More Ideas

This post is a cross between Christmas goals and Generating Extra Income goals. The more I plan for Christmas gifts, the more I think - why couldn't I sell those too? And the more I think of things to make to sell, the more people I think of to Give them to as gifts! (so cool how that works!)

Here are more things I've thought of to give and sell:

Blank greeting cards with my photos on the front (of course, with recycled-by-me paper)
Floppy Bears (Think bear rug but smaller. It'll have a stuffed head, stuffed paws and tail, but nothing inside the "body.")
Fabric stacking blocks (for baby)
Hand puppets

I know the list will keep growing and growing. I'm just thinking I should make the items for Christmas, then decide which are the least time consuming to make and focus on those.

Hm. So as for goals...
Make Christmas Presents and go from there?
No, not specific enough.
Hm. Make Christmas Presents, track how long each takes to make, and when all is said and done, choose 5 or 6 items to focus on making more of.

Goals at Work

I'm not proud of this, but I've fallen behind at work. Again. Could you see it coming? Blogging a few times a day, complaining about not liking my job...right.
So last night before I left work, I put together a priority list for catching up this week. This morning I got a bit of a rude awakening. I forgot it was billing week (for past due accounts.) Oi.
I took a deep breath (20 minutes ago), and re-structured my catch-up schedule, and decided a little accountability was necessary.
This may even be contradictory since I'm spending time I should be (let's see, what time is it?) processing patient billing right now, but I thought I'd log on again real quick to get this posted so I could perhaps guilt myself into better performance at work!! LOL

(in order of priority)
Catch up on non-cash postings
Finish aging
Catch up on appeals
Catch up on filing

Wednesday, August 13, 2008:
Print pt billing list,
10-12 Process Pt billing
12-1 Enter new checks & Log all new non-cash postings
1-2 Complete write offs
2-2:30 (Break) grocery shop for weekend food and fresh corn & cream of celery soup for tonight’s chicken noodle caserole
2:30-5 Finish logging all old non-cash postings
5-5:30 Check aging to see what aging claims are now covered
5:30-6 lookup and list phone numbers on aging where calls need to be made
***

Thursday, August 14, 2008
(***Whatever isn’t done last night, come in early to do today)
Address Aging
Enter checks
Log all new non-cash postings
Continue aging list

Friday, August 15, 2008
Continue working on the aging list
Enter checks
Log all new non-cash postings
Check follow-up list for any additional claims to be addressed
Check appeal list for any that have been resolved
Work on remaining appeals

Monday, August 18, 2008
Finish Appeals
Enter new checks
Log all new non-cash postings and process new appeals
File old RA’s

Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Enter new checks
Log all new non-cash postings and process new appeals
Double check aging and follow up lists

Wednesday, August 20, 2008
File old RA’s and old eob’s

Christmas Gift Progress

I have #1 completed (list everyone I'll be making a gift for this year). Not only that, I listed everyone I'll be sending a card to this year as well. We haven't done that in about 3 years because it just sneaks up on us! Plus, I'm not highly motivated to do it because I find it's just an unnecessary detail. More of an obligation. And so expensive.
But I'm making my own paper this year, so there! We're not sending them to everyone we've ever met, just 45 homes. Most of that is family and probably 7 or 8 friends.
For gifts, I have 21 gifts to make. 6 of which could be consolidated (couples). So that would be 18, but I'm not counting out the possibility of making 21.
The next step for this goal is to brainstorm gift options for each of them. That's a lot of brainstorming!!
I also stumbled upon the Handmade Holiday 2008 flickr group tonight! What timing, huh?! Check it out, we share photos and ideas, encouragement, etc in our plans and efforts to make this holiday season a handmade!

