Stay Tuned

I am studying and listening a lot so that I can make some really important financial changes in 2012. As part of my plan, I intend to blog about my progress and my discoveries, especially when I find ideas that are not being covered elsewhere.

Of particular interest to me is the zone where the financial and the psychological meet. In my view, there exists a big, underdeveloped gap between those of us who are wrecks when it comes to managing money and those who read the Wall Street Journal for fun.

If you would like to explore the possibility of moving from your financial childhood to a more adult way of being with money, stick with me.

Ten Tips for the Holidays

1. Make your presence more valuable than your presents.
   
2. Passing on your values is more important than passing on valuable things.
   
3. Bake more than you take.
   
4. May you share all of the gifts of your heart and less of the cash in your wallet.
   
5. Make a note on your 2012 calendar to start a holiday savings plan beginning in January.
   
6. Forgive an old hurt and allow love to fill the space where resentment has grown. Call that person!
   
7. Help someone at home or work do their chore or job without expecting anything in return.
   
8. Broaden your knowledge and tolerance by searching online for the story behind a holiday that's not yours.
   
9. Read aloud with your beloved a story, some poetry or quotes pertaining to the holiday season.
   
10. When you tip someone, write a note or tell them why they are important to you.

Dad's First Shopping Lesson

My 17 year old daughter recently took my advice on the subject of finding deals in a clothing store. I said, "When you come into the store look for the sale signs. And if you can find something you like in that area, get it and go. " My daughter doesn't listen to me about much, but I have made her a bargain hunter.

Of course, most of the items on a sales rack are there because they are ugly. When I was 17, I spent many an afternoon browsing record albums in the discount bin. You have to look at lots and lots of junk before finding the diamond in the rough. But I always hoped that the next rack might contain a looked over deal. And every now and then, I struck gold.

Hunting for bargains is a mindset. It prevents you from paying full price for ANYTHING. Try it and you'll see: it's like a treasure hunt.

A Money Joke

Woman: Can you please take me someplace expensive tonight?
Man: How about a gas station?

Needs and Wants

We wrote a song with 1st graders this week. As a group we defined needs as healthy food, clothing, a place to live, clean water, love and learning. Everything else is a want.

Do you agree?