CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DONE RIGHT

Christmas is only two weeks away and there are those that still have not gotten any shopping done! Thank goodness for online shopping which can usually have last minute items shipped to you right before Christmas for an extra fee. The malls roll out the red carpet for last minute sales by having the stores open as early as 6 am. This is all well and good yet how will you shop for Christmas and make your budget stand up to the temptations of overspending?

First of all, holiday shopping does not have to be a chore. Sit down, write out a realistic budget and truly analyze what you will spend period. No excuses because you need to know where every dollar is going. Be sure to spend cash only and leave the credit cards at home.

Secondly, be sure to spend with the right emotions. This is so important because most people spend because of guilt and sometimes validation. To go further, when spending because of guilt it is when you buy something for someone you truly do not like (a relative, a co-worker) just because of the season. The guilt has to be gone because it is not your true you and you will beat yourself up another year for doing it. As for validation, some people spend to be liked and in hopes of getting something real nice. No! This goes along with the guilt trip. Some people will spend on who they want and you may not be one of them. So if you insist upon giving, do not be surprised if the favor is not returned. Just make a mental note to not include them on your next year's list.

Third, when shopping, the temptation from sales people and seeing beautiful displays will beckon unto you. Step away from the displays and graciously, yet firmly say "No thank you" to the sales people. You see, they are trying to meet their quota of sales for the year. You, on the other hand want to stick to your budget and remain sane.

Fourth, as for any children involved, please do not overload them with stuff they will only play with a little and have it sitting in a corner (for instance, toys and games). Once the newness of the gifts wear off, you will wonder what lead you to spend so much money. Also, do not allow their whining (the neighbor's kid got lots of stuff) to sway you, YOU are the parents, period.

Lastly, you will be proud of yourself for sticking to your budget and not having to use your credit cards (because you will pay them off asap and cut the cards...js).  Your Christmas will even be merrier as well as frugal.

To all of you, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and as always...

Stay Frugal and Proud!

Dot

ARTICLES AND SOURCES

Cutting Costs? Christmas Cheats For Frugal Gifts | Organized Christmas

5 Frugal Tips to Save on Your Christmas Shopping - Inspiring Savings

THAT INFAMOUS 'B' WORD: BUDGET

I did a blog a few months ago entitled: A BUDGET? YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING! about budgeting and the importance of it. Today, I will go into this subject even more because a lot of people make budgeting so hard. Budgeting requires sacrifice yet not the kind of sacrifices which cause you to starve yourself, dress in rags or walk 100 miles to work (an extreme, but you get the point). Budgeting helps you to not only see where your money is going but how to see whether this expense is necessary and needs to be deleted from the budget. 

According to Practical Money Skills.com, building an annual or monthly budget comprises of the following:

• Fixed expenses are expenses that stay the same from month to month, such as rent payments.
• Flexible expenses are expenses that change from month to month, such as how much you spend on utilities.
• Total expenses are the combined amount of your fixed and flexible expenses.
• Total monthly income is the income from your job or other resources including investment dividends, pensions, Social Security benefits, rental income and more.
• Disposable income is the money you have left over after you subtract your income taxes from your income

They emphasize to create your monthly budget using this basic Budget Worksheet. If you find you are not able to stick to your budget, it may mean you are spending beyond your means or that your budget is not flexible enough. Take the time to review and readjust your budget monthly until you find a plan that works for you.

You truly have to be serious and disciplined when you budget because you will not only be in control of your money and feel empowered. Budgeting does not have to be a serious subject, just a matter of focus, discipline and being focused on having a great money future. Until next time...

Stay Frugal and Proud,

Dot

More Articles and Sources:

PRACTICAL MONEY SKILLS

WHAT IS BUDGETING?

START BUDGETING

HOW TO SAVE EFFECTIVELY

(Courtesy of SexyMoneyNow)

You are at a quandry as to how will you ever save any form of money. Seriously you say to yourself, how in the world would anyone save in this economy and blah, blah, blah. STOP right there and get a grip! Despite any economy (i.e., The Depression, 1929) money was saved despite the goings on. You can do this even in this economy and many people are doing it. It takes commitment and discipline to do it. Cancel the excuses of not having enough or getting into discussions with naysayers because they are not on the path you want to be on. 