Christmas Gifts Goals

I took the Buy Handmade Pledge, and I intend to keep it! Except I intend to actually "do the making" myself! The pledge says "I pledge to buy handmade this holiday season and request that others do the same for me."
I want to include cards in this. I snagged a paper making kit at a yard sale this summer for a dollar, so I'm going to make my own paper. My hubby and I started making our own cards a few years ago, so we'll continue doing that with the stamping supplies we've collected.
I'm putting this in my goals list because from previous experience, I know it takes more time to make some (many) gifts than it does to go out and purchase them. As a long-time cross-stitcher, I have given many pieces as gifts. There are also many pieces that I've MEANT to give as gifts, that didn't get done in time!
So, I'm going to start now, to ensure that I have a stress-free December!
Christmas Goal/Plan:
1.) List everyone I need/want to make a gift for.
2.) Brainstorm gift ideas for each person.
3.) Make "final" decisions on gift choices.
4.) Decide how much time to allow each gift to be made.
5.) Schedule gift-making.
6.) Determine what materials will need to be purchased for these gifts.
And while we're talking about scheduling, let's make sure I don't take three months to do the preceding 6 steps!
My goal is to have a Christmas Gift Plan defined and in place, (on my planner) by the end of this week (August 16th).

Among other things,

I want to find ways of MAKING more money. I don't want to get a part time evening and weekends job, because I don't deal with stress well and I don't deal with not having down time well and that just negates that, doesn't it? LOL

So I've been kicking around the idea of making up some baby stuff for fall craft fairs and such, but I don't want to be limiting myself to craft fairs, much less spending an entire day in a crowded, noisy gymnasium with half a million crazy-stressed women. Sorry, just not my bag.

I've also been kicking around the idea of starting an Etsy shop. That Really Scares Me. (TRaSeMe - like trace me) But I think I'm going to do it! I'm going to make up some items between now and the end of August, see if some of my more objective friends think they're good enough, and start an Etsy Shop if it's a go.

The only other thing that holds me back is that I'm terrible at customer service. I could say "I'll have to work on that," but I think I recall saying that before! (And it didn't happen!)

Well, I have until the end of August to mull it over (and pray about it.)

So, as for a goal, I'd like to have made one each of the following by the end of the month:
-Burp Cloth
-Bib
-Baby Blanket
-Blanket Square (corresponding to blanket)

-Purse

-Clutch

-Cooling Eye Mask

-Beaded lace necklace

I already have the bib partially made, the burp cloth in my mind, I have the plans for the blanket and square that I made previously so just need to duplicate, I made the eye masks years ago (but gave them all away so will just need to duplicate) and have started the beaded necklace. I also have the pattern for the purse and clutch I've been meaning to make for myself for two years, as well as the materials. YeHe! I'm so excited!

Answers Found

Last night I acknowledged that I don't have an answer to the question of balancing paying down debt and building up savings. (Scroll down to #7) I did a little digging over at Trent's site The Simple Dollar (a magnificent resource! I knew I'd find it eventually over there if I looked hard enough!) Comparing Apples to Oranges: Saving Ahead Versus Paying Down Debt was exactly what I was looking for, and I really didn't have to look that hard! This is actually more of an explanation, as the backstory, and here is another article of Trent's that addresses the same issue. I especially liked this article, which provided a priority list of sorts.
1.) spend less than you earn
2.) establish the emergency fund
3.) save for retirement
4.) eliminate debts

My hubby and I have it all backward. We both have great retirement funds set up, but other than that we've neglected living within our means and building up the emergency fund as well as eliminating debt (obviously - by not living within our means!!)

This is also a great way to establishing a structured overal debt payment plan.

And this will help me stay on track!!

So I have three financial (savings) goals right now. Trent says it's better to have only one financial goal at a time, and I agree with him, but two of these goals are time-sensitive. Actually, one is time sensitive, the other is a false urgency of mine. I REALLY want to get a small motorcycle. I reason that it will help me save on gas, but I really just want to start riding now that I have my license. *Sigh* the truth hurts sometimes, doesn't it? So the bike will be on the bottom of my totem pole of priorities, but it's still there!

