1. Move to a lower cost housing/ Buy a house you can afford.
2. Don't buy a pet.
3. Limit small spending.
4. Don't buy lunches at work.
5. Don't have cable T.V.
6. Buy used whenever possible esp. cars.
7. Quit bad habits such as smoking and drinking.
8. Be healthy
---Tips from John Nardini (Crown Financial Ministries)
Monday, December 15, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Financial Money Map
Crown Financial Ministries is an excellent website to get good financial help. www.crown.org.
I have found that the Crown Money Map is very helpful and I wish Matt and I knew about this website before we were married. I would like to take a few moments to share some things that I found very helpful. There are seven destinations that Crown takes people through, but I am going to only mention 5 of them.
Destination 1: Emergency Savings: -Save $1,000 for emergencies.
Destination 2: Credit Card Paid off: -Pay off credit cards and Increase savings to one month's living expenses.
Destination 3: Consumer Debt Paid off: -Pay of all consumer debt and Increase savings to three month's living expenses.
Destination 4: Save for Major Purchases: -Begin saving for major purchases (home, auto, etc.), -Save for children's education, retirement, or other big expense.
Destination 5: Buy Home and Begin Investing: -Buy affordable home, Begin prepaying home mortgage, Begin investing wisely
I have found that the Crown Money Map is very helpful and I wish Matt and I knew about this website before we were married. I would like to take a few moments to share some things that I found very helpful. There are seven destinations that Crown takes people through, but I am going to only mention 5 of them.
Destination 1: Emergency Savings: -Save $1,000 for emergencies.
Destination 2: Credit Card Paid off: -Pay off credit cards and Increase savings to one month's living expenses.
Destination 3: Consumer Debt Paid off: -Pay of all consumer debt and Increase savings to three month's living expenses.
Destination 4: Save for Major Purchases: -Begin saving for major purchases (home, auto, etc.), -Save for children's education, retirement, or other big expense.
Destination 5: Buy Home and Begin Investing: -Buy affordable home, Begin prepaying home mortgage, Begin investing wisely
Friday, November 7, 2008
Need help with household Chores
*Use multicolored 3x5 cards.
DAILY: (green card)
-Use one card to put the chores you need done each day.
1. Dishes put away
2. Clothes picked up
3. Bathroom wiped down (before bed)
4. Beds made in the morning
WEEKLY: (yellow card)
Need six cards. Here is an example. You would change them to fit your need. You may have other jobs that need to be done, but if do a little bit each day, you won't feel overwhelmed.
MONDAY: Dust and vaccuum bedroom(s).
TUESDAY: Sweep kitchen, bathroom, and front door.
WEDNESDAY: Dust and vaccuum living room.
THURSDAY: Plan menus for the next week, prepare shopping list.
FRIDAY: Dust and vaccuum family room.
SATURDAY: Laundry and clean the bathroom(s).
MONTHLY: (pink card)
You'll need four. Some weeks may have five and that can be either a catchup week or a relax week. Each week if you'll put your energy on one thing, you won't have to hustle around before company arrives.
WEEK 1 (of each month): Clean, organize, and santize the kitchen. Kitchen drawers, cabinets, pantry. Sweep and mop. Clean off counters with soap and water. Clean stove, microwave, and refrigerator.
WEEK 2 (of each month): Clean and organize the bedroom(s). Vaccuum real good. Clean off dressers, organize closet. Make things neat and tidy.
WEEK 3 (of each month: Clean and organize living room/family room. Dust real good and vaccuum. Organize desks, computer area, video area, coffee table. Put things away where they are supposed to be.
WEEK 4 (of each month): Clean and santize the bathroom. Clean real good behind the toilet. Clean the tub and shower real good. Organize and clean the linen closet, under the sink, and drawers.
EACH MONTH: (orange card)
Need 12 for each month. Basically put something down for each month that you need to do. For example:
JANURARY: Clean and organize the Christmas stuff. Put away in a neat fashion.
MAY: Spring clean blinds, windows, curtains.
JUNE: Clean and vaccuum all the cars and trucks.