Start today and use the savings sheet above to be on your way to savings. Once you get into the habit of saving, those dollars will be a blessing to you. Let me know your start and keep me posted on how you are coming along. I am with you on this also. As always...

Stay Frugal and Proud
Dot

More Articles and Sources:

*SAVINGS GOALS

*SAVINGS GOALS FOR THE AGES

*SET A GOAL: WHAT TO SAVE FOR

MONEY IS GOOD

Courtesy of Lenny Credit

As you work your way to another level, lets remember something while we are bettering our money life: MONEY IS GOOD! Place note cards around your house with this statement, affirm it all day and when others say contrary, remind yourself that MONEY IS GOOD. This part of your money work is very important because as you continue to believe that money is good, you will attract experiences that will confirm your belief. 

I know that you have heard directly or indirectly that money is the root of all evil. This is one of the most misquoted words in the bible. It is the love of money above your God (Spirit, etc.) that is considered evil. No wonder a lot of people would do whatever it takes to get rid of the money; yet on the other hand once that money is gone, moaning and groaning about not having any starts. 

Each week, I want to help you to heal the inner that keeps money at bay from you by posting these messages. No matter how much money you receive, if your inner is not matching your outer, the money becomes elusive. So it is very important to take each post I write and be very serious with it because we have to make peace with our past money situations. 

You must surround yourself with those who can help you to become a better money steward. Those you have been filling your head with negativity involving money need to be let go in peace. These people can keep you from attracting the abundance and prosperity. Forgive yourself for your money beliefs and please do not beat yourself up for having them. If you knew better of course you will do better. 

Question each and every belief around money and turn them around with an answer. Those answers will help you to take control of changing your thinking, then change your life. Congratulate yourself on every positive action you take involving money such as building your savings account, sacrificing those weekend hangouts for putting your money away for a business venture. You get the jest. Get professional help if needed and this is not a negative thing because you want a better life. 

Remember, MONEY IS GOOD and until next time....

Be Frugal and Proud,

Dot

More Articles and Sources

*Financial Independence: Why Money Is Good

*Money is Good

*I Love Money, Money Is Good - Hypnotherapy - YouTube

FREEBIE DAY

Courtesy of efdreams.com

   

These kindle ebooks can be read on the kindle, but also on your computer with the kindle program, or the kindle app on many different mobile devices. Kindle ebook prices change very frequently, so make sure that the price is $0 before you checkout. If this post is more than a day old, there is a good chance that many of these ebooks are no longer free. Make sure you visit this link to see the latest Free Kindle Ebook post, and all the previous posts. Happy Reading!

Today’s top rated books:

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EMOTIONS AND MONEY

Courtesy of dollabuzz

When it comes to emotions and money, self-control and discipline is much needed all the time. You see, you can sometimes think that you need that particular item and later learn that you only wanted it. in other instances, you may feel that you are entitled to that designer handbag which is not in your budget just because you worked hard. That new car you have been lusting after is in your focus despite the fact that the car you currently drive is paid for and running great. Your friends are taking vacays to the islands and you want to go badly so you skip one bill and put it off until next month (knowing that interest charges will double on that bill). The paralyzing fear of not having enough to pay next month's bills...

The above scenarios are ways in which our emotions can rule over how much money you spend, save or don't save as well as your fears and expectations of how money rules your life. Below shows the fears of Americans surrounding emotions and money:

Courtesy of Eventbrite

Lets find ways in dealing with emotions in order to deal with money effectively. The following suggestions can help:

1.) Know where you stand in your money situation regardless of the fears or apprehensions. This way, you can  begin to take action on it.

2.) Do not compare your situation with others. They are not you and you must take responsibility for your actions.

3.) Create a budget and stick to it. You will see where your money is going without guessing. Set up a payment plan and make sacrifices in order to meet your debt free goals.

4.) Do not be embarrassed by your situation; you created it and you can fix it. Seek counseling in order to help you get on the right track with your emotions.

