I think that one of the hardest things to face when Danny first got sick was the loss of income. It took us a couple of months to get his SSI started, and it was a pittance compared to what we needed. We still had a six month waiting period for SSDI to kick in. Holding out hope for some kind of recovery, we always looked at the future and what we would need in the coming months and years. My first thought was that if he'd had disability insurance, then maybe life would have been a little easier for the time he had left.
I heard lately of a company called Allsup that has a 98% success rate in dealing with these kinds of issues. Sadly, Danny only lived 4 months from the time he was diagnosed, but many others live on much longer or have different kinds of disabilities. It always saddens me when I know people who have suffered catastrophic illness or injury but they are held up, sometimes for years, by red tape and benefits denials. They have families to feed and bills to pay, which is why a company that's been around since 1984 like Allsup has would be the place to go for help in expediting the benefits.
Minggu, 29 Maret 2009
Saving electricity
I've posted about frugal living in the past, and in today's economy, it's probably time to resurrect that topic. After all, we're all in the same financial boat, so to speak, and we all love to find new ways to victory over overwhelming expenditures. Let me tell you, I get a real rush when I've saved money!
One of the things I did in the past few weeks was to move from the two-story house I was renting into a smaller, almost cottage-sized house. That may not be feasible for everyone, I know, but my rent is about half what it was and my utilities are amazingly lower.
While I was still in the larger house, though, I did some things that kept the electric bill down to a minimum. The owners were pretty amazed at how low my light bill was - they had lived in the house before and knew it could be high. One thing I did was replace all the incandescent light bulbs with CFLs (compact fluorescent lights). That reduced my overall electric bill by about $75 a month immediately. Also, I made sure that the thermostat for the central unit was set on 65 for winter and 75 for summer. It's really OK to wear a sweater in the house, you know! And using a well-placed box fan will cool you down pretty nicely during hot summer months.
The house had ceiling fans in every room, which always helps keep the air moving so it was more comfortable. The trick is to set them on reverse to push the warm air down during the winter. They use very little electricity compared to a different setting on the central unit. You can purchase ceiling fans for as little as $20 each, and they include the light attachment. They aren't terribly decorative but are still quite functional and last for years.
I also made certain that appliances and electronics that have a "stand by" mode were completely turned off or unplugged. Phone and laptop chargers still pull power when they're plugged in even if you're not charging the items. TVs and DVD players will also pull power in the stand by mode, so unless you are wanting to use them incessantly, just unplug them. Newer DVD players actually remember your settings anyway so it's OK to cut the power from them.
Electricity is probably one of my biggest bills in this area of the country, so getting it cut to a bare number is a challenge but it can be done. Turning off lights in rooms not being used works to reduce electrical consumption, of course. since I often come home from work after midnight, I don't like to enter a totally dark house. So, I keep one 13 watt CFL on to see my way in the door. That's the equivalent of about a 60 watt conventional bulb but at a huge saving.
Laundry can be a power hog, too. I only use cold water to wash clothes and I hang them out (or up on inclement days) to dry. The dryer can use a lot of power as can the water heater. (On another note, not running the hot water for long when getting your shower or dishwater up to temperature can reduce power usage and reduce wasting a precious resource - fresh water.) I have a wood rack for drying clothes and can put quite a few things on it. I stand it in the bathtub in case anything drips. Shirts, pants, and skirts can be put on plastic hangers to drip dry on bad weather days. Running a box fan to blow on them will hasten the drying time.
I use an electric stove, so I prepare double or triple amounts of food then freeze it for later. It takes the same amount of time and electricity to cook 12 baked potatoes as it does to cook 2, so cook more. Later, the surplus can be thawed in the fridge then reheated in the microwave for a fraction of the time and cost. Right now, I have 2 pounds of purple hull peas, seasoned with bacon and onion, cooking. It's way more than I'll need for a meal but I can put the leftovers in containers and freeze them for future meals! Same electricity used for cooking - a fraction for reheating.
