Heres my Approved Spending List for FTJ Summer bootcamp at Mommysavers!
Week One:
-Groceries. We're going to use up what we have, but still get things as needed.
-Gas. When Needed. FTJ will fall for our 3 day vacation for our trip to California.
-Postage. Fathers day, mommysavers trade(mailed!), stamps(Got stamps!).
-20$ for alcohol :-P (Used, went over 5$)
-30$/week for my Husband.
-Medication copays.
-30$ entertainment (dine out, movies, rentals, ect)
*I'm editing as I go!
Showing posts with label FTJ BOOTCAMP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FTJ BOOTCAMP. Show all posts
Monday, June 15, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
FTJ-Summer bootcamp!
If anyone has read this before, I did the Forget the Joneses bootcamp on Mommysavers in Jaunary. I'm in for another round! DH and I have slacked a little but we really want to save and get everything under control. He's on board with the bootcamp! Yay!
The first assignment is our approved spending list. Zack and I will be doing this tonight or tomarrow and it will be posted shortly!
The first assignment is our approved spending list. Zack and I will be doing this tonight or tomarrow and it will be posted shortly!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Day 34 FTJ Bootcamp Activity
Schedule Important Things First
Are your actions in sync with your priorities? Are you putting your money where your priorities are? Revisit your Family Mission Statement. Then, take a look at your recent expenditures of both money AND time. Are they in line with your values, dreams and goals?
If not, you’re not alone. Many families today act in ways that aren’t congruent with their priorities. They say they value their child's education, but Mom spends $50 a month getting manicures and Dad eats his lunches out while contributing nothing to the college fund. Although they say security and responsibility is important, they don’t have updated wills or are underinsured. Does this ring a bell? By scheduling your top-priority things first, you’re ensuring that they will get done.
Now that you’ve created a mission statement, your family’s priorities should be clear. It will help you schedule important things on your priority list first, and then other things will fall into place afterward. If you answered this thread If you had an extra hour in your day... is there a way you can schedule these things first in your day? Doing so may also help you eliminate some of your time-wasters as well as allow you to incorporate more time to work on your dreams. In doing so, you’ll improve the quality of your life.
Daily Tasks
Make it a habit to always write down the top 5-10 things you want to accomplish each day. Use whatever method suits your lifestyle best: a notebook, a computer tasks list, or a dayplanner. Research shows that list makers accomplish more. Be one of them!
The “Big Stuff” To Do List
If you’ve been reading the FTJ steps, chances are there was at least one step you realized was important but avoided doing it. Maybe you didn’t have time, it didn’t sound like fun. Maybe there are other less financially focused things on your to-do list as well such as scheduling doctor visits.Stop procrastinating! Write down all the important things you are procrastinating on and post them where you see them each day. Make it a goal to cross of each and every one as soon as possible. You’ll feel better about yourself after doing them.
The Big Picture
Keep one master family calendar in a central location in your home. Pick a calendar with ample room for writing all events and activities. Schedule birthdays, programs, and everything you know about in advance first. Then, be proactive in scheduling yearly checkups, car maintenance, and other routine appointments.
Keep your family’s mission statement in mind and plan things that reflect your values: donating your time to charity, fitness routines, and family trips. Lastly, fill in things that come up such as parties, school activities and other obligations. Assign each family member a color and highlight the activities that pertain to them.
Assignment: Create a a “Big Stuff’ to do list. Start making it a habit to also create a daily "to do" list.
Love this! And I love my day planner! Everynight, I write what I need to do the next day. Updating my blog was one of them! Go me! I need to get a calender for us so Zack knows whats coming up!
Are your actions in sync with your priorities? Are you putting your money where your priorities are? Revisit your Family Mission Statement. Then, take a look at your recent expenditures of both money AND time. Are they in line with your values, dreams and goals?
If not, you’re not alone. Many families today act in ways that aren’t congruent with their priorities. They say they value their child's education, but Mom spends $50 a month getting manicures and Dad eats his lunches out while contributing nothing to the college fund. Although they say security and responsibility is important, they don’t have updated wills or are underinsured. Does this ring a bell? By scheduling your top-priority things first, you’re ensuring that they will get done.
Now that you’ve created a mission statement, your family’s priorities should be clear. It will help you schedule important things on your priority list first, and then other things will fall into place afterward. If you answered this thread If you had an extra hour in your day... is there a way you can schedule these things first in your day? Doing so may also help you eliminate some of your time-wasters as well as allow you to incorporate more time to work on your dreams. In doing so, you’ll improve the quality of your life.
Daily Tasks
Make it a habit to always write down the top 5-10 things you want to accomplish each day. Use whatever method suits your lifestyle best: a notebook, a computer tasks list, or a dayplanner. Research shows that list makers accomplish more. Be one of them!
The “Big Stuff” To Do List
If you’ve been reading the FTJ steps, chances are there was at least one step you realized was important but avoided doing it. Maybe you didn’t have time, it didn’t sound like fun. Maybe there are other less financially focused things on your to-do list as well such as scheduling doctor visits.Stop procrastinating! Write down all the important things you are procrastinating on and post them where you see them each day. Make it a goal to cross of each and every one as soon as possible. You’ll feel better about yourself after doing them.
The Big Picture
Keep one master family calendar in a central location in your home. Pick a calendar with ample room for writing all events and activities. Schedule birthdays, programs, and everything you know about in advance first. Then, be proactive in scheduling yearly checkups, car maintenance, and other routine appointments.
Keep your family’s mission statement in mind and plan things that reflect your values: donating your time to charity, fitness routines, and family trips. Lastly, fill in things that come up such as parties, school activities and other obligations. Assign each family member a color and highlight the activities that pertain to them.
Assignment: Create a a “Big Stuff’ to do list. Start making it a habit to also create a daily "to do" list.
Love this! And I love my day planner! Everynight, I write what I need to do the next day. Updating my blog was one of them! Go me! I need to get a calender for us so Zack knows whats coming up!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Day 33 FTJ Bootcamp Activity
Can you tell I'm playing catch up? Copied!
Identify Time Wasters
A big part in reclaiming the life you were meant to live is to eliminate things that are wasteful. In prior steps we’ve already focused on eliminating wasteful spending. We’ve also focused on decluttering to eliminate unused and irrelevant things from your home. In doing so, you’re able to use your money and your space more efficiently. But we haven’t yet focused on time – another great resource that is often wasted.
The way we view time is a lot like how we view money: there’s never enough. But yet when we really sit back and analyze how we’re spending it, we’re almost always guilty of being wasteful in one way or another. It’s like money: those who get the most out their time are the ones who see its value.
Don’t let inefficient use of time get in the way of a more meaningful life. The less time you waste the more time you’ll have to spend on things that nurture you: your friends, family, and hobbies.
What are some of your biggest time wasters?
• Computer
Set limits on your computer time. Don’t constantly check your e-mail. Instead, pick one or two times during the day to check it and respond back. Spam can also be a huge time hog. Use a spam filter or keep an alternate e-mail account for ordering online and other commercial purposes. Keep surfing at a minimum. Set a timer when you do surf to limit it to a certain amount.
• Turn off the TV
Keep the TV turned off if you’re not watching it in order to avoid being sucked in. Use a digital recording service (such as TiVo) that will enable you to skip through commercials. Not only will you eliminate channel surfing, you can watch an hour-long show in 40 minutes or a half-hour show in 20.
• Let the Answering Machine Pick Up
If you have an answering machine, let it pick up. Set a designated time to return phone calls. Respond by e-mail if you can to save even more time. Using a caller ID service can help you avoid taking calls from telemarketers.
• Organize Errand Running
Organize errands and limit shopping to 1-2 times per week. Plan your family’s meals ahead of time and make sure you have the ingredients on hand avoiding unnecessary trips to the store. Anticipate future needs such as clothing, birthday cards and gifts as well.
• Shop Online
Not only can shopping online help you save money on gas, it prevents unnecessary wear and tear on your car. Many grocery stores are recognizing the time demands of families today and are offering delivery service for your grocery order.
Assignment: For the next few days, track of the things you do on a daily basis that you would consider time wasters. Then, come up with a plan to eliminate excess time spent on them.
* I really have a computer problem. Its pretty sad. And if its not the computer, its my xbox...that thing calls my name!
*I do have a DVR, but somethings I gotta watch when they are actually on! Sometimes I will wait 5-10 minutes so I can fast forward though most of the commercials.
*Thank goodness for Cell phones! My phone does EVERYTHING...email, chat, IM, text(of course), internet
*I usually run errands when I do my grocery shopping. I live 20 minutes away from town. Blah.
*I wish I could get delivered my groceries...sometimes. I enjoy getting out of the house for grocery shopping LOL Most everything else comes from online though. I live in a tiny town...without a mall.
Identify Time Wasters
A big part in reclaiming the life you were meant to live is to eliminate things that are wasteful. In prior steps we’ve already focused on eliminating wasteful spending. We’ve also focused on decluttering to eliminate unused and irrelevant things from your home. In doing so, you’re able to use your money and your space more efficiently. But we haven’t yet focused on time – another great resource that is often wasted.
