Challenge Myself: Day #129 If You Are Able Buy Your Home

Today is Day #129 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says if you can buy a home if you have the finances and you are able.

The book says,

Recent changes in the housing market have made it possible for many people to purchase their first home. It's a huge decision and one that requires careful consideration.

You may want to consult a trusted real estate agent or bank loan officer to get all the facts and to help you understand the process.

There are many great advantages to owning your own home, not the least of which is having a place of belonging where you can build your life and even start your family. If you haven't already.

There are tax advantages to owning your own home, and the best news is that there are huge numbers of homes on the market today and many are much more affordable that they were just a year or two ago.

If owning your own place will make you happy, now might be the right time to check into it.

Are you one who has thought that buying a home is cheaper than renting? Then this may be an option for you. Talk to an agent and find out your options. Buying is a home however is a privilege, not a right. Be careful not to get trapped into a bubble that would burst.

Just For Today: Home has always been my safety net.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #128 Build A Nest Egg

Today is Day #128 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to consult with an investment expert to get your IRA growing.

The book says,

Build a little nest egg for yourself. Open a traditional or Roth individual retirement account (IRA) and put the maximum amount the IRS will allow in the account each year.

Do be wise about investing your retirement. If you don't understand the difference between the two types of IRA's and the investment possibilities for growing your money as well as the tax ramifications, seek the councel of a trusted financial advisor.

It's all part of growing a fatter nest egg so that someday you can become a retiree with a lifestyle that you love and can afford.

The words, "build a little nest egg" is the truth. We haven't had extra to contribute in about six years. It only gets about $20 a year from the bank interest. Sad.

Just For Today: I will not sweat the IRA stuff!

From the book, Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #127 Make A P&L Chart

Today is Day #127 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says, learn to create a profit and loss chart for your household finances.

The book says,

If you've never produced a personal profit and loss chart, don't sweat it. It's easy to create and useful for preparing your income tax filings.

Really, it's about pulling together two columns of numbers, income and expenses. List all your income sources, such as wages, investment dividends, lottery winnings, social security benefits, income tax refunds, or others, and their respective amounts in one column.

A second column lists all your expenses with those amounts also allocated. That means money spent for orthodontic braces, medical insurance premiums, and regular medications go under a "medical" heading. Also include headings such as, Auto, Charity, Child Care, Education, Household (mortgage, moving expenses, for example) and others.

Knowing the amount of money coming in exceeds the amount being spent for your needs means that you most likely will have money left over. Maybe a lot! Now, doesn't that make you happy?

Just For Today: I am thankful for jobs and the few dollars left over after the bills are all paid.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #125 A Dollar In Your Pocket

Today is Day #125 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to keep a one dollar bill in your pocket or purse at all times. Then, you are never really broke. You still have a dollar.

The book says,

There's something reassuring about having money in your purse or your pants pocket. Think of that dollar as insurance against developing a poverty mentality.

Abolish the sense of deficiency in your life and try to stay focused on the abundance that you want to manifest. You are certainly not broke as long as you have that dollar. Let that dollar lead you into brainstorming ways of creating more dollars.

Positive and hopeful thinking and dreaming can get you started. Goals will pull you a little farther along, and creative ingenutity and concrete effort can remove blockages and shift the flow of money into your life. And being able to manifest the money you need replaces your fear and worry with joy and expectation.

Just For Today: It is not the just the monetary things in life that is important or will bring happiness. Happiness starts from within all of us!

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #124 Make Wise Investment Choices

Today is Day #124 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to put your money to work for you.

The book says,

When you inherit property, for example, there's an inherent temptation to spend money rather than invest it.

However, if you don't need that money and can invest it in mutual funds, annuitites, real estate income trust (REITS), or other assets, consult a trusted advisor or investment professional for advice on how to put your money to work earning more money for you.

Expenditures on luxury items can give you a thrill, but the happiness isn't lasting. Anytime you have discretionary income that isn't earmarked for your personal or family needs, a better approach to spending it on expensive toys is to buy assets that, over time, will put money in your pocket.

