Sunday, December 30, 2007
When I Was Hungry
| By Lynn Forgy I have been obsessing over my New Year's "Goal" (I'm not using the word resolution because I haven't been able to keep them in years past), which is to pay off my remaining debt of $15,000 by the end of May 2008. This is almost half of my annual income. You're probably thinking that I'm crazy, delusional, and/or completely unrealistic. And you may be right, but I have faith that God will provide - maybe not the way that I would like but His will, not mine.  This morning at church, that point really hit home. I have been completely focused on ME. The sermon was about Matthew 25:31-46. The main idea is to treat others as if they are Jesus. This is a particularly difficult thing for me to do - I am not a patient person, I have many days where I don't think that I can take another phone call at work and listen to the complaints or whining, and I have enough problems of my own without worrying about other people's problems. But as a Christian, this is what I should do and what I should want to do. I should feed the hungry, give a drink to the thirsty, clothe those who need it, visit the sick, visit those in prison, and invite strangers in. These are all things that I am capable of doing - and by doing any one of these things I have taken the focus off of myself. I may not instantly turn into the type of Christian I want to be, but it would be a great start. |
Saturday, December 29, 2007
I Am Not Alone
 By Lynn Forgy Sometimes when I am balancing my checkbook, working on my budget, or telling my daughter "No" for the umpteenth time, I feel like no one else is going through this - struggling to be debt free. Everywhere I look, people are spending money on clothes, cars, new furniture, stuff, stuff, and more stuff. At those times, I feel like a freak. It helps to know that I am not alone. There are a great many number of people who are fighting this battle as well, and more joining up every day. Below are a few that I have found that I think are worth checking out: NeedToBeDebtFree DebtBeaters TimeToBudget Of course, the Dave Ramsey Yahoo groups that are out there - I love getting these posts and reading other people's stories. I am always learning new things from the other members, and it helps to hear what they have to say about their journey to financial freedom. Journeying to debt freedom may seem abnormal to some, living without credit cards, car debt, etc. But the joy and peace that is sure to follow your last payment will undoubtedly outweigh the criticism or sarcasm you might receive from those "normal" folks who choose to follow the more traveled road. |
Thursday, December 27, 2007
The New Year and Resolutions
| By Lynn Forgy I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! Now everyone seems to be gearing up towards the New Year - which inevitably means not only New Year's Eve celebrations, but the dreaded resolutions as well. I have given up on making "resolutions" - it's been at least a decade since I made one, and even longer than that in which I actually kept a resolution I had made (I don't remember sticking to a resolution for longer than a week). So with this fatalist attitude, I am attempting not a resolution, but a goal. I mentioned it last week in a post, and am providing a status update - not only for the readers but also for myself as an accountability tool. My GOAL is to payoff my 2 remaining loans in my debt snowball (which does not include the house - that will come later). The total amount is approximately $15,000, and the initial timeframe I gave myself was until the end of May 2008. I know that this is not a realistic goal, but I like to dream big. I have until the end of 2007 - 4 more days - in which to list as many ways as possible in which to produce more money to throw at these 2 debts.  To date, the list is not that long, but I am happy to say that with Christmas bonuses, I have reduced the debt total somewhat. Still, I need to continue brainstorming to come up with more ways to earn money. 1) I am still participating in the online surveys and email reading campaigns (if you're interested, the links are on the top left of this site). I do not plan on touching this money until the end of May, taking it out at that time and putting it towards the snowball. The total of these surveys (Hits4Pay, Inbox Dollars, and Your 2 Cents) is $50. 2) I will be having a gigantic yard sale in the spring, and my goal is to make $500 to $1000. That, too, seems high - but again, I'm a dreamer. I have furniture to sell, lots of household items, etc., etc. Of course, a lot of the yard sale money will be going towards my daughter's big dream (my whole family is full of dreamers), so only some of the proceeds will be going towards my snowball. 3) If I get a tax refund, this will be used for the snowball. 4) Etsy.com - a neat website where you can buy and sell homemade items. If I could find something that I was good at making (this is a long shot as I am so not crafty), this would be a great venue. Their fees are low, and the categories of items are plentiful. 5) I have posted an ad on craigslist offering my services as a photo scanner. This concludes my list to date. Any ideas are welcome and appreciated! |
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Barney’s Banana Granola Cookies
 ½ cup butter or margarine, softened 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 egg ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup mashed bananas 1 ½ cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup granola Grease 2 cookie sheets. In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer at medium speed. Add the egg, vanilla, and bananas, bating until well blended. Add the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt, and mix until blended. Stir in the granola. Drop by the tablespoon onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Makes about 4 dozen. Recipe by Harvey Bullock, writer From Aunt Bee’s Mayberry Cookbook I was so excited when I found this cookbook in an antique/flea store in Marietta, Georgia. I grew up with the Andy Griffith Show, and still see it occasionally on television. The family values and gentle humor still hold up today. Aunt Bee (played by Frances Bavier) was always known as a superb cook and this cookbook is dedicated to her memory. Lots of good recipes and some very strange ones (Briscoe Darling’s Hoot Owl Pie is just one of them!) Hope you enjoy these cookies as much as Barney did. |
