Yesterday’s Oprah Show discussed the negative affects our bad economy is having on marriages.  M. Gary Neuman was on the show sharing tips for recession-proofing a marriage to couples who admitted letting depression, grief, anxiety, and shame over foreclosures and job loss take priority over their marriages.

It’s understandable why marriages are struggling with the added stress of making ends meet.  If financial strain is wreaking havoc on your marriage, consider…

Neuman’s 5-Step Action Plan:

Step 1: Fight for Your Marriage

Step 2: Set Aside Time to Talk About Money

Step 3: Go Outside of Yourself

Step 4: Bring the Kids On Board

Step 5: Keep Living as a Couple

Remember, difficult financial times don’t have to break your marriage.  It could bring you closer together.  Stick together and help each other.  Also remember, you are not defined by the job or material things you had.  You are still the same beautiful, powerful, and loving person you were before all that.  This is a good time to set a positive example for your children on how to effectively manage stressful situations.

I received the following family food expenditure photos in an email.  You know how that goes… good information, but no particular origination source to site.  Nevertheless, I thought it was interesting enough to share with you because…

1)  The current economic slump has many of us looking closer at our spending habits and thinking about ways to save money.  Some families may be buying more groceries and eating out less.  Seeing how others eat for less may inspire someone to implement more creative ways to shave bucks off his or her own family food expenditure bill.  Click here to learn 20 ways to save on groceries.

AND…

2)  The current obesity rates give cause for pause (hey, that rhymes).  We need to make our nutrition and overall health more of a priority.  Taking a closer look at our junk to healthy food ratio, may allow us to see where the obesity epidemic and other weight-related problems should be attacked first–at the dinner table.

Take a good look at the family size and diet of each country, and the availability and cost of what is eaten in one week:

Italy: The Manzo family of Sicily
Food expenditure for one week: 214.36 Euros or $260.11

Germany: The Melander family of Bargteheide
Food expenditure for one week: 375.39 Euros or $500.07

United States: The Revis family of North Carolina

Food expenditure for one week $341.98

Mexico: The Casales family of Cuernavaca
Food expenditure for one week: 1,862.78 Mexican Pesos or $189.09

Poland: The Sobczynscy family of Konstancin-Jeziorna
Food expenditure for one week: 582.48 Zlotys or $151.27

Egypt: The Ahmed family of Cairo
Food expenditure for one week: 387.85 Egyptian Pounds or $68.53

Ecuador: The Ayme family of Tingo
Food expenditure for one week: $31.55

Bhutan: The Namgay family of Shingkhey Village
Food expenditure for one week: 224.93 ngultrum or $5.03

Chad: The Aboubakar family of Breidjing Camp
Food expenditure for one week: 685 CFA Francs or $1.23

So, what’s your family eating?  How much is it costing per week?

My latest blog post on the Suze Orman Community Fan Club Blog was featured on January 15th.  Suze Orman, who gives us tips for living more financially responsible lives, continuously reminds us that only we can save ourselves during this downturn in our country’s economic system.  She is so committed to helping us save ourselves, that she teamed up with Oprah to allow free downloads of her book, Suze Orman’s 2009 Action Plan.

I know bloggers have been buzzing about this book like crazy.  So, instead of telling you about this book (buy or download it), I want to share money-saving tips I learned from one of my favorite magazines to help you and your family save yourself.   Add the following tips to your “Save [Your Name Here] 2009 Action Plan”.

