It's not you, it's me. Can we still be friends?

I have never been a fan of writing.  I have never been very gifted in getting my point across by using the written word.  However, I have always been interested in taking on challenges and not giving up until I succeed at whatever the challenge is.  While I'm not sure how to gauge whether or not I've "succeeded" at writing this blog, I can say it's been an immense blessing and a real source of encouragement by hearing from many of you through this process.

However, I face a challenge.  I work in a highly regulated industry, one that is monitored very closely.  My company has recently updated its Social Media policy, and while what I'm writing in this blog is a gray area for them, we both decided it's best if I discontinue writing at this time.  Perhaps things will change in the future, and I'll be able to take up writing again, but until such time, I'm going off the air, errrr, web.  

My final thoughts for this blog are this:

Matthew 6:24  (Matthew 6)

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Luke 16:10  (Luke 16)

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.

Malachi 3:10  (Malachi 3)

"Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need."

We are called to be good stewards of our money, but we are not to be slaves to it.  Be wise with what has been given to you and give generously back not only to those around you, but also to the Creator who gave you such things.

Thanks for reading along the way. I'd love to hear from any of you who decided to take the many challenges I posed.  This doesn't mean you can't ask me questions anytime.  I'd love to help find answers.  Take care and God bless!

Until we meet again...

My Top 10 favorite websites to save or make money!

I remember vividly back to my high school days, which frighteningly ended 16 years ago, and being given instructions on how to properly use the library card catalog.  A big cube with seemingly hundreds of drawers and millions of tiny cards.  Micro-fiche, phonebooks, the telephone "info-line", 2 inch thick Sears and JC Penney catalogs (and Witmark for you Michiganders), VHS and Beta tapes, and cassettes - all just 15-20 years ago.  The advances in technology have made many things more efficient, and many things obsolete.  For someone trying to be fiscally wise, the advances in technology leave us with much greater tools to be certain we are always getting the best deal.


My most recent example of this comes from an experience I had this week.  Jill and I are in the process of upgrading from a Queen bed to a King.  Four kids have made this a must.  We have purchased everything necessary for a King bed (sheets, comforter, quilt, pillows, etc.) except the actual mattress.  While researching bed skirts (I don't what purpose these serve, or why they are necessary) Jill found just the one she wanted from Target.  The price in the store is $54.99.  She decided to check Target's website, and it happened that the very same bed skirt online was being clearanced for $16.99 with free shipping.  That's a deal!


I am going to need your help to make this post most worthwhile.  I want to layout some of the best websites I've found for us fiscally conscience folks.  But, most importantly, I'd love for you to share any great sites you've come across for the benefit of everyone else reading this.  I'm going to group these into a few categories with a very brief description of the site.  I will check most of these sites every day to keep current on any good deals available.


Sites to MAKE MONEY


- www.fieldagent.net - search for "jobs" in your area and make some quick dough.  I made $2.20 completing a 5 minute Best Buy survey the other day.  They Paypal the money to me and that's it.  Most jobs have you take pictures of specific displays in certain stores and send them in.  Site is still in its infancy, so there are time when no jobs are available.


- www.craigslist.org - Sell, sell, sell your stuff for free.  It's easy to do and possible to make good money in a very short time period.  We made $113 in 18 hours this last weekend.


Sites to SAVE MONEY


- www.groupon.com and www.livingsocial.com - are the two most popular "deal-a-day" sites.  You can many times find very good deals, BUT, only buy things you would normally buy anyway.  For example, paying $150 for $300 worth of teeth whitening is only a good deal if you were already planning on seeking out that service. 


- www.woot.com - They sell one item every day, often at a deep discount.  It tends to be mostly electronic items, but you never know what you'll find.  I made several purchases from this site.


- www.craigslist.org - yes, again.  This can be a great place to get great deals on things.  I've purchased anything from boats and cars to small items like saw blades and hand tools.  I always prefer to buy from individuals rather than dealers or companies as I can often get the price down much more aggressively.


- www.gasbuddy.com - This is a must.  You can always be assured you're getting the lowest price on gas no matter where you happen to be.  Their mobile app is great (and free). 


- www.thedealmap.com - Great site to quickly find great local deals anywhere in the US.  Restaurant deals, discounts on goods and services, etc.


- www.savingaddiction.com - Granted, this tends to be more West Michigan focused, but it serves not only as a local resource for great specials, it serves as a great resource for ways to find and locate good deals.