Keeping your freezer well stocked actually reduces the amount of power it uses because it's not trying to freeze empty air space. Cooling food first before putting it in the freezer helps get it to the frozen state faster and your freezer isn't working hard to cool down things that are hot.
If the sun tends to heat up rooms, as it does in our house, keeping the windows covered in the summer will help keep the house cooler. The winter sun coming through those same windows will actually help to warm the rooms.
I'm sure you have frugal ways to save electricity, too, and I'd love to hear from you!
One of the things I did in the past few weeks was to move from the two-story house I was renting into a smaller, almost cottage-sized house. That may not be feasible for everyone, I know, but my rent is about half what it was and my utilities are amazingly lower.
While I was still in the larger house, though, I did some things that kept the electric bill down to a minimum. The owners were pretty amazed at how low my light bill was - they had lived in the house before and knew it could be high. One thing I did was replace all the incandescent light bulbs with CFLs (compact fluorescent lights). That reduced my overall electric bill by about $75 a month immediately. Also, I made sure that the thermostat for the central unit was set on 65 for winter and 75 for summer. It's really OK to wear a sweater in the house, you know! And using a well-placed box fan will cool you down pretty nicely during hot summer months.
The house had ceiling fans in every room, which always helps keep the air moving so it was more comfortable. The trick is to set them on reverse to push the warm air down during the winter. They use very little electricity compared to a different setting on the central unit. You can purchase ceiling fans for as little as $20 each, and they include the light attachment. They aren't terribly decorative but are still quite functional and last for years.
I also made certain that appliances and electronics that have a "stand by" mode were completely turned off or unplugged. Phone and laptop chargers still pull power when they're plugged in even if you're not charging the items. TVs and DVD players will also pull power in the stand by mode, so unless you are wanting to use them incessantly, just unplug them. Newer DVD players actually remember your settings anyway so it's OK to cut the power from them.
Electricity is probably one of my biggest bills in this area of the country, so getting it cut to a bare number is a challenge but it can be done. Turning off lights in rooms not being used works to reduce electrical consumption, of course. since I often come home from work after midnight, I don't like to enter a totally dark house. So, I keep one 13 watt CFL on to see my way in the door. That's the equivalent of about a 60 watt conventional bulb but at a huge saving.
Laundry can be a power hog, too. I only use cold water to wash clothes and I hang them out (or up on inclement days) to dry. The dryer can use a lot of power as can the water heater. (On another note, not running the hot water for long when getting your shower or dishwater up to temperature can reduce power usage and reduce wasting a precious resource - fresh water.) I have a wood rack for drying clothes and can put quite a few things on it. I stand it in the bathtub in case anything drips. Shirts, pants, and skirts can be put on plastic hangers to drip dry on bad weather days. Running a box fan to blow on them will hasten the drying time.
I use an electric stove, so I prepare double or triple amounts of food then freeze it for later. It takes the same amount of time and electricity to cook 12 baked potatoes as it does to cook 2, so cook more. Later, the surplus can be thawed in the fridge then reheated in the microwave for a fraction of the time and cost. Right now, I have 2 pounds of purple hull peas, seasoned with bacon and onion, cooking. It's way more than I'll need for a meal but I can put the leftovers in containers and freeze them for future meals! Same electricity used for cooking - a fraction for reheating.
Keeping your freezer well stocked actually reduces the amount of power it uses because it's not trying to freeze empty air space. Cooling food first before putting it in the freezer helps get it to the frozen state faster and your freezer isn't working hard to cool down things that are hot.
If the sun tends to heat up rooms, as it does in our house, keeping the windows covered in the summer will help keep the house cooler. The winter sun coming through those same windows will actually help to warm the rooms.
I'm sure you have frugal ways to save electricity, too, and I'd love to hear from you!