The way we view time is a lot like how we view money: there’s never enough. But yet when we really sit back and analyze how we’re spending it, we’re almost always guilty of being wasteful in one way or another. It’s like money: those who get the most out their time are the ones who see its value.
Don’t let inefficient use of time get in the way of a more meaningful life. The less time you waste the more time you’ll have to spend on things that nurture you: your friends, family, and hobbies.
What are some of your biggest time wasters?
• Computer
Set limits on your computer time. Don’t constantly check your e-mail. Instead, pick one or two times during the day to check it and respond back. Spam can also be a huge time hog. Use a spam filter or keep an alternate e-mail account for ordering online and other commercial purposes. Keep surfing at a minimum. Set a timer when you do surf to limit it to a certain amount.
• Turn off the TV
Keep the TV turned off if you’re not watching it in order to avoid being sucked in. Use a digital recording service (such as TiVo) that will enable you to skip through commercials. Not only will you eliminate channel surfing, you can watch an hour-long show in 40 minutes or a half-hour show in 20.
• Let the Answering Machine Pick Up
If you have an answering machine, let it pick up. Set a designated time to return phone calls. Respond by e-mail if you can to save even more time. Using a caller ID service can help you avoid taking calls from telemarketers.
• Organize Errand Running
Organize errands and limit shopping to 1-2 times per week. Plan your family’s meals ahead of time and make sure you have the ingredients on hand avoiding unnecessary trips to the store. Anticipate future needs such as clothing, birthday cards and gifts as well.
• Shop Online
Not only can shopping online help you save money on gas, it prevents unnecessary wear and tear on your car. Many grocery stores are recognizing the time demands of families today and are offering delivery service for your grocery order.
Assignment: For the next few days, track of the things you do on a daily basis that you would consider time wasters. Then, come up with a plan to eliminate excess time spent on them.
* I really have a computer problem. Its pretty sad. And if its not the computer, its my xbox...that thing calls my name!
*I do have a DVR, but somethings I gotta watch when they are actually on! Sometimes I will wait 5-10 minutes so I can fast forward though most of the commercials.
*Thank goodness for Cell phones! My phone does EVERYTHING...email, chat, IM, text(of course), internet
*I usually run errands when I do my grocery shopping. I live 20 minutes away from town. Blah.
*I wish I could get delivered my groceries...sometimes. I enjoy getting out of the house for grocery shopping LOL Most everything else comes from online though. I live in a tiny town...without a mall.
Day 31 and 32 FTJ Bootcamp Activity
Copied From MS:
Wills & Insurance
Day Thirty-One: Wills
According to Bankrate.com 57% of Americans do not have a will even though most realize the importance of having one (76%). If you have a family, creating a will is the ultimate act in ensuring their security and long-term well being. Additionally, it saves surviving family members from having to make tough decisions on your behalf. If you don’t have a will, the state decides what happens to your house, finances, and even your children. In many cases, their decisions aren’t in line with what your wishes and desires would be.
Once you create a will, revisit it every few years to make sure it is up to date. Any major life changes such as births, deaths, and divorce are times when re-evaluating is a must. In most cases you won’t have to redraft the entire will but instead amend it with a codicil.
Day Thirty Two: Insurance
If you haven’t re-evaluated your insurance policies lately there could be some gaps in your coverage leaving you financially vulnerable. Births, deaths, homes rising in value can all be reasons to tweak your coverage – but you may simply want to shop around to see if you can lower your rates. Treat insurance as a necessity, not a luxury. Here are some tips to avoid common insurance blunders:
• Avoid Being Underinsured
Just because you already have insurance doesn’t mean it’s is the right insurance. If you have a policy through your employer, it may not be enough. A good rule of thumb for life insurance is to carry an amount 7 to 10 times your annual salary. Being underinsured can expose you to the same types of financial risks as not being insured at all. Do you have enough homeowner’s insurance to replace your home and its contents in the event of a disaster? Should you have supplemental flood or earthquake insurance?
• Get the Correct Amount of Life Insurance
Life insurance is designed to protect dependents if a breadwinner were to die. However, if you’re a stay at home parent your spouse would have to pay someone to replace what you do (take care of the kids while your spouse is at work, for example) if you were no longer around. Consider those needs when calculating how much insurance your family really needs. Who probably doesn’t need life insurance? Your kids. While losing a child is a tragedy, it’s not one that will put your family at financial risk.
• Disability Insurance
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that nearly one in five Americans will become disabled for a year or more before age 65. Since it’s more likely that you’ll become disabled than die early, making sure you are financially protected if you lose your ability to work is extremely important. If you or your spouse doesn’t have it, look into getting it.
Assignment: Do you have a will? If not, make a plan to get one in place. Are you properly insured? If not, plan to update your policies.
*We dont have a will yet. I wonder just how good that legalzoom.com works, and if it would be cheaper if we did it another way.
*We have Gerber Life Insurance on Rylan. His Grandma pays for it monthly. This would cover funeral expences if anything ever were to happen.
Wills & Insurance
Day Thirty-One: Wills
According to Bankrate.com 57% of Americans do not have a will even though most realize the importance of having one (76%). If you have a family, creating a will is the ultimate act in ensuring their security and long-term well being. Additionally, it saves surviving family members from having to make tough decisions on your behalf. If you don’t have a will, the state decides what happens to your house, finances, and even your children. In many cases, their decisions aren’t in line with what your wishes and desires would be.
Once you create a will, revisit it every few years to make sure it is up to date. Any major life changes such as births, deaths, and divorce are times when re-evaluating is a must. In most cases you won’t have to redraft the entire will but instead amend it with a codicil.
Day Thirty Two: Insurance
If you haven’t re-evaluated your insurance policies lately there could be some gaps in your coverage leaving you financially vulnerable. Births, deaths, homes rising in value can all be reasons to tweak your coverage – but you may simply want to shop around to see if you can lower your rates. Treat insurance as a necessity, not a luxury. Here are some tips to avoid common insurance blunders:
• Avoid Being Underinsured
Just because you already have insurance doesn’t mean it’s is the right insurance. If you have a policy through your employer, it may not be enough. A good rule of thumb for life insurance is to carry an amount 7 to 10 times your annual salary. Being underinsured can expose you to the same types of financial risks as not being insured at all. Do you have enough homeowner’s insurance to replace your home and its contents in the event of a disaster? Should you have supplemental flood or earthquake insurance?
• Get the Correct Amount of Life Insurance
Life insurance is designed to protect dependents if a breadwinner were to die. However, if you’re a stay at home parent your spouse would have to pay someone to replace what you do (take care of the kids while your spouse is at work, for example) if you were no longer around. Consider those needs when calculating how much insurance your family really needs. Who probably doesn’t need life insurance? Your kids. While losing a child is a tragedy, it’s not one that will put your family at financial risk.
• Disability Insurance
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that nearly one in five Americans will become disabled for a year or more before age 65. Since it’s more likely that you’ll become disabled than die early, making sure you are financially protected if you lose your ability to work is extremely important. If you or your spouse doesn’t have it, look into getting it.
Assignment: Do you have a will? If not, make a plan to get one in place. Are you properly insured? If not, plan to update your policies.
*We dont have a will yet. I wonder just how good that legalzoom.com works, and if it would be cheaper if we did it another way.
*We have Gerber Life Insurance on Rylan. His Grandma pays for it monthly. This would cover funeral expences if anything ever were to happen.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Day 30 FTJ Bootcamp Activity
Copied from MS!
Retirement
In today’s uncertain times, it isn’t enough to plan on Social Security covering your retirement. The debt that the government took on in the recent financial bailout will strain the federal budget for many years to come, making cutbacks in Social Security and Medicare even more likely. Your retirement security rests in your own hands now more than ever.
It’s never too late to start saving for retirement, but the sooner you can start socking money away the better off you’ll be. Use time and the potential of compound interest to your advantage and begin saving for retirement as early as you can.
Think about this: Let’s assume you can save $500 per month for retirement and will earn approximately 7%. If you start at age 35, you’ll end up with about $613,000 at age 65. If you start earlier, at age 25, you’ll end up with well over twice as much – around $1,320,000.
One of the easiest ways to save is to have money put into a 401(k), 403(b), or SEP account through your employer. Money is taken out of your salary before taxes, so the funds go into the account tax-deferred. Additionally, your employer will most likely match your contributions up to a certain percentage. Automatic deductions make it easy, so there’s really no reason not to take advantage of such plans. If your employer doesn’t offer a retirement program or you’d like to supplement what you already have, consider an IRA.
How much you’ll need in retirement largely depends on the lifestyle you wish to lead. As a general rule of thumb, financial experts recommend saving enough to replace at least 70 percent of your pre-retirement income for retirement. For a household with a $100,000 annual income, that would be $70,000. However, if you tend to ramp up activities like eating out and traveling during your retirement like so many couples do – you’ll need to plan on having more.
Assignment: Calculate the amount you will need for retirement. Here's a great tool to use: How Much Will I Need To Save For Retirement? - Financial Calculators from CalcXML Are you on track? If not, make saving for retirement a part of your budget today.
