Dec 1, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday
The holiday season can bring families together, feelings of holiday cheer, and more stress than you can shake a stick at.
It’s also a season of “How do I possibly do this?” and “How can we manage that?”
Finding that perfect gift for someone isn’t always an option when the price tag is higher than your ceiling.
Here are few ideas for giving without going broke:
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday
- Give the gift of time. Spend a few hours chatting over coffee. Catch up with an old friend. Drive over to your brother’s house. Take a loved one to dinner. Turn off your phone and outside distractions, and just be with each other. Rediscover the commonalities you have, and learn how you’ve changed.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday: Gifts That Don’t Cost
- Give the gift of service. How often do we say, “I wish there were more hours in a day?” What we mean is, “I can’t possibly do everything on the list, all the time.” Helping someone with household cleaning, running errands for them, or driving them to appointments is a great gift. Companionship while conquering a To Do List is a double gift!
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday: Gifts That Don’t Cost
- Give the gift of encouragement. We all need to be emboldened. Tell your peeps what you admire about them, and watch them soar. Keep telling them, and they’ll soar even higher.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday: Gifts That Don’t Cost
- Give the gift of creativity. We’re all good at something. Some are woodworkers, some excel in the kitchen. Others are writers, painters, quilters. Each of us has a talent that is meant to be shared with others. Create a homemade gift, or spend time creating/crafting with others and helping them discover what they’re good at!
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday: Gifts That Don’t Cost
- Give the gift of asking. To truly bless others, we need to know what they want or need. Pay attention. Develop deeper conversations. When they say “A”, don’t misinterpret it as “B”. Understand that understanding is deeper than just talk. Formulate questions that lead you to their answer, and be creative with your solution.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday: Gifts That Don’t Cost
What gifts do you like to give?
TWEET THIS: Five Things Friday: #Gifts That Don’t Cost @RealMojo68 #holiday
With a light bulb and a thinking cap,
Happy gifting!
~Molly Jo
And Frankly, My Dear . . . : That’s all she wrote!
Aug 11, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday
Money’s a touchy subject, right? As in,
DON’T TOUCH MY MONEY!
You work hard for it, only to have five cents left three seconds after you get paid.
Now, I know I’ve given y’all a few tips for saving a little here and there, but it’s been a while since I’ve taken you down my road to credit recovery. What is it about soul-baring posts that brings us closer together? Is is the security of knowing we’re not alone? That others are in the same boat? Yes. At least, for me.
It happened when I heard another ad on the radio. You know the ones I’m talking about. Refinance your house. Get this low-interest credit card. Let us consolidate your loans. The one that really got my attention was for a payday loan. I was seriously considering it until I did the math. I don’t mean the three-figure interest rate. I mean, how many people like me were listening to that ad at that moment?
Is there anyone out there?
Let me again remind you: I am not a finance professional. I hold no advisory license, and the information in this post is only what has worked for me, and what I would share with a close friend over a cup of coffee. My treat, of course.
So when the wolves are howling and you’re sleeping in quicksand, here are few things I’ve learned that have helped oooch things out of the red.
- Accept the reality. Believe it or not, this was the really hard one for me. I wanted to think I wasn’t a statistic, that my situation was so unique that as soon as everyone heard, surely Robin Hood would come to my rescue and my bankbook would be saved without ransom. Yeah. That didn’t happen. I had to really hunker down and take note of my own deficits and at times, lack of budgeting skills. Then I learned, and re-learned, what I can and can’t do and came up with a viable plan.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Be Your Own Hero
- Stay accountable. I don’t mean that as a play on words, but there it is anyway. There are several ways to conquer this. For me, each step working together weaves a stronger fabric that has helped me recover my finances. First, I write things out. In the current climate of instant digital access, it’s so easy for me to glance at my iPhone and think, “Budget’s done!” but let’s be real. That ain’t nothin’ but a scapegoat and an excuse. Once I started really using my Happy Planner Budget, I saw not only where my money should go, but also where it was going. Can someone say, “Ouch!”? It wasn’t pretty, not always. But a good dose of reality helps me stay on track. I also stayed accountable by sharing the dirty details of my situation with my family, and with the creditors. Which brings me to the next item.
- Communicate. I know y’all have heard me harp on this like angels in a concert, but honestly. Be honest! If you can’t pay it, say it! When I get to the point of stop pretending everything’s okay, people heard me. I mean, I had a woman pray over my finances with me. And she was a collections agent! Who even does that?! I’m a huge proponent of saying it like it is. This is two-fold: 1. My financial story doesn’t change from month to month when they ask why I still can’t pay the full amount. 2. They’re more willing to work with you when you explain your circumstances.
