Time is Money

      When I was a teenager in the late 80's, I remember hearing about corporate executives trying to find a balance with work and family.  In the movies during that time, I remember them saying "time is money".  It's funny how much you hear a saying as a child, but it doesn't have meaning for you until you have an experience that shapes the phrase.  As an on-line professor and aspiring writer, my time really is money.  I must spend time on the class to ensure the students are being guided effectively through the course.  Even as I write now, I'm trying to improve my ideas and their cohesiveness with current publication demands. There are only so many hours in the day.  I wonder, how many hours do I spend on money-making activities?

       When I sit back and think about it; I am "working" approximately 10 hours a day, sometimes straight through without a break for myself.  It makes for some really long days but, there are goals that I have for myself and my family. It's often difficult to stay focused on those goals when you are exhausted from to-do lists, multiple jobs, and volunteer work.  Ultimately, my time without an agenda attached is limited. However, I feel successful when I am crossing something off the list then jumping into a playful unplanned activity.  The smiles from my girls are the best reward!

       As I try to imagine what God's plan will be for me in the years to come, I'm eternally grateful that my day job has been working along side of my beautiful little girls. My co-workers have been my children.  That's kind of funny when you think about it. Their ability to do more for themselves is enabling me to be more efficient with my time. My prayer today is that when I do re-enter the workforce outside of my home, my children won't feel left out.  I hope that they will learn to cherish our time together and understand that work is a part of life.  Maybe one day, many years from now, my girls will be my co-workers again.  Only the Lord knows what is in store for us! His time, his money!

Reflecting on our progress

As I began facilitating a new class tonight, I reflected on the changes I've made in the past three years.  It's what I've done with my money, not necessarily how much I've made, that's mattered to our family.  My income over the past three years has been like a yo-yo string, bouncing up and down.  We've lived on less, spent more on "emergencies", and still managed to have more than enough.  Being obedient to God and trusting in him fully has made all the difference.  Yes, I'm a budget queen and that has certainly helped us in those tight times.  However, I must pay tribute to the real provider - GOD! We would not be where we are today without him.  Thank you Lord for all you do for us!

A Budget For Your Savings

      While attending a writers' conference this weekend, I was given a unique opportunity to talk to a young man about his finances. There was a long line for the buffet that went out the door of the cafeteria and nearly around the side of the building.  It was snowing lightly and since I had been indoors, I didn't have a coat.  Looking at this long line of men that were sharing the campus for their men’s retreat, I was imagining how cold I would be by the time the line moved back into the foyer.  I asked a man standing at the doorway if he would allow me to take a place in line in front of him.  He said, “of course”, and we began to chat.  We began discussing his work and his current financial picture.  He was 28, single, a homeowner, and had been fortunate enough to put some money away for his retirement.  He also had some secure loans through banks that were helping improve his credit score.  I encouraged him and said that it sounded like he was doing well.  Then, he asked me a question that caught me off guard.  “What do I do now?”  He was unsure of how to use the rest of his money to prepare for his future.  I chuckled to myself and began thinking of when I was single and preparing for having a family.

            Determining what you need to start a marriage and family is very subjective.  I told this man that what he would need financially depended on his lifestyle.  First, I suggested that he talk with his friends and acquaintances that already have children about unexpected and budgeted expenses.  For starters, a child enrolled in full-time day care costs anywhere from $90 to $250 per week. If only one spouse is working, the other must be able to provide for everyone on one salary.  This includes everything from personal needs to the rise in your utility bill.  For him, I suggested he put as much money as he can away in a Money Market account that he can’t access with a debit card.  This account may need to be in a different bank if you aren’t a “saver”.

            Struggling with saving is a common dilemma that can be remedied in two ways. First, as mentioned above, choose a bank that is different from your regular checking account.  Check the rates on Money Market Accounts and regular savings accounts to find the best one for your money.  Second, name your money with specific goals.  For example, if you are saving for a wedding you would name your cash like this: wedding dress, flowers, tux, wedding bands, disc jockey, table decorations, bridal party gifts, etc.  Just like a regular household budget, your savings may need a budget too.  You are less likely to spend your savings if your goal has a name.  If your goals change along the way, you simply rename the money.  When you deposit money into savings that doesn’t have a name, it will likely disappear for little things that pop up unexpectedly.  In Proverbs 21:20 it is written, “The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets”.  Give your money a name and save, save, save!

Tomorrow, Tomorrow

When the weather is dark and gloomy, my mood is naturally reflective.  I think of similar days that are gone by.  I remember all that I have done, where I’ve been, and what I have and haven’t accomplished.  Then, my thoughts roam to tomorrow.  I look to what I’m facing that I know about and I dream about where I would like to be.  I’m a dreamer and my thoughts are often of tomorrow. I had a DISC profile completed on me that said, “Don’t dream with her, you don’t have enough time”.   There is a need for people like me to help others see the big picture.  For that reason, my dreaming talents are a blessing from God.  However, people close to me often remind me to “live in the moment”.  One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 27:1 – “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth”. It is a constant reminder to me that what I’m planning may not be part of God’s plan. This has been a huge growth area for me.  It has only been in the past year that I’ve accepted that simple truth.  Tomorrow is a day away, fix what you can now and leave the rest for God. 