Minggu, 22 Maret 2009
Impromptu fun
While I was outside, I started looking through some stuff in the storage shed. Guess what I found? My fishing rod and reel! I've got my late husband's, too, and his tackle box. That makes me want to get some new fishing line for the reel and fix things up so I can occasionally just sit on a bank somewhere and fish. I might even start taking these things in the truck with me. You know, just in case.
When my kids were a lot younger I used to take our ball gloves, bats, balls, pool floats, and other fun stuff with us all the time. That way, if we were out and the mood struck us, we could go to a park and play ball or go to the lake for a swim. Those impromptu trips were really a lot of fun without the pressure of planning a lot of activities. We'd just go when we felt like it!
When my kids were a lot younger I used to take our ball gloves, bats, balls, pool floats, and other fun stuff with us all the time. That way, if we were out and the mood struck us, we could go to a park and play ball or go to the lake for a swim. Those impromptu trips were really a lot of fun without the pressure of planning a lot of activities. We'd just go when we felt like it!
Planning the budget
Since I do have a task function with my Microsoft Works program that will help me do a budget, I think I'm going to really start using it. I've always just used a calendar and my thinking cap to do this before, but I really want to keep better track of things and create for myself a workable budget.
I'll start by listing the bills that must be paid each month - rent, utilities, truck payment, gasoline, groceries - then move on to incidentals that I can probably live without or live with less. I'll tally up my monthly income and go from there. If I'm careful with some things, like lowering my electrical usage and driving fewer miles, I can reduce some expenses. Other expenses are fixed and I can't get around them. They just have to be paid as they are.
I will set aside a percentage amount from each check for tithe and another percentage for savings. I've got to get something tucked away for emergencies and I've been quite remiss in that.
Of course, at various times of the year there are gift-giving occasions. I will be shopping during the year and putting items away for future gifts. Then, there's the annual property taxes to be paid and tags to be put on the vehicle. I'll have to keep a bit of money saved for those.
So much to think about! That's why I need a good budget plan!
I'll start by listing the bills that must be paid each month - rent, utilities, truck payment, gasoline, groceries - then move on to incidentals that I can probably live without or live with less. I'll tally up my monthly income and go from there. If I'm careful with some things, like lowering my electrical usage and driving fewer miles, I can reduce some expenses. Other expenses are fixed and I can't get around them. They just have to be paid as they are.
I will set aside a percentage amount from each check for tithe and another percentage for savings. I've got to get something tucked away for emergencies and I've been quite remiss in that.
Of course, at various times of the year there are gift-giving occasions. I will be shopping during the year and putting items away for future gifts. Then, there's the annual property taxes to be paid and tags to be put on the vehicle. I'll have to keep a bit of money saved for those.
So much to think about! That's why I need a good budget plan!
Sabtu, 21 Maret 2009
Sharing personal files
I've moved twice in the past 12 months, and in those moves have completely misplaced some things. One is the memory stick that I was using for pictures on my computer. Looks like I'll need to get another one and start over again.
I didn't lose any of my pictures, though. I mainly used the stick to load them and share them with family on their computers, so all the photos are still intact. Using the memory stick for photos and documents seems to be faster than sending them as email attachments or sharing files any other way.
I didn't lose any of my pictures, though. I mainly used the stick to load them and share them with family on their computers, so all the photos are still intact. Using the memory stick for photos and documents seems to be faster than sending them as email attachments or sharing files any other way.
Google documents feature
I think that one of the best online features I've found at Google is the Google Documents function. I'm learning all the ins and outs now, but this is a good way of sharing all kinds of files with others you are networked with. All it takes is a Google account and you can access it.
I uploaded my schedule to it after my supervisor sent it to me in email. The spreadsheet function can read Excel documents and also allow you to edit them, if need be. Of course, I didn't edit that document because there's no need to and I don't change the schedules anyway.
I'm going to play around with it and see what other functions I can access. That way, no matter what computer I'm on, I can still find documents I need for my job and for my online business.