**I'm 20, I guess we should get started. How does this work if I'm a SAHM...? I think I'll go back to work when our son is in school.
Retirement
In today’s uncertain times, it isn’t enough to plan on Social Security covering your retirement. The debt that the government took on in the recent financial bailout will strain the federal budget for many years to come, making cutbacks in Social Security and Medicare even more likely. Your retirement security rests in your own hands now more than ever.
It’s never too late to start saving for retirement, but the sooner you can start socking money away the better off you’ll be. Use time and the potential of compound interest to your advantage and begin saving for retirement as early as you can.
Think about this: Let’s assume you can save $500 per month for retirement and will earn approximately 7%. If you start at age 35, you’ll end up with about $613,000 at age 65. If you start earlier, at age 25, you’ll end up with well over twice as much – around $1,320,000.
One of the easiest ways to save is to have money put into a 401(k), 403(b), or SEP account through your employer. Money is taken out of your salary before taxes, so the funds go into the account tax-deferred. Additionally, your employer will most likely match your contributions up to a certain percentage. Automatic deductions make it easy, so there’s really no reason not to take advantage of such plans. If your employer doesn’t offer a retirement program or you’d like to supplement what you already have, consider an IRA.
How much you’ll need in retirement largely depends on the lifestyle you wish to lead. As a general rule of thumb, financial experts recommend saving enough to replace at least 70 percent of your pre-retirement income for retirement. For a household with a $100,000 annual income, that would be $70,000. However, if you tend to ramp up activities like eating out and traveling during your retirement like so many couples do – you’ll need to plan on having more.
Assignment: Calculate the amount you will need for retirement. Here's a great tool to use: How Much Will I Need To Save For Retirement? - Financial Calculators from CalcXML Are you on track? If not, make saving for retirement a part of your budget today.
**I'm 20, I guess we should get started. How does this work if I'm a SAHM...? I think I'll go back to work when our son is in school.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Day 29 FTJ Bootcamp Activity
Copied From MS!
Buidling Your Emergency Fund
Emergencies happen. Cars break down. Kids get sick. People lose jobs. Those are simple facts of life. It’s not a matter of if they happen -- it’s more of when. Don’t act like a victim when life happens to you, but instead be prepared.
Add a rainy day fund to you budget. If you don’t have one at all, start out with a goal of having $1,000 set aside, continuing the spending freeze until you do. Then, after you've paid off consumer debt, increase that goal to having three months’ of living expenses set aside. When you’re completely debt-free and building up retirement savings as well, increase that goal to six months or more. In a tough economy like this one, especially if your job isn’t secure, you may want to save up to twelve months’ of living expenses.
Building up savings and paying down debt is a true balancing act. Here is a great article to read to better understand the order in which you should be paying things down and building certain accounts: Couples can navigate around perils of debt - USATODAY.com
*I love this!! The boyfriend and I did taxes today! We are saving what we're getting back! It's around a months living expense, so I will feel soooooooooo much better!
Buidling Your Emergency Fund
Emergencies happen. Cars break down. Kids get sick. People lose jobs. Those are simple facts of life. It’s not a matter of if they happen -- it’s more of when. Don’t act like a victim when life happens to you, but instead be prepared.
Add a rainy day fund to you budget. If you don’t have one at all, start out with a goal of having $1,000 set aside, continuing the spending freeze until you do. Then, after you've paid off consumer debt, increase that goal to having three months’ of living expenses set aside. When you’re completely debt-free and building up retirement savings as well, increase that goal to six months or more. In a tough economy like this one, especially if your job isn’t secure, you may want to save up to twelve months’ of living expenses.
Building up savings and paying down debt is a true balancing act. Here is a great article to read to better understand the order in which you should be paying things down and building certain accounts: Couples can navigate around perils of debt - USATODAY.com
*I love this!! The boyfriend and I did taxes today! We are saving what we're getting back! It's around a months living expense, so I will feel soooooooooo much better!
Day 27 and 28 FTJ Assignment
Copied From Mommysavers!
Organize
A place for everything and everything in its place. That’s the goal that most families are striving for. Unfortunately, it’s easier said than done. Taking a look at how your household functions can help you come up with creative solutions for keeping your belongings in check.
• Analyze the Space
Keep your goals for how the space should function in mind as you attempt to keep it organized. For example, if your goal for the bedroom is to have it serve as a sanctuary for you and your spouse, it’s not a good idea to keep your home computer there. This means you may have to move some things around and store them elsewhere. Revisit what you had written down for the ideal vision of each room in your house.
• Focus on Trouble Spots
Pay special attention to trouble spots like kitchen counters, utility drawers, and basements that are used as common “dumping grounds.” Keep the things you use most frequently in easily accessible spots, and store the rest.
• Successful Storage
Store similar items together whenever possible, in a place close to where they’re used. Purchase storage solutions that make organization simple and easy. Clear containers that allow you to see what’s inside work well. For things that need to be stored out in the open, pick something attractive such as a decorative basket. Anticipate future storage needs and leave some empty space.
Label boxes, folders and containers accordingly, so there is no questions what belongs where. This makes it easy for everyone in your family to quickly put things away. For kids, use photos instead of words when labeling storage units.
Freshen Up
The final step of creating a clutter-free space is to freshen it up and make it truly reflect the person you are and hope to become. A little change can go a long way in stimulating a fresh start, whether it’s financially or simply motivating you to achieve your dreams.
Re-Arrange
A quick way to change your point of view (literally) is to move your furniture around. Feng shui principles suggest beds should be placed so that you can see the entrance. In your workspace, avoid placing your back to the door as well (or, use a mirror so you can see people as they enter). Make sure hallways are clear of obstructions to allow energy to move freely.
Liven Up
Plants and flowers symbolize life and growth, so be sure to incorporate them as much as possible in your living environment. Shrubs and blooms can be found in your own backyard. Combine them with great vases/decorative stones from the Dollar Store and you have a gorgeous arrangement for a couple bucks. You can do the same thing with fruit: apples, lemons and limes look great in glass hurricanes or decorative bowls. They add a burst of color and can be consumed when you’re done using them as décor.
A Fresh Coat of Paint
One of the least expensive yet most effective ways of making a room look new is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Consider what you’d like to be feeling when you’re in the room. Warm colors energize and stimulate (red, yellow, orange) and cool colors tend to calm and relax (blue, green, purple). Look for mistinted paint at your hardware store to save 75% or more off the original price. Sometimes you can even ask to have it tinted again to something that is closer to the color you want.
Positive Imagery
Review your list of 100 dreams and incorporate as much imagery as possible – on walls, screensavers, in frames, etc. If you want a better relationship with your spouse, make sure you have plenty of photographs of the two of you in happy times around your house. If you enjoy travel, display artwork or posters of the places you’d like to visit. The more you focus on those images – whether consciously or subconsciously, the more likely they are to materialize.
Assignment: Keep going with 15 minutes of decluttering and organization each day. Keep the images of what you want your ideal space to look like in mind. Think of ways to incorporate your dreams into your living space.
*I love the ideas about building a better relationship with your spouse, or in my case, boyfriend. LOL Should I post wedding pictures EVERYWHERE so he gets the hint...LOL. I still need to post our little board about our family dreams.
*A trouble area is my bedroom. Its also my desk area! My closet is a MESS, so with decluddering going on, I've posted clothes on mommysavers to trade for other stuff LOL...lovely.
*We painted our room when I was pregnant...the color is weird now.
*I'd love to decorate my bathroom so it looks more adult like. I'd love to put a buddha in there!!
ahhh, I've got alot of stuff to do!
Organize
A place for everything and everything in its place. That’s the goal that most families are striving for. Unfortunately, it’s easier said than done. Taking a look at how your household functions can help you come up with creative solutions for keeping your belongings in check.
• Analyze the Space
Keep your goals for how the space should function in mind as you attempt to keep it organized. For example, if your goal for the bedroom is to have it serve as a sanctuary for you and your spouse, it’s not a good idea to keep your home computer there. This means you may have to move some things around and store them elsewhere. Revisit what you had written down for the ideal vision of each room in your house.
• Focus on Trouble Spots
Pay special attention to trouble spots like kitchen counters, utility drawers, and basements that are used as common “dumping grounds.” Keep the things you use most frequently in easily accessible spots, and store the rest.
• Successful Storage
Store similar items together whenever possible, in a place close to where they’re used. Purchase storage solutions that make organization simple and easy. Clear containers that allow you to see what’s inside work well. For things that need to be stored out in the open, pick something attractive such as a decorative basket. Anticipate future storage needs and leave some empty space.
Label boxes, folders and containers accordingly, so there is no questions what belongs where. This makes it easy for everyone in your family to quickly put things away. For kids, use photos instead of words when labeling storage units.
Freshen Up
The final step of creating a clutter-free space is to freshen it up and make it truly reflect the person you are and hope to become. A little change can go a long way in stimulating a fresh start, whether it’s financially or simply motivating you to achieve your dreams.