5.) Distinguish a need from a want. Really analyze the difference between the two. If the particular thing you want does not fit in the budget, let it go. Concentrate on your needs first and foremost, like shelter, food and clothing.

Put first things first when dealing with money. Yes, we need it to live but it does not have to be a depressing subject. Tell me what you think about emotions and money in the comments and be sure to subscribe in the right hand column. Until next time....

Be Frugal and Proud,

Dot


More Articles and Sources

MONEY AND EMOTIONS

TAKE THE EMOTION OUT OF MONEY

MONEY IS NOT ABOUT FINANCES; IT'S ABOUT EMOTIONS

GOOD HABITS: CREATE AND KEEP THEM

Courtesy of Julette Millien

According to the dictionary, a habit is 'a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up', "this can develop into a bad habit". A good habit is 'a behavior that is beneficial to one's physical or mental health, often linked to a high level of discipline and self-control'. When it comes to creating habits involving being financially prudent, we must start small and build until the habits become as natural as keeping up personal hygiene.

The habit of saving is one which is very important in building not only financial solvency but a prosperity consciousness. Most say that they can not save, do not have enough money or find it useless to do so. From experience, I was never taught to save because of lack consciousness from relatives. I had to learn the hard way and it was a lesson that has stuck with me to this day. It is not the amount of money that you save, but the habit of just starting and keeping it going...period. Even if it is $1 a week or $5 a week, just start! As time passes, it becomes a habit which will evolve into bigger saving. 

Another habit to embrace is the act of giving. This habit has helped lots of people become wealthy and built generational wealth. You can find a charity of your choice and start small like the above mentioned saving method. Remember, as you build this habit, you will not only feel good as a giver, but the receiver will benefit as well.

The final habit I want to touch on is the habit of being grateful. Yes, the 'attitude of gratitude'. We can dwell on the so-called bad things happening around us or be grateful for what is going on in your life for the good. Even sometimes, those seemingly "bad things" turn out to be things to be grateful for. As you give thanks for what you have, you attract more. Develop the habit of just thanking your higher power for waking up and being "clothed in your right mind" (as the elders would say). Also be grateful for the money you do have in your bank account(s) and the ability to pay bills as best you can. You can find lots of things to be grateful for.

Start today with one habit you would like to develop into something positive and keep it going. Share in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe on the up right side of the page. Until next time be...

Frugal and Proud

Dot

Articles and Resources

How to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones

The Power of Habit

27 Good Financial Habits You Need For Ultimate Financial Success

FREEBIES

These kindle ebooks can be read on the kindle, but also on your computer with the kindle program, or the kindle app on many different mobile devices. Kindle ebook prices change very frequently, so make sure that the price is $0 before you checkout. If this post is more than a day old, there is a good chance that many of these ebooks are no longer free. Make sure you visit this link to see the latest Free Kindle Ebook post, and all the previous posts. Happy Reading!

Today’s top rated books:

• In Love With A Brooklyn Thug by Nako
• The Chronicles of Benjamin Jamison: Call Sign Reaper by Thomas Wright
• Keeping Her Wet: A Novella by M. Robinson
• The Innocent Killer: A True Story of a Wrongful Conviction and Its Astonishing Aftermath by Michael Griesbach
• Rent A Husband: a Romantic Comedy by Sally Mason
• Bare Ass in Love by Sasha Burke
• Giving You All I’ve Got: Love Me Forever by A’zayler
• The Gospel of Pilate by Paul E. Creasy
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• The Lies Between Us by M.N. Forgy
• Coming Home by Kris Jett
• A Small Piece Of Her Heart by Corine Marie
• Poor Boy Road: A Gritty Hard-Hitting Thriller Series Book # 1 by James L. Weaver
• Bound Sorcery: A Shadows of Magic Book by Natalie Grey
• Take A Haunted Walk With Me: A Ghost Hunter Cozy Mystery by Rose Pressey
• Shoeless Child: A heart-stopping thriller by J.A. Schneider
• What About Us by Emma Tharp
• The Things Our Fathers Saw—The Untold Stories of the World War II Generation-Volume III: War in the Air—Combat, Captivity, and Reunion by Matthew Rozell
• Fake It: A Sizzling Hot Second Chance Romance by Melissa Devenport
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• Click here to see the rest of today’s free kindle ebooks Read more

Free Coffee At Krispy Kreme-https://images.krispykreme.com/ -get a Free Coffee at Krispy Kreme on Saturday, September 29. –locator

YOUR MINDSET AND MONEY

Courtesy of cultofmoney

There are lots of people wanting to change their financial picture for the better. They find different opportunities online and attempt them yet find that some of those opportunities are not legitimate. Some people save money to have more money and find themselves having to spend that money and more. Despite actions to accumulate money, people fall short...why? It is the mindset!

