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

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

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

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

THE ENVELOPES PLEASE!

Courtesy of moneycrashers.com

The money envelope system is one which monies are allocated in separate labeled envelopes. It is the second step after writing out a detailed budget. The third and last step is by allocating amounts to these envelopes, you can see and feel the money to be spent. Once the monies are spent for that budget period, you must wait until the next budget period to repeat the process. 

As you can see in the picture above, each envelope is labeled for what is to be spent on. I feel this is a very good system because you know that each expense is taken care of easily. In some cases, there have been people who have had monies left over which is a great thing! They immediately place that money into a jar for having money in the house or carry the amount over to the next budget. Even in some cases, spending money has an envelope as well so that the budget stays on track and no monies are taken away from it.

The envelope system is not for those who are not into details but for those who are serious about where every single dollar goes. If you use the envelope system, let me know how you are doing with it by commenting below. Until next time....

Stay Frugal and Proud,

Dot

Articles

Dave Ramsey.com

The Ultimate Guide to the Cash Envelope System

Budgeting with cash: How to make the envelope method work in 2018

SAVE THOSE COINS!

Saving coins has been done since the beginning of coins being used for currency. You can probably remember your parents saving their leftover change in a mayonnaise jar until it was full. They counted their change then deposited it in their savings account. This practice kept going throughout their retirement and beyond. Once their balance added up, it was amazing how much money was accumulated through those years. Today, this same practice is done by hundreds of thousands of people.

Many may discount that small change would not add up to much. With consistence and discipline, you can accumulate a lot of money to use to:

*Pay off debts

*Invest in the stock market

*Buy that item you feasted your eyes on

*Save to have money for emergencies

You can use a mayonnaise jar or water jug; here are examples below:

The one on the left is the basic water jug used in water coolers and the one on the right (courtesy of amazon.com) adds up the change as you place it in. A piggy bank is fine as well. Start with pennies first, then move to the silver. Please do not fuss about starting the process and find it beneath them because that change changes into paper (dollar$).

Please leave your comments and share. Until the next post....

Stay Frugal and Proud

Dot

More articles:

Don't laugh, the piggy bank strategy works-USA Today

An Introduction to Saving Money

5 Clever Ways to Trick Yourself Into Saving Money

AS YOU CHANGE YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION, THIS HAPPENS!

You and your family make a decision to change your financial situation for the better. Not just subtle changes but serious changes such as doing family night at home instead of going out, deciding on using cash for the anniversary trip instead of credit cards (which you cut up and pay off), going to the grocer whose prices are much cheaper than the local store you used to go to. You also put off buying a new car because the old one runs good with minor maintenance and thrift stores have become your best friend. So as these positive changes happen and you become accepting and pleased with them, why does the peanut gallery of public opinion steps in?

You know those folks like "well-meaning friends", neighbors and yes relatives. They wonder if you have lost your mind because the person they knew would not dare penny pinch, subject their kids to thrift store clothes or miss nights out at the dinner hour. These meddlers offer charity such as money, food and advice...bad advice. You feel like using choice words but you are classier than that and tell them to stay in their lane (in other words butt out!). 

When one makes decisions to change their lives, they hit nerves in other people. Whether that decision be changing their diet for the better, changing jobs or even stepping up their financial game, the apple cart gets shook. This is because you are doing something beneficial and healthy for you and your loved ones and unfortunately, those others are not. You remind them of what they could be doing and refuse to do. Raw emotions such as criticism and blaming come lashing at you. Through it all, you stay firm and keep going because you have grown sick and tired of being sick and tired. You want financial solvency and peace of mind for a change.

Let those naysayers rant like a 2 year old not getting another cookie, trust me, they will get over it. In the meantime, you focus on your goals, do all you can to improve and get some new people in your life that understand your situation. You will be better off for it.

Stay Frugal and Proud,😍

Dot

THE JOURNEY TO SAVING...FINALLY!

Courtesy of familyfriendlysearch.com

Oh boy, beginning a discipline with saving money. I was never taught saving growing up because in one ear it was "can't afford it" and in the other ear, "I'm broke". This coming from my parents at the time and continued throughout my teens and adulthood. Unfortunately, I carried these beliefs even after having a child. Even if I attempted to save at the local bank, I felt at the time that I could not and used the money as fast as I saved it. 

After a series of "events" which included homelessness, I had to get a clue and I mean a serious clue. No matter how much one has good intentions, we must set forth actions that show that ones' intentions are good period. I began a journey of learning what was going on in my belief system to cause me to have episodes with money. I had to do a time machine of my life and found out that growing up and listening to well-meaning people like family and others was something I had to heal. It took discipline and time yet I was ready to do it. 

