Ways to Increase That Nest Egg

 We all strive to have a little nest egg set aside.  It may be for a long term goal or a short term goal. 

It could be for paying off debt, retirement funds, emergencies, a trip, a new vehicle, a home, lots of things.  We often put off current wants to fund future wants.  That is saving!

Many folks feel very deprived and resentful when saving.  If you are striving for a goal, you need to learn to not feel resentful.  The future payout will be great.  Learn to minimize the not spending without it hurting.

We all know the basic ways to save extra.

Buy/shop sales and clearance

Purchase needs and not wants

Ask for discounts when you can (big for seniors)

Have no spend days and weeks

Eat mainly at home - not restaurants

Do NOT waste - find uses for everything

Wait 48 hours before making big purchases

Ask for reduced rates - all they can do is say no and you might get a YES

Cut out things that aren't really needed

Look around for new ways of making extra funds

If working - use every saving option available (like 401K or similar)

PAY YOURSELF FIRST

There are so many more simple and basic things we can all do!

                 I think we all stive for a better life.  I want to embrace simplicity at its finest!

It is important to have a plan.  Know what you are saving for.  If you are looking to save for retirement and a big long term goal - you need to look back at your past successes and failures.  What worked?  What didn't?

You can't really make any interest today at the bank - so if you are trying to increase your money, you will need to look for a different avenue.  Seriously, hunt for the safest options you can find.

Find a trustworthy advisor.  Ask family or friends who they recommend and trust.  You don't have to get nosey about their finances  - just ask who advised them.

Increase your knowledge - read and study about options.

Connect with like-minded people.

We come in this world with nothing, and we will leave with nothing.  What happens in between is gravy!  Really!  Look at every success as a big thing.  REMEMBER - you really only need enough!  I know many will not agree with that.  That's OK.  I am one of those with the frame of mind, I don't need millions to be happy.  I only need enough to live a nice, comfortable life.

You decide what YOU NEED and go forward.  We all save for different reasons and have different goals.  I do think we all agree nice and comfortable is GOOD!

Just do something and get started NOW if you haven't started yet.

Now all that being said - remember - you can't take it with you!!!! 

So yes, please do enjoy some pleasures and comforts along the way IF you can afford to.

Life is short - DO stop and smell the roses now and then!

Living with Purpose

 Stay at home moms, home makers, retired, widows, whatever the situation - we often question ourselves and our lives.  What am I accomplishing?  Why?  How am I making a difference?  I feel pretty confident that most everyone has asked these questions and had these feelings.  It is NORMAL - really!

We need to live our lives with purpose - it doesn't have to be anything drastic or huge - just simple purpose each day.  That will make each day a value to YOU.  You are already a value to others.

Use each day for some good.  Helping others, being kind, a soft word, a lovely smile, a joke, caring for children or others.  We need a purpose each day.  For years I had a purpose - to take care of my husband who was disabled.  When he passed - I was lost.  What was my purpose?  I am a work in progress on this.  I take care of animals - they depend on me.  I write and try to help others.  I do what I can for neighbors and family.  Little things!  I know there is more to accomplish - but each day has purpose.

Set a goal and work at it.  Quit finding distractions.  Turn off the TV, put down the phone and the computer.  Media is our biggest downfall - it is a rabbit hole!!!!!!  Take a walk, actually TALK to someone, get fresh air and sunshine (even in the cold), clean a drawer or closet, fill a box with discards, educate yourself and your mind - just do something each day.

Make your home pleasant.  Doesn't have to cost anything.  Move things around.  Use a pretty tablecloth.  Let in fresh air and sunshine.  Get a bouquet of flowers for yourself!  Light a favorite scented candle.  Change pillows, bedding, etc.  

We often keep busy because of habits.  Our day can be over, and we wonder what did I do?  Well, we get in a rut of doing the same things every day - and often that is just what they are - THINGS!  We get used to our days being the same.  Same old routine every single day!  It is time to jazz it up a bit.  I read about some people (w/no kids) who CLEAN every day - how did it get dirty over night??  Seriously.  It is a habit.  Not that cleaning is a negative habit - but it can be a habit that just uses your time.  Step outside the comfort zone and do something different!