- www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com - Provides great and inexpensive ways to decorate your home (Jill loves this site)


Sites to help with BUDGETING

- www.mint.com - There are lots of budgeting sites, but many charge a fee and aren't easy to use or very comprehensive.  I'm just starting to tinker with this site, so I can't give a full review, but I've found it helpful so far and it gets very good reviews - plus it's completely free!

My list is by no means exhaustive, but it's a start.  Now it's your turn.  What sites have you found helpful?  What sites can you not live without?  Please leave your comments below, or better yet, leave them at The Low Down Facebook page so everyone can view them more easily.  I'm looking forward to learning from you! 

Until we meet again...

The party is over. Now, let's have some fun!

Hello again!  Here we are several days into the new year and our 2011 resolutions.  We've been members of the local YMCA for over 3 years and we are often amused at the dynamics of the new members around January 1st.  Like most gyms or athletic clubs after January 1st, the YMCA is filled to the gills.  New faces, determined looks, fancy new workout clothes, etc.  It takes about 7 days for the crowds to get back to normal and see many of the new faces for the last time.  


I can't help but think about how many of those same dynamics hold true for our financial resolutions.  It's relatively easy to think about what's possible and how the new you will tackle the tallest financial mountains in the coming year.  It is very common to see people well into their 40's before they really begin to think seriously about reaching their lifelong financial goals. Like most well-intentioned New Year fitness goals, many financial goals are left dramatically unmet and largely forgotten about as soon as the first unexpected bill or repair comes along.  


Some people are determined to start living on a budget.  However, if you've ever tried to put a budget together and actually maintain it month to month, it's extremely difficult.  If you've been able to successfully create and live on a budget, please share your experience.  I'm all for it, but I've never really attempted to live on a budget.  That may surprise some of you, but it's true.  It may be especially surprising to know that my income (and we are a 1 income house) can vary as much as 30% year to year.  I tend to take a different approach to budgeting.  Some of my approach will be revealed later on.


If you've already established some goals for this year, good for you, but keep reading.  If you haven't, you are certainly not too late.  I have some tips and ideas for your consideration as you put together your financial plan for 2011.  They go something like this:


1) If you budget for anything, budget for this.  Frankly, there is nothing more irritating than the doorbell ringing as we are sitting down for dinner to find someone asking for donations for the football boosters, or clean water funds, or hungry African children, or a 4th grader selling magazines for a field trip.  Not that these are unworthy causes, but it puts you in an awkward situation that requires split second financial reasoning.  I'm a big believer in giving and giving generously, but also giving strategically.  We will set a general amount aside each year that is for exactly these type of situations.  Once the money is gone, it's gone.  It helps us stay disciplined so we don't end up with 4 magazine subscriptions we don't read.  It also makes saying 'no' that much easier.  I would encourage you to set a specific amount aside just for these purpose.


2) Set a record - then break it!  This one is fun.  One way to feel successful in goal setting is to make them manageable.  Annual goals are okay, but they can seem far off and if you fall behind, they can seem impossible.  Try setting many small goals.  One of my favorites is seeing how many days in a row you (or your family) can go with out spending any money.  This excludes your regular bills and food staples of course.  How many days can you go without any discretionary spending?  No fast food, movies, clothes, coffee, etc.  See how long you can go.  Once you've established your record, then set a goal to break that record!  It can turn into a lot of fun and save you from spending on generally unnecessary items.  Give it a try!


3) Getting a tax refund?  Many of us will be getting a tax refund in the next few months.  Many people use that refund to pay off Christmas bills or credit card debt.  If you have credit card debt that you can't pay off with your regular income, then that is probably the best way to spend that refund.  If you are looking forward to getting a refund to use as you wish, this is an important moment for you.  The temptation will be to spend it on something.  Challenge yourself to fight that urge.  For some of you, this might be your best chance to make a significant contribution to your savings account.  Save it, it'll feel good!


4) If you didn't earn it, save it!  One of my favorite ways to save money is to save every dollar I didn't earn.  The $50 birthday check, the rebate check in the mail, the $20 your neighbored paid you back, the refund given in cash from an item returned to the store, garage sale proceeds, money from Craigslist/Ebay sales, etc.  This is all money you didn't earn, but rather money given to you.  This money, for me, always goes into savings.  You will be surprised how much this might add up to be.  


These ideas are simple and easy.  None of them require detailed budgeting or ongoing maintenance that so often causes us to stumble.  What things do you do?  What goals do you set?  How to you keep yourself accountable?  I'd love to hear from you!


Lastly, there are two ways to connect with the Low Down.  You can follow this blog (see above right) and you can "Like" my Low Down Facebook page.  


Here's to a great 2011!


Until we meet again...