I was clicking through Pinterest and came across this quote. It was by a character on the television show “Grey’s Anatomy.” To be honest, I’ve never seen the show. I’ve never even had an interest in seeing the show but this quote really spoke to me. I hope it speaks to you too.
There is this person
inside my head. She’s brilliant,
capable, she’s me.
Only so much better! And I’m afraid
I’ll never become that person.
-Meredith Gray, character on Grey’s Anatomy
Money. We all need it. We all want it. Yet, it seems to be depleted in record time.
I’m always looking for ways to save money. A penny here, fifty cents there, maybe five dollars if I’m lucky. My son says “Mom, what don’t you do one thing that saves $100. Then you don’t have to look for deals.” True, large savings would be helpful.
I would love to have several things that I could simply do and save a ton of money. Who wouldn’t? Life isn’t like that is it? To save money you have to look at everything. You can save a few cents here, a few dollars there, get a discount or a BOGO and you are on your way. It’s the accumulation of actions, not the execution of one actions that brings results. So in my quest to hopefully save enough money, I am going to be writing a few blog articles on “Ways to Save.” This way what I learn I can pass onto you.
Some of my solutions will be no brainers. Some will be old advice. As I get further and further into the topic I hope I will be able to present you with some unique advice or ideas to put into practice in your own life.
Below is my first post on some ways to save money. This first one is pretty basic right? That’s my foundation. Hopefully we can expand on this topic well into the year. What are some ways you save money? Let us know in the comments.
1. Keep a wish list. I learned this when I had a kid. It helps to prevent impulse buying. Write it down and look at it later. The desire to have it may be gone.
2. Keep a basic maintenance schedule. Servicing things like your car or air conditioner can help prolong its life. Spotting problems and maintaining your things will help you save money. As someone who had to replace a washer, air conditioner, and furnace due to previous owner neglect, maintenance is the way to go!
3. Invest those pennies! Take a small amount and invest it. While it isn’t saving money, it can help you make money. Money is what were after right?
4.Record Expenses. This is one simple method that is really effective. I personally found this method to be the most revolutionary of all the ways you can save money. It will also help you set up a budget. If you do one thing on this list, this is it!
5. Barter. Not a common way to save money, but it can be done. Can you trade one skill for another? Can you mow you neighbors lawn and can they give you a free haircut in exchange? Something to think about.
6. Insulate. Yup, getting rid of drafts in your home. Keeping the heat in, or the cool air can save you lots. Yes, there is a minor outlay of cash, but the end result will be worth it.
7. Used vs New. When I was younger I hated using used items. To me it was gross. I was a bit germaphobic when I was young. What I came to realize is that used clothes and Ikea furniture is great when you are starting out. You can save a lot more money in the long run. I bought all new furniture when my husband and I got married. Then we had our son. He threw up on it, spilled stuff on it, you get the idea. Then we got a dog. Well I’m sure you know how that goes. Almost all our things were damaged by the time our son was 8. If I had used furniture or Ikea stuff it would have been much cheaper and easier to get rid of.
8. Corporate Discounts. Does your work, university alumni office or other organization offer discounts. Save on your gym membership or insurance. Check with your HR department and see what they offer.
9. Lower Temperature. This is my brother’s big tip. I’ll be honest. For most of my life I’ve been freezing. I like my temperature to be around 72 degrees Fahrenheit. My brother prefers 67 degrees. He does save on his electric bill. He also does a payment plan to help space out evenly the bill. It helps him not to have a large bill in the winter or a small one in summer. It is evenly spaced out during the year (bills).
10. Air Dry your clothes. I didn’t know the savings would add up for this! I read in a magazine a few years ago that using your dryer costs up to $16.98 a month to run. That can add up too.
Do you have some tips to save money? Let me know below.
What is going on now. Things are still stressful. I’m still physically and mentally exhausted. Honestly, I am so angry over the last two months. I am really angry at the mental health clinic that has been treating my son in one form or another. Where to start?
If you remember from my last update, we were trying to get E tutoring from the school district. We were able to secure tutoring for E after school. A teacher would come after school for an hour each day. Fortunately, my son really liked his tutor. They covered several pages in his math book.
As I also said in the last update post E was on the waiting list for the PHP he last attended. While we were waiting I was able to get E twice weekly therapist appointments. We also started him on his third medication. We are seeing a slight improvement in him. I fear that his dose is too low. Unfortunately, with children you cannot increase as fast as in adults. It’s an extremely long road. I’m still exhausted and depressed myself.