JULY: Spring clean the garage and/or shed.
AUGUST: Organize, check, and go through the summer clothes and winter clothes.
--If you choose one thing major to do each month, your house (or outside) all year it will make cleaning easier.
DAILY: (green card)
-Use one card to put the chores you need done each day.
1. Dishes put away
2. Clothes picked up
3. Bathroom wiped down (before bed)
4. Beds made in the morning
WEEKLY: (yellow card)
Need six cards. Here is an example. You would change them to fit your need. You may have other jobs that need to be done, but if do a little bit each day, you won't feel overwhelmed.
MONDAY: Dust and vaccuum bedroom(s).
TUESDAY: Sweep kitchen, bathroom, and front door.
WEDNESDAY: Dust and vaccuum living room.
THURSDAY: Plan menus for the next week, prepare shopping list.
FRIDAY: Dust and vaccuum family room.
SATURDAY: Laundry and clean the bathroom(s).
MONTHLY: (pink card)
You'll need four. Some weeks may have five and that can be either a catchup week or a relax week. Each week if you'll put your energy on one thing, you won't have to hustle around before company arrives.
WEEK 1 (of each month): Clean, organize, and santize the kitchen. Kitchen drawers, cabinets, pantry. Sweep and mop. Clean off counters with soap and water. Clean stove, microwave, and refrigerator.
WEEK 2 (of each month): Clean and organize the bedroom(s). Vaccuum real good. Clean off dressers, organize closet. Make things neat and tidy.
WEEK 3 (of each month: Clean and organize living room/family room. Dust real good and vaccuum. Organize desks, computer area, video area, coffee table. Put things away where they are supposed to be.
WEEK 4 (of each month): Clean and santize the bathroom. Clean real good behind the toilet. Clean the tub and shower real good. Organize and clean the linen closet, under the sink, and drawers.
EACH MONTH: (orange card)
Need 12 for each month. Basically put something down for each month that you need to do. For example:
JANURARY: Clean and organize the Christmas stuff. Put away in a neat fashion.
MAY: Spring clean blinds, windows, curtains.
JUNE: Clean and vaccuum all the cars and trucks.
JULY: Spring clean the garage and/or shed.
AUGUST: Organize, check, and go through the summer clothes and winter clothes.
--If you choose one thing major to do each month, your house (or outside) all year it will make cleaning easier.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Practical Time Savers
1. Use a to-do list, don't try to remember everything.
2. Priotize your list helps you focus on the things that really matters.
3. Plan a menu for a whole week (or two weeks at a time). Go shopping only once a week or every two weeks.
4. Plan and schedule your activities monthly to keep organized and stress free.
5. Carry a notebook with you to write down anything you need to remember.
6. Learn to say "no" so you'll have time to yourself. You don't have to do everything.
7. Don't be afraid to ask for help or ask a question.
8. Avoid doing too much where you are neglecting God or your family.
9. Don't over schedule so it causes unnecessary stress.
10. Learn to do tasks that are related such as sorting papers on your desk and checking your e-mail. Don't be running from room to room which wastes time.
11. Learn to relax!
12. Setting up a weekly planning routine will help manage your time better.
13. Organize your workspace - it will help.
14. Get active during the day especially if you have a desk job.
15. Make sure you get enough sleep to help your days more productive.
16. Make sure you leave time to have some fun during the week or weekend.
2. Priotize your list helps you focus on the things that really matters.
3. Plan a menu for a whole week (or two weeks at a time). Go shopping only once a week or every two weeks.
4. Plan and schedule your activities monthly to keep organized and stress free.
5. Carry a notebook with you to write down anything you need to remember.
6. Learn to say "no" so you'll have time to yourself. You don't have to do everything.
7. Don't be afraid to ask for help or ask a question.
8. Avoid doing too much where you are neglecting God or your family.
9. Don't over schedule so it causes unnecessary stress.
10. Learn to do tasks that are related such as sorting papers on your desk and checking your e-mail. Don't be running from room to room which wastes time.