Do you have an inheritance? Did you win the lottery? Do you have an annuity? Then make wise investments and let your investments make money!

Just For Today: I am not rich in worldly possessions. I am happy with what I have.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #123 Visit The U.S. Mint

Today is Day #123 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to plan a family trip to the United States Mint.

The book says,

Plan a family vacation around a trip to the U.S. Mint in Washington, DC. The mint oversees the custody and protection of over $100 billion of U.S. gold and silver assets.

Why not use the occasion as a field trip to learn about the history of the mint, how it produces currency and coinage for commerce, why a mint mistake can get coin collectors salivating, what is a proof set of collectible coins, and how someone can start a coin collection for fun and to learn history.

That trip, quite possibly, could be the highlight of your family vacation.

Many years ago we took the kids to visit many of the sites in our Nations Capitol and the Memorials. We especially visited the Vietnam Memorial Wall because my uncles name is on that wall. We visited the Arlington National Cemetery visit President John F. Kennedy's grave and to see the eternal flame. I regret now not planning a trip to the Mint.

Just For Today: Learn a little bit about the history of our coins in the U.S.

Other Links:

What Is The U.S. Mint?

The U.S. Mint Website

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #122 Financial Audio Books

Today is Day #122 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says that we should listen to audio books written by financial wizards during our commute.

The book says,

What do you do during your commute other than drive? Talk on your cell? Think about your troubles? Curse at the long line of cars ahead or the guy who just cut you off?

Do something productive when you are forced to sit in traffic. Buy some audio books about finance. Or choose audio titles in other areas of your business or career.

Maybe there's an industry topic that you want to know more about or a new language you'd like to learn for a new market you want to tap.

You have to be on that road twice a day, so instead of letting all that time go to waste, use the time in ways that can return dividends in your career or business.

You may find yourself looking forward to that commute.

You can find  audio books at the Library, at any book store or on Amazon.

Just For Today: I am trying to learn ways and understand how I can apply these challenges into my daily life.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #121 Past Financial Experiences

Today is Day #121 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to put your past financial experiences into perspective.

The book says,

If you are looking for that silver lining in the dark cloud of America's recent economic downturn, try studying what happened to your

Challenge Myself: Day #120 Hobbies and Income Ideas

Today is Day #120 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to brainstorm three income ideas.

The book says,

Perhaps you enjoy beadwork and make earrings, belt buckles, and pins while wathcing television at night. Or, you may have a passion for sports collectibles and pour over your binder of cachets in your leisure time.

Whatever you interest, passion, or hobby, you can make something artsy-craftsy to sell at local art and wine festivals, on ebay, or in galleries featuring the work of local artisans?

Think of at least three ways to generate income from your knowledge, passion, and expertise.
Yes, there may be a learning curve until you are actually doing it, but you're going to love the extra money flowing in.

Are you artsy and crafty? If so, why not generate a small income from your talent! Or maybe you already have tried your hand at selling your crafts. If so do you do well? Do you set up tables at craft fairs? At Flea Markets?

Todays challenge made me realize I have so many talents. I am often so busy that I disconnected with them. I love to write yet I haven't published any writings. Several years ago I tried my hand making jewelry. I love to paint and haven't done so for many years. Recently when I was without the Internet I started painting again.

Just For Today: Connecting with my inner self to reconnect with my God given talents!

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #119 Attend A Wealth Seminar

Today is Day #118 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today suggests that we sign up for a wealth seminar.

The book says,

Wealth begins as a state of mind. You must want it and be willing to work toward having it. Even if you don't have any discretionary income to put to work earning money, at least invest some time in a class to begin to learn about how you can build wealth.

Some of the wealthiest people in American history were once poor, hard working immigrants with little to show for their daily endeavors. Many even faced discrimination. But they had big dreams and didn't let their situation stop them from building great wealth.

A wealth seminar could be just what you need to get started working on your own stash of cash.

With the cost of everything sky rocketing I am sure that a wealth seminar can help those who invest their money. We have a Roth IRA from about six years ago in the bank. It only gains a small amount each year.

In 2008 I did the retirement calculator just to see what I would need at retirement. It said I needed $500,000.00 to retire comfortably.