We must do first things first which means to condition your mind to have money and be able to keep it. What does this mean? It means that you must convince your mind that you are worthy of having money and being wise to keep it. How is this done you ask? You must go to the origin of the mindset. 

That origin means conversations you may have heard as a child such as "money being evil", "rich people are greedy", "only a certain race of people have money" and so forth. Lots of conversations could have religious overtones with them as well such as "rather being poor than greedy", "you can't take it with you" and so on. 

As we become adults, we continue to believe those conversations and take them deep into our subconscious mind which has no barriers and does not say "no". It takes what you say and dwell on until it manifests into your life. You continue to stick with those beliefs because of the manifestations yet do not question why things keep happening. Until you have become sick and tired of being sick and tired, you do not take action and chalk it up to being "what it is". 

Write down some negative beliefs you grew up with. Exam each one, then change it to a positive. It is up to you to change your mindset by questioning those beliefs. Those beliefs you grew up with do not have to hold you hostage and your life can change for the better!

                        

Courtesy of PowerThoughtsMeditationClub

Affirmations are another way of changing your mindset. Affirmations are phrases that you use to manifest the life you desire. You use feeling behind each one. Even if you do not believe them at first; the subconscious will and your life will shift. You have to stay consistent with them even as your mindset changes. It is like a lifelong garden you have to tend to in order to manifest the flowers. 

So you see, it is very important to work on the mind first and foremost as you take inspired actions to save, invest, or open your own business. 

Let me know in the comments what you think and please subscribe in the upper right hand corner. Until next time remain...

Frugal and Proud

Dot

More Articles and Resources

25 Affirmations to Attract Wealth and Abundance

The Power of the Wealthy Mindset

The Dynamic Laws Of Prosperity (Full Seminar) by Catherine Ponder

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INVEST WITH WHAT?

Courtesy of pinterest

We want to be able to live on our earnings for a long time. The longevity rate is higher (some folks are living in their 100's comfortably!). We want our monies to stretch beyond our retirement and live our best lives. How can this be done when even though we have savings, the rate is not very good. Lots of people can have numerous channels of residual income and some can dry up in an instant! There is concern about being healthy and staying that way. So what is one to do to make those dollars s-t-r-e-t-c-h? Invest!

Dot, I barely have a thousand dollars in the bank so how in the yell can I invest? Those people who invest had tons of money and I am still in the process of building my coins and paper. What I am suppose to do? Why not start with little and build?! I can hear the groans, doubts, questions and outright complaints. Seriously, if you click on the link below and read the information carefully, I assure you , you will get started and be on your way to building a nice portfolio for you!

STASH IT AWAY!

Courtesy of Jhunjhunwalas - WordPress.com

I learned about the stock market long ago when one had to have lots of money to invest. I retained that information and over the years I learned of companies that accepted small investments. I saved what I had and began to invest; of course it was small but how do you think an oak tree grew? From a small acorn! I now own some interest in Nike (I was a fan long ago, I was glad I could invest now!), as well as other companies and steady building!

So click on the link above, read, and even ask questions if you need to. Please do not delay in building your wealth as a frugal person (lots have, why not you?). Under no circumstances must those naysayers be a part of your decision making. I have learned that those who have done it and succeeded are the ones you seek advice from. Period.

Until next post always stay....

Frugal and Proud!

Dot

More Articles:

*How Anne Scheiber Made $22 Million From Her Apartment

*Jack MacDonald Secretly Built a $188 Million Fortune Investing in Stocks

*What We Can Learn From Secret Millionaires