Hello Swarm Moms!
Today is the day to rise and shine and say Hello to your new life!
Your assignment today is to get up and get going. There is no time like the present to create your better life. Today is Sunday and this means COUPONS! Get your walking shoes on and head out to get your paper. I understand newspapers are going the way of the land line telephone, but really, this is a super easy way to start saving some money. It is just a wonderful coincidence that other positive and wonderful things happen as a result (i.e. your week begins becomes less stressfull because you can plan out your meals, you (hopefully) won't run out of toilet paper because you bought enough for the next 7 days and the best, most positive result of all (blow the horns da da da dum!) you spend time with your family in a proactive and life learning way in which all get to contribute and grow some new skills.
This is a great way to have your kids participate in each others lives. You know how it is, the kids are growing and moving in ten different directions, almost all of them away from each other and home.
So...Swarm encourages moms to actively recruit your kids for this activity. There is a job for everyone. Have one child cut out all the coupons, while another categorizes them. Mom can create a meal plan for the week or walk around the kitchen checking the list of grocery items needing to be purchased. Next week have the kids trade duties if they want.
Have your kids think about the meals they want and they can search your new and old coupons for items they like. Mom can supervise and teach about choosing healthy veggies and fruits as side dishes for the entrees. It really can be made fun. And Mom, even you have teens who don't want to help out, this is one of those family chores that you must insist they join in on. There are so many ways they can help out: meal planning, cooking, cleaning out the fridge (yeah, they won't like that one), planning deserts and snacks for lunches, etc... Remember that this is family time in its truest form and for many, it's most fun form. Enjoy this time with your kids. Make your time count. They really will be grown up and gone in the blink of an eye.
*** The information from this blog is meant to be paired with the information from the August 2012 blog titled, 'Coupons'. There is much, much more information on saving money via coupons in that blog. Happy days to you!
ONE LAST THING
When you buy the paper, take a minute and make sure that the coupons are actually in the paper. It is possible that the coupons were not put into the paper or that someone has come along before you and removed the coupons. It is free money and a bit of a temptation for some. If you get home and discover the coupons missing, phone the circulation desk of the newspaper and let them know. Swarm did this and the paper sent out coupons that day which were received in the mail two days later. This may seem frivolous to some, but would you throw out $20.00 to $25.00 in cash?
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Good Morning Swarm Moms!
Happy Saturday! Rise and shine!
Resist the temptation to sleep in on the weekends. If you are a mom who works Monday through Friday it is very easy to jump off the schedule just because you do not have to get up to go to work. If you apply the same amount of energy to improving your financial status, (and your life) as you do to being a great employee then you will need to spend your weekends working on your game plan.
Assignment
Swarm recommends rising on weekends at the same time of day that you would normally rise for work. Try this for the next few weekends and begin to think about your dreams and hopes for the future. Are you happy in your career, your social life? How is your health? Anything you want to change, fix or start on? Take some time and reflect on you and what you want. It is important to take care of yourself and to find happiness if you don't have enough and to create more even if you do. You really do have to make time for yourself. It is healthy for you to do so and it is healthy for your children to witness.
Happy Saturday! Rise and shine!
Resist the temptation to sleep in on the weekends. If you are a mom who works Monday through Friday it is very easy to jump off the schedule just because you do not have to get up to go to work. If you apply the same amount of energy to improving your financial status, (and your life) as you do to being a great employee then you will need to spend your weekends working on your game plan.
Assignment
Swarm recommends rising on weekends at the same time of day that you would normally rise for work. Try this for the next few weekends and begin to think about your dreams and hopes for the future. Are you happy in your career, your social life? How is your health? Anything you want to change, fix or start on? Take some time and reflect on you and what you want. It is important to take care of yourself and to find happiness if you don't have enough and to create more even if you do. You really do have to make time for yourself. It is healthy for you to do so and it is healthy for your children to witness.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Hi Swarm Moms!
Happy! Happy! Take some time today to think about your financial situation and how you can improve it. Swarm recommends every mom improve their level of knowledge in finance. Look to schools or books as potential ways to begin. Many Swarm moms are time constrained and feel they don't have much time available to make improvements at this time. Perhaps this is why you are reading these posts. From time to time we will have suggestions and quick tips about finance and how you can improve yours.