Parenting (October 2008)

Mom Exchange:  How Our Family Saves Money

“We keep a list of restaurants where kids eat for free on certain nights. This way, celebration meals won’t break the bank. My kids now watch for coupons to these restaurants — they’re getting reading practice and learning to be careful with money.” –Dawn Albrecht, Milwaukee

“Twenty dollars from each paycheck goes toward making a switch to a greener and cheaper home. So far, we’ve changed all our bulbs to CFLs and bought light-sensing nightlights for the kids. These small changes cut our electric bill by $75 a month.” –Tosha Watters, Newcastle, OK

“Instead of using coupons right away, I check our grocery store’s weekly specials and then use them on those sale items. I once had my bill go from $150 to $35. I was so happy, I hung the receipt on my fridge for a month!” –Julie Maloney, Charlotte, NC

“For kid-friendly snacks, I buy blocks of cheese and generic Goldfish and Nilla Wafers in bulk. Then I divide them into small snack bags myself.” –Michele Shea, Brimfield, MA

“My husband and I set aside an amount of cash each week to pay for groceries, eating out, and miscellaneous shopping. It makes us more aware of our spending — when the cash is gone, it’s gone” –Heather Beno, Vacaville, CA T

“I stopped buying bottled water and purchased good-quality metal thermoses. I refill them each morning to stick in the kids’ lunch boxes to save money and help the environment.” –Lisa Kimoto, Plainview, NY

“Before I buy something online, I always check to see if I can find a discount coupon. Just Google the company’s name and ‘coupon’ (for example, ‘Target coupon’), and you’re sure to find something to help lower your bill.” –Deidre Woods, Greenfield, IN

“We bought our car through a credit union. They sent our ‘order’ to all the dealerships, who then bid to give us the best deal. It saved us a lot of time and money.” –Chelle Daly, Chandler AZ

As we end another year and begin the next, I am looking forward to all the good that 2009 has in store.  I know everything won’t be perfect, but I hope to learn something and grow from everything.  I also hope to shed any negativity from 2008 and start 2009 renewed.  Isn’t that really the beauty of beginning a new year… a new day… a new you?

Since it is common to reflect on the previous year before fully welcoming the next, I’d like to review 2008 and what I learned:

1.  IN LIFE:

My daughter celebrated her first birthday this year on October 23rd .  Well, really she just looked at all of us like we were crazy while WE celebrated her birthday.  What did I learn?  Life is a blessing and everyday should be a celebration.

  She had cake for the first time and enjoyed it… a lot.

2.  IN DEATH:

Several unforgettable celebrities died in 2008, like:  Bernie Mac, Charlton Heston, Ertha Kitt, Heath Ledger, Isaac Hayes, Odetta Holmes, Paul Benedict, Paul Newman, Roy Scheider, Sean Levert, Sydney Pollack, and Tim Russert.  The timing of most of these deaths was very unexpected.

In addition to celebrity deaths, I experienced a more personal brush with death when my grandmother passed away on October 9th. I learned from this… well, I was reminded that life is short.  Make an effort to spend quality time with your family.

  This was the last picture taken of my grandmother.

3.  IN ENTERTAINMENT:

“The Dark Knight” grossed $996,900,728 worldwide.  I learned that I’m not the only one who enjoyed this movie.  I also learned that it’s ok to kick your feet up, relax, and just be entertained sometimes.  In fact, it’s necessary.

4.  IN SPORTS:

During the 2008 Olympic Games, Michael Phelps , a champion swimmer, won the most gold medals (8) at a single Olympics ever.  I learned that with determination and training, one can do anything.

5.  IN ECONOMICS:

Our country is facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.  I personally know of three professional people who have been laid off due to the slowing economy.  Banks have been loaning less and less money, the automobile industry was close to collapse, and both of these cornerstones of our economy were bailed-out by the government.  Home values slumped, credit card interest rates and property taxes increased, and foreclosure and unemployment rates continued to rise.  Gas prices soared and then plummeted, leaving people distrustful about all this crude oil business.

What I learned from this economic mess is: 1.  Material things are definitely not as important as safety, health, and wellness.  2.  Save money and plan for the future.  3.  Budget wisely and purchase only what you can afford.  4.  Things come in cycles.  This, too, shall pass.

6.  IN POLITICS:

Barack Obama became the first black, first non-continental US-born (although, in the state of Hawaii), and most attractive man to be elected President of the United States.    From this I learned that America truly is a land of opportunity.  You can succeed no matter where you come from.

I could go on… but, I have to put my daughter to bed.  She’s not really adjusted to our move yet.  She’s waking in the middle of the night, having only a short nap during the day, and screaming every time between.

