the baby boom generation seeking to retire and enjoy social security are perplexed at IF they should retire rather than when.  Health insurance, medical bills and medicines are high and tend to take away a larger portion of their fixed income than originally calculated.  For those of us twenty plus years away from retirement and/or funding a child's college, it's perplexing where to seek the best return for your investment. 

My recommendation is to first assess your financial situation as well as your time horizon.  If you are a young person, then you have time to invest and reap the benefit of the power of compounding.  If you are working and are starting a family, it's time to invest in good quality growth investments.  If you are nearing retirement, it is important to sock away as much as possible and focus on a balanced account. By all means, it is wise to pay off all your debt.  There are ways to do this, and while each individual case is unique, I recommend that you seek the advice of a professional. 

We can't worry about the IMF statistics nor America's decline.  America historically has combatted many unbelievable scenarios where we were the underdog, yet the underdog prevailed.  I have NO MAGIC wand but I have faith in the American capitalistic spirit that remains in few of us today.  Should we correct certain measures, we as a nation will remain a strong economic influence in the world.  Invest in America is still a good idea.

Children & Their Financial Future

In listening to a local financial advisor talk radio show over the weekend, a caller called in a question asking how can he explain to his children the importance of investing and saving for the future?  The guy went on about how you want to accumulate assets so that you won't have to work as hard when you get older in life.  In my opinion, he missed THE real key and that is TIME.  Children have time and the ability to benefit from the power of compounding over a longer period of time.

Today, children are not being taught prudent financial managemet.  Even at Walmart, children can get a FREE piece of candy for opening up a credit card account.  Dave Ramsey commented that that was low on the corporation's part to lure in future customers.   Credit cards and their balances are high, yet subjecting children's credit history to this activity when their income is nonexistent is ludicrious. This is a recipe for financial disaster and perhaps we are seeing some of the first signs of these credit problems with the Recession of 2007-09. 

Children look down upon work and earning money. It's hard to believe that young teens expect to make $20 an hour and do nothing for it.  There are some hard working teens in our area but most want to waste time on the computer, check out the latest in fashion or goof off in other ways.  I certainly don't have many high school kids knocking on my door offering to mow the lawn or do handy work.  Where are the children working these days, if they are?  McDonald's is looking to higher many employees this year, yet many high school kids look down upon that line of work.  It is sad because people used to embrace hard work, develop good character and people skills and help support the family. 

If weird in America means that your child works a decent paying job, doesn't do drugs, and brings home an above average credit card, then what may be even more weird is for them to not have any debt, fund their college though jobs, savings and/or scholarships, and have an investment portfolio.  I commend the parents and child willing to follow that path in America.