- Evaluate. Now, I know a lot of credit recovery education suggests different ways of paying this bill first, or roll the savings into that one. I’m not gonna tell you how to pay off your bills. It’s personal! I understand the value of paying the smallest bill first and getting it out of the way. But I also see knocking out the high interest. I had to sit down and really go through the papers (and phone calls) to figure out the best option for me. You can, too! Yes, you really can! It takes a little brain power, a little solitude. But you can conquer your budget!
- Accept the reality. Yeah, I know. I already said this. Well, think of this as your muffaletta sandwich, okay? The bread is the same but you have a top and a bottom. The other tips are the ohmygosh filling. This slice of bread is the foundation. It may get a little soggy, but it’s still holding the food together, right? So here’s the important thing to remember. Are you listening? This one took me forever to realize, but here it is:
You’re not perfect. Your budget doesn’t have to be. Your credit doesn’t have to be.
I’ve had to watch as my credit tanked, but I’ve also enjoyed seeing it climb back up. It’s a long road and sometimes the roller coaster is out of my control. But I’m still riding it, and it ain’t over yet.
Whatever your credit situation, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. That radio ad and television spot for a quick fix? Don’t do it. It’s not aimed at you. You’re smarter than that. It may be a long, difficult road, and it may never lead to a mansion and fancy cars. But trust me, it’s worth it. There’s a personal satisfaction of putting effort into doing what you can do. And if it doesn’t turn out the way you hope, at least you tried. I’m proud of you for that!
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Be Your Own Hero
You can be your own hero. You can find a way. It may not be the way you want, and it may not be easy. But at least it’s yours.
What are some ways you work toward better credit?
TWEET THIS: Budget problems? Here are a few tips to oooch out of the red. @RealMojo68 #credit #fivethingsfriday
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
Jul 14, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday
Okay. So, I guess we knew this post had to happen sooner or later, right? Y’all know my love for Happy Planning. I mean, from the day I brought my first one home I started telling you about it. Remember 2017 Prep: My Happy Planner? And Hobbes’ Mexican Chicken Meatloaf?
I laughed at the groups on Facebook. I saw ridiculous posts of women with four and five planners and entire shelves devoted to the art of the plan.
“No,” I told myself. “I will not be one of those. I will not be a ‘Planner Babe’ who can’t function without a big book at my side. No.”
And then the Universe laughed.
Because the more I used my first planner, the more I fell in love with it. That’s right. Two key words in that sentence: “first” and “more.” Mm-hmm. You already know where this is going, am I right?
Frankly, My Dear . . . : MoJo’s Happy Planners
I suppose I should explain myself . . .
Frankly, My Dear . . . : MoJo’s First Planner
- This is my first planner. I purchased it to help keep track of all my social media work. Then I bought some expansion packs like the menu planner and home planner sets. Little did I know how it would change my life. Creativity brings peace, so whether I’m planning a meal or working out the budget, using my Planner makes me, well, Happy. I think that’s the whole point.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : MoJo’s Second Planner: Blessings Abound.
2. Realizing what a blessing my Happy Planner is, I picked up a second one. I don’t remember to write every day, but when I do, I’m astounded by the little “pennies” I keep track of. From a friendly client to a free Starbucks to a bill that was paid, all the little “Thank You’s” the Universe blesses me with go into this book. The year’s only half over, and already I’m overwhelmed with seeing how it’s a wonderful life.
Frankly, My Dear . . .: MoJo’s Recipe Planner
3. Of course, after I used a few of the menu pages, I realized I had to get a separate book for all my recipes. I can plan party menus, holiday delights, and keep tracking of my grocery lists all in one great location. It’s complete with great foodie quotes, and kitchen measurements. How sweet is that?!
Frankly, My Dear . . . : MoJo’s Blue Ridge Planner
4. Ah, Blue Ridge. That wonderful writers conference that beckons me each May. Of course this year I put together my own binder. Class list? Check. Appointments list? Check. To Do With Friends list? Check. Plenty of blank paper for note taking and idea making. A calendar I could fill, or not, as I chose. And that ever-inspiring dashboard. [Click here to read about my Blue Ridge Happy Planner.]
Frankly, My Dear . . . : MoJo’s Blogging Planner
5. My Blogging Planner. I just picked this one up this month. With my new website and the forthcoming redesign for Frankly, My Dear . . . and all the blog traffic coming and going, I wanted one special place to note my online presence and to track contributors for Frankly, My Dear. And let’s be real. That awesome Peacock Pen from Paige needed a home.