I just did the retirement calculator again and according to the retirement calculator this time I got a message, "You Are Screwed!" It says I now need $1,050,745 to retire.

Just For Today: I am reminded that I can only live one day at a time!

Other Links:
Retirement Calculator

pic from Pinterest
From the book: Live Happy

A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned

It was the great Benjamin Franklin who one said,

"A penny saved is a penny earned."

I have often found pennies lying on sidewalks and in parking lots and reminded of the poem, Pennies From Heaven.

"So don't pass by that penny
When you're feeling blue.
It may be a penny from heaven
That an Angel's tossed to you."

Who knew that the value of even a penny can count?

pic found on Pinterest
Poem Pennies From Heaven Written By: C. Mashburn

Challenge Myself: Day #118 Write A Plan

Today is Day #118 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to write up a plan to get out of debt.

The book says,

You're sticking to your budget and now you want to tackle a bigger plan to get out of debt. It takes about three weeks for a new habit to really stick, so allow at least a month for your brain and spending habits to catch up to your new way of dealing with household expenses.

Don't let anything keep you from sticking to that new household budget, and resist the urge to buy new things.

Remember the best time for success is when you no longer can stand failure. Figure out a plan of action to take for those moments when temptation beckons and your will power weakens.

Reward yourself for not giving in. Have a small piece of chocolate, take a walk in a flower garden, or check out a book or video from the library to enjoy in a leisure moment. If you can resist temptation once, you can do it again.

How empowering is that!

The past few weeks have been draining. On Friday October 16th my hubby was laid off of work due to the economic downturn.

I listen to the media and thought everything was great with the economy! Apparently not so. This job layoff came out of the blue. I haven't had Internet for a few weeks because in times like this I had to decide at a moments notice exactly what bills would be paid on time. Internet is a luxury not a necessity.

I have had to apply some of these challenges to my real life in the past weeks.

Just For Today: I have been reminded these past weeks, Just Breathe! Today I will close my eyes, take a deep breath and try not to concentrate on the stress!

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #117 Skip The Latte

Today is Day #117 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to skip the take out latte and put the money into your savings account.

The book says,

How many times a week do you stop for that special large cup of latte?

Try this little experiment; Each time during the week that you feel the impulse to have a $5.00 latte at the usual coffee house, put that amount aside.

If you've been stopping every day, you are spending $5.00 per day, roughly $25.00 a week. or $100 a month. Over a year thats about $5,200.00 that could be earning more money. If you put it into an interest-bearing savings account.

Just For Today: I am happy with the little bit that I can save!

pic from Writalin
From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #116 Paying Off a Credit Card

Today is Day #116 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to pay off your credit card with the highest interest rate.

The book says,

Most credit card companies assess finance charges when you don't pay off your balance in full every month. If that practice is causing you to sink deeper in debt, start paying off those cards and stop charging on them, if possible.

It will take a lot of willpower and perseverance to get credit card debt paid off, but you can do it.
Make a list of all of your cards, what you owe, and the interest rate on each. Then pick the one with the highest interest rate and pay down that card until you get it paid off.

Reward yourself, but for goodness sake, don't charge it.

In 2001 I flubbed up bad. We sold a small tract of property and at closing I asked for the money to be applied to our credit report to wipe away debt. We decided from that point to live without credit cards or credit. We paid cash for what we wanted. We used lay away whenever possible. And we also used places like Rent A Center when we needed a new stove.

This was all not a good idea. Two years ago we needed a new car. We learned we had absolutely zero credit on our credit report with a very low credit number I believe like in the 500 range because nothing was reporting to our credit report. In our 50's we had the grand task of establishing credit once again.

We have had to rebuild credit. We got off the kids family plans and got our own cell phone plans as a starter. It has taken us two years. Two years ago we couldn't get a credit card now, it seems they are giving them away like candy. I could give an example here, but won't in case someone I am referring to is reading.

Just For Today: Giving up the worries and stress over the credit rating system!


From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #115 Start an Investment Club

Today is Day #115 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says form an investment club with friends to learn about money.