Get fresh air and sunshine every day!  I am outside every single day of the year at least 4 - 5 times.  Doesn't matter the weather.  I do believe there is much to be said about fresh air and sun.  It really does help keep one healthy and active.

Give thanks every morning - first thing.  Give thanks every evening - last thing.   Whether you pray, meditate, have affirmations, whatever you do - do it consistently.  Whatever you believe in, is your business - I just think that placing those thankful moments out into the world makes it a better place.  I believe our thoughts and gestures DO affect the universe.  It can't hurt!!!  BE THANKFUL.

Be grateful for everything every day!!!!!!!  No matter how big or small it is.  Don't be envious of others.

Have humility in all you do.  Be humble in knowing that you are just a fleck of dust in this big old universe - AND you ARE here!!!!!!!  Isn't that something?  The world needs one of you!

No matter what our situation is - we are here for a reason.

We have all gone through our own WORST days and yet here we are.  We survived them.

Life has kicked us in the britches, it has knocked us down, it has disappointed, it has made us cry AND it has been wonderous, beautiful and full of laughter and joy!  It sure is a mixed bag of emotions and events.  They are all important.

So I say we all need to challenge ourselves each day.  Expand your mind.  Open your heart.  Step outside the box.  Make each day the BEST it can possibly be.  This is something that each and every one of us needs to do.  I know I do.

LIVE WITH PURPOSE!!!!!!

Weekly Wrap Up 1/9

 Hello and happy Sunday!  Here we are one week of the month gone already - one week closer to spring!!  LOL!

I know many have been having some pretty extreme weather.  Lots of snow and very cold temps going on.  It has been and will continue to be quite the roller coaster here.  We have had decent temps and very cold temps.  Just flurries here, so far big snow has eluded our area (I say thankfully).  There are days that the skies look such a dark gray (that winter sky) that it looks spooky and gloomy.  Loving seeing the sun at every chance we get.

I hope you have all stayed safe and warm and continue to.

Even on the coldest days - if the sun was shining - those silly kitties were sitting outside for a while.  Getting their vitamin D!  The little birdies were surely loving the heated bird bath this week.  They were lined up waiting to get a drink

My week has not been too exciting.  It seems much of the week revolved around food and the use of and coming up with new ideas!

• Straightened and arranged the pantry areas and the freezer
• Cleaned our many various drawers
• NO shopping at all
• Stayed on the property all week - never left
• Received some FREE address labels - amazingly I had started running low!
• On a decent day - I scrubbed and cleaned all the heated water bowls and the bird bath - fresh & clean H2O!
• Added extra bedding in greenhouse
• Froze leftovers for freezer meal stores
• Filled up various containers with stock on hand
• All the normal stuff 

On the food front

• Using up some older and forgotten items
• Used some ham that I had in freezer (brought home from brothers at Christmas)
• Used the corned beef I made in different ways and froze some
• Made a lasagna and used a random can of Ravioli as a layer.  It is meat, pasta and sauce - and you couldn't tell it was Ravioli.  Good use of a random item
• Used some various cheese in lasagna - had no ricotta or mozzarella - Used monterey jack - gouda and parm. & home canned sauce
• Made a gallon of peach tea
• Made potato soup with a bag of mix I found and added leftover corned beef hash to it and some various cheese pieces - tasty!  Ate 2X and froze 2 meals
• Used some .10 yeast rolls I got last time at store (Dec.).  They had 12 count bake and eat yeast rolls for .10 pack - due to being mis-shaped!  Got some for freezer as well. 

                                            Makes for quick and warm yeast rolls - .10 pack!

Meals this past week:

Rueban sandwich, dill pickles and chips

Ham slices, salsa mac n cheese and rolls

Corned beef hash, rolls and fresh veggies with dressing

Cheesy potato soup with crackers

Potato soup and toast

Tuna patty, garbanzo - cabbage - pepper skillet sauté (trust me, it was tasty)

Lasagna and garlic toast

SNACKS - T-day cheesecake from freezer, pretzels, veggies and dip, juice

As you can see, cleaning the pantry gets me motivated to use odds and ends.  It has all been very tasty - and most made extra for freezer meals.  It has been kind of fun. I plan to keep going.