What’s that? You saw more Planner covers in the top photo? Aww, I can’t get nothin’ by you, can I?
Frankly, My Dear . . .: MoJo’s Extra Planners
Additional Planner covers come in sets of three. So when I created-from-scratch started my Blue Ridge Conference Planner, I had two cover sets left over. The one on the left above is now used as a “memory” planner. As each month passes, I take the pages from my main planner and transfer to this one. It serves as a great record keeper, and I don’t have to search far to find notes. On the right is an as yet unpurposed cover set. I’m thinking I may turn it into my Holiday Planner. I can picture it now: recipes, gift guides, short stories, shopping lists. Yes. Yes, that’s what I’ll do. Thanks for helping me figure that out.
Soon I’ll have Planner Lucky Number 8: I’m going to start a novel bible for CENTRAL. I didn’t do so with NOLA and I wish I had. [Read: #AmWriting: Using a Calendar to Storyboard Your Novel.] As soon as I start CENTRAL, I’ll track character notes, backstory, magazine clippings, thoughts, and of course, the dreaded rough draft.
Yikes. I mean, yea.
Happy Planning with BEE the Zebra
Tell me, how do you stay organized? And, can you overdo it?
TWEET THIS: Frankly, My Dear: Five Things Friday: My Happy Planners @RealMojo68 #happyplanner #franklymydear #FiveThingsFriday
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
Save
Save
Jul 7, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday
You know, we’re halfway through the year and I still haven’t reached all my goals. That private jet? In someone else’s name. Book deal? Workin’ on it. Owning a writers’ cafe? Yah. That’s on the back burner for a while longer. [See what I did there? Cafe? Burner? Sigh . . . ]
So, I’m sitting here thinking, egads! [True story. I actually said “Egads!” out loud. To no one except the fur family. Some days I’m glad they can’t talk English.] But back to it. I’m sitting here thinking, egads! I’ve been so busy I forgot to write Friday’s blog post.
And then I thought to myself, “Self! It’s a Five Things Friday post. You’d best come up with something good!” And my self answered, “Oh, Girl. Don’t bother us. We’re working on the budget.” Okay, it wasn’t all as Sybil-esque as all that, but, yes. Yes I did have a conversation with myself about the budget and paydays and where to find extra cash.
In fact, as I was writing this month’s budget, a nagging thought distracted me until I wrote it out:
Five Things Friday: Pocket Change – Money Comes From Unexpected Sources
That photo above is just a little snippet of my Happy Planner budget sheets. Y’all know my affinity for Happy Planning, yes? Well, maybe that will be next week’s FTF post. Today, we’re about saving pennies. And more.
But it got me thinking. I know I’m not the only who could use a few extra greenbacks. Or a means to accomplish that which must be, well, accomplished. Am I right? Oh, come on folks, I ain’t making this up!
So, in keeping with my striving for a better credit rating and a little fun money [or just a better bag of cat food now and then], here are five easy changes you can make to help save a little dough.
- The Penny Jar. It sounds old fashioned, and even I was skeptical about its profitability at first. But when I cashed out my pennies at the end of six months, I was pleasantly surprised to find enough for a trip to the grocery store and gas station. Now, I’m not saying I bought enough for the month with a cross-country drive, but it did get me through the week and with a little sumthin-sumthin to enjoy Friday night. Which, coincidentally, is now my new penny jar.
Southern Roasted Pecan Gelato. Frankly, My Dear . . . Did someone say, “Yummm.”?
- Talk. Chat. Discuss. However you want to word it, word it. Communicate. Got bills you can’t pay? Let the payee know ahead of time. Most times, companies are willing to work with you if you ask. Now, you can’t be all i-just-bought-a-car-and-quit-my-job-but-i’m-keeping-it on them. I mean, you do have to maintain some responsibility. But take it from me. You know. You’ve read about it here. When you’re in a bind, explain it. Late fees get waived, due dates get pushed. It’s worth a little time to save a little money.
- Sort it all out. Take inventory of what you have, materially, and ask yourself if you really need it. Start small: Take one shelf, one drawer, or one cabinet, and sort it into three piles: Keep. Throw Away. Sell. If it’s in good condition but you don’t need it, consider putting it on LetGo or a local Facebook Yard Sale group. Ebay’s a great source, too. There’s tons of them out there. And if after a decent amount of weeks go by and no one’s bought, donate. Sure, it may not put money in your pocket, but your house will be less cluttered. Clean house, clear mind. Isn’t that a thing?