As years went by, I got a clue about money yet as the layers peeled back, the dominant thought was FEAR! It was the thing that held me frozen. As I changed my beliefs, things began to change but I had one foot on the brake and on the gas. FEAR was the culprit. I then began to dig deeper and questioned those fears and am now healing them.

This morning, I looked into my savings account, yes a savings account and found money in it. I felt relief instead of fear and look forward to more. All it took was changes within and go beyond my fears, doubts and worries. On my journey of frugality, healing helps a hell of a lot because you can be frugal as well as abundant.

Please share your thoughts in the comments and always be frugal and proud!

Dot

A BUDGET? YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!

Lots of us know people who make more money than we do yet when it comes to taking care of the necessities of life, they seem to run short. We see celebrities and other personalities in the media who have made lots of money, then in a few years file for bankruptcy while crying broke. This baffles us and we wonder how in the hell did they get themselves in that hole. What those two scenarios have in common is this: they did not have a money plan or budget as it is generally called. 

I can hear those moans and groans about the 'b' word but it is very important to have one. By having a detailed budget whether done weekly or monthly, you can see where every dime of your money is going. This should be very empowering because you know what is spent on what and the priorities you have when spending.

A budget does not restrict you to not spend but helps keep your bills and other expenses on track. You can not continue to spend and spend with reckless abandon then expect to know how much you make. Before you know it, all of your money is gone and you scratch your head wondering where it went. 

I personally did not grow up with this money mindset and had to learn it on my own, the hard way. No bankruptcies just downright broke. Once I changed my mindset I set out to change my life in the money area.

There are lots of books about budgeting; google budgeting to get started. You won't regret your decision and as always...

Be Frugal and Proud,

Dot

FRUGAL AND WEIRD?

Courtesy of personalfinancenews.com

There will be those who will not be supportive of your frugality. Some will think that you have temporarily lost your mind. They want you to go out and party, vacay to the islands and shop till you drop. You want to save, invest and live below your means as you build wealth. There will be those who want to borrow money and you say no. They can not believe it because you were always 'down' for helping out. You realize, no more of lending because it does not feel good. On the flip size, you stopped borrowing to pay things because you are tired of your money going out to payback. 

Your savings account was slim to none and now it is slowly building from monies your thought weren't enough to save from to monies you are glad to save. You still shop at the grocery store, consignment shops and more with change coming back because discounts and coupons are your friends. Every dime and dollar is accounted for because you have goals of building wealth and abundance with NO debt. Of course the naysayers say there is good debt (really?) and ask about your credit score being boosted. This does not concern you because you go for being debt free (no car notes, no credit cards and even paying off your mortgage). You enjoy being weird and those naysayers leave your life shaking their heads while telling other naysayers they know about your 'crazy life'.

Listen folks, as you change for the better, you will be called a number of things but broke won't be one of them. Keep your head up, persevere and do not give up. Be frugal and weird as well as proud.

Dot😌

YES I AM FRUGAL, SO WHAT?!

Courtesy of daveramsey.com

There will be those "well meaning" folks that will tell you that you can not take money with you when you pass away. There will be those who will call you cheap, tight-assed or stingy (frugal people are not these things) because you are not spending thousands of dollars on trips that they put on their credit cards (you would rather save for it). Those brunch dates with that circle you used to hang with has gotten smaller (you are not longer joining them, you'd rather cook that brunch at home). Or what about going to the outlet mall near you and rack up because you chose to pay 50 to 75% off (because you choose to not pay retail). This is the life of a frugal person and they do not care what you think....period.

When you are on the path of being frugal after being so broke that a penny seems like a million dollars you change your mindset quick. Those old demons of spending may come up but you tell it "get behind me assholes" (oops...sorry). You have grown tired of the layoffs and not having that cushion to help you through as you file unemployment. You had to learn the hard way because you grew up without the tools to help you become financially solvent. You pretty much had to learn to ride the bike and fall until you got it. 

Making changes in your mind to be a better money manager can be a challenge but sticking to it will cause it to work. This is part of my story and in many posts, I will share more because it was time to become transparent. Thanks for reading. Be frugal and proud!

Dot

WELCOME TO FRUGAL AND PROUD!

I am so glad that you are here! This idea came to me as I was resting...yeah relaxing (entrepreneurs do rest 😊). I wanted to share my thoughts and actions on being a frugalista (frugalistos for guys) and learn from others in the process.

Please share with your fellow folks on the path to long term frugality and even those who want to go on the path and need help.

Posting will be once a week and more, so please utilize these ideas and please share in the comments. In the meantime, please read the former posts that can help you with money.

Be frugal and proud!

Dot

BEING RICH DOES NOT ALWAYS MEAN YOU ARE WEALTHY

Being Rich Does Not Always Mean You Are Wealthy

By: Eugene Chan

To be truly wealthy is to have money that lasts forever. This may be a blunt statement, but suddenly coming across a large sum of money does not necessarily mean you have become a wealthy person.

