Often, when we run into financial difficulties, the first thing we think of is "How do I make my own laundry soap?" Now, what you've spent on laundry soap isn't the problem. It's what you've spent on everything that's the real problem. Learning to make your own laundry soap isn't going to put your bank book back in the black again.
If you want to feel the satisfaction of making your own laundry soap, you're certainly entitled to that. You can't save yourself from foreclosure or repossessions by doing this, but it is a nice little trick to know nonetheless.
All you need is a bar of real soap. It can be Ivory or home made soap. Shave or shred it so that you can put it in a 4 quart pot on the stove. Add two quarts of water. Simmer until the soap is completely melted. Pour this into a 5 gallon bucket and 4 gallons of cool water. This will set up into a sort of gel that you can use for laundering your clothes and treating stains. It's kind of a slimy feeling goop, but you can use two cups of this gel to wash a full load of laundry.
Since Ivory soap is so inexpensive, generally around .25 a bar for the personal size, you've made your laundry soap for mere nano-pennies a load.
Now, you've done something financially responsible and taken a baby step in the right direction. You can apply this mindset to the rest of your budget, finding ways to cut costs and spending. First off, though, contact your creditors and let them know you very much intend to pay them. See if you can work out a plan that you can afford for getting caught up. Not a permanent plan. A temporary one that will bring you up to current on your debts. Then, continue paying until you have your debts cleared out.
Creditors don't have repossession or foreclosure as their goal. They just want to be paid the money you promised to pay them when you made the debt. Contacting them before proceedings begin can stay the proceedings and put both your and your creditors' minds at ease.
Soap is very basic, but it's not the end-all-and-be-all of debt management.
Selasa, 27 Mei 2008
Laundry by hand
Since we've moved, I've been lacking a washing machine and dryer. So, how am I keeping my clothes clean? The old fashioned way. I'm hand washing everything in my bathtub. It's more time consuming, but it works if you want to try it sometime. Here's what I do.
I'm beginning to think I need to invest in a rub board so I can do a better job of washing the clothes!
- Separate clothes by colors, as you normally do
- Fill the bathtub half full of water, as hot as you can stand it
- Add a capful or so of your regular detergent
- Wash your whites and light colors by swishing them about in the water and picking them up to scrub them together by hand. Wash each item this way
- Let the clothes sit in the tub for about an hour, soaking in the soapy water
- Rinse the clothes in cold water and wring out all the excess water you can
- Hang to dry outside or where ever they can drip without damaging the floor
- For colors, just use cooler water for washing and cold water for rinsing
I'm beginning to think I need to invest in a rub board so I can do a better job of washing the clothes!
Vacation plans
I won't be going any further than about 25 miles away during my vacation. See, my Mom, Sis, and brother in law will be camping at the river. This is an annual camping trip where all the family members who can make it come by for fun, food, and fellowship. Sometimes, family members drop in. Other times they camp out, too. Saturday will be the "feast day" where we'll have barbecue sandwiches, baked beans, and all the trimmings. It will start at around noon and go all afternoon.
The reason it's this way is so that folks can come and go, and not be limited by any certain dinner time.
I'm thinking I'll get my fishing license and maybe wet a hook in the river while I'm there. I have a lightweight rod and reel, so I'll have to fish away from the strong current.
At least for this week, I can take some time for myself. I don't have to concern myself with Fenphedra reviews or work schedules after tomorrow. I can just relax, dress up my house a little, and visit all I want with my family.
The reason it's this way is so that folks can come and go, and not be limited by any certain dinner time.
I'm thinking I'll get my fishing license and maybe wet a hook in the river while I'm there. I have a lightweight rod and reel, so I'll have to fish away from the strong current.
At least for this week, I can take some time for myself. I don't have to concern myself with Fenphedra reviews or work schedules after tomorrow. I can just relax, dress up my house a little, and visit all I want with my family.
Two days off
I have had two days off in a row. That's very unusual for my job, and it's only happened a few times. However, this week starts my vacation days. I'm only taking part of them now and will take the rest later on. These are paid vacation days and I get a full week. Last year, I go three days because I'd been working there less than a year at the time. It's nice to know that days off won't mean I lose any pay!
These two days off, though, are part of my regular schedule. I needed them. For one thing, I wanted to be off on Memorial Day so we could have a family cookout. Then, I wanted to be off today just to catch my breath and possibly get some other things done in my house. It seems like even when I have a day off, I've got so many errands to run that I can't get anything done here.
I'll spend the rest of the afternoon piddling around, putting things where I want them, and maybe even starting a glass painting project I have in mind for the windows on the front door.
These two days off, though, are part of my regular schedule. I needed them. For one thing, I wanted to be off on Memorial Day so we could have a family cookout. Then, I wanted to be off today just to catch my breath and possibly get some other things done in my house. It seems like even when I have a day off, I've got so many errands to run that I can't get anything done here.
