Saving Tips for Kids -Stuff the Pig

The Thrifty Groove

Julia and I play a game called " Stuff the Pig" ...

We"Feed" the pig as many coins as we can. It may take,weeks or months.Once the pig is full and stuffed to the brim, we have to guess how much money is actually in the pig. Then the money goes in an her savings account. It's simple,fun, money saving and challenging. I didn't realize how competitive Julia and I are!

Lemonade Stand

I love the entrepreneurial spirit at a yard sale. This cute lemonade stand was created by little Katie (age 6). Very camera shy she opted out of having her picture taken. Can't say that I blame her, who wants their picture taken by some crazy lady at a yard sale. Her politeness and gracious demeanor was, I have to say, refreshing. I lost count of how many times she thanked me after my purchase. Awe, if she were only old enough to give customer service lessons at local retail stores.    

Getting Back to Basics

"Pondering the Basics "

On my medical leave sabbatical from giving readings I have learned many lessons. Thought I would jot just a few down: Can anyone relate?

• Practicing what I preach is not as easy as I thought.
• Between bills, food, work & family life - how do you really find "me" time?
• I don't like uttering the words" No, I do not predict exact lotto numbers".
• No, I will not fit into skinny jeans.
• All families have drama; we could all have our own reality shows. Hmmm...Wonder what the title would be?
• How do we age gracefully without forking over hundreds of dollars?
• With modern technology today WHY CAN'T SOMEONE CREATE HAIR DYE THAT LAST LONGER THAN 4 WEEKS?
• Can the Glenn Becks & Al Sharptons of the world hug with grace and humility?



I could go on and on,as I am sure you could. I think we just need to sit, reflect - get all the blues out of our system and recharge.


For today let's reflect on gratitude,family,budgeting,food,shelter , giving & prayer .


Let's get back down to the basics .

B- ALANCE - Even flow of activity with self & family
A- PPRECIATION - Gratitude for the good and the lessons
S- IMPLICITY - Peace of mind with self and spirit
I-  NTEREST - Passionately  create a bucket list and do
C- ARE - Giving back to family and community
S- AVE - Living beneath your means-yeah YARD SALES!  

How a Hair Barrette taught me a Lesson

 On one of my yard sale haunts(oh look Halloween is in the air, I meant to write hunts) on Saturday I came across a former store owner getting rid of  left over merchandise. She was just starting to display her items. I am a natural "helper" as I like to call it, or a control freak, depending on how you want to look at it. I asked if I could open the  large package of barrettes ,she welcomed the idea. Being in retail from the age of 15 , I neatly placed them on the table methodically displaying the barrettes for the next customer to admire. I asked how much , she responded a $1 . I happily dug into my coin purse when she had a revelation and said, 50 cents for helping me. As I continued digging she thought it over again and said for you 25 cents and take two! I was surprised and grateful. It really got me thinking how when we give of our time to help someone it does come back to you. It's the little things in life, a small token of appreciation goes a long way.