 

Are you using up any odd ball stuff?  Using the pantry and freezer foods?  What have you been up to this week?  Staying frugal or getting deals?  Inquiring minds need to know!!!!

Blessings from my humble home to you and yours.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

AMEN - may we all live in joy and faith - and place all the negativity that we receive and hear, far away from our hearts, minds and lives.

The Past - Is Coming Back to Life! (?)

 We live in the time of technology.  That can be very good and that can be bad.  A computer that can be held in your hand or worn on your wrist seems crazy.  I always think James Bond or Agent Smart or Dick Tracy!  Technology has provided many, many medical breakthroughs and remedies.  That is wonderful.  Technology can be a time stealer - that is bad.  I (my opinion only) think technology has taken jobs and has dumbed down the world as well.  Most kids can't read a regular clock to tell time - they can't do math in their head, and they can't count change.....I could go on and on.  (This also includes some adults).

Most places have self check out - I know many love it.  I do not.  Heck, even at my library, you check yourself out.  It just seems that in a time when people are screaming - we can't find help - that so many jobs have been taken away. 

Most things we buy today is made to be thrown away and not repaired.  So much waste.

And I can't help but to wonder this week - what would have happened the other day during a 24 hour traffic jam on a southern interstate in a snowstorm and cold - how all electric cars would have fared!!!!???? 

It does seem there are many that have just gotten fed up and are going BACK.  Homesteaders, living off grid, crafters, backyard farmers, etc.  People are living in many of the old ways again and they can do a lot on their own.  I really love that.

Vintage skills are coming back!!!!  

Gardening, preserving, quilting, sewing and mending, raising animals, foraging, hunting and fishing, learning about medicinal/herbal ways, living a simple life!!! 

I think we need to teach children more 'survival & simple living' ideas in school.  Home economics and shop class we important back in my day.  We cooked, sewed, ironed and learned common household things in home ec.  Boys (and girls) learned how to work with their hands and create in shop class.  We had an economics class.  There was also a vocational school we could attend for credits - car mechanics, business, marketing, engineering, learning to read blueprints, economics on all levels, etc.

Young people need to learn great work ethics and they need to know how to budget, pay bills, invest, create and just plain LIVE in a world where everything isn't done for them.

If you get on You Tube, there are now tons of sights on prepping and homesteading.  People are going back to living the way many lived years ago.  There is a resurgence of living in log homes (my dream) and living tiny.  People are downsizing - realizing, you can live well with less.  Many are relearning or learning for the first time, how to do things for themselves.  They are learning that being prepared for what-ever, and it is a good thing.  Less and small can be a beautiful life.

I have always said (for years), that at some point we would have to go BACK in order to survive in this world.  I still believe that.  I can't help but to think back to Mad Max - that took place in 2021 (then the future).  No, we haven't gotten that bad - but in some ways much of it is true.  Gangs, cliches, learning to survive in a basic way, bartering, foraging, in-fighting amongst people, just surviving day to day life.    

I love that people are learning to live off the earth again and that we are teaching each other older skills.  I love that some of the old ways are 'cool' again.  It will help people survive in a time of distress.  There are many people I know that would never be able to survive without technology and all that is done FOR them and made so easy.  I am sure you know some of them too.

I kind of like that EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN!!!!!!

What about you?

It's Pantry Time!

 Happy Wednesday.  Today is pantry talk.  By pantry - I mean food, freezers, health and beauty, pets, cleaning - whatever you stock and use.  

I know there are challenges all over the place this month about using what you have and spending no money.  Well, I generally do that every January and other times during the year.  January is a great time to go through and straighten and "inventory" what you have.  You can figure out what you are low on and what you need to use.  I have a lot of older stuff that I am intent on using sooner than later.  I mean, why should I go out and spend money when I have so much here?  DUH!

There are many that say this is a bad idea, as prices are going up and up and you will diminish your stock that you got cheaply.  It isn't sitting there to look pretty - it is to use.  

