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 January 2007 Back to Table of Contents Back to Archives Main Page Section: Life & Leisure Using your Money Wisely By Nancy Eckerson
I hear people whining and moaning when they have to do the grocery shopping or when they get stuck with round-trip airfare that isn’t quite as low as they wished. I remember when that was me — whimpering about what I couldn’t have or do. I have purposely made a conscious effort to tone that part of my thinking down. The “I have to” song has slowly, and with deliberate thought, become the “I get to” melody. I get a fantastic sense of joy when I sit down to pay my bills and have the wherewithal to pay them. I am thankful when I am in line at the grocery store, because I have food in my cart and paper supplies and other amenities that make life a piece of cake. I have spoiled myself with delivery of the Sunday paper, so that I can get caught up on the news and clip coupons from the luxury of my warm, cozy home — in my pajamas. It’s the life of Riley, honestly. I see how wise I have become, even with coupons. I used to clip anything that looked appealing and usually ended up spending far more than I should at the store. Now I am very careful to resist the “extras” just because I have a coupon for them. I also have learned not to assume that a coupon means I am getting the best price on an item. Sometimes, the store brand is still the cheapest. Sound like a lot of work? Well, consider how fortunate you are to have the brain power to be able to think it all through. How amazing it is that you have a car to take you to the store and to make carting home your purchases so easy. Gratitude gives you the clarity of mind you need — to be wise. Are you itching to attend some great theater performances, but tickets are just not in the budget this year? Maybe you aren’t even sure if you should invest the gas money to get there? Well, use your money wisely: Get yourself on a volunteer usher list at your favorite theater. I have been honored to usher at UB now for a couple of years. I get to meet new people, to cordially assist attendees in finding their seats, and I get to see great performances. Just this past Christmas season, I was honored to see an exquisite performance of The Nutcracker by Buffalo’s own ballet company, The American Academy of Ballet. Talk about smart spending! All it cost me was the gas money to get to there. Even my tax-deductible donations are carefully thought out and executed. I concentrate on local giving where I am sure that my dollars are spent wisely, and not lost in administrative costs of the big business-type charities. Among others, I am very fond of donating to my church, volunteer fire company and the Salvation Army. If I don’t have tons of cash to give away, I donate my time to The Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service and Habitat for Humanity. There is always someone in the WNY not-for-profit neighborhood that would love to have my skill or my money. And, last but not least, be wise with your wardrobe, too. I have learned the joy of consignment shopping. I have made some fantastic purchases at the carousel of locally–owned consignment shops and have even recycled my own classic-line articles that just don’t suit me anymore. That gives me the money I need to purchase something new, or to pay a bill. It’s great fun to accept the challenges that tight budgets provide. Isn’t that a much happier way to look at the financial squeeze so many of us face? Winter Reading Dear John By Nicholas Sparks This book helps keep the romantic spirit alive. The Hidden Messages in Water By Masaru Emoto Emoto offers a great reminder of the power of positive thinking. The Sacred Path Companion By Lauren Artress A great handbook of tips and techniques for getting the most out of your labyrinth meditations. Pencil Dancing By Mari Messer A book of sparks to free your creative spirit, for writing, painting, singing, wood-working, drawing or whatever creative endeavor you desire to pursue. back to top back to table of contents Current Issue | About Forever Young | Where to Find | Advertise | Our Advertisers | Community Calendar | Contest | Clubs | Contact Us | Archives | Home |