I'll spend the rest of the afternoon piddling around, putting things where I want them, and maybe even starting a glass painting project I have in mind for the windows on the front door.
Minggu, 18 Mei 2008
Tracking spending
Throughout this move, I have tried to be very diligent in keeping good records and receipts for everything I do and purchase. This includes my gas, which has risen to the highest I've ever seen it, and keeps on rising. No, not everything is deductible but everything is important so I can know exactly where I've been spending money. I don't like to see my bank accounts go down without knowing precisely why.
I really believe the passport to success is partly in being keenly aware of what we spend and partly in being careful to not overspend. I know that sounds simple enough, but there are too many times our wallet gets empty and we can't even remember what we did with the money. The reason for this is that we often purchase things without thinking. That soda last week. The doughnut yesterday. The pack of gum this morning.
Little things eat away at our money without us even realizing it. One way to combat this loss of funds is to keep a small notebook and enter every single thing we purchase, along with the price. Do this for two weeks and you will be surprised by how much you spend without thinking. This will also help you to rein in some of your spending on frivolous items so that your cash can be better used for what's really important in your life.
I really believe the passport to success is partly in being keenly aware of what we spend and partly in being careful to not overspend. I know that sounds simple enough, but there are too many times our wallet gets empty and we can't even remember what we did with the money. The reason for this is that we often purchase things without thinking. That soda last week. The doughnut yesterday. The pack of gum this morning.
Little things eat away at our money without us even realizing it. One way to combat this loss of funds is to keep a small notebook and enter every single thing we purchase, along with the price. Do this for two weeks and you will be surprised by how much you spend without thinking. This will also help you to rein in some of your spending on frivolous items so that your cash can be better used for what's really important in your life.
We are mostly moved into the new house. The smaller third bedroom, upstairs, will be used for office space and crafts. If someone eventually needs to rent a room, then I'll rearrange things up there to accommodate a bed for someone. Until then, though, it's my own space to do with what I want.
All I've done up there so far is put boxes in the room that have the things in them that will go there. Nothing has been taken out of the boxes yet. I have a nice two-shelf work table I can put in there. It's actually in my bedroom right now, but I don't like it in there. It doesn't suit the general theme of the room, so it would be better utilized upstairs for crafts and office stuff.
The room isn't very large but it does have a surprisingly generous sized closet with shelves on both sides. That will make it easier to store and organize what's up there. I'll add some of my own shelving to the room so it's not in such disarray.
All I've done up there so far is put boxes in the room that have the things in them that will go there. Nothing has been taken out of the boxes yet. I have a nice two-shelf work table I can put in there. It's actually in my bedroom right now, but I don't like it in there. It doesn't suit the general theme of the room, so it would be better utilized upstairs for crafts and office stuff.
The room isn't very large but it does have a surprisingly generous sized closet with shelves on both sides. That will make it easier to store and organize what's up there. I'll add some of my own shelving to the room so it's not in such disarray.
Selasa, 06 Mei 2008
Getting moved
It looks like the moving adventure is about to begin again. I'll be hauling a lot of stuff in my car. My son will have to do the same in his car. The more we can take that way, the less we'll have to move using a truck. Quite honestly, it's very tempting to buy a bus so I can transport more things and larger things. I'm really anxious to get moved.
I won't be renting a moving truck this time, though. I just can't afford that again. So, I'll have to enlist the help of Younger Daughter's boyfriend plus a couple of other people with pickup trucks to get things like my appliances and large furnishing moved. Nevertheless, I'm really itching to get started and begin staying there all the time!
I won't be renting a moving truck this time, though. I just can't afford that again. So, I'll have to enlist the help of Younger Daughter's boyfriend plus a couple of other people with pickup trucks to get things like my appliances and large furnishing moved. Nevertheless, I'm really itching to get started and begin staying there all the time!
Shoestring decorating
The fun thing about moving is meeting the challenges of decorating and accessories without breaking the budget. The house I'm moving into has loads of potential and is beautiful inside and out. I don't want to hide the beauty behind too many accessories.
The kitchen, for instance, has an interesting bar with 1" by 1" board shelving below it. I like the open look of that and feel it would be a great place for things like a variety of baskets, interesting platters, and other serving pieces. Not too many, though, because I'd like the shelves to show their open feel.
So, some things I think I can pick up on a shoestring budget are:
The kitchen, for instance, has an interesting bar with 1" by 1" board shelving below it. I like the open look of that and feel it would be a great place for things like a variety of baskets, interesting platters, and other serving pieces. Not too many, though, because I'd like the shelves to show their open feel.