No need to buy stock if you don't use it!!!!!!!  I will use as much older stuff as possible (sure I got it cheap) and then when I do go shopping, I will look for deals, clearance and markdowns and replace.  Sure the price may be up a little - that is called inflation.  There is no real way to avoid that.  We can be mindful of what we buy and what we spend.  Look for every deal you can find.  Shop at outlets (if you have them), salvage stores (if you have), clearance aisles, manager specials, even different type stores.  Grow a garden if possible.  USE up leftovers!!!! DO NOT waste!!!!!!!!

Part of my main daily pantry.  Looks like chaos to many - I know what is in there and where.  Organized chaos in my world!!!!!!!

Dining table while cleaning pantry.  I found a lot of mixes and such that I got for pocket change or almost free - that need to be used.  I have those altogether and organized now.  Hmmm - I see some breadsticks in the future with pizza dough mix.

I have my daily use pantry - I have an overstock area - I have a freezer - I have home canned goods.  I can go a long time with no shopping.  That doesn't even count the big tote of dried beans/peas.  Yeah, I'm good.

Remember we have options - you can change things up when necessary.  For a good week or more in December I ran out of milk in frig.  I use some every day.  No problem - I have dry, evaporated, shelf stable and frozen cubes.  Actually, the frozen cubes came in super handy for my morning drink.

Out of bread - think biscuits, cornbread, muffins, tortillas or crackers.  Need a good filler - pasta, rice, potatoes - which ever you have.

So, Monday and Tuesday I spent my days getting the pantry (all areas) cleaned and straightened.  I know what I have.  I also worked on the freezer and got that more organized.

It is amazing what you can find when you really start digging!!!!!!!

Get those stocks straightened and somewhat inventoried.  Pantry, freezer, laundry, medicine cabinet - whatever you have.  If you know what you have you can USE it and save money.  

If you need to add items - always look for the best deals you can find.

It's winter - now is the time to do these projects.  Get creative with what you have.  Use things in different ways.  A rice mix can be made into a soup.  A gravy mix or jar to thicken soup.  A steak or pork chop can be cut up and used in stew or soup or in stir fry or fajitas.  Leftovers can be turned into soup, casseroles or stir fry.  A couple straggler potatoes can be sliced and fried/roasted or added to soup.  Chili can be a potato topper or added to a hot dog.  

USE WHAT YOU HAVE and SAVE $$!!

Most of all HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!

New Year - New Me? Nah

 Changing the date isn't going to change me!  LOL.  I am the same old me.  I do NOT make resolutions, haven't for years.  I found it only set me up for disappointment.  No need for that - there are enough other things in this world that can be disappointing.  Sooooooo - I plan on a couple GOALS for the year - that's it.

Definitely words to live by!!!!!!!!

• I do NOT set a budget!  I know how much I have coming in - and I know how much my basic bills are - that is my budget!!  I basically spend half or less on my bills from my income - the rest goes to savings.  I live very simply, so no big expenses.  IF I decide I want something or need something or have an emergency - I am covered
• I make NO resolutions.  I set goals.  Hopefully I fulfill my goals - if not - well I tried

I hope to just become a better person this year.  Kinder to others.  I want to give/help more.

I plan on doing a few home improvement projects.  Nothing big - just some updating - all things I can do myself.  Painting maybe, more decluttering, maybe a bigger garden, just odds and ends.  Goodness, there are so many projects and things that can be done in/around the house.  I think everyone can agree with that. MAYBE I will look for some new living room furniture this year finally.  It isn't a necessity - but a want.  We'll see.

I plan to stay out of the grocery this month as much as possible.  I have lots of supplies here.  I will use up older items and just be a good steward of what I have.  

Staying home, also keeps me healthy!  

Don't get me wrong, I am not scared - just cautious.  I refuse to run scared.  I continue to be cautious, as I have all along.  Life is too short to not enjoy it - just use a little common sense.  I will still do what I want this year - I can hunker down in these cold months - so I can get out and DO in the warmer months.

So basically, there will be NO new me - just the same old me, just trying to do a little better.

Do you make resolutions?  Do you set goals?  Maybe just plan on doing the same as every year - survive!

I think basically people are all alike - no matter where they live.  They want to be happy, safe and healthy.  These are the basics and hope we all get to experience all of them this year.

Remember - always expect the unexpected!  That is just life.

AND - see no problems - just opportunities.  

AND there are no failures - just extra chances to start again.