To be wealthy is a state of mind. A person with a wealthy mindset may not necessarily be financially rich just yet but will be soon enough. On the other hand, a rich person without a wealthy mindset will squander the money very quickly.

This could not be more true than those who win the lottery. After a few years, these lottery winners no longer possess the millions they came across so suddenly. An amount of money that should have lasted for at least a generation has been fleeted away.

Case in point is UK lottery winner Michael Carroll who won �10 million in 2002 at the age of 19. It is reported that he had lost all his winnings 18 months later on things such as holiday homes, luxury cars, drugs, parties, jewellery and famously, a rural mansion used none other than as a dodgem car racetrack for his new friends.

What is even sadder are cases of other lottery winners that end up with greater financial debt after their windfalls dry up than they had to begin. Some have even declared bankruptcy to be back where they had started - with nothing.

From this, it is fair to say that being rich does not necessarily mean you are wealthy. A truly wealthy person would still possess the majority of the millions of dollars (if not more) because a wealthy person understands the fundamentals of how to manage their money.

It can even be said that a wealthy person has a good relationship with money. Money sticks with them rather than repel away from them. It is through this understanding of how to manage money that dictates how long you will remain rich, or how soon you will become rich.

A wealthy person knows to save their money. With the money that is saved, they firstly spend on things that earn them an income such as quality businesses, real estate and shares. In other words, the money a wealthy person retains is used to further create more money. The money they earn from their investments is then used to fund a rich lifestyle.

On the contrary, for a (temporarily) rich person that does not have a wealthy mindset, they would have chosen to firstly spend on material things and eventually have no money left.

However, nobody is born with a wealthy mindset and it certainly cannot be won. Importantly, a wealthy mindset is learnt. If Michael Carroll had a wealthy mindset when he won the lottery, he would likely still be living very nicely with most of his winnings intact.

If a wealthy individual were to lose all their money today, it is likely that within a number of years, they would be back to a relatively comfortable financial position. Individuals such as Donald Trump, Martha Stewart and Sir Richard Branson have faced financial setbacks in their lives but were able to rebuild their financial positions because each has a wealthy mindset. These individuals firstly focussed on redeveloping their businesses rather than wasting their remaining fortunes on frivolous items and lifestyle decisions. Today, they enjoy life's luxuries because of their wealthy mindset.

Michael Carroll clearly demonstrates that being rich does not always mean you are wealthy. On the other hand, having a wealthy mindset certainly gives you a greater chance at being rich because you understand how to manage and appreciate money. Each of us can learn to be wealthy. By developing this wealthy mindset, you will ultimately attract more money to you than repel it. Only then can you be rich and truly wealthy.

Author Bio
Eugene Chan is the founder of http://save-money-make-money.blogspot.com which provides practical ideas to save money everyday.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content

BEING SMARTER FINANCIALLY IN 2018

Lots of people have made creating smarter financial goals as a priority to work on for 2018. Trouble is, for those who have been taking the bull by the horns regarding spending, fear seems to grip them. Where does one begin when it comes to being financially smarter this year, so that it can carry for years to come? I did some research because I am working on this goal myself and what better way to share my tips with you to get you started:

1.) Write your financial picture down- this means your earnings, assets and debt (every person or company you owe, leave no stone unturned). Afterwards, read over what is before you because you can not take action unless you know where you stand. The information  may make some of you cringe, get mad or just sigh. Let this go because you were brave enough to face it and to do something about it.

2.) Set up a budget plan-  that word budget scares a lot of folks because the first thought that may come up is deprivation. If you budget wisely and with a great attitude, you can feel really good about it and come out ahead. Click BETTER BUDGETING FOR 2018 for more information

3.) Create a money jars system- this system was introduced to me through T. Harv Eker's book, "Secrets of the Millionaire Mind". It does not matter the amount you start with, it is the habit of doing it daily. You will be surprised how your money will build just from starting with little.  For more information click here MONEY JARS SYSTEM.

4.) Pay yourself FIRST-  you are the most important product and you must get paid not only from your job or business but to yourself. Get an automatic savings plan at work or have your bank deduct a specific amount from your business account that can go into your own personal savings account.

5.) Prioritize your spending- Do you really need another pair of shoes or dress? That money can help pay off your student loan or credit cards. This is what prioritizing is all about. It may seem tempting yet you will feel really good when you are debt free and your savings grows.

These tips are just a few that can help get you started on your way to financial freedom. For other tips, please go to Instagram and follow these savvy financial folks:

@citygirlsavings

@financialista

@spiritualmoneyhealing

@cjthemoneyguru

Tell them @prosperous1__ sent you and I congratulate you on reading and taking your financial picture seriously. Please comment below and I support you!💓