So, the three Savings goals (in order of priority) are:
1.) Emergency fund. Building up 3 months worth of my current gross salary within two years.
2.) Travel fund. Save for travel expenses that we'll incur in 3 months when we visit our new niece or nephew. This will involve at LEAST airline, possibly car rental and maybe hotel expenses. My SIL's parents have offered to house us, but I'm not sure how my hubby will react to that. Hmmm. I need to communicate better, don't I? (This SIL and I both married into the family, so her parents aren't MY in-laws). Before I have a definite goal, I'll need a definite amount to save for. But I'll start anyway!
3.) Motorcycle Fund!!! LOL... I hoped to purchase a bike for myself this fall figuring they'd be selling pretty cheap as people are debating whether they want to store them for another winter or not, but I may have to wait until spring when I can save more for it and not be strapped for cash for my trip.

A deeper look at personal finance

Tonight I am setting aside time to address the questions I brainstormed this afternoon.



1.) Stoping the creation of debt.


In other words, no more credit card purchases. But it goes even deeper than that, like addressing #3 - finding ways to spend less. But in order to avoid stopping the creation of debt, I think the one basic element that needs to happen is to take out the credit card and take out the scissors and just do it.







Yes, I'm that serious, and no, I didn't plan that.




2.) Paying down debt.


Establishing a set minimum amount to pay to the credit card (yes, I only have one) instead of just whatever is left over. Making that a priority instead of an afterthought.


Let me explain why I only have one credit card and yet why I'm so anxious to address this spending issue. I've been in debt a number of times and I always get out of debt by refinancing the mortgage. Then a few months later, I slide back into debt. I don't want to continue that cycle. First of all, I'm essentially paying for it every time I make a mortgage payment for the next 30 years, and secondly - I'll never learn to budget if I just rely on the credit card, then get a quick/easy fix down the road. What will that teach any children I might have? Third, for everything that I don't pay for up front, I'm essentially going to be paying WAY more than sticker price for.


3.) Finding ways to spend less.
I'm really excited about brainstorming ideas for this. I've already implemented quite a few ideas here and there.


I'm making my own laundry detergent and saving an average of 10 cents per load. Actually, it's more dramatic if you understand that I used to pay 14 cents per load and now I pay 4 cents per load!


I've also set up a clothes line using materials I already had. Unfortunately, it's been raining for weeks on end, so I haven't had the opportunity to use it yet! I am, however, hanging things in my basement/laundry area on a folding rack when I have the opportunity to do so.


A tip I found a few weeks back was to fill empty liter bottles with water and put them in your toilet tank. This will essentially allow you to use less water when you flush. I was a little concerned that less water would be less effective and sometimes require two flushes, but so far that hasn't happened. I actually fit two 1-liter bottles in my tank so I'm able to save that much more on each flush.


I've taken the Wardrobe Refashion Pledge which is basically to not purchase any newly manufactured clothing. You can buy new fabric, and shop for clothes at thrift stores, or make your own clothing.


I've taken this a step further and decided not to purchase any new fabric.


In addition, I declared August as Stash Month for me with a $20 budget for things like thread. Essentials. Strictly Essentials. So far I haven't used any of it.


I also took the Buy Nothing Challenge because I found I was spending money on things I really didn't need at thrift stores. Great, it's a thrift store, but please. Let's be sensible about it! Another reason for this is that I have limited space and I'm quickly running out of it!


Other areas I can really improve on are with food.


I've started menu planning. That will help a lot, I think.


Also, sticking to the list and not making impulse buys.


I also started a price book much like Jenn's.


We're also switching to Basic Cable.


I would like to find a lower cost alternative high-speed internet (lower than $60 a month.)


I'd also like to find an inexpensive motorcycle so that I can save on gas on my daily commute.


I've begun watching the way I drive, staying at the speed limit and implementing some hypermiling techniques to help save on gas as well.


I also took the "Buy Handmade" pledge, which is to purchase only handmade gifts this holiday season. Except I intend to actually "do the making" myself!


I've stopped buying paper napkins and paper towels. I cut up two old t-shirts of my hubby's which keep us well stocked in kitchen rags instead of paper towels and I pulled out the cloth napkins that have been stored in the linen drawer for the last 8 years and put them to use. I also stopped buying kleenex which I use quite a bit since I have year-round allergies. I made up a bunch of hankerchiefs and am really happy with them.