I think if we all remember these things, we can get through most anything.  Life has a way of surprising us, when we least expect it.  Just go with the flow and move forward - that is the best advice I can give.

Have a great day.  See ya all tomorrow with my first project!

Weekly Wrap Up 1/2

 Well kiddos, the party is over!!!!!!  Time to get back to 'normal'.  We have had our celebrations and get togethers and now we get back to regular LIFE!

We ended and started the years quite mildly in my area.  It was in the 50's and 60's and rain.  Today - well BOOM it is cold.  Winter has finally come and will stick around for a while.  This next week looks to be pretty darn cold.  There was even a dusting of snow this morning.  Heck, we are one month closer to spring and about 2 1/2 months we will be there!!!!!  We can do this!!!!  LOL

We had chilly and warmer temps this week.  Rain and more rain which made LOTS of mud!  Oh geez, it has been mud fest here!!  And fog!!!!  Lots of fog this past week.  The grass is so green - it is kind of funny to look out in January and see green grass.

On other news - my sis is HOME!!!!!!!!!  YAY!  She came home the day before NYE.  She is still having occupational therapy and will for quite a while, and still has a bunch of pain.  But she able to be home with her baby and she is trying to get back to somewhat of a normal life.  It will still be a few weeks before she can drive - but we have all volunteered.  My nephew really did a good job in placing a lot of safeguards in her home and even lowered her bed. (It was TALL and she is so short).

This just made my day and a great way to end/start the year!

My week:

• Did a lot of crock pot cooking this week - with the family get together and with my NY dinner
• Shared food with neighbor and his son.  Helped them out with a couple meals of meat and some snacks!
• I had everything here I needed for that family thing, except buns and fresh veggies.  Big spread for hardly no money!
• Got to actually air the house again 2X this week!  Amazing
• All holiday stuff (both decor and gifts) is all put away till next year.  The house looks empty!!  LOL (but neat)
• Cut off the fronts of all cards to use for gift tags (next year) or lists
• New calendar marked up and on the wall
• I did my last store run of the year - because I had $20 is discounts I wanted and needed to use before the month ended.  You KNOW I won't lose $20 in free money!!  I got some more milk, fruit, juice and lots more cat food.
• I topped the gas tank while out, due to really cold weather coming.  I only needed about a half tank.  I paid 2.29/gal. with my discount!  WOOHOO
• Using up leftovers in new ways and freezing some for later
• Yesterday I did a Twilight Zone marathon!  YES, I am a TZ geek!  I love it - and most of what I saw yesterday, I didn't remember seeing before.  I know it is sci-fi (and I am not big on that), but each show always has a morale and something to make you think!  That was my quiet NY day - that and finishing laundry and putting away tree.
• I ended/started the years with fresh sheets and bedding!  LOL - that is always a thing I do.  Just makes both the end and beginning feel fresh!
• Using what I have here, cooking from scratch, using leftovers, drinking tea and flavored water, laundry and just doing all the normal stuff.  Pretty quiet week!

Meals for the past week:

Last Sunday - made Mex. pulled pork with a loin, BBQ wienies and meatballs, cheese dip, meat and cheese tray, veggie trays and dip, lots of chips and crackers, tea

Pulled pork sliders, chips and veggies

Pork fried rice

Pork soft tacos

Mini cheeseburgers, chips and veggies and dip

Homemade chicken tenders, fries and veggies (fresh)

Corned beef, cabbage and black eyed peas

SNACKS: fruit, fruit juice, meat & cheese w/crackers, Chex snack mix (gift), nuts

Want tacos and no lettuce - no problem.  Soft pulled pork tacos with diced veggies (from tray) and Taco Bell sauce from frig (always keep).  The crunch was nice, and these were great!

How has your week been?  Has everyone finally gotten rested up from festivities?  Do you have your decorations put away?  How have you saved money this week?

Can't wait to hear from you all.  Looking forward to getting back to our normal routine!!!!!

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:13

Lord, Thank You for the gift of this new year.  Help us to make good of it and to always look to bless others and spread joy. May we always look at the good that You give and may we all resist the negative and evil that tries to invade our lives.  I pray for peace and love for our world.  

AMEN