After having the tutor over to our home for one week when I get a phone call. It is the PHP (partial hospitalization program). They have a spot for E. He can start the following week. Ugh. Of course, when I got the tutor up and going he would get into the PHP. I am hoping that he can get some coping skills this time. I am hoping he will talk about hurting himself less.
For the first couple of days back at PHP E is sad. His friend Johnny would not be there and he missed her. I can’t lose any more friends he would cry to me. E has lost a large number of friends in his short life. All of them have moved away. I count about 6 or 7 friends who moved. E is very, painfully shy. While he makes friends easily he also feels their loss deeply. My son is a nerd, polite, shy, self conscious, friendly and helpful. Many kids have said so. Even though in PHP there are different rules than outside. You can’t be in contact with people from the group. I’m sure it had to due with confidentiality and safety. How do you explain that to an 11 year old? I tried to tell him it was not about him or his friends. This was the rules for everyone. Even with that it caused him so much pain.
This time round he made another friend named S. S likes video games and anime like E does. She has also got him into drawing. I have tried for years to get my son to do artistic things. It’s not his thing. Until now. I’m glad he loves drawing like I do. I know he missed S. They are very much alike. I’m sad that he has to deal with another loss.
In about four days after he started back at PHP I get a phone call from his social worker. “We think E is doing great.” “He is not acting like he did before he went into lockdown. We think we may discharge him” she said. Huh? He hasn’t even been there a week. He has anxiety through the roof, crying fits and talks about hurting himself. To that they said “He isn’t doing that here.” All I could think is of course he isn’t. He doesn’t want to go back to lockdown. It’s one of his major fears. He is terrified of being taken away from us again.
Here’s the kicker. Our insurance doesn’t want him discharged! Never had an insurance company want a person to have more treatment. The staff at the PHP is thinking that he should go to a special academy or day treatment program. They told us to start investigating them. We have no idea how to start. We do know of one academy. However, it’s over $30,000 a year. Kiss retirement and college goodbye. I also don’t think that pulling him out of school for a year to attend school at a day treatment program or special academy is the answer. If anything it would cause him more harm. He could also lose many of his friends.
To be continued…
Air travel has become a common occurrence. There are more of us spending entire days on airplanes as we travel from one state to another. Even today, going from one country to another is becoming more and more common. As home on the road becomes the norm what is it you need to have in your bag to make the journey better? Check out my list and see what you need.
1. Decent Headphones. I am partial to Beats myself. I like the fact that they also block outside noise really well.
2. Small notebook and pen. I know a lot of people say you can keep notes on your I-Phone but there is something about writing things down for me. I keep a small journal so that is my go to for all things written.
3. Sweater. A lot of people say bring a scarf. I like something a bit more substantial and softer. It helps me to relax more.
4. A neck pillow. Yes, you really need one. I think neck pillows are one of the greatest inventions of modern man! Not kidding. I have injured my neck and back before over long vacations. Now I always have a neck pillow. If I forget it, I buy one. I need it that much.
5. Important numbers and documents. Again, you would think modern technology would replace the written piece of paper but it doesn’t. Devices can be stolen, you can lose your charge and then what do you do?
6. Refillable water container. So many airports and other travel hubs have a drinking fountain that allows you to fill your water bottle right there. Save money and the planet at the same time.
7. Snacks. Who wants to pay $3.00 for a candy bar? Not this woman! Enough said.
8. Medication. Take both prescription and over the counter meds on with you. Take your prescription in case you cannot get a refill where you are. OTC meds should also be taken. We all have our favorite brands. On vacation is not the time to try new brands that you are unfamiliar with.
9. Reading Materials. Sort of self explanatory right?
10. Hand wipes and lotion. Who wants to wait in that long line for the bathroom to wash their hands?
11. Tissues. Something you don’t want to be caught without.
12. Chapstick. Planes can be very dry places. A little chapstick can make you feel a lot better.
13. Hair brush. This one could be considered optional. It depends on your hair. They make really small compact ones that don’t take up a lot of space. Look in your travel section of your big box retailer.
14. Emery Board. This to me is one of the most important things besides the neck pillow. I hate it when my nail gets caught on fabric. I drives me nuts! It’s something that can become a preoccupation unless it is dealt with.
What things are on your must have list for travel?
Need a list to check off for Summertime fun? Well, look no further than this post! Here is a little help in filling those long summer days.
Just a quick note to say Thank you to all the new people who have followed my blog. I hope you continue to enjoy reading it. I’m working on some new posts now and they should be up next week. Thanks again and Welcome!
Christine
Do you have a Pinterest account? I do! Check out: https://www.pinterest.com/TNSCK/
It has recipes, wardrobe information and other things I like. Check it out!