Today's tip...
Gather up old or ill-fitting clothes and make a plan to sell these space fillers. The following are some ways to sell these space fillers: consignment shops, newspaper ads, church papers, school bulletins. If you are unable to sell the clothes, consider donating to a veterans group, the goodwill or any charity that can sell them for a profit. You can get a charity tax deduction if you donate and get a receipt. It may not make a difference in your taxes, but it will clear up some space in your living environment and you are doing something good.
One last idea about shedding some clothing. Consider a swap meet amongst friends and/or co-workers. It's a great way to clear your home space and change up your own wardrobe with some thing or things you may actually wear.
Happy! Happy! Take some time today to think about your financial situation and how you can improve it. Swarm recommends every mom improve their level of knowledge in finance. Look to schools or books as potential ways to begin. Many Swarm moms are time constrained and feel they don't have much time available to make improvements at this time. Perhaps this is why you are reading these posts. From time to time we will have suggestions and quick tips about finance and how you can improve yours.
Today's tip...
Gather up old or ill-fitting clothes and make a plan to sell these space fillers. The following are some ways to sell these space fillers: consignment shops, newspaper ads, church papers, school bulletins. If you are unable to sell the clothes, consider donating to a veterans group, the goodwill or any charity that can sell them for a profit. You can get a charity tax deduction if you donate and get a receipt. It may not make a difference in your taxes, but it will clear up some space in your living environment and you are doing something good.
One last idea about shedding some clothing. Consider a swap meet amongst friends and/or co-workers. It's a great way to clear your home space and change up your own wardrobe with some thing or things you may actually wear.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Filing
Hi Swarm Moms!
Just a reminder about your bill processing day. Make sure you are filing copies of the bills you are paying that week, as well as the receipts from shopping trips. The file folders that you were instructed to purchase are to be kept on hand for your bill processing day, but also for the many papers you need to have easy access to. For instance, Swarm joined the YMCA. There is plenty of paperwork involved in registering and joining and it is important to be able to locate the paperwork when you need to check information relating to your membership. Label each folder so you can find what you want when you need it. For instance, you can label a folder 'utilities' or you can separate the receipts and label them 'electric', 'water', 'rent', 'mortgage', etc. Some people get really organized and color code their files in a similar way to the following: Utilities in RED, Entertainment in BLUE, Finance in GREEN, etc. Do what works for you!
When you are processing the bills make sure that you write out the following information: how you paid the bill, the date you mailed or paid the bill on line (get the confirmation number if you pay online) and how much you paid. Notating the amount you paid on bills you are paying on (as opposed to paying off) is important so that you can monitor the payment applications to your account. Swarm finds this especially helpful when dealing with medical bills, tuition and membership accounts.
Swarm, always frugal, finds it handy to use copy paper boxes to house the file folders, both empty and the ones for the current billing process. If your work does not have any of these boxes available, then check your local library, insurance agents or even school. Most businesses buy there copy paper in bulk so check with them if you want to try these cheap, but sturdy boxes.
Just a reminder about your bill processing day. Make sure you are filing copies of the bills you are paying that week, as well as the receipts from shopping trips. The file folders that you were instructed to purchase are to be kept on hand for your bill processing day, but also for the many papers you need to have easy access to. For instance, Swarm joined the YMCA. There is plenty of paperwork involved in registering and joining and it is important to be able to locate the paperwork when you need to check information relating to your membership. Label each folder so you can find what you want when you need it. For instance, you can label a folder 'utilities' or you can separate the receipts and label them 'electric', 'water', 'rent', 'mortgage', etc. Some people get really organized and color code their files in a similar way to the following: Utilities in RED, Entertainment in BLUE, Finance in GREEN, etc. Do what works for you!
When you are processing the bills make sure that you write out the following information: how you paid the bill, the date you mailed or paid the bill on line (get the confirmation number if you pay online) and how much you paid. Notating the amount you paid on bills you are paying on (as opposed to paying off) is important so that you can monitor the payment applications to your account. Swarm finds this especially helpful when dealing with medical bills, tuition and membership accounts.