- Explore your talents. Now, I know you’re good at stuff. And some stuff, you’re really good at. And I know it doesn’t always seem like it, but trust me on this: You have something to offer others. So get creative! Whether it’s a service or goods, take time to develop it. Freelance. It doesn’t take much for word to get out if you’re good at what you do. Babysitting, baking, tree trimming, yard care, dog walking. Are you good as socializing? Love to connect with people? Try something like DoTerra or Jamberry nail wraps. You not only get great discounts for yourself on products you love and use, but if you turn it into a business, you’ll get a nice little income, too!
Frankly, My Dear . . . Jam With Mojo
- Give it up. There are just some things y’all don’t need. When the decision is between milk or bread, it’s time to stop the Netflix. Now, treating yourself is a must, so get that Redbox DVD once in a while. Splurge for that Starbucks every three weeks. But when you start cutting corners and realize how easy it is to roll that savings into paying off another bill and that snowball keeps rolling downhill . . . pretty soon you’re king of your mountain and those are wildflowers springing up to make things beautiful.
Hyacinth for the Soul.
BONUS TIP: Pay attention to your spending. Don’t just write it in your checkbook or look at your smart phone now and then. Make a budget journal. Keep your receipts. Figure out where and how things can change. Grab a small drink instead of large, especially when the refills are free.
BONUS BONUS TIP: On the morning of each payday, whatever money you have left in your bank account that’s unallocated, transfer it to your savings or emergency fund.
BONUS BONUS BONUS TIP: Barter. You can’t afford everything you need and want. Neither can everyone else in your world. But you may be able to work out a trade. You can wash a car in exchange for yard cleaning. Tired of your DVDs? Trade them with a friend for some new but free entertainment. Money is a means, not an end. When you remove money from the equation, you may find a different solution.
BONUS BONUS BONUS BONUS TIP: Don’t be afraid to ask when you need help. It’s okay to admit you can’t handle everything on your own all the time. No one can. If we could, we wouldn’t need each other, would be?
BONUS BONUS BONUS BONUS BONUS TIP (So really this should be a Five Things PLUS Five Things Friday): Take it all to the Great Provider. I find that when I earnestly ask God to bless my budget, I’m more aware of my frivolous spending habits, and more attentive to being a good steward of what He has blessed me with.
Frankly, My Dear . . . Happy Planner Budget Dashboard
Remember, the little things really do add up.
TWEET THIS: Frankly, My Dear . . .: Five Things Friday: Pocket Changes. @RealMojo68 #penny #saving
TWEET THIS: Frankly, My Dear . . . Five Things Friday: Pocket Changes. Ways to count pennies without feeling broke. @RealMojo68
With a blingy wallet and a small sweet tea,
~Molly Jo
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
Save
Save
Save
Dec 7, 2014 |
This cute and creative idea was inspired by a magazine ad I saw years ago. It’s my favorite homemade craft.
People Feeder
This versatile project can be themed around any holiday, or any decorating style.
You’ll need:
- A wood birdhouse with plastic windows
- Acrylic paints
- Glitter (optional)
- Decorative add-ons (optional)
- Small candies
- assorted paint brushes
- cleaning rag
- water in a small dish (for brush cleaning)
People Feeder Supplies
Acrylic paints dry quickly, which makes this an easy afternoon craft. Starting with the inside of the birdhouse, pour a small amount of paint on the wood then use a paintbrush to spread it around and get into the edges. If you want to add a little extra touch, sprinkle glitter over the paint while it’s still wet.
After you’ve painted the entire birdhouse inside and out, carefully lay on its side separating the base and the lid, and let it dry overnight.
Let it Dry
Carefully scrape off any dried paint from the windows. For more creative detail, glue on painted decor or tiny tokens (miniature candy canes, ribbons, tiny packages, dollhouse ornaments).
Fill with your favorite small candies then step back and watch your people flock to this fun centerpiece.
This craft costs less than $10 for all supplies, and takes about an hour to complete.
Happy Holiday Decorating!
And Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
Bedford Manor on a Budget: Christmas Wreaths
Bedford Manor on a Budget: Candles in Cups
Bedford Manor on a Budget: Pine Cones on Display
Bedford Manor on a Budget: A Light Decor
Bedford Manor on a Budget: Pine Cones in a Vase
Bedford Manor on a Budget: Christmas Candies