What did you learn in 2008?  If I get a lot of feedback from this post, I may continue it tomorrow with Part II.  If you’re uninterested, I’ll move on to something else.

I wish you and yours the best new year possible!  Stay safe and be well!

Happy New Year!!!

Happy Holidays!

Thanks for visiting my blog during this holiday season.  I know how hectic it can be.  Please have a safe and fun-filled time!

My family’s been spending this week moving… not shopping… not traveling… not cooking potato pies… but, MOVING.  Loads of fun.  So, I’ve been slow to return comments (which I am still going to do, just slowly).  I’ve still been making my daily Entrecard drops because I don’t want my rating to drop to let my droppers down.  Even though I usually have a new post every day, if you are a regular reader, you’ve probably noticed that I’ve skipped 2 days this past week.   Hopefully, after this week, I can resume my regular schedule.

Oh, who am I kidding… no one’s noticed… “regular readers”–ha!

Anywho…

Be sure to check out my most recent post on the Suze Orman Fan Club Community Blog that’s featured today.  If you’re interested in learning how to save money and live a more abundant and powerful financial life, be sure to check that blog frequently, as we discuss Suze’s helpful tips.

Her tips apply to men and women, but if you’re a woman, I highly recommend her book Women and Money.  She speaks directly to the heart of why women deal with money the way we do and explains in detail how to turn things around by starting from within. If you’re looking for more holiday fun, pick up a copy.

  The Suze Orman Fan Club Blog Community presents us with “all things Suze” daily.  During these economic-conscious times, it’s good to be reminded of practical tips when making purchases.  If you’re buying gifts for Christmas, please read my latest post on that blog:  “Do You Need a Reality Check This Holiday Season?”

You will find 12 tips (for the 12 Days of Christmas) for realistically approaching your holiday shopping list, particularly if you’re short on cash. Make this your best holiday season ever!

Do you have any tips for saving money during this holiday season?

  During these difficult economic times, you need a Financial Advisor you can trust.  The problem is that it will cost you to hire an advisor.  The good news is that Suze Orman, an internationally known personal financial expert, delivers sound financial advice to us regularly over the radio and television airways and through several books.  My personal favorite is her best-selling book, Women and Money, which she allowed to be downloaded for free for a limited time.

Anyway, I invite you to visit one of the newest blogs on Today .  Several Today writers will discuss money, frugality, debt, and basically “all things Suze” on The Suze Orman Community Fan Blog .

My first blog post on that site can be found here .

  We usually refer to “family planning” when it comes to deciding when to have children.  Today, I’m applying it to the another major decision in our lives and that of our families–retirement. 

With the economy in such turmoil, many people are worried about retirement accounts, the right timing to say “bye-bye” to their jobs, and how this big decision will affect their households.

My mother just had the same dilemma.  She’s 56 years old and has worked hard as a Special Education Teacher for nearly 30 years.  There were a few things that made her start contemplating retirement.  Usually, a relatively healthy woman, she began having illnesses due to stress.  I had never seen someone keep a cold as long or as frequent as she did and her blood pressure was through the roof.  She always wanted to travel while she was still able to, but with her work schedule, she was barely able to take time off.  I think the icing on the cake was when her granddaughter was born and she was unable to be here for it (she lives in NC and I’m in TX).  On the other hand, the economy made her fearful that this may be the wrong time.

After doing her own research by reading books on planning for retirement, consulting with a financial advisor, seeking advice and approval from my dad (who retired a few years ago), my brother, and me, she made the decision to do it.  It was not an easy decision for her, but after she made the decision, she knew it was the right one.  She finally decided that regardless of the state of this economy, her health and well-being were more important.  Her last day at work was Oct. 31st!

I understand that not everyone is able to make such a decision right now, regardless of their health and whether they want to travel.  I also realize that retirement planning comes long before the age of retirement.  My parents happened to sacrifice a lot through the years to have income from real estate during their retirement years.  Although everyone may not be in a position to do something like that, I think it’s important to at least think about how you want to spend your latter years, discuss it with an advisor, and plan for it as early as possible.