So, some things I think I can pick up on a shoestring budget are:
- Interesting baskets
- Second-hand lamps
- Thrift shop dresser that can be painted
- Shower curtain and liner from discount store
- Wicker storage cubes
eBay ideas
Some of you may be very interested in either selling on eBay auctions or opening an eBay store. Either one is super easy to do and you get a pretty quick payoff when items sell. The thing is, finding things to sell.
You can start with some of your own things that you no longer use. Items from the attic or garage, or even from your personal things like jewelry or good clothes, can find a new home while you clear up some space and generate some extra income.
When selling your own items, be sure to have clear pictures and precise descriptions. If the picture of that gold anklet is blurred or pixely, it's likely that potential buyers will click on to other items that they can see more clearly. Do a little photo editing to make the picture pop and show the details better. Make it something irresistible.
You can start with some of your own things that you no longer use. Items from the attic or garage, or even from your personal things like jewelry or good clothes, can find a new home while you clear up some space and generate some extra income.
When selling your own items, be sure to have clear pictures and precise descriptions. If the picture of that gold anklet is blurred or pixely, it's likely that potential buyers will click on to other items that they can see more clearly. Do a little photo editing to make the picture pop and show the details better. Make it something irresistible.
Down time
Something I rarely do for myself is allow some down time. I rarely do this because I always feel like I have to be productive every waking moment. I know this isn't true, and I bet you know it, too, and still act the same way I do. I've got modern conveniences at hand, and yet I still manage to crowd every minute with something instead of taking advantage of a few lazy hours.
It's entirely possible that I need to get a yoga dvd and do something just for me. Something that will be relaxing and healthful at the same time. Something that will help me refocus on what's really important besides just working and keeping house all the time.
Of course, I'm always open to suggestions about ways to incorporate some down time into my busy schedule. So, tell me what you do and offer all the suggestions you want!
It's entirely possible that I need to get a yoga dvd and do something just for me. Something that will be relaxing and healthful at the same time. Something that will help me refocus on what's really important besides just working and keeping house all the time.
Of course, I'm always open to suggestions about ways to incorporate some down time into my busy schedule. So, tell me what you do and offer all the suggestions you want!
Invitations
No doubt you know that this is the time of year when weddings abound. Most young couples choose springtime for their wedding. It's a time of new beginnings, and that's well reflected in weddings, which is a new beginning in life.
By now, most wedding plans have been finalized, but there still may be some details to iron out. For example, you may be looking for the perfect bridal shower invitations so that the young bride will have a successful shower and come away with many things she'll need in her new home. The bridal shower can occur before the wedding or after the wedding. The timing isn't as important as letting people know about it far enough in advance so that they can add it to their calendars.
When inviting people, send out to at least twice as many people as you expect to attend. Invariably, some those who accept might not actually show up. Other things in their lives may get in the way. Others simply won't accept the invitation due to other commitments. If you get about half those invited to attend, you'll be doing well.
Also, understand that not everyone who accepts will be able to fulfill all your expectations about your registries. There will be some who will want to think outside the registry box and give things they have found invaluable in their own homes and lives. These are often the best gifts and the most useful!
By now, most wedding plans have been finalized, but there still may be some details to iron out. For example, you may be looking for the perfect bridal shower invitations so that the young bride will have a successful shower and come away with many things she'll need in her new home. The bridal shower can occur before the wedding or after the wedding. The timing isn't as important as letting people know about it far enough in advance so that they can add it to their calendars.
When inviting people, send out to at least twice as many people as you expect to attend. Invariably, some those who accept might not actually show up. Other things in their lives may get in the way. Others simply won't accept the invitation due to other commitments. If you get about half those invited to attend, you'll be doing well.
Also, understand that not everyone who accepts will be able to fulfill all your expectations about your registries. There will be some who will want to think outside the registry box and give things they have found invaluable in their own homes and lives. These are often the best gifts and the most useful!
Failure is success
Failure is success. I know that doesn't make much sense, but it's true.
Well, it's true if you use your failures as learning opportunities. A failure just means you missed the mark somehow and it gives you a chance to learn what you've done wrong and what you can do differently the next time.
Everyone has failures in life. It's not the end of the world. Repeating the failures and expecting a different result just doesn't work, though. I know that seems obvious, but it seems like so many people think that if they "try that again", somehow this time it will fly. Not likely.
Take advice from those who have met with success, even after several failures. They know what they're talking about. This is not to say you should be taken in by every offer to have overnight success. There's really no such thing. It takes hard work and smart work. Just as those with addiction problems should seek drug rehab, those with success problems should seek "success rehab". Applying the tips and advice from others will bring you closer to reaching the goals you've set for yourself.
Well, it's true if you use your failures as learning opportunities. A failure just means you missed the mark somehow and it gives you a chance to learn what you've done wrong and what you can do differently the next time.
