Budgeting

A True Story; Debbie Tells; How Money Vanished!

2009-12-01T15:49:00.003-05:00

Many single parents, both Moms and Dads; have met and worked with Joan.
Her many many years of being a single parent have given her down to earth expertise in countless mutual areas of concern.
Here is a true and recent story from Joan of a single Mom of 33.

I was talking to Debbie,a single Mom, 2 months ago; Why. She was looking for another way to supplement her income
Joan Asked; What do you do now?
Debbie replied; I am going to school to get a new trade. I have one job; full time 35 hours a week
I have one part time job and I still can't make ends meet!

Joan Asked; Who looks after your children when you are working?
Debbie replied; I pay daycare; neighbours help and so do relatives.
Joan Asked; Is this what you want?
Debbie replied; No; I want to be able to stay home at least some of the time.
Joan asked; Do you know what all this help cost you?
Debbie replied; I know, it takes all of the money I earn on my part time job and part of what I earn on my full tome job, to "pay people" to look after my children
Joan asked; By the way Debbie, another quick question; what does it cost you a month to commute to these jobs?
Debbie replied; Hadn't really thought about that, I just had to do it.
Joan said; Let's see if I can help you figure it all out, Okay? Do you have a car?
Debbie replied; Yes; it is getting on its last legs and there is no other means of transportation .
Joan suggested; Take some time Debbie to look at some commuting costs;
gas is one of course.
parking costs another.
add in car Insurance; repairs, depreciation and regular maintenance;
Debbie write down all your costs for our next talk. Okay
Debbie replied, WOW, never even considered what all this costs, no wonder I can't keep up.
Joan answered; Debbie, another thing to consider;when you are working at 2 jobs and more, do you feel you buy more convenient, partially or totally prepared food, to save time?
Debbie answered : yes, sure do and we do stop in to drive-ins etc for quick meals.

2 Days Later;
Debbie called; several unexpected things had happened that made her realize that being home was far more important than any part time jobs.
1; Her daughter asked her if she could be a "Mom" on an up-coming school trip.
2: Her son wanted to play baseball and join a team.
Debbie realized she had no time and no money lef t and couldn't participate; she was depressed and in tears.
I asked her to spend time working out her costs for daycare, sitters, commuting and more and we would talk and look for ways to supplement her income, from Home.

P.S. Joan knows there are hundreds of Single Moms and Dads with similar challenges;
P.S.S. Ask Joan for advice and suggestions!Just call or e-mail
1866 959 4182
jfinc2@sympatico.ca

BACK TO BASICS BUDGET IDEAS FOR SINGLES

2009-11-01T12:39:00.003-05:00

Joan recommends: Budget Basics 101

When life becomes more difficult and different, I personally returned to some old fashioned basic principles work, with a modern twist.

This often means a brief new learning curve, changing some habits, but never at the expense of health and happiness.

When money is scarce. more time is spent at home, doing family things together RIGHT!.

Steve will be telling of the many tricks he has learned to do, that make family time fun and exciting .

If you are a new Single parent who has never stocked a kitchen before; how do you know the best buy?

Equipment

* pick out pieces you can use for more than one job; ie; freezer-to-oven-to table baking dishes and casseroles and oven going skillets.

*Every saucepan and skillet needs a secure fitting lid. with handles and knobs that are made of non-heat conducting material.

* Avoid items that are hard to clean, with cracks or unnecessary sharp edges.

* Look for "Seals of Approval" and warranties with readily available service.

Taking time here will save you money in the long run and you will begin to relax and enjoy being a single parent getting to know your family..

Look for more "Back to Basics"; in every part of your plans for today and the future.

Ask your parents OR Grandparents, What Did you Do? You will be surprised what you will learn.

SINGLE PARENTS ASKJOAN,THE SECRETS TO A NEW LIFE

2009-11-01T12:32:00.002-05:00

Joan's comments;

Every day I talk with single Moms and Dads facing new challenges, with choices and decisions that are new for them and seem to come from all directions

It is important to be honest and take some time alone to reflect and adjust to your new life .

Here are a few questions that you need to answer for yourself very soon;

What are my choices?
What do I really want to do now and in the future?
What will make me happy at work and at home?
What will make my children happy too?
What is the current status of my budget ? Do I have one!. If not, make one now and plan for tomorrow
What are the financial needs of my children now and for the next 10 years?
What is the best way to plan work and time when I only have the children part time?

Now step back and reassess your situation, honestly and with consideration of all involved.

Stand in front of a mirror to ask yourself these questions.

You are responsible to the person looking back.

Think everything through, search for answers that FIT you and remember to say Daily;

"If it is to be it is up to me"

GIFT OF PLANNING! FOR SINGLE PARENTS

2009-11-01T12:20:00.003-05:00

QUESTION; Is your current daily or weekly agenda full of sound and fury,
BUT signifying nothing?

Don't confuse getting organized with getting WORK done.
Determine you plan of attack for the week, then do it!;
Don;t worry about OR waste time on things that may never happen.

3 questions for you to consider;

1: are you over organized and under-preforming?
2: what aspect of your work could be characterized as "over-organized"?
3: How long does it take you to get organized for tomorrow? is this enough OR overkill?

James King said; "Don't tell me how hard you work. Tell me how much you get done."

EVERYDAY is a celebration of YOUR life.. have fun today!

Gary Player, (golfer) :"THE HARDER I WORK THE LUCKIER I GET"

Wishing you blessed and prosperous days for life.

Joan

P.S. Looking for some free information for generating MONEY? FREE information
at www.planstowin.com

SINGLE PARENTS CAN STRETCH FOOD DOLLAR!

2009-11-01T12:10:00.003-05:00

GET MORE FOR YOUR FOOD DOLLAR

15 HINTS

Leave the children at home whenever you can,
(they may prompt buying something you don't want and can't afford).

End aisle foods are not always specials.

Check unit pricing, it is good math practice

Try Store brands and generic products.

Make left overs into planned-over tasty meals.

Clip and use coupons wisely, money saved can purchase something special for the children.

Never shop on an empty stomach, you will soon see why>

Think and buy only what you will use. throwing away unused food or household products is like throwing away money.

Be creative with substitutes; powdered milk instead of whole, for cooking, try the occasional recipe with beans or lentils instead of meat.

Make a list and avoid impulse buying.

Buy sale items only when needed and when you have adequate storage.

Shop in stores that discount your favorite products.

Buy unwrapped seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Bone chicken, and cut up and grind less expensive cuts of beef, lamb and pork for stews and casseroles and burgers.

Season, your own rice, make your own sauces, bake your own cakes and muffins, and steam your own fresh vegetables.

Have a great day
Joan