11. Learn to relax!
12. Setting up a weekly planning routine will help manage your time better.
13. Organize your workspace - it will help.
14. Get active during the day especially if you have a desk job.
15. Make sure you get enough sleep to help your days more productive.
16. Make sure you leave time to have some fun during the week or weekend.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Organizing Tips for the House:
Do you want to get organized but don't know where to start? Well let's look at a few ideas than we'll break it down to certain rooms.
How to get started: Have either boxes or bags on hand. Have a box (or bag) for trash, one for give away, one to store, and two to keep. Now with the boxes to keep, you may find items or articles that don't belong in that room so instead of walking to a room to put it away, just set it aside in the box. Just start picking up things and putting them in one of the boxes. Once a box (or bag) gets full set it aside and start another one. If it is to give away put it in your car right away to take to a thrift store. If it goes to the trash take it to the garbage. If you see any items that do not belong to that room, put it in the box that is designated for it.
The first day just take a half hour. Stop and relax. Continue the next day.
By taking one room at a time, it does help. If you feel overwhelmed, make it a cleaning party on a day off or the weekend. Have a friend or your children to help.
What if you aren't sure if you should keep something. Ask yourself a few questions? Do I use it or like it? Is it adding to my style or just making more junk? You don't have to keep everything. Keep your house clutter free.
Living Room:
Can you see the couch? Can you see the floor? Is the room relaxing and cozy? Would you want visitors to see your home? If the answer is no to any or all you may need to consider cleaning and organzing. Look around, is there items or articles that don't belong in that room. Take those out and set them aside. Are there things that you just don't need or use anymore? Take them to the good will or trash (depending on the condition). Is your coffee table cluttered? Maybe it's time to take the dishes to the kitchen or sort through your mail. What about the dirty clothes laying around, take them to the laundry room. Do you have dvd's or movie's laying around - take a moment to put them on the shelf or where they belong. Get one of your children or spouse to help you put things away.
Did you know that cleaning could be fun - make it a game.
Start small - that is all it takes. Take a half hour or so each day especially if you do not have a lot of time.
Kitchen:
The kitchen is very important because people eat in here. First clean off all the counters. Do you have a stack of mail or papers. Desingnate a place for mail. If is junk mail, don't think twice - just throw it away. If is a bill put it on your desk. Most people have so many appliances that they don't use. Look at your kitchen - do you use all your appliances? If no think about donating them. If you do use them, take a moment to wash them with a wet rag. Since you have everything off the kitchen counter wash it down with water and soap. When you put your things back, keep it neat and tidy. Look in your cupboards and drawers. You may have several McDonalds cups from kid's meals. Keep only a few and throw the rest out. What about your storage containers. Do you have lids and bottoms to match? Clean out your "junk" drawer. The kitchen may take a few days to clean and organize through. Do you sit at your kitchen table or is covered with "stuff". Clean off the "stuff" so you can sit down and eat a meal with the family.
Bathroom:
The bathroom is very important to keep clean. Look at your counter? Are there things that aren't needed on there. Don't have the counter full of stuff. Clean out your bathroom drawers. If you have a linen closet clean it out to. How many bathtoys do you need? If you have several think about putting them in a bathtime box in the corner on the floor. Once you get this room cleaned, every day in the morning take 5 minutes to wipe down the counters and 5 minutes in the evening before bed.
Kid's Bedrooms:
This should be a safe and relaxing place. First thing every morning, make the bed (younger kids - mom, older kids - themselves). Put all the toys away either in their toy box, shelf, or closet. An idea is to have a movable 3 drawer (or a box) for the kids to move in and out of their room when they want to play in another room and move back to their room when they are finished playing. Have a place for the children to put their dirty clothes in. Every night before bed, toys should be picked up and put away.
Parent's Bedroom:
This room is a romantic and relaxing room. Just like the kids, make sure the bed is made every morning. In the closet have things neat and organized. The dresser should be neat. If there is a lot of extra "stuff" in the room think about getting rid of it, storing it, or organzing it.
Office or Work room:
If you have a room with a desk, make sure it is neat and tidy. Have a place for mail. Have a place for your computer. There are many places you can buy organizing bins, carts, and other helpful organizing things.
