submitted by Tomaca
Wouldn’t it be great just to have a pile of money and a supply that never runs out? A lot of us are working from paycheck to paycheck with little to nothing in-between. Why is that? Is it because we spend too much or don’t have enough to spend? Are we living beyond our means?
It’s tough. The cost of basic life stuff is so incredibly high these days. Food and gas expenses are extreme. The commercial food that we get from the grocery store is being packaged in smaller and smaller containers with higher and higher prices. It’s a shame what they are doing to us.
One way around this expense is to not buy commercial food products. Instead buy the ingredients that make those things and cook the old fashioned way, which in fact is the healthier way. Don’t by instant pancake mix. Buy flour, sugar, milk, eggs, baking power and make your own. Commercially processed syrup is garbage. It’s full of chemicals. You can make your own very easily with sugar, brown sugar and water. In equal parts, you put it in a small pot on the stove and heat slowly while stirring until everything is blended. Buy maple extract to give it the maple flavor.
Buy dried beans; soak them the required amount of time and cook them while seasoning them to your taste.
If we take a step back from our harried life pace and put more time and love into our food, we and our families are healthier, stronger and more loving. Yes, more loving – because you are what you eat. If you are eating commercially processed and chemical laden food, it affects the mind, body and spirit.
For gas expenses, drive less and walk more if possible. Commute, ride share. Plan your route so you can do more stops in one trip.
These are just some little things that you can do that will add up to big things over time.
Account for your accounts. Business-minded women (and moms!) are always looking at ways to stretch the dollar, to eliminate waste and to save more. With a mind on income tax season which is always going to occur without fail (unfortunately), you have to be creative and responsible with your money. A good accountant is a necessity. Even if you do your own taxes, you may have questions from time to time and you need a professional person to turn to. There are people who make the study of money and taxes their entire life. If you don’t have someone like that in your network, you need to include someone like that. Financial planning is essential at every age. Of course, if you start when you are younger with building your savings and revenue for retirement, you will be better off than someone who waits until they are in their 50’s or 60’s. Though it’s never too late to start preparing and to learn different ways.
No matter where you are, there are experts that you can turn to. You can use accountants in Raleigh, or accountants in Boston. I’m am not familiar with how systems work in other countries, but in the U.S., we are relegated to an annual tax system.
Learn to work smarter, not harder. Learn to manage your money and your accounts wisely. The habits you create for yourself today determine where you’ll end up!