I purchased a car detailing package. I got a better interior cleaning at the car wash I usually go to. There were still crumbs in the cup holders, seats weren't even wiped down let alone washed. What a joke.
It's never been a big deal; we go to bed and wake up like it's an average weekend. We've fallen into the habit/tradition of going over the inventory and updating the Emergency Bug Out Bags and reviewing the last year's budget before fiddling around with the new year's goals while dreaming up our next vacation plans.
I have really enjoyed reading your budget challenge articles this year. I'm always looking to save more and I like your suggestion for the 52 week challenge. I'm definitely going to give it a try. Looking forward to more of your articles in 2017!
I make several of my own cleaning products and it's not that expensive. In fact, most of the different types of cleaners that I make contain the same basic, inexpensive ingredients. My all-purpose cleaner contains borax, liquid castile soap, and a few drops of citrus essential oil. My scrubbing powder is baking soda, kosher salt, borax, and essential oils. I make my own to avoid harsh chemicals and I'm happy with the results that I get. My recipes came from a book called "The Hands On Home" by Erica Strauss. It's a win-win: I save a few bucks, avoid harsh chemicals, AND I get in touch with my inner pioneer woman. I feel like Laura Ingalls Wilder.
I think at least half of the motivation for anyone making their own cleaning supplies is environmental. Sure, the items are cheap at Target or Walmart, but at what expense to the planet?
An alternative school of thinking asks:
1-Why should I have to "borrow" money that belongs to me, and pay back my OWN money with interest?
2- Why invest money into an account that grows between 1%-3% (as whole life policies do) when I COULD take the SAME money and invest in a good mutual fund that earns between 8%-%10?
3- Why would I allow the insurance company to keep my cash value upon my death, when I MYSELF was the one that was paying for the cash value the whole time?
Put it another way. Say you went to your local bank and were thinking of opening an account with them. They list all the same things you mention as being reasons why cash value life insurance is such a great deal. Would you seriously open an account with a bank that forced you to access YOUR OWN MONEY by loaning it to yourself? Would you open the account if you knew you could get a 3x better interest rate at another bank down the street? Would you open that account if you knew they would KEEP YOUR MONEY in the event of your untimely death?
No thinking person would. And people would do well to consider the alternative school of thought before fondling their cash value life insurance policies.
Our extended family gets together for either dinner or late night snacks at my sister's house and we do sparklers and other (legal) pyrotechnic toys. We count down to midnight together and then everyone sips champagne or sparkling cider and exchanges hugs and kisses while we watch the fireworks display that comes from a nearby hotel.
I usually hang out with friends and family but most recently I started a new tradition/ritual of letting go of the lessons of the past year and setting new intentions for the new year.
I am so glad that this book exists. Strong women like Donna show us that being a single mom doesn't have to be a handicap. There is a way to take control of your life again.
I always watch the Ryan Seacrest countdown show.
My family gets together and plays games, watches football and goes for a walk.
I purchased a car detailing package. I got a better interior cleaning at the car wash I usually go to. There were still crumbs in the cup holders, seats weren't even wiped down let alone washed. What a joke.
We celebrate at home and spend quality time together and enjoy a few drinks
I always make a resolution to lose weight.
It's never been a big deal; we go to bed and wake up like it's an average weekend. We've fallen into the habit/tradition of going over the inventory and updating the Emergency Bug Out Bags and reviewing the last year's budget before fiddling around with the new year's goals while dreaming up our next vacation plans.
Hi! I would love to win this book from Donna. I follow her for year and she always offers a great piece of advice.
I have really enjoyed reading your budget challenge articles this year. I'm always looking to save more and I like your suggestion for the 52 week challenge. I'm definitely going to give it a try. Looking forward to more of your articles in 2017!
I usually go to a friends house
The book sounds great!
I make several of my own cleaning products and it's not that expensive. In fact, most of the different types of cleaners that I make contain the same basic, inexpensive ingredients. My all-purpose cleaner contains borax, liquid castile soap, and a few drops of citrus essential oil. My scrubbing powder is baking soda, kosher salt, borax, and essential oils. I make my own to avoid harsh chemicals and I'm happy with the results that I get. My recipes came from a book called "The Hands On Home" by Erica Strauss. It's a win-win: I save a few bucks, avoid harsh chemicals, AND I get in touch with my inner pioneer woman. I feel like Laura Ingalls Wilder.
So much to be grateful for, yet so much to look forward to!
Thanks for the inspiration to do both.
Here's to an awesome '17!
Suprise!! I have a 2005 Pontiac sunfire with 208,000 + miles on it. It still runs great!
I like to stay in for NYE. We usually make a dinner of jumbo shrimp and king crab legs at home and then watch the ball drop.
Interesting you fail to mention any of the government edits that disparage their performance.
I think at least half of the motivation for anyone making their own cleaning supplies is environmental. Sure, the items are cheap at Target or Walmart, but at what expense to the planet?
An alternative school of thinking asks:
1-Why should I have to "borrow" money that belongs to me, and pay back my OWN money with interest?
2- Why invest money into an account that grows between 1%-3% (as whole life policies do) when I COULD take the SAME money and invest in a good mutual fund that earns between 8%-%10?
3- Why would I allow the insurance company to keep my cash value upon my death, when I MYSELF was the one that was paying for the cash value the whole time?
Put it another way. Say you went to your local bank and were thinking of opening an account with them. They list all the same things you mention as being reasons why cash value life insurance is such a great deal. Would you seriously open an account with a bank that forced you to access YOUR OWN MONEY by loaning it to yourself? Would you open the account if you knew you could get a 3x better interest rate at another bank down the street? Would you open that account if you knew they would KEEP YOUR MONEY in the event of your untimely death?
No thinking person would. And people would do well to consider the alternative school of thought before fondling their cash value life insurance policies.
Our extended family gets together for either dinner or late night snacks at my sister's house and we do sparklers and other (legal) pyrotechnic toys. We count down to midnight together and then everyone sips champagne or sparkling cider and exchanges hugs and kisses while we watch the fireworks display that comes from a nearby hotel.
I usually hang out with friends and family but most recently I started a new tradition/ritual of letting go of the lessons of the past year and setting new intentions for the new year.
I couldn't refrain from commenting. Very well written!
I am 60 and have trouble finding work. I know how to mess up interviews. Some how sell yourself. Got only a temp job.
I am so glad that this book exists. Strong women like Donna show us that being a single mom doesn't have to be a handicap. There is a way to take control of your life again.
I have a Sony slv-d380p cannot play any movies from Great Britain any help would be appreciated
This is a fabulous article. I must repost this. I hope you don't mind. I will be sure to give credit. Thanks for the useful information.
Our tradition is to have a big breakfast and spend all day just relaxing with family.