Play room:
If you do have a play room, it doesn't have to be junky. Have a place for everything. If there seems to be an over abundant of toys, consider giving some away to help another child.
How to get started: Have either boxes or bags on hand. Have a box (or bag) for trash, one for give away, one to store, and two to keep. Now with the boxes to keep, you may find items or articles that don't belong in that room so instead of walking to a room to put it away, just set it aside in the box. Just start picking up things and putting them in one of the boxes. Once a box (or bag) gets full set it aside and start another one. If it is to give away put it in your car right away to take to a thrift store. If it goes to the trash take it to the garbage. If you see any items that do not belong to that room, put it in the box that is designated for it.
The first day just take a half hour. Stop and relax. Continue the next day.
By taking one room at a time, it does help. If you feel overwhelmed, make it a cleaning party on a day off or the weekend. Have a friend or your children to help.
What if you aren't sure if you should keep something. Ask yourself a few questions? Do I use it or like it? Is it adding to my style or just making more junk? You don't have to keep everything. Keep your house clutter free.
Living Room:
Can you see the couch? Can you see the floor? Is the room relaxing and cozy? Would you want visitors to see your home? If the answer is no to any or all you may need to consider cleaning and organzing. Look around, is there items or articles that don't belong in that room. Take those out and set them aside. Are there things that you just don't need or use anymore? Take them to the good will or trash (depending on the condition). Is your coffee table cluttered? Maybe it's time to take the dishes to the kitchen or sort through your mail. What about the dirty clothes laying around, take them to the laundry room. Do you have dvd's or movie's laying around - take a moment to put them on the shelf or where they belong. Get one of your children or spouse to help you put things away.
Did you know that cleaning could be fun - make it a game.
Start small - that is all it takes. Take a half hour or so each day especially if you do not have a lot of time.
Kitchen:
The kitchen is very important because people eat in here. First clean off all the counters. Do you have a stack of mail or papers. Desingnate a place for mail. If is junk mail, don't think twice - just throw it away. If is a bill put it on your desk. Most people have so many appliances that they don't use. Look at your kitchen - do you use all your appliances? If no think about donating them. If you do use them, take a moment to wash them with a wet rag. Since you have everything off the kitchen counter wash it down with water and soap. When you put your things back, keep it neat and tidy. Look in your cupboards and drawers. You may have several McDonalds cups from kid's meals. Keep only a few and throw the rest out. What about your storage containers. Do you have lids and bottoms to match? Clean out your "junk" drawer. The kitchen may take a few days to clean and organize through. Do you sit at your kitchen table or is covered with "stuff". Clean off the "stuff" so you can sit down and eat a meal with the family.
Bathroom:
The bathroom is very important to keep clean. Look at your counter? Are there things that aren't needed on there. Don't have the counter full of stuff. Clean out your bathroom drawers. If you have a linen closet clean it out to. How many bathtoys do you need? If you have several think about putting them in a bathtime box in the corner on the floor. Once you get this room cleaned, every day in the morning take 5 minutes to wipe down the counters and 5 minutes in the evening before bed.
Kid's Bedrooms:
This should be a safe and relaxing place. First thing every morning, make the bed (younger kids - mom, older kids - themselves). Put all the toys away either in their toy box, shelf, or closet. An idea is to have a movable 3 drawer (or a box) for the kids to move in and out of their room when they want to play in another room and move back to their room when they are finished playing. Have a place for the children to put their dirty clothes in. Every night before bed, toys should be picked up and put away.
Parent's Bedroom:
This room is a romantic and relaxing room. Just like the kids, make sure the bed is made every morning. In the closet have things neat and organized. The dresser should be neat. If there is a lot of extra "stuff" in the room think about getting rid of it, storing it, or organzing it.
Office or Work room:
If you have a room with a desk, make sure it is neat and tidy. Have a place for mail. Have a place for your computer. There are many places you can buy organizing bins, carts, and other helpful organizing things.
Play room:
If you do have a play room, it doesn't have to be junky. Have a place for everything. If there seems to be an over abundant of toys, consider giving some away to help another child.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)