Education and Back to School Supplies

Mid-summer is a good time to think about back to school supplies for your little ones/younger relatives. You may be able to find some good 2 for 1 deals or buy one get one for half price. Here are quick reminders:

• Check last year's supplies since you may have 2 to 3 unused notebooks.
• Look at back-to-school circulars.
• Visit the local discount stores (ex. .99 cent store) for some great supplies ,including pens, pencils, calendars, plastic folders, and binders.

You can save time and money on back-to-school supplies by not waiting until 2-3 days before school starts.

Money and Misery

It is amazing how good you feel when you have money. Yes, you may still have your aches and pains but your body seems to handle your disease/disorder better.

Anyway, if you find yourself looking for quick cash from a second job, remember to pace yourself.

Money

Its important to have money but not if money has you meaning we should not become so concerned about making/spending money that we forgot our faith, families, friends, morals, or ethics. Look at some reality television shows and you will see contestants lying and cheating to win a buck but once the show has ended he/she must ask the question "Was it worth destroying my character?"

Occasionally, I will watch a segment because it can be entertaining (a combination of a game show, a sitcom, and a drama) but if it becomes ridiculous I have to stop watching. This category will give ideas/information/suggestions for saving and spending money without creating extra stress.

Environment

More tips to help our environment and save money:

1) Establish a women's group to meet monthly to exchange unwanted household items.
2) Review and bookmark websites that offer discounts on energy saving electronics.
3) Spend the day at the park with your small relatives to clean it instead of going an expensive outing.
4) Start an exchange for children's clothes and toys.
5) View your homeowner's insurance policy for possible rate reductions when major household areas/products are updated such as your roof.

Clothing (Wise Money Tips)

This economy is up and down. Something tells me to buckle down for the long haul. However, just because we may have to stretch our budgets we still what to feel and look good.

1) Before you go on a shopping trip, review the items in your closets/dresser drawers and take an inventory.

2) Place the following based on size, color, and style: belts, blazers, blouses, coats, jackets, shirts, skirts, pants, and suits.

3) Once you have worn an item and washed/dry cleaned, try to place it in a specific section so you can rotate it. For instance, darker colors like midnight blue, brown, and midnight black can be mixed and matched weekly and paired with lighter colors like beige, ivory, and light pink.

4) Establish a monthly/quarterly budget for clothing and accessories.

5) Read the labels for caring for your clothes-not all items need to be dry cleaned which can save money in the long run.

Money (Unemployment)

Managing your finances when you are between jobs is tough. You have to consider the overall economy, the reason for your unemployment, your skill set, and estimated length of unemployment. The economy is a determining factor since you may apply for unemployment benefits via your state. The estimated time frame is 24 weeks with the possibility of extension for an additional 24 weeks but if the economy has a high unemployement the probability for an extension is limited.

The reason for your unemployment is important. For example, if your company was part of a well-known, massive layoff/merger/acquisition you may have received a generous severance package. You would be able to maintain fixed expenses such as rent/mortgage, property taxes, and homeowner's insurance using your severance while keeping your unemployment separate for postponed/variable expenses such as dining out, entertainment, and travel.

On the other hand, it is rare to obtain a generous package so your unemployment may be your only income for both fixed and variable expenses. Remember, it will run out. While searching for a new job, check with an unexployment expert to see if you can go back to school for a short-term certificate in a promising field such as computers, technology, education, and medicine. Also, check with your state to determine if you can start a homebased business for minimal costs instead of seaching for a traditional job.

Your skill set is critical. For instance, if you are a registered nurse who lost her job because of a merger you will obtain a job offer sooner because of the national shortage of good nurses and you may receive better pay/benefits/work-life options. You may still choose to enjoy an expensive two week vacation. However, a low-skilled clerical worker who has enormous competition needs to forego a vacation and hit the books.

The estimated time for your unemployment can vary. Its a good idea to 1) cancel premium cable channels, 2) minimize long distance telephone bills, 3) postpone getaways/vacations, 4)stop paying for group bar sessions, 5) stop volunteering for 10 groups (you need the time for work), 6) purchase discounted clothes, furniture, and electronics, 7) sell some qulaity items via ebay, 7) cut coupons for groceries, 8) reduce electricity/gas bills, 9) postpone car purchase, 10) review the family budget weekly.

I hope this helps.

Self Improvement (Motivation)

Tomorrow is Monday. Many of us dread it because of undesired/unfulfilled jobs and the lack of desire or uncertainty to make a significant change. As women with chronic diseases/disorders, it can be more challenging to find a desire business/job based on our educations, employment histories, passions, and talents. The first thing needed is the motivation to make a change. You may want to make a small change such as taking a class, or speaking with a person who is performing your desired job. Consider the following low-cost options:

1) Attend a library or small business administration workshop about business/careers/jobs.
2) Borrow books from the library about different businesses.
3) Consider taking a business/career compatibility-type test before taking expensive courses.
4) Discover your talents by volunteering.
5) Watch for business/workforce trends to determine areas for future growth.

By investigating your options, you may be able to find a business, career, or job and enjoy your Monday mornings.