Re-Arrange
A quick way to change your point of view (literally) is to move your furniture around. Feng shui principles suggest beds should be placed so that you can see the entrance. In your workspace, avoid placing your back to the door as well (or, use a mirror so you can see people as they enter). Make sure hallways are clear of obstructions to allow energy to move freely.
Liven Up
Plants and flowers symbolize life and growth, so be sure to incorporate them as much as possible in your living environment. Shrubs and blooms can be found in your own backyard. Combine them with great vases/decorative stones from the Dollar Store and you have a gorgeous arrangement for a couple bucks. You can do the same thing with fruit: apples, lemons and limes look great in glass hurricanes or decorative bowls. They add a burst of color and can be consumed when you’re done using them as décor.
A Fresh Coat of Paint
One of the least expensive yet most effective ways of making a room look new is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Consider what you’d like to be feeling when you’re in the room. Warm colors energize and stimulate (red, yellow, orange) and cool colors tend to calm and relax (blue, green, purple). Look for mistinted paint at your hardware store to save 75% or more off the original price. Sometimes you can even ask to have it tinted again to something that is closer to the color you want.
Positive Imagery
Review your list of 100 dreams and incorporate as much imagery as possible – on walls, screensavers, in frames, etc. If you want a better relationship with your spouse, make sure you have plenty of photographs of the two of you in happy times around your house. If you enjoy travel, display artwork or posters of the places you’d like to visit. The more you focus on those images – whether consciously or subconsciously, the more likely they are to materialize.
Assignment: Keep going with 15 minutes of decluttering and organization each day. Keep the images of what you want your ideal space to look like in mind. Think of ways to incorporate your dreams into your living space.
*I love the ideas about building a better relationship with your spouse, or in my case, boyfriend. LOL Should I post wedding pictures EVERYWHERE so he gets the hint...LOL. I still need to post our little board about our family dreams.
*A trouble area is my bedroom. Its also my desk area! My closet is a MESS, so with decluddering going on, I've posted clothes on mommysavers to trade for other stuff LOL...lovely.
*We painted our room when I was pregnant...the color is weird now.
*I'd love to decorate my bathroom so it looks more adult like. I'd love to put a buddha in there!!
ahhh, I've got alot of stuff to do!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Day 26 FTJ Bootcamp Activity
WOW! Going out of town for one day can leave you very behind!
Again...Mommysavers
Decluttering
Why do you hang on to things?
Memory Clutter
For the sentimentalists among us, memory clutter is the hardest type to get rid of. Certain things remind us of special times (high school, college) or special people (relatives, our kids when they were babies. The key is to select a few things to hold onto that have special meaning and toss the rest.
Things are not a substitute for memories. Often this is the case when hanging on to items that once belonged to special people who are now deceased. When it comes to family heirlooms and memorabilia, do you love it enough to display it within your home? Does it have a place of honor? If not, it may be time to part ways. Tell all family members you can no longer store Grandma’s collection of doilies at your home and give them ample opportunity to take it off your hands. Then, your conscience will be clear.
• Create a Memory Album
This works well for kids’ artwork. Instead of hanging on to each “masterpiece;” consider a photo album of their art and keep only a few of their drawings instead. Photograph them with their art to create a reference point for how old they were when they created it as well.
• Shadowboxes/Framed Art
If your grandmother was a great cook, consider framing or shadowboxing one of her handwritten recipes along with one of her doilies or hand-stitched tea towels with a photo of her in the kitchen.
“I Might Need It” or “I Paid So Much for It!” Clutter
If you’re living the frugal life, you realize the value in hanging on to what you have because it would be costly to replace it. However, when you cling to things you really aren’t using, you’re projecting an energy of lack, or want. There is a fine line between the “waste not, want not” mentality and one of a pack rat. The key is learning how to balance the two. If you really do need an extra pot holder, semi-dressy sweater or book on gardening one day, would you be able to replace it? If the answer is yes, consider getting rid of it and you’ll shift your energy to that of abundance.
All those things you’re storing in your home come with a price, and it isn’t the price you paid when you bought them. That boat sailed long ago. Your price is NOW paid in the time it takes to maintain them, the mental strain you experience every time you think about them, and the lost opportunity of what could be if you they were no longer around. Consider what you’d gain by getting rid of them, and if the benefit outweighs the price, then do it.
Now that we've talked about why we hang onto things, what kind of space we want to create in our homes, and making room for our dreams and goals comes the fun part... actually diving in and getting it done!
As you de-clutter, your unwanted belongings generally fall under one of three categories: throw away, donate or sell. Sorting them accordingly can help speed the process along. However, it’s often tough to decide what to do.
Donating may be the easiest and fastest route to take, but many people shy away from it because it doesn’t result in a nice fat wad of cash in their pocket. What it does result in, in most cases, is a tax receipt for your contribution. The amount of this financial perk can vary greatly depending on your tax bracket and whether or not you itemize on your tax return. In general, the higher your tax bracket the more valuable your write-off will be. Decide what makes the most sense for you given your own financial situation and time constraints.
Including your kids in the de-cluttering process helps hone their organizational skills and builds self-esteem. Let them decide which of their belongings to keep and which to get rid of. Talk about the importance of giving to those in need and let them help select a charitable organization for their donation. Have them accompany you when you drop off their things.
The key to a lot of large projects is starting small and just plodding along. Instead of thinking of the huge scope of the entire project, what can you do in 15 minutes today? As with most things, success isn't one huge thing that you do in a short period of time, it's an accumulation of small everyday activities. If there are things you want to do in life, whether it's decluttering or working on a goal -- try just focusing a few minutes each day on it and see where that road leads you.
Assignment: Commit to declutter 15 minutes each day for the remainder of the boot camp. Consider taking "before" pictures today to compare to the end of the project.
Does anyone watch clean house? I have the problem of "I might need this" clutter! Its on my to-do list...and I'm excited!
Again...Mommysavers
Decluttering
Why do you hang on to things?
Memory Clutter
For the sentimentalists among us, memory clutter is the hardest type to get rid of. Certain things remind us of special times (high school, college) or special people (relatives, our kids when they were babies. The key is to select a few things to hold onto that have special meaning and toss the rest.
Things are not a substitute for memories. Often this is the case when hanging on to items that once belonged to special people who are now deceased. When it comes to family heirlooms and memorabilia, do you love it enough to display it within your home? Does it have a place of honor? If not, it may be time to part ways. Tell all family members you can no longer store Grandma’s collection of doilies at your home and give them ample opportunity to take it off your hands. Then, your conscience will be clear.
• Create a Memory Album
This works well for kids’ artwork. Instead of hanging on to each “masterpiece;” consider a photo album of their art and keep only a few of their drawings instead. Photograph them with their art to create a reference point for how old they were when they created it as well.
• Shadowboxes/Framed Art
If your grandmother was a great cook, consider framing or shadowboxing one of her handwritten recipes along with one of her doilies or hand-stitched tea towels with a photo of her in the kitchen.
“I Might Need It” or “I Paid So Much for It!” Clutter
If you’re living the frugal life, you realize the value in hanging on to what you have because it would be costly to replace it. However, when you cling to things you really aren’t using, you’re projecting an energy of lack, or want. There is a fine line between the “waste not, want not” mentality and one of a pack rat. The key is learning how to balance the two. If you really do need an extra pot holder, semi-dressy sweater or book on gardening one day, would you be able to replace it? If the answer is yes, consider getting rid of it and you’ll shift your energy to that of abundance.
All those things you’re storing in your home come with a price, and it isn’t the price you paid when you bought them. That boat sailed long ago. Your price is NOW paid in the time it takes to maintain them, the mental strain you experience every time you think about them, and the lost opportunity of what could be if you they were no longer around. Consider what you’d gain by getting rid of them, and if the benefit outweighs the price, then do it.
Now that we've talked about why we hang onto things, what kind of space we want to create in our homes, and making room for our dreams and goals comes the fun part... actually diving in and getting it done!
As you de-clutter, your unwanted belongings generally fall under one of three categories: throw away, donate or sell. Sorting them accordingly can help speed the process along. However, it’s often tough to decide what to do.
Donating may be the easiest and fastest route to take, but many people shy away from it because it doesn’t result in a nice fat wad of cash in their pocket. What it does result in, in most cases, is a tax receipt for your contribution. The amount of this financial perk can vary greatly depending on your tax bracket and whether or not you itemize on your tax return. In general, the higher your tax bracket the more valuable your write-off will be. Decide what makes the most sense for you given your own financial situation and time constraints.
Including your kids in the de-cluttering process helps hone their organizational skills and builds self-esteem. Let them decide which of their belongings to keep and which to get rid of. Talk about the importance of giving to those in need and let them help select a charitable organization for their donation. Have them accompany you when you drop off their things.
The key to a lot of large projects is starting small and just plodding along. Instead of thinking of the huge scope of the entire project, what can you do in 15 minutes today? As with most things, success isn't one huge thing that you do in a short period of time, it's an accumulation of small everyday activities. If there are things you want to do in life, whether it's decluttering or working on a goal -- try just focusing a few minutes each day on it and see where that road leads you.
Assignment: Commit to declutter 15 minutes each day for the remainder of the boot camp. Consider taking "before" pictures today to compare to the end of the project.
