Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Snow Days

The last few weeks have been hit with two record breaking snow days (it's been crazy y'all!) here in the Kanto Plain area. I never did measure the snow for myself but it did take a week for the first snow to melt, only to be slammed before the last little bits were gone. The second snow fall was almost a week ago and we still have it everywhere. Normally I cringe at the thought of snow if it lasts for more than 24 hours. However, this year I was very much wanting a few snow days. It was the only way Frank and I would get a day off together. We were blessed twice :]

Some pictures from our first snow fall....

I didn't get any pictures outside since the wind was intense. We only lasted about 15-20 minutes because of it.
 

 Striped down at the front door then Ellie licked the snow off all our clothes ha.
 
 I am in love with this drink: Ultra Creamy Mocha Hot Cocoa from Oh She Glows. Then I topped it with homemade Coconut Whipped Cream :] also from Oh She Glows. After our short time in the snow I whipped up these bad boys for myself and Frank.
 

This is how we spent the rest of the day.
 
Snow Day #2...
 


 This is how we all felt...
We ended up sleeping the whole day away this time around. Woke up in the morning to see if I had to work or not (Frank already knew he had the day off), went back to bed until around 1:00. At that point we figured we should take the girls out and feed all of us. We watched Major Dad (anyone else love that show back in the day!?) until around 3:00 and then took a nap until around 6:00 I believe. Laid around watching Top Gear US until we went to bed around 1:00 in the morning. Talk about a lazy day!
 
 This was after quite a bit had started to melt. Our entire car had been covered when we went to bed.
 
 Almost a week later and we still have to walk in the street in most areas.
 
The Seabees had the parking lot plowed by the time I had to report back to work at 2:30. This snow mound is crazy! ha
 
As much as I enjoyed our snow day's together I am more than ready for Spring! Since I didn't get to do much of what I wanted to last year I have started a bucket list of things I want to do/accomplish this year. Winter, it's been real....
 



Wednesday, February 5, 2014

10 Characteristics of debt-free people...

I saw this article on yahoo... so perfect and true! I think the last little bit at the end is my favorite. It's the part people have the hardest time excepting.


1. They Pay Attention to Details
You won’t notice that recurring fee on your credit card for the gym you’ve stopped using if you’re not checking your statement regularly. People without debt monitor their personal finances closely. They are less likely to waste money by forgetting about payment due dates or overdraft fees.
You can start paying more attention also. The key is just to start. Try looking at your credit card statements every month. Next monitor all of your spending. Now add up your income. Compare the two and see where you could cut back. Re-visit this budget a few times a year to stay on track.

2. They Know Their Stuff
Debt-free people do their own research. They might have an accountant, but they don’t send over paperwork or sign their taxes without looking them over. If you want control over your finances, you need to learn about them. It may feel overwhelming but the sense of security you will feel in understanding what’s happening with your money will outweigh the discomfort.

3. They Pretend They Make Less
Even if you are already deep in debt, you can start to improve your situation by immediately changing the way you look at your money. Imagine you make 10%, 25% or even 50% less than you do. Make a budget using that math. It may be impossible at first, but start making cuts to your spending.
Debt-free people live on less than they make. This allows them to put money aside for buying a house, retirement and an emergency fund. This provides a financial independence that allows you more options in the future.

4. They Think Long Term
When the focus isn’t on immediate gratification, you can make smarter decisions. Sure, it would be nice to have this season’s hottest shoes, but how will they help your long-term financial goals? This doesn’t mean you can’t ever buy shoes! It just means you have to save up before you buy them. This also gives you the time to consider if you really even like the shoes and avoid impulse purchases.

5. They Aren’t Afraid to Ask
Ask for help. Ask for lower interest rates. Ask for forgiveness when they make one late payment. Debt-free people take control of their finances and they aren’t meek about it. If you know someone who has met a financial milestone you admire (saved $1 million for retirement, bought a car in cash, etc.), don’t be afraid to ask how they did it.

6. They Save
Whether you got a significant bonus or a $25 check from Grandma, you should think first of paying yourself. This is true of your regular paycheck as well. You know you have to pay the rent (or mortgage), so treat your savings account the same way. Make it a habit. And better yet, make it a mindless habit by setting up automatic deposit. Debt-free people know adding even small amounts now will give you more financial freedom later.

7. They Set Goals
You’ll find it easier to put aside money if you have a strong sense of what it’s going toward. This works for when you are saving up for those shoes, planning a vacation or thinking about retirement. Debt-free people set specific goals so they know what they are striving for. This helps you stay on track. Retirement can be a hard one for young people. It seems so far away! Think about what sounds appealing about retirement. If it’s travel, imagine the places you will visit. Now the goal seems more specific.

8. They Say No
You may get lots of tempting offers throughout the week for lunch with co-workers or dinner with friends. Don’t be afraid to say no. Debt-free people know that saying no to smaller expenses can add up to big savings. This doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun. Host a potluck dinner instead of trying out the new, expensive restaurant. Meet up with friends in the park for a walk instead of taking an expensive exercise class.

9. They Know the Value of Cash
Debt-free people know the value of a dollar… because they see it! It can be easy to overspend when you are never seeing actual money. Having to part with some cash can remind you the transaction you are making is real. Plus, once that cash is gone, it’s gone. Try only using cash for a while and see how it changes your perception of purchasing.

10. They Value Experiences Over Stuff
Debt-free people aren’t focused on things. They value experiences more than having the latest things. The average person will list family and friends high on what they value. But are your choices reflecting that? If you are working extra hours to pay for a fancy meal with the family, think about the tradeoffs. Would you be better off not working late and having two (or five or 10) meals at home with the family?

To become debt-free, you are going to have to shed some of your current bad habits and take on some new, more constructive ones. Use the people who already living debt free as inspiration.