Swarm, always frugal, finds it handy to use copy paper boxes to house the file folders, both empty and the ones for the current billing process. If your work does not have any of these boxes available, then check your local library, insurance agents or even school. Most businesses buy there copy paper in bulk so check with them if you want to try these cheap, but sturdy boxes.
Monday, January 21, 2013
week 2 finance
Hi Swarm Moms!
As of today you should have all your paperwork together in one space. There should be 3 containers to hold various papers: one for incoming bills, one for personal papers and correspondence, and one for mail that needs to be shredded. Any time you bring papers into your home, you need to put it in its proper place. This will save you time when you process your bills and help you find what you need when you need it.
Pick one day in the week to focus on this space. Swarm recommends your payday.
Payday is great day to choose because it is the most current check you receive that determines your immediate future. What is due, how much, and to whom...
So start the process by looking at your check and making sure it is accurate. You must do this because you do not work for free!!! You would be surprised to know how many moms have automatic deposit for convenience, but never check the amount they received. Always, always, check your check. If you are salaried, checking your pay is easy as it should be the same every payday. If you are hourly, then you must keep track of the hours you work in order to know what you earned and that you are being paid accordingly. If you are employed with a company that utilizes a punch clock, write down the accrued hours when you punch out on the last day of each pay period. Then, if any errors occur with your paycheck, you can contact payroll and have it corrected promptly. Make sure you also check your Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual for accuracy.
Next
On the first page of a notebook that you will title 'Finance', list all your expenses along with the due dates. Credit cards with outstanding balances should have the interest rate noted along with the outstanding balance. Do the same with any automobile loans you have, listing the balance and interest you are paying. If you have any lease agreements (i.e. automobiles, furniture, etc) log these as well.
Take a look at your receipts for the week. Are there any big ticket items in the pile? If so, make a copy for your files. If you haven't noticed, the ink that receipts are printed with these days will fade. That means your proof of purchase for items like TV's, kitchen appliances and entertainment devices (anything you paid cash for) will be void. Files these receipts and/or copies into a file folder that you have prepared and titled, 'Receipts' along with the year.
Once you have logged your expenses for the month prepare a schedule that you can refer to each week to help you pay off bills and maintain your living expenses. For instance, if you have credit cards or medical bills that you can pay down quickly, take that opportunity to do so. ((This is recommended mostly with credit cards, as medical bills don't usually charge interest and you can pay a minimal amount toward medical bills to keep creditors off your back. You must be consistent in your payment of medical bills and if at any time you get a note or call telling you that you must pay more, talk to the medical office's billing department. They should work with you because they want to get paid for services performed and you should pay for services received. ))
Please note ... paying off anything with an interest charge is important to do sooner rather than later. Carrying credit charges from one month to the next is like throwing money away. So take this message to heart... if you can not afford to pay with cash, do not buy it. Save up your money and then, if you want to use the credit card to improve your credit score, buy this month, pay off next month. Simple, simple rule.
Speaking of credit cards... having and using a credit card can actually be beneficial to your credit ratings. By purchasing and paying off a credit card each month you can help to improve your credit rating. A high credit rating will ultimately help you to secure lower interest rates when applying for interest loans like a mortgage or car loan. The higher your credit score, the lower the interest rate. This is information that can help you save big, big money!
Now. Look at your incoming wages. Does it take more than half your monthly pay to cover your mortgage or rent? If it does, then you are living too close to 'beyond your means'. It only takes one unexpected expense to mess up your financial plan. So the time is now to stop frivolous spending and focus on the long term finance plan. Swarm moms need to be able to pay rent or mortgage with less than half of their earned wages. Think about ways to increase your income. Get a better job, find a cheaper place to live, (unless it is not safer to do so). Examine your life and spending and see what you can do to plan a better financial future.
Swarm likes to get creative when devising ways to save money. We use coupons, take week-long hiatuses from shopping, go to estate sales as well as sell things on ebay or in the local paper. Swarm will get into more about savings in another post so take the time as you go about your days to think about ways to save.
