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Saturday, April 30, 2011

Sunday Happenings (A Week Late :))





Elder Uchtdorf- "Of Things That Matter Most"
October 2010 General Conference
Instructor: Sister Colbert


Sister Colbert started out with a mirror and asked us to look into it, because this lesson was for each of us personally.



Elder Dallin H. Oaks, in a recent general conference, taught, “We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.”


In talking about choices we must make Sister Colbert spoke about sending her daughter on Pioneer Trek last summer. While getting her ready there were choices they had to make on the items she would take.


-Sturdy Running Shoes vs. Fun, Cute, Sneakers



-Frozen Pizza vs. Can of Soup



-Ipod (w/ scriptures, a lot lighter) vs. scriptures (that weigh a lot more)



Our lives are the same way. We need to make sure we are making the "best" decisions for our lives.




Think of your Ever Growing TO DO List. Some days it may seem like you can never get ahead. What if you only had time to do the most important things on that list....what would you choose?



SIMPLIFY: "There is a beauty and clarity that comes from simplicity that we sometimes do not appreciate in our thirst for intricate solutions."




"For example, it wasn’t long after astronauts and cosmonauts orbited the earth that they realized ballpoint pens would not work in space. And so some very smart people went to work solving the problem. It took thousands of hours and millions of dollars, but in the end, they developed a pen that could write anywhere, in any temperature, and on nearly any surface. But how did the astronauts and cosmonauts get along until the problem was solved? They simply used a pencil."



Focus on the Basics:
First: Our Relationship with God
Second: Our Families
Third: Our Fellowman
Fourth: Ourselves




"Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship—the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace. For this I pray, as I leave you my blessing, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen." Elder Uchtdorf



What can you do to simplify your life?

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Relief Society Activity: Budgeting & Money Management Recap

Thank you so much for everyone who attended our activity last night. I don't know about you but I learned so much and have a lot to think about as far as getting my finances in order. Melody did a wonderful job sharing her experiences with us, I'm so thankful that she was willing to come and speak to us. She shared many practical tips and the spirit was strong as she testified that our Heavenly Father will guide and direct us through the process of becoming self reliant. Here are a few of the things she shared with us:



Baby Steps (Dave Ramsey)
1. $1000 emergency fund- as fast as you can!
2. Debt Snowball- pay off all debt using the debt snowball (similar to "One For the Money")
3. Fully Funded Emergency Fund (3-6 months of expenses in savings)
4. Retirement- invest 15% of household income into both IRA's and Pre-tax retirement)
5. College Fund- College funding for children
6. Paid Off Mortgage- (pay off home early)
7. Build Wealth & Give (invest in mutual funds and real estate)



Other Ideas
1. Spending Diary- Write down everything from a gumball, coke, etc... This is a good way to see where your money is going.
2. Review Interest Rates- credit cards, cars, mortgage, etc...
3. Shop around for the most inexpensive insurance quotes
4. Debt- 70% of America is in Debt, $9300 is the average balance on credit cards, American homes have an average of 8 credit cards/home. GET OUT OF DEBT!!
5. Dave Ramsey offers classes- They cost $99 for a lifetime membership. You receive his books and other supplies. It includes the children living in your home so they can go through the classes when they get older. It is a 13 week course called Financial Peace University. Go to his website, here to find out when classes are being offered. You can also check out his CD's from the library.
6. Smart Women Smart Money Conference- August 19- It is free but you must register- go here, for more information.
7. AAA Fair Credit- http://www.faircredit.org/ will work with you for free



Dave Ramsey Tape
1. Quit borrowing more money (Plasectomy- cut up your cards)....remember that these snakes bite!
2. You must save money. Start with the $1000 Emergency Fund
3. Prayer Really Works (Phone Home)
4. Sell Something! (This is a good way to build your Emergency Fund or once that is in place....start paying off debt).
5. Part-time job or Overtime!!! Temporarily get another job if needed!



Budgeting
1. Come up with a budget
1. Needs
2. Debts
3. Savings
4. Wants
2. Use a Cash Only budget
- Only use debit card for gas
-When debit cards are used the average homes spend 16% over their budget
3. Chart Spending
-Spending Diary
-"The best way to double you money is to fold it and put it in your pocket."



Additional Ideas
-Mortgage: When thinking about upgrading your home. Try to figure out what the difference between your current mortgage and new mortgage will be and try to live with the new total by putting the additional money in a savings account. It will also help you make sure you have enough for blinds, landscaping, etc.. when you move in.

-http://www.financeintheclassroom.org/ activities for kids of all ages!!

-Zions bank pays kids for A's on their report cards when they have an account there.

-Kids: Have a touch account and a No-touch account (when kids add money to account tell them you will double it).

-"Savings should always exceed spending!!"

-"Live like no one else, so you can LIVE LIKE NO ONE ELSE!"

-2 Ne. 9:51: "Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth"
-Prov. 27:24: "For riches are not forever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?"
-Mormon 8:37: "For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick, and the afflicted."

Melody has a weekly blog you can follow on Imagine a Happier You. She is a great writer and shares many of her experiences of following many of the steps listed above. She also shares experiences she has had with her kids. Go here, to read her blog.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Relief Society Activity: Budgeting & Money Management

Come Fill Your Lamps Through Money Management
My Sister In Law, Melody Hillam has been involved with Imagine a Happier You over the past six months or so. She has learned a lot about budgeting and saving money. Go here, to read her blog about her experiences so far. She has agreed to come and share some of the things she has learned with us. Come join us for a relaxing evening to learn about Money Mangagement!
When: Tuesday, April 19


Where: Relief Society Room


Time: 7:00 p.m.