The book says,

The next time you and your friends bemoan the economy and how difficult it is to stretch a budget, do something constructive. Propose that you all form an investment club.

Learn about how to invest in stocks, bond, mutual funds and other types of markets to put your money.

If you don't have money to work with initially, make imaginary investments until you do. Track each investment made within your group for six months or a year.

Have fun while you learn about attracting money, working with your capital, and building your wealth.

Just For Today: I will not stress and worry about my household finances today. I trust in my Higher Power to help with my needs.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #114 You Can Make It Happen

Today is Day #114 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to write down your desired income and tape it to your computer.

The book says,

Do you dream about making a certain amount of money this year or next?

Write it on a piece of paper and tape it to your computer monitor where you can easily see it. Let it remind you of your desire.

Set a goal to bring in that amount. Develop a laser focus.

If you don't believe it is possible to generate that income from your job, get a second job. Better still, dream up new ways to create income streams.

Could you sell things eBay like the woman who turned flea market and garage sale finds into products that she resold on eBay to the tune of $3,000 in extra monthly income?

You can make it happen!

Just For Today: If I set my mind to it, and set the proper goals I too can make it happen!

From the book: Live Happy

The 52 Week Money Challenge

I don't know how many of you have saw or read about the 52 Week Money Challenge. I saw it a few years ago floating around Facebook for a few months. I printed it and we tried it.

We didn't have $1,378 at the end of the year but we did have about $800 saved which came in handy that year. In December of that year the motor in our truck blew and we had to get another vehicle. We needed $1,500 for a deposit down and had $800 of it right from the start.

The other $878 I would have probably had saved had it not been for enabling my adult children. The hubby estimates that is probably what I dished out to them and more from the Money Challenge Jar.

pic found @ Pinterest

Challenge Myself: Day #113 Be A Money Magnet

Today is Day #113 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to close your eyes and imagine that you are a money magnet.

The book says,

Practitioners of the universal law of attraction say that what you think about most is what you attract into your life.

Instead of worrying about money, think of yourself as a money magnet. Yoke your willpower and actions to your positive thinking.

Believe that money from your various sources (known and unknown) is flowing to you.

Don't discourage any of the myriad ways it might arrive including checks in the mail, found money, gifts, inheritances, rebates and coupons, refunds, dividends and donations.

Personally, I am not certain this little experiment works. I haven't tried it. I meditate often but I've never meditated that money will be heading my way.

Just For Today: I will not stress about bills or money!

pic from Zazzle
From the Book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #112 Balancing The Checkbook

Today is Day #112 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says that we need to balance our checkbook every statement cycle.

The book says,

If you bank online, you may simply check your balances each day and take note of which bills have been paid or are queued up for payment.

However, working with a checkbook helps you know at a glance what your balance is when you are not near a computer.

Be diligent about recording any check you write when you are making purchases throughout the day. Some banks send with your monthly statement a how-to guide to balancing your checkbook, and it's worth taking a few moments to stay on top of your balances.

When the monthly bank statement arrives and there aren't any scary surprises, you'll feel both relieved and happy.

I don't bank online. I do however like the feature that banks offer with calling to get the balance. Personally I still do things from back in the dinosaur days balancing the checkbook and using a spiral notebook. Personally, I set down with my checkbook weekly and balance it each month when the statement gets here.

Just For Today: I will not stress over it!!!!

pic from: cartoon stock
From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #111 Tackling the Bills

Today is Day #111 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to set a timer for twenty minutes and tackle the bills.

The book says,

If you are like many people, you hate paying bills. Yet, you must attend to that dreaded chore to maintain good credit.

An excellent way to deal with unpleasant tasks is to tackle them as soon as possible. Procrastinating only invites your stress to increase. But relief comes as soon as the job is done. So gather those bills together, get your calculator, the checkbook, a pen, and set a timer.

Hunker down for twenty minutes or until the job is done. Then reward yourself with a glass of wine, a piece of chocolate, or anything that makes you happy.

Just For Today: I will not stress over the bills this week.

pic from: Life Is Funny
From the book: Live Happy