Does anyone watch clean house? I have the problem of "I might need this" clutter! Its on my to-do list...and I'm excited!
Day 24 and 25 FTJ Bootcamp Activity
*As Usual. Copied From Mommysavers!
Getting in the Decluttering Mindset
Your external surroundings can also help (or hinder) your dreams and goals. In the next few steps we’ll be focusing on decluttering and how it can help us all to “Forget the Joneses.”
Your home right now is a function of your current life. With your goals and dreams in mind, think about what you’d like your life to be like in the future. Is there some way you can change your home to facilitate it? By changing it slightly, it can allow yourself to grow into your ideal life.
As with most things, it’s hard to accomplish a goal without a clear plan or vision. Decluttering your home is no different. Many of us set off to “declutter” or “purge” without knowing what that really means to us or our home.
To get to the heart of this project, begin by asking yourself a few questions. Why are you decluttering? What do you hope to get out of this process? What are your goals? Do you hope to rid your home of things you no longer use or need? Or, are you getting rid of excess things in order to be able to manage your home more efficiently? Do you want to turn your clutter into extra cash by having a garage sale? Grab a notebook and write down what you hope to accomplish by participating in this phase. When you get in touch with your motivations for jumping on the decluttering bandwagon, you’ll energize the process.
Next, visualize the space you’d like to create. Go through each room in your house and imagine the perfect version of how you would like it to appear. As you visualize, also think about how you’d like the room to function. What will you be doing in it? What will you NOT be doing in it? How would you like to feel when you’re in it? What will you need to remove or add to the space to facilitate those activities and feelings? How would the furniture be arranged? What would the shelves, closets and drawers look like? Then, while the vision is still clear in your mind, write down a clear description of that vision.
Don’t rush this step. Take a long time sitting in each room and reflecting on how you’d like it to be. It’s helpful to get your spouse involved with this and talk about what you hope to accomplish together. Often spouses have completely different agendas when it comes to how rooms should function – he wants the TV front and center, you want a relaxing sanctuary in which to read, etc. If your ideas differ, try to figure out a plan so that you can each accomplish your goals.
Make Room for New Experiences
Decluttering is more than just getting rid of what you don’t want in your life anymore. It’s about creating room for new things and experiences to enter. What will getting rid of things allow you to do and accomplish? Here are some examples:
• If you want to procure new clients at work, clear out old files and create blank ones for new clients
• If you want to try your hand at writing, try clearing away some old clutter and creating a special new space for you to write
• If you want to learn a new topic, clear away old books that you’re not reading anymore to make space on your shelf for new interests
• Try clearing off your kitchen countertops to make more space for cooking if you want to hone your culinary skills
What goes around comes around. It may sound counterintuitive, but if you want something to enter your life, try giving it away. If you want friendship to enter, be a friend. If you want your spouse to be more compassionate, try showing him some compassion. The same principles work with material things. Ever notice how many women become pregnant again as soon as they give away all their baby gear? If you want to improve your wardrobe, donate old clothing to Goodwill. If you want to do more cooking from scratch, get rid of the old kitchen appliances you no longer use. With the empty space you create, the more room there will be for new things and experiences to enter. Try it and you’ll see.
Refer back to your vision of what you want your space to look like. Go one step further and imagine what feelings that space will provoke. Really think about the type of positive change you want to see in your space and in your life, and make sure your home reflects that.
Assignment:
Before you begin the actual work of decluttering, get in touch with your motivations for purging and visualize what you’d like the end result to be. Review your list of goals. How can you create space for these new experiences to enter your life? Write down your goals and clearly describe what you’d like each room to look like and how it should function. Take “before” photos of each room so that you will be able to see your progress later on.
**Wow! I'm going to have a blast! So Far I've done:
Getting in the Decluttering Mindset
Your external surroundings can also help (or hinder) your dreams and goals. In the next few steps we’ll be focusing on decluttering and how it can help us all to “Forget the Joneses.”
Your home right now is a function of your current life. With your goals and dreams in mind, think about what you’d like your life to be like in the future. Is there some way you can change your home to facilitate it? By changing it slightly, it can allow yourself to grow into your ideal life.
As with most things, it’s hard to accomplish a goal without a clear plan or vision. Decluttering your home is no different. Many of us set off to “declutter” or “purge” without knowing what that really means to us or our home.
To get to the heart of this project, begin by asking yourself a few questions. Why are you decluttering? What do you hope to get out of this process? What are your goals? Do you hope to rid your home of things you no longer use or need? Or, are you getting rid of excess things in order to be able to manage your home more efficiently? Do you want to turn your clutter into extra cash by having a garage sale? Grab a notebook and write down what you hope to accomplish by participating in this phase. When you get in touch with your motivations for jumping on the decluttering bandwagon, you’ll energize the process.
Next, visualize the space you’d like to create. Go through each room in your house and imagine the perfect version of how you would like it to appear. As you visualize, also think about how you’d like the room to function. What will you be doing in it? What will you NOT be doing in it? How would you like to feel when you’re in it? What will you need to remove or add to the space to facilitate those activities and feelings? How would the furniture be arranged? What would the shelves, closets and drawers look like? Then, while the vision is still clear in your mind, write down a clear description of that vision.
Don’t rush this step. Take a long time sitting in each room and reflecting on how you’d like it to be. It’s helpful to get your spouse involved with this and talk about what you hope to accomplish together. Often spouses have completely different agendas when it comes to how rooms should function – he wants the TV front and center, you want a relaxing sanctuary in which to read, etc. If your ideas differ, try to figure out a plan so that you can each accomplish your goals.
Make Room for New Experiences
Decluttering is more than just getting rid of what you don’t want in your life anymore. It’s about creating room for new things and experiences to enter. What will getting rid of things allow you to do and accomplish? Here are some examples:
• If you want to procure new clients at work, clear out old files and create blank ones for new clients
• If you want to try your hand at writing, try clearing away some old clutter and creating a special new space for you to write
• If you want to learn a new topic, clear away old books that you’re not reading anymore to make space on your shelf for new interests
• Try clearing off your kitchen countertops to make more space for cooking if you want to hone your culinary skills
What goes around comes around. It may sound counterintuitive, but if you want something to enter your life, try giving it away. If you want friendship to enter, be a friend. If you want your spouse to be more compassionate, try showing him some compassion. The same principles work with material things. Ever notice how many women become pregnant again as soon as they give away all their baby gear? If you want to improve your wardrobe, donate old clothing to Goodwill. If you want to do more cooking from scratch, get rid of the old kitchen appliances you no longer use. With the empty space you create, the more room there will be for new things and experiences to enter. Try it and you’ll see.
Refer back to your vision of what you want your space to look like. Go one step further and imagine what feelings that space will provoke. Really think about the type of positive change you want to see in your space and in your life, and make sure your home reflects that.
Assignment:
Before you begin the actual work of decluttering, get in touch with your motivations for purging and visualize what you’d like the end result to be. Review your list of goals. How can you create space for these new experiences to enter your life? Write down your goals and clearly describe what you’d like each room to look like and how it should function. Take “before” photos of each room so that you will be able to see your progress later on.
**Wow! I'm going to have a blast! So Far I've done:
- decluttering of the closet...sort of. I've gone though and picked out what I dont need or want, and posted it on the mommysavers.com boards
- Made my desk area clean. I've ordered 2 journals. One is "Wreck this journal" and another is just a regular one to write in.
- On my to-do list is declutter under the bathroom sink.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Day 20 and 21 FTJ Bootcamp Activity
This is such a great idea! I'm going to do this tonight.
Copied From Mommysavers:
Grocery Planning
When it comes to saving on groceries, it helps to be a proactive grocery shopper. That means knowing what the best prices are and building a stockpile of things you need when prices are rock bottom, rather than when you run out of something and have to buy it at full price.
Create a Master Meals List
Take your price book one step further by creating a list of the ten frugal meals your family eats most often. Write down all the ingredients necessary to make those dishes from start to finish. Don’t forget anything – if you make garlic bread to go with spaghetti dinners also include the bread, butter, garlic, etc. Come up with a master list of all ingredients. These are the items you should focus on when creating your price book.
Your master meals list will also give you insight as to how much meals actually cost when you’re making them at home. This list will allow you to analyze the cost of what you’re making to see if you’re making smart choices. Sometimes certain meals (especially casseroles and one-pot meals with many ingredients) are more expensive than you think. A simple meal of broiled fish and a steamed vegetable often costs less than a casserole made with canned soup, cheese, and pasta and other ingredients. Also, pay close attention to the meals you make that require you to buy more of an ingredient than you need. For example, when you make a roast or a stew do you often have leftover celery, carrots, or other veggies? Do they often go to waste or do you incorporate the extras in your menu plan?
Once you’ve completed your master meals list, you’ll want to keep close tabs on the prices of those items for the next several months so you can spot pricing trends. Grocery sale prices hit rock bottom every 12 weeks on non-perishables, and that’s the time you’ll want to stock up. Certain things like fresh produce often hit rock bottom once a year when they’re in season and can be more difficult to stockpile, but it still helps to monitor their prices as well. In some cases you’ll still be able to stockpile them if you can freeze, can or preserve them in some other way.