I uploaded my schedule to it after my supervisor sent it to me in email. The spreadsheet function can read Excel documents and also allow you to edit them, if need be. Of course, I didn't edit that document because there's no need to and I don't change the schedules anyway.
I'm going to play around with it and see what other functions I can access. That way, no matter what computer I'm on, I can still find documents I need for my job and for my online business.
Jumat, 20 Maret 2009
Sofa so good
Now that I've solved my laundry problems, my next goal is to acquire some interesting pieces of furniture to replace some I've got here that's getting pretty broken down. I tend to keep things until they really can't be used by anyone ever again, simply because I hate to spend the money.
First to be replaced will be my sofa. The cushions are getting really flat and the upholstery is tearing. It's time for something else, even if it's not new. See, this sofa is leather and was bought new but it's only about 4 years old. That means it really didn't last like it should have. So, I'll probably be looking for a fabric sofa for a really low price. I'll get a sofa cover to put on it that can be laundered. I might even get two of them so I can change the look of the room without purchasing all new furnishings.
Next to be replaced will be a gigantic old recliner. I hate those things. They aren't generally that comfortable and they take up an astounding amount of floor space. Either they have to be placed far enough away from the wall to avoid hitting it, or they are "wall huggers", which means the whole chair slides out into the middle of the room when it's reclined. Sorry, recliner fans. They are just not my cup of tea. I much prefer a nice small rocker with a small ottoman in front of it. At least I can use an ottoman for additional seating!
Anyway, I'll be scouting around for an interesting small sofa. One with a fluid shape, like a camel-back. I'll let you know when I come up with something.
First to be replaced will be my sofa. The cushions are getting really flat and the upholstery is tearing. It's time for something else, even if it's not new. See, this sofa is leather and was bought new but it's only about 4 years old. That means it really didn't last like it should have. So, I'll probably be looking for a fabric sofa for a really low price. I'll get a sofa cover to put on it that can be laundered. I might even get two of them so I can change the look of the room without purchasing all new furnishings.
Next to be replaced will be a gigantic old recliner. I hate those things. They aren't generally that comfortable and they take up an astounding amount of floor space. Either they have to be placed far enough away from the wall to avoid hitting it, or they are "wall huggers", which means the whole chair slides out into the middle of the room when it's reclined. Sorry, recliner fans. They are just not my cup of tea. I much prefer a nice small rocker with a small ottoman in front of it. At least I can use an ottoman for additional seating!
Anyway, I'll be scouting around for an interesting small sofa. One with a fluid shape, like a camel-back. I'll let you know when I come up with something.
Thrifty buy
For nearly a year we've had to go to the landra-mat to wash and dry our clothes. My old washing machine was broken and when we moved, we junked it. I just never had the cash to get another machine, and I was determined not to spend a fortune on something that had a dozen different settings when all I really needed was a basic washing machine.
A couple of weeks ago I ran across a deal through a friend where I could buy a washer and dryer for just $50. Now that's what I call a deal! The friend said a friend of his had them, that they worked just fine, but they'd never win a beauty contest. Now, I don't even care about the looks of such appliances, so I jumped on the deal and am now the proud owner of a laundry care pair that are completely functional albeit a bit beat up looking.
Because the weather lately has been so nice, I've opted to hang my clothes out instead of using the dryer, thereby saving money on my utilities. I also only wash a full load of clothes. It takes just as much electricity to wash a small load as it does a big load, so why not opt for the bigger one? A clothes dryer can be a huge power hog if not used judiciously, so hanging clothes whenever possible is really the best choice. Besides, dryers wear your clothes out faster anyway, making them have ragged edges long before the clothes themselves are past wearing.
Anyway, I'm going to start putting money in a jar that I'd normally spend on the laundra-mat and see how fast it takes to save up a tidy sum.
A couple of weeks ago I ran across a deal through a friend where I could buy a washer and dryer for just $50. Now that's what I call a deal! The friend said a friend of his had them, that they worked just fine, but they'd never win a beauty contest. Now, I don't even care about the looks of such appliances, so I jumped on the deal and am now the proud owner of a laundry care pair that are completely functional albeit a bit beat up looking.