            When it comes to our financial journey, the idea of planning for tomorrow is a major area for people. Retirement planning is a hot topic for obvious reasons.  Many people today are retiring today with the hope that Social Security will be there to support them.  Some people live so much in the moment that they forgot to look ahead.  Before they knew it, they were 62 and facing retirement.  Tomorrow had arrived and they are asking what happened yesterday.  Living paycheck to paycheck has led them to their last paycheck.  Like a job that has ended suddenly, their way of life has been stranded.  The unfortunate part is that their options are very limited.  Perhaps they needed more “dreamers” in their life.  They needed someone to ask the tough questions about tomorrow. Planning for tomorrow and talking to others is not always for boastful reasons; it is for showing others that you love them enough to care about what their life will look like when they face retirement head on. I will try to remember to live in the moment, as long as my friends know that they can always count on me to think about tomorrow.

Trusting The Experts

                Today, I have been overwhelmed with thoughts on the concept of trust.  This is such a complex subject with many facets to its’ definition and function.  In my little section of the world, trust is relying on the advice and expertise of others to accomplish my goals.  It amazes me how much we “trust” in a given day.  Here are some examples of my trust in just six hours. 

                As I was trying to wake up this morning, I trusted that when I pushed snooze on my alarm it would ring out again in exactly nine minutes (it did). I woke up to the sun shining, my house in the way I had left it, and my family all well and cared for throughout the night (thank you God). To make sure I would be fully awake when necessary, I trusted that my husband would bring me my morning coffee before he left for work (he did).  I began to get ready for the day and took my time knowing when I was expected to begin work (ready with time to spare). When the children arrived and woke up, we ate breakfast.  I trusted that the refrigerator had kept the milk from spoiling and my coffee pot would keep my essential second cup warm until I was ready for it (check, check, thank you God).  It all sounds so simple but, it requires a trust in God that is not easily understood.

                There are even bigger examples of trust that have been dominating my thoughts over the past few days.  We are looking at relocating to a different area and I have contacted a few experts to help us. First, I’ve contacted a realtor about our current home (there are some complex steps that must be taken instead of just selling it).  Second, I contacted my sister that lives in the area we want to relocate to.  She is already giving us specific living areas that would be best suited for us.  She has also given us job information and websites to check out that are local search engines.  We have trusted this realtor and my sister to provide us with their expert advice.  Gone are the days when we would simply pack up and go; there is so much more to consider when you have a house and a family.

                Finally, there is having absolute trust in God. This is a conscious work in progress! In Psalms 18:30, it is written, “As for God, His way is perfect: The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him”.  When I am feeling discouraged, hopeless, or anxious, it is hard to remember that God is my expert. He already knows what will be and I simply need to trust him. No matter if I endure a trial or tribulation, he is right there with me.   As my mother reminded me this morning, I can plan all I want but, God is IN CHARGE!!! I must listen at all times to what he is trying to tell me, especially when things go against my ‘plan’.  God’s way is perfect; I need to continually remind myself to trust the expert! 

Cash Accomplishment

    This has been a revolutionizing weekend for me in several ways.  First, I've finally purchased some new clothes and shoes that I desperately needed. Second, I paid for everything in CASH!!! Finally, I felt as if I had received a reward for all my hard work. It has been a long time since I felt this way and it has given me a sense of accomplishment.

      After having two children in the past three years, I thought my body would be forever possessed by the "mommy fashion".  Fellow mothers you can relate to the daily wardrobe...quick and easy, with matching not required since the diaper bag and toddler backpack end up on your arms too. Your shirt includes drool, spit-up, and/or cereal bars that were stuck to the leg and butt of the infant you just picked up.  High heels don't allow for much running after the toddler that has suddenly gained independence in the grocery store. I wear t-shirts, jeans, and slip on shoes.  After the intervention from a close friend, I now have Bandalino sandals, classy capris, and shirts that actually hug my new curves (thank you Weight Watchers!!!). 

      Cash, ah the most wonderful thing to use when buying clothes! I was forced to make choices and didn’t have the “debt devil” following me around the mall.  I watched as so many people answered “credit” when asked for their method of payment.  I’m thrilled to know that I’m no longer a slave to my debt because I do not emotionally shop anymore.  If it isn’t a necessity and not in the budget, it doesn’t happen! I’m not debt free YET but, my new behaviors will help me get there faster.

      Finally, I’ve been working hard to lose weight, save money for this weekend, and have the opportunity to focus on myself.  My sense of accomplishment comes from knowing that I’ve been patient.  I have waited determinedly and not listened to the hackling voices along the way.  Now, I can continue walking along with an open heart and mind, in super cute patent leather sandals, to the next flag on the road God has paved for me!