Create a Master Pantry List
Now that you have a master list of ten standby meals and the ingredients required to make them, you have a great start to your master pantry list. Now, add all the things you need for day-to-day cooking – basics such as milk, flour, eggs, sugar, onions, garlic, etc. Once you’ve added them, you have a master pantry list.
Organize your master pantry list by grocery store department (produce, canned goods, dairy, etc). Then, print out the list and keep it posted in your pantry. Write down the number of boxes/cans you have on hand and take special note when your supply is diminishing. When you take something out of your pantry, adjust your list accordingly. This will also help you see what you have on hand at a glance instead of rummaging through the shelves, making it easier to keep your pantry organized.
Your goal as a proactive shopper will be to familiarize yourself with the prices of the things on your pantry list so that you can buy them when they’re on sale, rather than when you run out.
SPENDING FREEZE IS OVER!!
Copied From Mommysavers:
Grocery Planning
When it comes to saving on groceries, it helps to be a proactive grocery shopper. That means knowing what the best prices are and building a stockpile of things you need when prices are rock bottom, rather than when you run out of something and have to buy it at full price.
Create a Master Meals List
Take your price book one step further by creating a list of the ten frugal meals your family eats most often. Write down all the ingredients necessary to make those dishes from start to finish. Don’t forget anything – if you make garlic bread to go with spaghetti dinners also include the bread, butter, garlic, etc. Come up with a master list of all ingredients. These are the items you should focus on when creating your price book.
Your master meals list will also give you insight as to how much meals actually cost when you’re making them at home. This list will allow you to analyze the cost of what you’re making to see if you’re making smart choices. Sometimes certain meals (especially casseroles and one-pot meals with many ingredients) are more expensive than you think. A simple meal of broiled fish and a steamed vegetable often costs less than a casserole made with canned soup, cheese, and pasta and other ingredients. Also, pay close attention to the meals you make that require you to buy more of an ingredient than you need. For example, when you make a roast or a stew do you often have leftover celery, carrots, or other veggies? Do they often go to waste or do you incorporate the extras in your menu plan?
Once you’ve completed your master meals list, you’ll want to keep close tabs on the prices of those items for the next several months so you can spot pricing trends. Grocery sale prices hit rock bottom every 12 weeks on non-perishables, and that’s the time you’ll want to stock up. Certain things like fresh produce often hit rock bottom once a year when they’re in season and can be more difficult to stockpile, but it still helps to monitor their prices as well. In some cases you’ll still be able to stockpile them if you can freeze, can or preserve them in some other way.
Create a Master Pantry List
Now that you have a master list of ten standby meals and the ingredients required to make them, you have a great start to your master pantry list. Now, add all the things you need for day-to-day cooking – basics such as milk, flour, eggs, sugar, onions, garlic, etc. Once you’ve added them, you have a master pantry list.
Organize your master pantry list by grocery store department (produce, canned goods, dairy, etc). Then, print out the list and keep it posted in your pantry. Write down the number of boxes/cans you have on hand and take special note when your supply is diminishing. When you take something out of your pantry, adjust your list accordingly. This will also help you see what you have on hand at a glance instead of rummaging through the shelves, making it easier to keep your pantry organized.
Your goal as a proactive shopper will be to familiarize yourself with the prices of the things on your pantry list so that you can buy them when they’re on sale, rather than when you run out.
SPENDING FREEZE IS OVER!!
Day 19 FTJ Bootcamp Activity
Create A Grocery Price Book!
Lovely! I've had this done for awhile. So I will make my assignment to UPDATE! I have a gazillion recipts I need to put in there. Also, I'm going to put it on a spreadsheet and possibly upload it to my phone.
Info from mommysavers:
Start with the 25-50 products your family uses most often. To get a good idea of which items to include, look at what’s currently in your pantry and start from there. Or, save your grocery cash register receipts for a period of time. Most of them will include information such as the brand/product purchased, the date, and some will even include the size of the product.
My spreadsheet includes these rows: item, store, date purchased. Many people also include the size of the item so that they can compute the price per ounce. You may find that most of the things you buy come in pretty standard sizes (for example a can of cream of mushroom soup, a block of cream cheese, etc.) and that this isn’t always necessary.
You may also want to include the brand name of products you buy in your price book, especially if you prefer one brand over another. That way, you can evaluate whether buying a name brand is worth paying the extra money, or in some cases you may notice that the brand name doesn’t cost any more than the generic counterpart.
Lovely! I've had this done for awhile. So I will make my assignment to UPDATE! I have a gazillion recipts I need to put in there. Also, I'm going to put it on a spreadsheet and possibly upload it to my phone.
Info from mommysavers:
Start with the 25-50 products your family uses most often. To get a good idea of which items to include, look at what’s currently in your pantry and start from there. Or, save your grocery cash register receipts for a period of time. Most of them will include information such as the brand/product purchased, the date, and some will even include the size of the product.
My spreadsheet includes these rows: item, store, date purchased. Many people also include the size of the item so that they can compute the price per ounce. You may find that most of the things you buy come in pretty standard sizes (for example a can of cream of mushroom soup, a block of cream cheese, etc.) and that this isn’t always necessary.
You may also want to include the brand name of products you buy in your price book, especially if you prefer one brand over another. That way, you can evaluate whether buying a name brand is worth paying the extra money, or in some cases you may notice that the brand name doesn’t cost any more than the generic counterpart.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Day 18 FTJ bootcamp Activity
Copied From Mommysavers:
Create Your Budget
By now, your budget has practically created itself. To complete your budget, allocate the appropriate amount of money to each category based on the steps above, making sure the right column (expenses) doesn’t exceed the left column (income).
INCOME:
Wages
Overtime
Interest Income
Alimony
Rental Income
Other
EXPENSES:
Mortgage
Insurance
Utilities
Car Payments
Food
Transportation
Clothing
Savings Contributions
Childcare
Recreation and Entertainment
Medical and Dental
Home Maintenance
Vacations
Other
Once you devise your budget, you may find that you’re coming up short of income to cover your expenses. Assign priorities to each thing you’d like to accomplish so that you can make a clear decision about what is most important to you.
Come up with a System to Maintain
The best budgeting system is one that is easy for your family to follow, whether it’s the old-fashioned envelope system or something computer generated. Don’t try to force your family into a system they don’t understand or isn’t easy to use. The biggest key to your success is finding a system that works for you.
Software programs like Quicken or MS Money help make budgeting easy for many families. These programs offer great features that allow you to graph and chart progress; they can even connect with your online banking platforms and help improve your credit score. Chances are there is one pre-loaded on your computer.
If you’re not computer savvy, the envelope system still works for many families today. How it works: Grab an envelope for each category within in your budget. Inside, place the amount of cash that your budget allows each month. Once the cash is gone, you’re done spending.
**Also, I was looking around for a free spreadsheet program and found one at google!**
Create Your Budget
By now, your budget has practically created itself. To complete your budget, allocate the appropriate amount of money to each category based on the steps above, making sure the right column (expenses) doesn’t exceed the left column (income).
INCOME:
Wages
Overtime
Interest Income
Alimony
Rental Income
Other
EXPENSES:
Mortgage
Insurance
Utilities
Car Payments
Food
Transportation
Clothing
Savings Contributions
Childcare
Recreation and Entertainment
Medical and Dental
Home Maintenance
Vacations
Other
Once you devise your budget, you may find that you’re coming up short of income to cover your expenses. Assign priorities to each thing you’d like to accomplish so that you can make a clear decision about what is most important to you.
Come up with a System to Maintain
The best budgeting system is one that is easy for your family to follow, whether it’s the old-fashioned envelope system or something computer generated. Don’t try to force your family into a system they don’t understand or isn’t easy to use. The biggest key to your success is finding a system that works for you.
Software programs like Quicken or MS Money help make budgeting easy for many families. These programs offer great features that allow you to graph and chart progress; they can even connect with your online banking platforms and help improve your credit score. Chances are there is one pre-loaded on your computer.
If you’re not computer savvy, the envelope system still works for many families today. How it works: Grab an envelope for each category within in your budget. Inside, place the amount of cash that your budget allows each month. Once the cash is gone, you’re done spending.
**Also, I was looking around for a free spreadsheet program and found one at google!**
Day 17 FTJ Bootcamp Activity
Copied From Mommysavers(I'm loving all the advice):
Avoid Budgeting Mistakes
Now that you’ve got a clear picture what you spend, what you earn, and where you can cut back you can create your budget. When creating a budget, a lot of families make critical mistakes. Don’t set yourself up for failure! Here are some tips to ensure your success:
Pay Yourself
FirstDespite record amounts of disposable income Americans had a negative savings rate in 2005-2006 for the first time since the great depression. Making saving automatic can help you beat the statistics and set aside more of your income for the future. If your employer offers an automatic deposit plan, allocate some of your earnings to go directly into a savings account. If you don’t see it, chances are you won’t miss it. If you don’t pay yourself first, you’re increasing the likelihood that you’ll use that money on other categories.