Assignments:
1) Get rid of all but one credit card. The card you keep should have the lowest interest rate and provide incentives that you actually use. If there is a particular card that you favor, contact that company and let them know that you are giving up some cards and would they consider lowering the interest rate on that card. If they will, you can keep that card, getting rid of the others. However, if they will not do this for you, cut the card up and send it to the credit card company with a note that you will no longer be using the card.
2) Open up a new savings account. Put in it whatever you can afford. File the paperwork for this account under 'Savings Account #1'.
3) This month you must order a copy of your credit report. I found the following information at this address.
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0155-free-credit-reports
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. Visit annualcreditreport.com to get your free credit report.
Lastly,
4) If you are not already a super saver at your local grocery store, take the time this week to obtain an application. This card will save you money every time you shop. You will accrue points that can lower the price of gas at some stations and/or the store will send you in-house coupons for items that you routinely purchase. It is a win/win situation!!
As of today you should have all your paperwork together in one space. There should be 3 containers to hold various papers: one for incoming bills, one for personal papers and correspondence, and one for mail that needs to be shredded. Any time you bring papers into your home, you need to put it in its proper place. This will save you time when you process your bills and help you find what you need when you need it.
Pick one day in the week to focus on this space. Swarm recommends your payday.
Payday is great day to choose because it is the most current check you receive that determines your immediate future. What is due, how much, and to whom...
So start the process by looking at your check and making sure it is accurate. You must do this because you do not work for free!!! You would be surprised to know how many moms have automatic deposit for convenience, but never check the amount they received. Always, always, check your check. If you are salaried, checking your pay is easy as it should be the same every payday. If you are hourly, then you must keep track of the hours you work in order to know what you earned and that you are being paid accordingly. If you are employed with a company that utilizes a punch clock, write down the accrued hours when you punch out on the last day of each pay period. Then, if any errors occur with your paycheck, you can contact payroll and have it corrected promptly. Make sure you also check your Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual for accuracy.
Next
On the first page of a notebook that you will title 'Finance', list all your expenses along with the due dates. Credit cards with outstanding balances should have the interest rate noted along with the outstanding balance. Do the same with any automobile loans you have, listing the balance and interest you are paying. If you have any lease agreements (i.e. automobiles, furniture, etc) log these as well.
Take a look at your receipts for the week. Are there any big ticket items in the pile? If so, make a copy for your files. If you haven't noticed, the ink that receipts are printed with these days will fade. That means your proof of purchase for items like TV's, kitchen appliances and entertainment devices (anything you paid cash for) will be void. Files these receipts and/or copies into a file folder that you have prepared and titled, 'Receipts' along with the year.
Once you have logged your expenses for the month prepare a schedule that you can refer to each week to help you pay off bills and maintain your living expenses. For instance, if you have credit cards or medical bills that you can pay down quickly, take that opportunity to do so. ((This is recommended mostly with credit cards, as medical bills don't usually charge interest and you can pay a minimal amount toward medical bills to keep creditors off your back. You must be consistent in your payment of medical bills and if at any time you get a note or call telling you that you must pay more, talk to the medical office's billing department. They should work with you because they want to get paid for services performed and you should pay for services received. ))
Please note ... paying off anything with an interest charge is important to do sooner rather than later. Carrying credit charges from one month to the next is like throwing money away. So take this message to heart... if you can not afford to pay with cash, do not buy it. Save up your money and then, if you want to use the credit card to improve your credit score, buy this month, pay off next month. Simple, simple rule.
Speaking of credit cards... having and using a credit card can actually be beneficial to your credit ratings. By purchasing and paying off a credit card each month you can help to improve your credit rating. A high credit rating will ultimately help you to secure lower interest rates when applying for interest loans like a mortgage or car loan. The higher your credit score, the lower the interest rate. This is information that can help you save big, big money!
Now. Look at your incoming wages. Does it take more than half your monthly pay to cover your mortgage or rent? If it does, then you are living too close to 'beyond your means'. It only takes one unexpected expense to mess up your financial plan. So the time is now to stop frivolous spending and focus on the long term finance plan. Swarm moms need to be able to pay rent or mortgage with less than half of their earned wages. Think about ways to increase your income. Get a better job, find a cheaper place to live, (unless it is not safer to do so). Examine your life and spending and see what you can do to plan a better financial future.
