Self-Sufficiency Can BE In Vogue

Upon reading this morning's article about a family of 20 not in debt and able to be self-sufficient, I truly believe that their fiancial tactical approach to frugality is one to note.  Family of 19 Debt Free article highlights some key points that many folks need to understand.  The importance of paying your bills, not incurring debt and even itemizing bills where sneaky charges must be caught.  Yes, it is wise to NOT assume that your bills are always correct upon receiving them.  Folks struggle with Math so I will doubly make sure that I question any bill that comes my way.

As a military family, you are able to shop at the Commissary and it's nice especially when the sales and case lot sales are put on.  Coupons are good for 6 months after the expiration date.  Also, the coupons are handed out on Saturdays as well as a coupon basket by the bathroom (you can give coupons and take coupons).  You do need to do a food and supply inventory and know your prices but in the end, using coupons and watching what you buy and use in your household will help the bottom line.  Cutting your Grocery Bill in Half is a great book resource as well.

Food is a number one budget blower and with food costs rising, it is even more imperative that folks cook and budget more.  emeals.com is a great tool to faciliate staying on a budget and yet having the menu planned along with recipes.  Keep in mind that you only pay for the dinner meals minus sales tax so it is important to watch your food budget as you supply food for your breakfast, lunch and snacks. 

Happy Valentine's Day

February 14th brings so many things into our life.  It is a reminder of love and the power of love in your life.  Love comes in many forms, and it is an intangible that makes life what it is.  Love comes from parents to a child/ren.  Love between a man and a woman is an unbreakable bond especially when united as one in marriage.  Love for a family relative is insurmountable.  Love for a dear friend is a cherished treasure.  Love for a pet can be a strong emotion for many.  Interestingly, there is a love for things that can lead to a negative influence in one's life.  Afterall, things do not love back yet people and/or living things can!

Perhaps the history behind Valentine's Day is a good reminder during these cold, winter times when you are cooped up inside and the confines can wear on everyone's nerves is that you love and appreciate those in your life today. 

Money can buy flowers, chocolate, fancy cards, fine dining, jewelry and anything else that expresses our love.  Of course, it is wise to remain in your budget and enjoy the gift (albeit given or received).  ProFlowers offers 25% off on FTD flowers for USAA members.  You can log on to www.usaa.com/flowers or call USAA 800-769-7673 with your member number handy so that you can get the offer code.  It's about $37-$50 minimum for this option.  If you go to AAFES, there are some nice Valentine's Day discounted items.  Many retailers are offering sales prior to February 14th so it's a good time to take advantage of those deals.

For the woman, it is wise to do something romantic on Valentine's Day.  When in doubt about a purchase or what to do, it is prudent to spend the extra dimes and nickels because you just never know what a difference that will make in your best friend's life.

For the man, it is wise to do some form of recognition on Valentine's Day.  Ladies, do dress up, put on makeup, do your hair and nails and have something special planned for you and your man.  It doesn't have to be big but do it with a big heart.  After all these military men give a lot for their country.

Tune Out Financial Stress and Tune into God

This article is available on Wives of Faith web site page.

Psalm 50:15 “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

Given the recent hype in the news about a government shutdown, it’s lending to financial stress upon military families, especially for those with deployed loved ones. Politicians are making news with their ideas and comments. The Department of Defense is cautious. Critics of the federal government and the military are surfacing with more harsh words. Cutbacks in the military could occur at a time that the U.S. economy is in the early stage of a recovery. Consumer sentiment is cautious as oil and food prices rise based on inflationary influences. Perhaps the home situation is challenged with loved ones searching for employment. Stress is high for many these days, and yet is it a reminder to tune out this static and tune in to the One who delivers us without fail?

God has a unique way of capturing our attention. While the politicians and others determine what’s to occur with government issues that are beyond our control, it is important for military families, especially military wives, to pray and focus on what God needs us to focus on.

Mahlon Hetrick of Christian Financial Counseling wrote the book, Family Money Management God’s Way, and he addresses how most people do not know how to find abundance in their budgets and are not listening to what God has to say. (Hetrick, 19) Perhaps the politicians would benefit from this wisdom as well, but the fact remains that if you are not tuning in to God, then you are neglecting an opportunity to honor Him.

For short term military money matters, it is good to consider the following:

1. Pray and pray incessantly for our country and its financial challenge (Our National Debt isn’t sustainable, and we need for all to address it and address it soon.) Proverbs 3:5-6
2. Review your finances for the next month and develop a new spending plan (If this is a challenge or you need more advice, please see article.) I Corinthians 14:40
3. Cut unnecessary costs such as having your nails done, eating out, going to the movies, going to Starbucks, buying that pair of shoes, etc.. and get creative with certain cost-cutting measures Proverbs 16:3
4. If in debt and if you are making monthly payments that you believe you cannot make, it is wise to contact the business now, state your situation and ask if there’s another payment option. Many will cooperate if you initiate the phone call. For example, my husband and I worked out a payment plan for a medical bill from our son’s surgery (and no added interest expense). Psalm 1:1
5. For those whose financial situation is overwhelming and especially if you have a deployed military member, it is wise to seek your church home, pastor or military chaplain. By discussing your situation, certain churches will determine ways to provide love and support so as to ease the financial strain. Proverbs 15:22

For long term military money matters, it is good to consider the following:

1. Develop a game plan for the future because even if the government shutdown occurred, you have a personal financial management issue that you need to address. Matthew 25:14-30
2. Save up an emergency fund of at least three months of living expenses

Psalm 50:15

1. Pay down debt and remain debt-free. One good way to address this is to list all of your debts (small and large) and determine a game plan to pay them off. Romans 13:8
2. Review your current career and determine a five year plan. Do you need to add in more income? Do you need to cut back on certain costs? Can you do without it? These are the tough questions, and I will be the first to admit that my husband and I struggle with the wants and needs….it’s good character-building for your marriage. Proverbs 21:20
3. Keep God in the picture and pray with your spouse about how you can honor Him. I Corinthians 4:2

If you and your husband need a moral boost, it is wise to post Bible quotes or slogans to help you during this financially stressful era in our country’s history. Just Do It! Adjust your attitude from Can’t live without it to I can get along without it!

While there is no easy solution today, there is the One who without fail will be there and will provide the calm. He will deliver us from this financial challenge. He wants us to be blessed if only we will seek Him, live within our means and adjust our attitude through our finances. We must honor Him to all Glory and Honor, Amen!

Stephanie Arredondo is Board Treasurer for Wives of Faith, has years of experience and knowledge in the industry and writes a blog - Alfa Sugar – that lends financial perspective in modern America from one military spouse.

Disclaimer: This article is the opinion of the person writing it, and any financial decision made as a result does not make the writer or Wives of Faith liable for any action taken. Please consult your personal financial advisor for more information.

Stay at Home Moms ARE Worth It

This Yahoo! Finance article affirms How Much is a Homemaker Worth.  $96,261 per year according this article and yet I've reviewed other sources where stay at home moms are worth $120,000 plus.  For example, the article pays a yard man $30 to mow whereas many charge between $65 to 125 so it depends upon the cost of living in certain areas of town. 

RESPECT is as high as one might think for the individual being the stay at home mom.  I think that respect is returning to this less than prestigious profession.  The original thought that you can have it all isn't true for everyone.

Drawbacks to being a stay at home mom are:

• no paycheck
• financial dependance is necessary
• few sick days or vacation days are offered. 

One can speculate how this is the worst job to accept based on these drawbacks, and yet it is THE MOST IMPORTANT undertaking of any job in the world.  I highly respect anyone willing to give it all up and stay home to provide your husband the means to do his job so that you can create a wonderful home environment. 

Let's examine the job:

Cooking - With a 70% markup at local restaurants, this is the biggest area to save money and yet it can have positive health advantages.  Many women dislike cooking; however, there are many home delivery companies as well as prepared foods sold in grocery stores and commissaries to help the cooking challenged person. 

Cleaning - More like picking up prior to cleaning is the essential part of this job.  Your family's health mandates at least once a month cleaning.  Basic cleaning is cleaning bathrooms and kitchen, sweeping and mopping floors, dusting, wiping surfaces and taking trash out.

Laundry - Gathering all the clothes, sheets, towels and other washables and then washing them in the washing machine, dryer and then folding, sorting and putting clean clothes away.

Shopping - Buying provisions for the home is a frequent activity.  Considering the auto fuel involved with driving around town, it's important to take a list along with coupons to the store (sometimes several stores) in order to make purchase.  This takes more time than what folks realize because of huge square footage, crowds at certain times of the day and towing kids along.

Paying Bills - Paying bills such as household, medical, insurance and other expenses is important. 

Home & Yard Maintenance - It takes time to mow the yard or maintain a house, condo or townhome.  Certain basic maintenance is mandatory yet there is seasonal maintenance as well as remodeling or repainting.

Child Care - This is a super important part of the job because children under age five require close supervision.  Feeding, changing diapers or potty training, laundering clothes, picking up toys and other items are just a few of the job to dos.  Reading to your child/ren, playing music, taking them to the park, doing a craft project, or other important activities help children to develop their minds and prepare for education. 

As you can imagine, each aspect of the job when singled out is simple and easy to do.  The trick is to multitask and accomplish it all every day with no days off and hopefully no sickness.  The stay at home mom who can master managing it all and still look like the 1950s woman impeccably dressed with makeup on is unique (there are some that exist but they are in the minority!). 

Military Stay At Home Moms really are challenged with fulfilling all job requirements while the serviceman is deployed for a LONG time. 

This is a brief overview of some financial perspective so that when you mop that kitchen floor again and wonder why did I give up my high paying job to do scully maid work, you look at your family and realize it is all worth it in the end.

Copyrighted 2012 by Stephanie Arredondo aka Alfa Sugar

NOTE: For those moms who must work and raise children, I know that this article is limiting.  The advantage you have is you can have adult conversations during the day, make connections, and have time away from the children and home.  The stay at home mom is lucky to have an adult conversation, is rundown working day in and day out, and is eager to get away from the house just to get a break.  I believe that each family is unique and must function as the head of household feels it must.  Working two full-time jobs is never easy. 

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

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. 

   

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. 

Soldier of Finance - Women NEED this!

USAA's blogger of the month is Soldier of Finance's Jeff Rose, a former Army man and financial planner.  His blog presents some good mental approaches for military folks to address their finances.  I love his blog page for women, SOF for Women, as it reinstates from a male how women MUST learn about finances.  His statistics are well worth reading as women control over 60% of the money matters in today's modern society.