Build in Wiggle Room
If you’re inflexible when devising your budget, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Allow for a financial cushion in each category so when fluctuations occur you’ll be covered.Budget for Emergencies/Irregular ExpensesEmergencies happen. Cars break down. Kids get sick. People lose jobs. Those are simple facts of life. It’s not a matter of IF they happen -- it’s more of a WHEN. Don’t act like a victim when life happens to you, but instead be prepared. Add a rainy day fund to you budget. If you don’t have one at all, it may help to start out with a goal of having $1,000 set aside. Then, as you build your fund and pay off debt, increase that goal to having three months’ of living expenses set aside. When you’re completely debt free and building up retirement savings as well, increase that goal to six months.
Budget for Irregular Expenses
Even though things like vacations, insurance payments and buying holiday gifts don’t happen every month, include them in your budget as well. Estimate your total yearly expenditure and divide by 12 to come up with your monthly budget.
Build in “Fun Money”
Some of the most successful budgets have a category for “fun money” – money that doesn’t have to be accounted for. It could be cash for sodas/snacks, lunches out, or whatever you want. This category can help prevent you from feeling “trapped” in your budget and having to account for every little expense. How much is in this category is really up to you and should fit your financial situation.
Avoid Budgeting Mistakes
Now that you’ve got a clear picture what you spend, what you earn, and where you can cut back you can create your budget. When creating a budget, a lot of families make critical mistakes. Don’t set yourself up for failure! Here are some tips to ensure your success:
Pay Yourself
FirstDespite record amounts of disposable income Americans had a negative savings rate in 2005-2006 for the first time since the great depression. Making saving automatic can help you beat the statistics and set aside more of your income for the future. If your employer offers an automatic deposit plan, allocate some of your earnings to go directly into a savings account. If you don’t see it, chances are you won’t miss it. If you don’t pay yourself first, you’re increasing the likelihood that you’ll use that money on other categories.
Build in Wiggle Room
If you’re inflexible when devising your budget, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Allow for a financial cushion in each category so when fluctuations occur you’ll be covered.Budget for Emergencies/Irregular ExpensesEmergencies happen. Cars break down. Kids get sick. People lose jobs. Those are simple facts of life. It’s not a matter of IF they happen -- it’s more of a WHEN. Don’t act like a victim when life happens to you, but instead be prepared. Add a rainy day fund to you budget. If you don’t have one at all, it may help to start out with a goal of having $1,000 set aside. Then, as you build your fund and pay off debt, increase that goal to having three months’ of living expenses set aside. When you’re completely debt free and building up retirement savings as well, increase that goal to six months.
Budget for Irregular Expenses
Even though things like vacations, insurance payments and buying holiday gifts don’t happen every month, include them in your budget as well. Estimate your total yearly expenditure and divide by 12 to come up with your monthly budget.
Build in “Fun Money”
Some of the most successful budgets have a category for “fun money” – money that doesn’t have to be accounted for. It could be cash for sodas/snacks, lunches out, or whatever you want. This category can help prevent you from feeling “trapped” in your budget and having to account for every little expense. How much is in this category is really up to you and should fit your financial situation.
Day 16 FTJ Activity
Copied From Mommysavers:
Re-Evaluate Expenses
Now that you’ve tracked your family’s spending, you can analyze your findings. If you don’t like what you see, you now have an opportunity to change things.
First, look at your fixed expenses -- the expenses that stay the same each month. Some will be hard to cut back on (mortgage, auto loans, etc.), but other fixed expenses such as cable, gym fees, lawn services, etc. may be easier to trim. Which monthly memberships can be eliminated? Is your cable/phone/internet package the right one for you? Could you get by with a less expensive version? Can you drop your landline altogether? Can you do-it-yourself?
Your variable expenses are often the easiest to cut back on. These are the categories that fluctuate each month such as groceries, clothing, gas, eating out, etc. Visit our Money Saving Tips forums for creative solutions to saving money in each of these categories.
Often times families lose sight of the big picture because they’re distracted by more urgent, compelling ways to spend their money. Is your spending in line with your financial goals and your family’s values? Don’t let things like lunches out or a salon pedicure habit get in the way of funding your child’s college education. Realize that when you cut back in certain areas, you will be able to apply your savings towards more important things such as paying off debt, building savings, or achieving your dreams.
Assignment: Identify 3-5 key spending areas that you’d like to trim and come up with creative solutions to cut back.
Re-Evaluate Expenses
Now that you’ve tracked your family’s spending, you can analyze your findings. If you don’t like what you see, you now have an opportunity to change things.
First, look at your fixed expenses -- the expenses that stay the same each month. Some will be hard to cut back on (mortgage, auto loans, etc.), but other fixed expenses such as cable, gym fees, lawn services, etc. may be easier to trim. Which monthly memberships can be eliminated? Is your cable/phone/internet package the right one for you? Could you get by with a less expensive version? Can you drop your landline altogether? Can you do-it-yourself?
Your variable expenses are often the easiest to cut back on. These are the categories that fluctuate each month such as groceries, clothing, gas, eating out, etc. Visit our Money Saving Tips forums for creative solutions to saving money in each of these categories.
Often times families lose sight of the big picture because they’re distracted by more urgent, compelling ways to spend their money. Is your spending in line with your financial goals and your family’s values? Don’t let things like lunches out or a salon pedicure habit get in the way of funding your child’s college education. Realize that when you cut back in certain areas, you will be able to apply your savings towards more important things such as paying off debt, building savings, or achieving your dreams.
Assignment: Identify 3-5 key spending areas that you’d like to trim and come up with creative solutions to cut back.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Day 14 FTJ Bootcamp Activity
Get A Handle on Debt/Create A Debt Spreadsheet
Collect all your current credit card statements and other bills in which you carry a balance. Create a spreadsheet (Excel works well) so that you can track your progress as you pay down your debt.
Here is a sample of how to set up your spreadsheet:
Column A: Name of the Creditor/Account
Column B: Interest Rate
Column C: Balance Remaining
Column D: Minimum Monthly Payment
Column E: Budgeted Monthly PaymentAdd the totals in columns C, D.
You’ll then have a clear picture of your total amount of debt and the minimum amount required to stay current with your payments. In the next step, we’ll look at how much to allocate to each bill (column E) to come up with your debt repayment plan. However, it will be your goal to put as much extra money as possible towards your monthly debt payments.
Tomarrows assignment is deciding a debt pay off plan! YAY!!!
Collect all your current credit card statements and other bills in which you carry a balance. Create a spreadsheet (Excel works well) so that you can track your progress as you pay down your debt.
Here is a sample of how to set up your spreadsheet:
Column A: Name of the Creditor/Account
Column B: Interest Rate
Column C: Balance Remaining
Column D: Minimum Monthly Payment
Column E: Budgeted Monthly PaymentAdd the totals in columns C, D.
You’ll then have a clear picture of your total amount of debt and the minimum amount required to stay current with your payments. In the next step, we’ll look at how much to allocate to each bill (column E) to come up with your debt repayment plan. However, it will be your goal to put as much extra money as possible towards your monthly debt payments.
Tomarrows assignment is deciding a debt pay off plan! YAY!!!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Day 13 FTJ Bootcamp Activity
Analyze Your Credit Score
More Info from mommysavers:
Now that you have your magic number, what do you do with it? Here’s a general breakdown of how your FICO score is interpreted:
Excellent: Over 750
Very Good: 720 or more
Acceptable: 660 to 720
Uncertain: 620 to 660
Risky: less than 620
Poor: Less than 590
Very Poor: Less than 550
Most Americans have FICO scores in the 600s and 700s. The boundary between a standard loan and a higher cost loan, also known as a subprime loan, is generally considered to be a credit score of 620. Any score less than 500 will generally mean you’re declined for any type of credit. In today's economy, that number may actually be a bit higher in some cases.
Re-Negotiate Rates
If your FICO score is 720 and above, you may be able to re-negotiate your credit card rates. Don’t waste any more money on interest than you have to. Grab your credit card statements and call lenders to re-negotiate lower rates.
Fix Inaccuracies
The FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) protects your right to have inaccuracies in your credit report removed. http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/031224fcra.pdf
If you do find something suspicious or inaccurate on your report, notify both the credit bureau who provided the report and also the company where it came from. Include relevant information to support your claims such as cancelled checks and send them via certified mail or another shipping method that requires a signature and delivery confirmation.
Get Your FICO Score Up
Since your FICO score is heavily weighted towards recent activity (the prior 6 months) you can get it up in a relatively short period of time. Focus on the steps outlined here:
• Open a savings account if you don’t have one
• Settle any debts in collection
• Correct inaccuracies
• Keep credit card balances low instead of maxing out your accounts (balances kept over 75% of the limit are considered high)
• Pay more than the minimum balance each month
• Keep accounts open instead of closing them once debt has been paid off
• Avoid checking your FICO score too frequently. Anything more than once or twice a year could raise red flags and impact your score.
Don’t fall victim to scams that promise they will lower your credit score for a fee. Anything that they can do, you can also do on your own – and at no cost to you. Raising your credit simply takes time and effort.