I also stopped buying household cleaners and instead use some more cost-effective alternatives like equal parts water and vinegar for glass cleaner.


I need to stop buying coffee in the morning, as well as the breakfast sandwich or donut that goes along with it.


I also need to stop buying lunch out. Even if it is on the dollar menu! This is going to require making lunches and prepping breakfast and coffee the night bfore.


Actually, just eating healthier will save money. I cut out ice cream last month and I KNOW that's resulted in a savings of about $20 per week! Yeah, I bought Ben & Jerry's at $4+/pint EVERY workday. Plus Edy's for the house. That's not as expensive, but it adds up too. That's $80/month of food budget! (As if there was a budget!) Since unhealthy often is also unnecessary, what other unhealthy foods do I eat that I can cut out? Chips, soda,


We're also not eating out. That's such a waste of money! (Except for lunches. Oi.)


I'm trimming my own hair and my hubby's using the razor during the summer.


I'd like to look into making my own skin care products. I have pretty sensitive skin, so it may be a lot of trial and error, but I'd like to try it anyway.


Decorate and rearrange with found objects.



Turn off the TV when it's just background noise.







4.) Identifying things I spend money on that are not essentials.
Fabric
beads
any crafting materials
specialty coffees
cosmetics
fast food
air conditioning
seltzer water

5.) Identifying times that I am emotionaly-spending. (Like emotional eating.)
This is going to require just becoming more aware and realizing that it's happening before it's too late (before I get to the checkout!)

6.) Brainstorming ideas for combating emotional spending.
I think this happens most often on my lunch breaks. I have a hour long break and work on what I call "Retail Row." It's four miles of retail and fast food. So convenient! Not.
A better use of this time could be journaling the cause of my emotionalism and working on my reading list!

7.) Explore "paying down debt vs. establishing savings."
There's the balance between building up emergency savings and putting everything you can into paying down debt. Where do you find that balance? (I simply don't have the answer here.)

8.) Establish timeline/plan with clear dates for paying down debt and establishing savings.
I'd like to have three months worth of my salary in my emergency savings within two years. Is this realistic? I don't know. Am I going to try it? Heck yeah.

9.) What am I saving for? (Goals to keep me focused and motivated, reminding me what I'm working towards.)
Emergency Savings
Travel Fund (So I can meet my niece or nephew in November!)
Motorcycle

10.) Do I have a false sense of security? (Am I using my credit card as a safety net?)
Absolutely. But not anymore.

11.) What is a realistic emergency savings goal? (How much per month?)
I'll start out with what I established above, but monitor it as I go along.

12.) What is a realistic monthly budget? (considering maintenance costs for vehicles, house, etc. that don't come up every month and usually take us by surprise.)
I'm going to have to start using the Quicken product I purchased a year ago to track expense with an eye on maintenance and surprise costs.

13.) Identifying budget busters. When/why do I have expenses that take me by surprise and how can I avoid this element of surprise in the future (and make room in the budget for them.)
gifts
food for parties

So to recap:
-I need a good financial planner including taking into account special events.
-I need to stop impulse buys
-I need to find a lower cost alternative to high-speed internet
-I need to save for an older model motorcycle
-I need to continue watching the way I drive
-I need to prep coffee, breakfast and lunch the night before
-I need to find recipes for skin care products
-I need to turn off the Air Conditioner during the day when we're not home
-I need to continue the wardrobe refashion, stash month and buy nothing new challenges after August is over
-I need to be aware of emotional spending and stay away from temptation when I'm prone to do so, such as reading or journaling at lunchtime instead.
-I need to remember that I'm saving for our emergency fund, a motorcycle, and the opportunity to travel down south to meet the newest addition to our family once he or she arrives!!
-I need to consistently update quicken and monitor maintenance costs on both the vehicle and the house.
-I need to remember to anticipate costs such as for parties and family gatherings.