Everyone has failures in life. It's not the end of the world. Repeating the failures and expecting a different result just doesn't work, though. I know that seems obvious, but it seems like so many people think that if they "try that again", somehow this time it will fly. Not likely.
Take advice from those who have met with success, even after several failures. They know what they're talking about. This is not to say you should be taken in by every offer to have overnight success. There's really no such thing. It takes hard work and smart work. Just as those with addiction problems should seek drug rehab, those with success problems should seek "success rehab". Applying the tips and advice from others will bring you closer to reaching the goals you've set for yourself.
Lower entertainment costs
When we move, I'll have to get a satellite dish or just forget about watching commercial television. I've sort of gotten hooked on HGTV since we've been living in town with our friend, but I'll get over it, I'm sure.
I'm not really wanting to spend the money on satellite reception. I'm really a cheapskate. So, I'll be back to just watching movies when I want to watch TV. We've got hundreds of movie DVDs now, so there's plenty of good viewing.
When I spend any money on entertainment, such as movies, I tend to migrate toward the clearance bins at the local stores. I've found some great movies for $5 and often less. For instance, Hastings often has sales that offer a second movie for a penny. You can't beat that price at all, and it applies to all lower priced movies. They are usually previously owned movies, but they've all turned out great with no problems on the disks.
How do you save money on entertainment?
I'm not really wanting to spend the money on satellite reception. I'm really a cheapskate. So, I'll be back to just watching movies when I want to watch TV. We've got hundreds of movie DVDs now, so there's plenty of good viewing.
When I spend any money on entertainment, such as movies, I tend to migrate toward the clearance bins at the local stores. I've found some great movies for $5 and often less. For instance, Hastings often has sales that offer a second movie for a penny. You can't beat that price at all, and it applies to all lower priced movies. They are usually previously owned movies, but they've all turned out great with no problems on the disks.
How do you save money on entertainment?
Minggu, 04 Mei 2008
Loving the love songs
You know, I do love a good deal. And, I like to try things out before I make a decision about them. I figure most of you are the same way or you wouldn't be here, reading this blog. Besides generating extra income it's important to spend your current income wisely. When something wonderful comes along that's actually free, then so much the better, don't you think?
Because I like a wide variety of music, I like to be able to listen while I'm on my computer or even add songs to my cell phone. I don't like paying a lot for music like that, though. So, I found out about a site called MP3 Rocket where I can get free, legal downloads. It's refreshing to find free music downloads that I don't have to worry about. Today, I downloaded some music by Il Divo, a fantastic Italian quartet. Their voices blend like something magical and romance is in the air when I listen to them.
MP3 Rocket is an easy program to download. You decide if you want to add the Ask toolbar and if you want to be included in future emails. Select the kind of connection you have and you will get your download started right away. I have an aircard that has a 3G connection, so I selected "Cable/DSL" because my connection is pretty fast. It only took a couple of minutes to download, then I did the setup and was ready to get some music of my own choosing.
I looked at the music offered. It's even rated and you know just what the file size is before you begin your download. It was added to my "Library" and I'm playing my first selection as I type this! I chose "Unchained Melody", a favorite of mine. These guys will make chills go all over you listening to that song! It's just that beautiful. The sound is crisp and clear.
Oh, yeah. This is definitely a tool I'm going to be getting a lot of use from! Can't wait to put these songs on my SD card and transfer them to my phone!
There is a wide variety of genres available, so there's no doubt you can find whatever sort of music you really love. By the way, you can also view TV shows and movies with this software.
Because I like a wide variety of music, I like to be able to listen while I'm on my computer or even add songs to my cell phone. I don't like paying a lot for music like that, though. So, I found out about a site called MP3 Rocket where I can get free, legal downloads. It's refreshing to find free music downloads that I don't have to worry about. Today, I downloaded some music by Il Divo, a fantastic Italian quartet. Their voices blend like something magical and romance is in the air when I listen to them.
MP3 Rocket is an easy program to download. You decide if you want to add the Ask toolbar and if you want to be included in future emails. Select the kind of connection you have and you will get your download started right away. I have an aircard that has a 3G connection, so I selected "Cable/DSL" because my connection is pretty fast. It only took a couple of minutes to download, then I did the setup and was ready to get some music of my own choosing.I looked at the music offered. It's even rated and you know just what the file size is before you begin your download. It was added to my "Library" and I'm playing my first selection as I type this! I chose "Unchained Melody", a favorite of mine. These guys will make chills go all over you listening to that song! It's just that beautiful. The sound is crisp and clear.
Oh, yeah. This is definitely a tool I'm going to be getting a lot of use from! Can't wait to put these songs on my SD card and transfer them to my phone!
There is a wide variety of genres available, so there's no doubt you can find whatever sort of music you really love. By the way, you can also view TV shows and movies with this software.
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