by Michelle Jones
After many years of writing this column, I'd just like to say, THANK YOU for all your love and support. May God bless each and every one of you with love, peace, joy, good health and financial blessings!
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This year has been full of ups and downs for many of us, but what's so amazing is that we pick ourselves up and keep on going. We make the best of things and try to do better, I know we all do.
I created this column to help families enjoy life more, on less, and to provide the information and encouragement needed to help everyone manage their money better. And from the reader feedback that comes in each month it looks like we're getting it done!
As we reflect on the past year, let's remember... we are not the cars we drive, the expensive clothes we wear, nor the houses we live in. And if all of it were to be taken away tomorrow, we would still survive.
The REAL Setbacks in Life Can Include:
Unemployment, Home Foreclosures, Natural Disasters, Accidents, Injuries, Illness, Death
Due to a serious injury and double job loss in the early 90s, my husband (Wayne) and I almost lost everything. We had to start all over again. But we are happier now and have learned to live on much less. We sized down into a smaller, older, CHEAPER home and lowered all of our monthly expenses until we got our feet back on the ground. It made a tremendous difference in our life.
This is what "Living a Better Life®" (the title of my column and our monthly ezine) represents; our personal financial and life journey, along with everyone else's.
For some of you, this journey might be just beginning!
Wayne and I were talking about this last night and we agreed that sizing down (keeping the family budget as low as possible) is one of the most important things everyone can do to keep their heads above water and enjoy life more.
Then, regarding job losses and financial difficulties, Wayne said...
"You know, it's really not a matter of IF they might happen, it's a matter of WHEN."
(If you're a member here at BetterBudgeting then you've heard this mantra from me before, but it's my job to remind you as often as it takes to get everyone on board.)
Being Prepared Will Change Your Life for the Better
If you are not prepared for financial setbacks, let's make that a goal for the new year. Look at your budget, is it working? Are there areas that need to be cut back? How about your savings account, is it growing?
Do you have enough money saved up for a setback?
Starting in January, I want you to save as much money as you can and put it in the bank for an emergency, even if it's just $10. If you can save $50, $100 or more, that's great. Whatever you can do, just keep doing it every month. If you have a setback and have to start saving all over again, from $0, then start over.
If you are facing financial disaster, don't ever underestimate what you can get through. Anything is possible!
God is good, may He bless you this coming year with a closer relationship with Him, wisdom for life, and abundant peace. Everything else will fall into place.
Have a wonderful and FRUGAL Christmas, see you next year!!!
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