Swarm likes to get creative when devising ways to save money. We use coupons, take week-long hiatuses from shopping, go to estate sales as well as sell things on ebay or in the local paper. Swarm will get into more about savings in another post so take the time as you go about your days to think about ways to save.
Assignments:
1) Get rid of all but one credit card. The card you keep should have the lowest interest rate and provide incentives that you actually use. If there is a particular card that you favor, contact that company and let them know that you are giving up some cards and would they consider lowering the interest rate on that card. If they will, you can keep that card, getting rid of the others. However, if they will not do this for you, cut the card up and send it to the credit card company with a note that you will no longer be using the card.
2) Open up a new savings account. Put in it whatever you can afford. File the paperwork for this account under 'Savings Account #1'.
3) This month you must order a copy of your credit report. I found the following information at this address.
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0155-free-credit-reports
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. Visit annualcreditreport.com to get your free credit report.
Lastly,
4) If you are not already a super saver at your local grocery store, take the time this week to obtain an application. This card will save you money every time you shop. You will accrue points that can lower the price of gas at some stations and/or the store will send you in-house coupons for items that you routinely purchase. It is a win/win situation!!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Financial Plan Part 1
Hello Swarm Moms!
This is the year to get your life in order. We have been focusing on finance and ways to save money and that will be a theme that never leaves. EVER! We must always be cognizant of our finances and how to improve that aspect of our lives. We must do that because we want a better life for ourselves and our families. Having a secure financial plan in place will help make that happen. Of course, sound financial planning can not be successful if other areas of your life are not in order. And by order you should be thinking, 'organized'.
January is a great month to get organized. (But if you are reading this blog 3 months from today or in 6 months, dread not! you can work this 'SWARMaction' any time.) Begin by gathering a couple of boxes, some file folders, pens, pencils, a calculator and a shredder (if you have one!). If you don't have a supply of file folders on hand, make your way to a dollar store (or Target, CVS, etc) and buy a box (25 - 50 count). These folders will be housing your pertinent paperwork (receipts, bills...) for the new year as well as helping you to organize the paperwork from this last year.
Next you need to begin your paperwork search. Check drawers, closets, cupboards, cars, etc. You are on a hunt for all relative paper work that will help you to understand where you spent your money and what you paid.
Place all the new-found papers in a box that you are using specifically for paperwork. Put this box somewhere in your living space, but in an area that will not be in your way. Easy access should be a consideration. Plan on the whole of this SWARMaction taking approximately 4 weeks. But...the process of gathering the paperwork and all the supplies should take no longer than 6 days. You should be ready to begin the next phase of this SWARMaction one week from today!
Ok SWARM Moms....Let's begin.
This is the year to get your life in order. We have been focusing on finance and ways to save money and that will be a theme that never leaves. EVER! We must always be cognizant of our finances and how to improve that aspect of our lives. We must do that because we want a better life for ourselves and our families. Having a secure financial plan in place will help make that happen. Of course, sound financial planning can not be successful if other areas of your life are not in order. And by order you should be thinking, 'organized'.
January is a great month to get organized. (But if you are reading this blog 3 months from today or in 6 months, dread not! you can work this 'SWARMaction' any time.) Begin by gathering a couple of boxes, some file folders, pens, pencils, a calculator and a shredder (if you have one!). If you don't have a supply of file folders on hand, make your way to a dollar store (or Target, CVS, etc) and buy a box (25 - 50 count). These folders will be housing your pertinent paperwork (receipts, bills...) for the new year as well as helping you to organize the paperwork from this last year.
Next you need to begin your paperwork search. Check drawers, closets, cupboards, cars, etc. You are on a hunt for all relative paper work that will help you to understand where you spent your money and what you paid.
Place all the new-found papers in a box that you are using specifically for paperwork. Put this box somewhere in your living space, but in an area that will not be in your way. Easy access should be a consideration. Plan on the whole of this SWARMaction taking approximately 4 weeks. But...the process of gathering the paperwork and all the supplies should take no longer than 6 days. You should be ready to begin the next phase of this SWARMaction one week from today!
Ok SWARM Moms....Let's begin.
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