I’m just as tired of all the presidential election campaigning as you are.  I too, will be glad that it will be over tomorrow.  You have to admit, it’s been pretty exciting though.  So, on the eve of the most important and historic election ever, I would like to discuss family politics and economics.

I don’t know about you, but our family’s budget has tightened like a noose around a moose and we would like some relief!  Since the economy has been on most of our minds, why not check out which candidate will save us the most if he is elected President?

Both candidates have bragged about their economic policy being the best for Americans.  Both have said they will save us the most in taxes.  Well, 1.  Watch the youtube.com video above, 2.  Click on the link below, 3.  Enter your income, marital status, and number of children in the tax calculator, and… 4.  WAH-LAH!  You will see which of the candidate’s tax plan will save you and your family the most money.

http://taxcutfacts.org

I’d like to know:

Who’s plan saved you the most?

By how much more did you save?

Does it make a difference to you? (Joe, the plumber, said even if Obama’s tax plan saved him more money, his mind was not changed from voting for McCain)

No matter who your candidate of choice is–get out an exercise your constitutional right to vote!

     Well, this is an easy question.  We are worried because our way of life is being altered in a negative way.  Whatever hobbies we are used to doing, whatever amount we have budgeted for groceries, wherever we are accustomed to traveling, however we are used to paying our bills–all of these things have been adjusted in a drastic way in a matter of months.

     You don’t have to be materialistic or poor for the rising price of gas and food to hit your pocketbook hard.  My brother is a Civil (Land Development) Engineer in NC.  After a harvest period that included a comfortable, yet modest, lifestyle for himself and his son, he was just laid off of his job.  The company is struggling and that trickles down to the employees.  A colleague of his, with a 3-month-old son, lost his job as well.  So what happens to their mortgages?  Unemployment benefits won’t take care of everything and won’t cover basic necessities for long.

     With the economy as it is, selling his home isn’t even really the most likely option.  Who’s buying houses these days?  Investors with cash on hand can do so, but most people are having trouble getting a bank loan.  And, if you’re in a hurry to sale, you’ll end up losing big on the backend because you still have to pay off your own loan.

     It used to be that his job opportunities would be so great that it wouldn’t matter if he lost his job.  After all, he has some strong credentials, invaluable experience, and impeccable references.  But, who’s hiring these days?  He happens to have experience developing subdivisions and since that is linked to real estate…well, you see my point.  Unfortunately, my brother is not the only person I know who has lost a job recently.  This economy affects us all.

     In my own family I take care of the finances.  My husband brings in the bacon and I fry it.  We’re kind of doing it ol’ school…but I digress.  The point I’m trying to get at is I’ve watched our savings account dwindle–and that’s just paying bills.  We live a VERY modest lifestyle.  We pretty much only spend on necessities (no cable, use fans unless over 85 degrees, cook from scratch, pack lunches), stick to a strict budget, keep all receipts, and keep our overhead low (not even caller ID on the house phone).  We still live in a small apartment and drive older, economy cars (’90 Toyota Camry, ‘00 Nissan Sentra).  Modest living, I tell you–and I’m scared.  The savings account was supposed to be for a rainy day.

     The income that we lived off comfortably has been reduced in spending power, due to the economy and the untimely Ike hurricane.  We went to the grocery store the other day and spent $100.00 on food.  We got absolutely no fresh fruits or veggies, no meats, and no food needing refrigeration.  How in the world did our bill come to that much and the kitchen is still empty?

     I’m no economist, but I am a wife and mother.  I am concerned about my family.  I see no end to this downward slope in sight.  My husband is currently seeking out more gainful employment to further utilize his credentials as a patent attorney, but my faith is not in that.  With the economy going as it is, firms may not be hiring right now.  My only comfort is in the fact that we are good stewards of our money and therefore, confident that God will see us through this period.  We continue to give tithes and offerings as God has instructed and know that we are sowing good seeds by faith.