I hope this info helps others as well!
More Info from mommysavers:
Now that you have your magic number, what do you do with it? Here’s a general breakdown of how your FICO score is interpreted:
Excellent: Over 750
Very Good: 720 or more
Acceptable: 660 to 720
Uncertain: 620 to 660
Risky: less than 620
Poor: Less than 590
Very Poor: Less than 550
Most Americans have FICO scores in the 600s and 700s. The boundary between a standard loan and a higher cost loan, also known as a subprime loan, is generally considered to be a credit score of 620. Any score less than 500 will generally mean you’re declined for any type of credit. In today's economy, that number may actually be a bit higher in some cases.
Re-Negotiate Rates
If your FICO score is 720 and above, you may be able to re-negotiate your credit card rates. Don’t waste any more money on interest than you have to. Grab your credit card statements and call lenders to re-negotiate lower rates.
Fix Inaccuracies
The FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) protects your right to have inaccuracies in your credit report removed. http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/031224fcra.pdf
If you do find something suspicious or inaccurate on your report, notify both the credit bureau who provided the report and also the company where it came from. Include relevant information to support your claims such as cancelled checks and send them via certified mail or another shipping method that requires a signature and delivery confirmation.
Get Your FICO Score Up
Since your FICO score is heavily weighted towards recent activity (the prior 6 months) you can get it up in a relatively short period of time. Focus on the steps outlined here:
• Open a savings account if you don’t have one
• Settle any debts in collection
• Correct inaccuracies
• Keep credit card balances low instead of maxing out your accounts (balances kept over 75% of the limit are considered high)
• Pay more than the minimum balance each month
• Keep accounts open instead of closing them once debt has been paid off
• Avoid checking your FICO score too frequently. Anything more than once or twice a year could raise red flags and impact your score.
Don’t fall victim to scams that promise they will lower your credit score for a fee. Anything that they can do, you can also do on your own – and at no cost to you. Raising your credit simply takes time and effort.
I hope this info helps others as well!
Day 12 FTJ Bootcamp Activity(1/12)
Know your credit score
Heres the post from Mommysavers. I learned alot of stuff I didnt know about!
Here is a breakdown:
1. Payment history: 35%
2. Amounts owed: 30%
3. Length of credit history: 15%
4. New credit: 10%
5. Types of credit use: 10%
It’s a good idea to check it routinely (once a year) to ensure that it’s accurate, even if you don’t anticipate applying for a loan in the near future. If you’re in debt, it can be a tool to gauge progress and also negotiate lower rates. Prospective employers and landlords may check it to see how responsible you are in making your payments.
There are three main credit reporting bureaus:
Experian
Transunion
Equifax
You’re entitled to one free report from each agency during the year. The three credit reporting bureaus have a website and toll-free telephone number through which you can order your free annual report.
Online: www.annualcreditreport.com*
Via Phone: 877-322-8228Via the Mail: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/inclu...tformfinal.pdf
*Avoid signing up for ongoing credit monitoring when you check your credit score online.
Did you know? Potential employers, landlords and even utility/internet/cable providers may check your FICO score to see if you are a credit risk and to see how responsible you've been in making payments.
Heres the post from Mommysavers. I learned alot of stuff I didnt know about!
Here is a breakdown:
1. Payment history: 35%
2. Amounts owed: 30%
3. Length of credit history: 15%
4. New credit: 10%
5. Types of credit use: 10%
It’s a good idea to check it routinely (once a year) to ensure that it’s accurate, even if you don’t anticipate applying for a loan in the near future. If you’re in debt, it can be a tool to gauge progress and also negotiate lower rates. Prospective employers and landlords may check it to see how responsible you are in making your payments.
There are three main credit reporting bureaus:
Experian
Transunion
Equifax
You’re entitled to one free report from each agency during the year. The three credit reporting bureaus have a website and toll-free telephone number through which you can order your free annual report.
Online: www.annualcreditreport.com*
Via Phone: 877-322-8228Via the Mail: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/inclu...tformfinal.pdf
*Avoid signing up for ongoing credit monitoring when you check your credit score online.
Did you know? Potential employers, landlords and even utility/internet/cable providers may check your FICO score to see if you are a credit risk and to see how responsible you've been in making payments.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Day 10 AND 11 FTJ Bootcamp Activity
Copied from mommysavers
Your Priority Assignment this weekend is to catch up with what I've already thrown your way.
There's a reason this is called a Boot Camp. We're definitely trying to make some big strides in a short period of time. However, I want to also ensure your success so I'll give you the weekend to catch up and regroup. Come Monday, we're going to be hitting some of the financial projects pretty hard once again... so be prepared!
So far, you should:
*Be on the second week of a 3-week spending freeze(CHECK!)
*Have a Net Worth Statement(CHECK!)
*Have started a Gratitude or "5 Things" Journal to track the positive things in your life on a daily basis(CHECK!)
*Have a Family Mission Statement(CHECK!)
*Have a list of 100 dreams and a working list of 25 goals for the year, broken down into manageable steps(CHECK!)
*Know what your current cost of living is based on the past six months expenses(Kinda CHECK! I got my spending report from my bank for the last 16 months. I need to sort through it and such)
As a fun BONUS ASSIGNMENT for those who are caught up or feeling especially ambitious, we're going to be creating Dream Boards or Vision Boards. If you're inside with kids today, have them create one too. You may get a kick out of what they add! I did this with my daughter last year, and most of her things came straight out of the toy catalogs we had around the house.
You can even create a FAMILY VISION BOARD based on your mission statement.
Bonus Assigmnment: Create a Vision Board
You can do this with a bulletin board or with a big piece of tagboard or cardboard. Your assignment is to take magazines, photographs, computer printouts, quotes, words, and other images that represent visions of what you would like to accomplish in your life and attach them to your board. If you want to go to Italy, cut out an image of Tuscany (or Milan, Venice, etc). If you want to develop better relationships with your siblings, include pictures of you together in happy times. If you'd like to read more, include pictures of the books you'd like to read, and so on.
If you don't have enought to work with at home already, you can frequently find old magazines in the magazine exchange area of your library for this. You can also create printouts of photographs, inspirational quotes and affirmation statements right on your computers.
Keep your board in a place that you see every day. I keep mine right by my computer. Some people keep images on their computer desktop and see them every time they boot up their computer in the morning. When you look at the images, allow yourself to really FEEL yourself accomplishing them. Let your emotion fuel the fire and truly MOTIVATE you.
*Good thing tomarrow to-do list just includes laundry! I have also added to catch up on FTJ projects!*
Your Priority Assignment this weekend is to catch up with what I've already thrown your way.
There's a reason this is called a Boot Camp. We're definitely trying to make some big strides in a short period of time. However, I want to also ensure your success so I'll give you the weekend to catch up and regroup. Come Monday, we're going to be hitting some of the financial projects pretty hard once again... so be prepared!
So far, you should:
*Be on the second week of a 3-week spending freeze(CHECK!)
*Have a Net Worth Statement(CHECK!)
*Have started a Gratitude or "5 Things" Journal to track the positive things in your life on a daily basis(CHECK!)
*Have a Family Mission Statement(CHECK!)
*Have a list of 100 dreams and a working list of 25 goals for the year, broken down into manageable steps(CHECK!)
*Know what your current cost of living is based on the past six months expenses(Kinda CHECK! I got my spending report from my bank for the last 16 months. I need to sort through it and such)
As a fun BONUS ASSIGNMENT for those who are caught up or feeling especially ambitious, we're going to be creating Dream Boards or Vision Boards. If you're inside with kids today, have them create one too. You may get a kick out of what they add! I did this with my daughter last year, and most of her things came straight out of the toy catalogs we had around the house.
You can even create a FAMILY VISION BOARD based on your mission statement.
Bonus Assigmnment: Create a Vision Board
You can do this with a bulletin board or with a big piece of tagboard or cardboard. Your assignment is to take magazines, photographs, computer printouts, quotes, words, and other images that represent visions of what you would like to accomplish in your life and attach them to your board. If you want to go to Italy, cut out an image of Tuscany (or Milan, Venice, etc). If you want to develop better relationships with your siblings, include pictures of you together in happy times. If you'd like to read more, include pictures of the books you'd like to read, and so on.
If you don't have enought to work with at home already, you can frequently find old magazines in the magazine exchange area of your library for this. You can also create printouts of photographs, inspirational quotes and affirmation statements right on your computers.
Keep your board in a place that you see every day. I keep mine right by my computer. Some people keep images on their computer desktop and see them every time they boot up their computer in the morning. When you look at the images, allow yourself to really FEEL yourself accomplishing them. Let your emotion fuel the fire and truly MOTIVATE you.
*Good thing tomarrow to-do list just includes laundry! I have also added to catch up on FTJ projects!*
Day 9 FTJ Bootcamp Activity(1/9)
Calculate Your Cost Of Living
The step before creating a budget! The assignment is to go back 6 months, so I'll be working on this tonight or tomarow.
The step before creating a budget! The assignment is to go back 6 months, so I'll be working on this tonight or tomarow.
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