Another fine example

There was an ad in our local paper offering food for those in need. You could purchase meals or packages of granola bars. They even accept food stamps. You also had to volunteer at least 2 hours of your time [anywhere and show proof]. I read through with interest only to be let down in the end.

I did the math on the granola bars and know for a fact these cost at least $5 less at the store than through this organization. Yet, that was not what let me down. It was the fact that this was a church. A church supposedly there to help those in need. Only they were taking advantage of them instead.

This is something I’m passionate about

A better way to help those in need is to offer these foods to those with money to help fund a less expensive and money saving alternative to those that need it [i.e. those using the food stamps].

When I worked for the YMCA I came in contact with a lot of less than wealthy persons. Some were your typical looking-for-a-handout people. Others were not. And then there were those who did not realize they were looking for a handout when they really didn’t need one. If only for a few minor changes, these people would be much better off.

I’m told I’m a snob. I’m not.

I’m told I come across as better than. I don’t think that.

It’s not me. It’s them.

Okay, it might be me. But who wouldn’t assume their boss [a CEO] would know how to manage their own money? Yeah, yeah, I know what they say when you assume. Funny to learn so many are sometimes worse off financially than the lowest paid on their staff. And I mean funny in a sad way.

When I lived in Florida I worked with people who had something. Nice homes, nice cars, money in the bank, vacations at least once a year. I struggled. I wanted that, too. Not wealth, a sense of security.

It doesn’t just happen in poor countries or after natural disasters.

These people live in the woods [in Central Florida].

And it happens to the wealthy among us, too. Check out Holly’s post on Michael Gates Gill’s book ‘How to Save Your Own Life’.

Mom is always right [at least mine is]

Ever since I can remember my mother has told me to live on what I earn. Yeah, you’re thinking the same thing. But you’re probably missing it. I did, too.

Every time my mom was given a raise in pay she had that amount put into her savings. Direct deposit is wonderful! She learned to live on what she made [when she started]. Think about raises as found money.

This is where many of us lose the most of our money.

We earn $500 per week [for example]. We manage just fine on this $500 a week, too. Then we get a raise. Now we earn $600 a week. No we are managing just fine on $600 a week. Yet, we have nothing going into savings. Why? We don’t make enough, right? Wrong! We were managing just fine on $500 a week until that raise. How did we do it? Why can’t we do it now?

We can.

It took me a long time to learn this lesson. But when I did, boy, it was fantastic!

When I first started working at my last job I was making $21,000 a year. It was depressing since I took such a huge pay cut. By the time I left I was making just under $40,000 a year. Not a windfall, I know. It didn’t matter. I had been living on about $25,000 a year anyway.

The rest went to savings. Mine, the kids, my HSA, my retirement.

Don’t get me wrong, I spent some of that savings, too.

I paid to have my driveway paved. Worth every single penny.

I bought a brand new open-hole flute with a B foot & piccolo for Megan.

I bought a brand new wooden clarinet for Amanda.

I bought a brand new MacBook for myself when I returned to school.

It’s okay. My savings was meant to be there for those things I really wanted and/or needed.

Know the difference between wants and needs

Trust me when I say this, all of those items above were wants. We needed none of those things.

I am not in debt. Well, except for my Jeep. And my house. But, other than those two things.

Food, shelter, clothing  ~ these are your basic needs.

Ask yourself? Do I need this or want this? What will it provide me? Can I live without it? Walk away and give yourself a chance to think it over. Don’t impulse buy!

The driveway is safer now.

Megan is a music education major.

Amanda made 3rd chair All-Districts on clarinet.

I use my MacBook all of the time.

They all provided something I felt to be worth the money spent.

I don’t have to ask for a handout. Not that there is anything wrong with asking for help when you need it and for things you really need. A gym membership is not a need. You can walk anywhere. You can sit in a chair in your living room and lift cans of vegetables for free.

I was on food stamps once. I am acquainted with the WIC program. They were a tremendous help to me and my family, at one time. I am no different than anyone else.

How do you manage to save your money?

Disclaimer: I am not a financial adviser. Taking my advice on money or any other manners is to be done at your own discretion.