Because the weather lately has been so nice, I've opted to hang my clothes out instead of using the dryer, thereby saving money on my utilities. I also only wash a full load of clothes. It takes just as much electricity to wash a small load as it does a big load, so why not opt for the bigger one? A clothes dryer can be a huge power hog if not used judiciously, so hanging clothes whenever possible is really the best choice. Besides, dryers wear your clothes out faster anyway, making them have ragged edges long before the clothes themselves are past wearing.
Anyway, I'm going to start putting money in a jar that I'd normally spend on the laundra-mat and see how fast it takes to save up a tidy sum.
Senin, 16 Maret 2009
Taking care of the inevitable
While I was a general manager I was able to get free health, vision, dental, and even term insurance. Since stepping down from that position, I'll have to pay a small fee to keep the insurance, but that expense is well worth it and will be offset by the savings in gas and wear and tear on my vehicle.
As long as I'm going to be working outside my home for awhile longer, I might as well take advantage of the benefits my company offers. I'm no spring chicken and as I grow older, I've come to realize the importance of such things. If something happens to me, I don't want my children to be burdened with so many expenses. I've seen this happen before and it's not a good memory to leave them.
As long as I'm going to be working outside my home for awhile longer, I might as well take advantage of the benefits my company offers. I'm no spring chicken and as I grow older, I've come to realize the importance of such things. If something happens to me, I don't want my children to be burdened with so many expenses. I've seen this happen before and it's not a good memory to leave them.
A penny saved
It's been quite awhile since I posted here. A lot has happened. I became the general manager of a fast food establishment and stayed with that from July 2008 until just this past week. I learned a lot about operating a business and I'm sure that will help be tremendously in working from home. I'm still with the company, but now I'm working closer to home.
Now, I'm cutting back on some of my expenses so that I can make working full-time from home move from just a dream to a reality. My needs are fairly simple and I find I can do without some things I previously thought I couldn't do without. We are all experiencing a pretty tough economy these days and I think it's wise to reassess our priorities and make some firm decisions to stop living as if the money river will never stop flowing.
I've noticed, as I drive back and forth to work, that more people are beginning to put in at least small gardens this year. I think that's a response to the ever-increasing cost of food. Even a small garden can supply enough produce through the summer to offset what a family would spend on fresh vegetables. Worked right, a family can even grow enough to can, freeze, or dehydrate for use during the winter months.
Of course, there are other ways to reduce expenses. Using compact fluorescent bulbs in all light fixtures, monitoring water usage in and outside the home, consolidating trips by car so that more errands are run per trip, eating at home instead of eating out, renting movies instead of going to the movie theater - you get the picture. It takes some thought and planning, but any family could reduce expenses in some small ways to have a pretty nice impact at the end of the month.
Now, I'm cutting back on some of my expenses so that I can make working full-time from home move from just a dream to a reality. My needs are fairly simple and I find I can do without some things I previously thought I couldn't do without. We are all experiencing a pretty tough economy these days and I think it's wise to reassess our priorities and make some firm decisions to stop living as if the money river will never stop flowing.
I've noticed, as I drive back and forth to work, that more people are beginning to put in at least small gardens this year. I think that's a response to the ever-increasing cost of food. Even a small garden can supply enough produce through the summer to offset what a family would spend on fresh vegetables. Worked right, a family can even grow enough to can, freeze, or dehydrate for use during the winter months.
Of course, there are other ways to reduce expenses. Using compact fluorescent bulbs in all light fixtures, monitoring water usage in and outside the home, consolidating trips by car so that more errands are run per trip, eating at home instead of eating out, renting movies instead of going to the movie theater - you get the picture. It takes some thought and planning, but any family could reduce expenses in some small ways to have a pretty nice impact at the end of the month.
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