 This was emailed to me by one of the Yahoo Groups I belong to (Cleverhomemaker) - Enjoy!! French Vanilla Coffee Creamer 1 can sweetened condensed milk (also available in low fat) 1 1/2 cups nonfat milk 1 tablespoon vanilla Mix all ingredients in a glass container. It's best stored in glass mason jar. Remember to shake before pouring as the condensed milk will settle to the bottom. This will keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Almond Orange Cappuccino 1 can sweetened condensed milk (also available in low fat) 1 1/2 cups nonfat milk 1 tsp almond extract 1/2 tsp orange extract for cappuccino. Mix all ingredients in a glass container. It's best stored in glass mason jar.Remember to shake before pouring as the condensed milk will settle to the bottom. This will keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Amaretto 1 can sweetened condensed milk (also available in low fat) 1 1/2 cups nonfat milk Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1 tsp almond extract Mix all ingredients in a glass container. It is best stored in glass mason jar. Remember to shake before pouring as the condensed milk will settle to the bottom. This will keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Almond Cappuccino 1 can sweetened condensed milk (also available in low fat) 1 1/2 cups nonfat milk 1 tsp almond extract 1/2 tsp orange extract Mix all ingredients in a glass container. It's best stored in glass mason jar. Remember to shake before pouring, as the condensed milk will settle to the bottom. This will keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Chocolate Almond 1 can sweetened condensed milk (also available in low fat) 1 1/2 cups nonfat milk 1 to 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 tsp almond extract Mix all ingredients in a glass container. It's best stored in glass mason jar. Remember to shake before pouring as the condensed milk will settle to the bottom. This will keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Chocolate Truffle Mint 1 can sweetened condensed milk (also available in low fat) 1 1/2 cups nonfat milk 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon peppermint extract. Mix all ingredients in a glass container. It's best stored in glass mason jar. Remember to shake before pouring as the condensed milk will settle to the bottom. This will keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator. *Liquid coffee creamer base can also be made by mixing 1 cup of dry coffee creamer with 1 cup of hot water. Mix until dissolved. Add 1 cup of cold water. Store in a mason jar in the refrigerator. *Try creating a powder from your favorite candy. Candy canes now come in many flavors.By adding bits of candy to your food processor and processing until the candy bits are a powder you can add new flavors to your coffee creamer with a fraction of the cost of commercial flavored creamers. Simply add the powdered candy bits to your liquid coffee creamer and shake well to dissolve. *There are also a wide variety of commercial flavorings available to choose from.Try experimenting with your favorite flavoring to create a unique blend for your liquid coffee creamers. |
Monday, December 17, 2007
COWBOY COOKIE MIX IN A JAR RECIPE
| COWBOY COOKIE MIX IN A JAR RECIPE (from www.recipegoldmine.com) 1 1/3 cups quick oats 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1 cup chocolate chips 1 1/3 cups flour mixed with 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt Layer ingredients in order in a 1 quart, “wide mouth” canning jar. Press each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient. Decorate jar for gift giving and attach card with the following directions: Cowboy Cookies: Empty jar of cookie mix into large mixinig bowl. Use your hands to thoroughtly blend mix. Add 1 stick butter or margarine, melted, 1 egg, slightly beaten, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until completely blended. You will need to finish mixing with your hands. Shape into balls the size of walnuts. Place 2 inches apart on sprayed baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 11 to 13 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet. Remove cookies to racks to finish cooling. At this time of year, what a great idea for a gift for just about anyone on your list. Canning jars are on sale, lots of pretty ribbons are available, and the kids can help by decorating the jar and with printing out the recipe. We used to cut a round piece of pretty colored material about an inch or two larger than the round lid (using pinking shears for a decorative edge) and just slip it over the lid before you screw the band onto the jar. Add a ribbon around the neck if you like for a pretty looking gift. |
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Can It Be Done?
By Lynn Forgy I have set a goal for myself, some might say a very unattainable goal given my situation. Nevertheless, I said my goal aloud and am now writing it down. If I do not even try to reach it, I will not succeed. My goal: to pay off my student loan and car payment by the end of May. The numbers: approximately $15,000. This means that in addition to the $800 extra I am paying towards my debt snowball each month, I now must come up with an additional $2200 each month, or a lump sum of $11,000. Some people might say I am setting myself up to fail - maybe they're right. But I like to dream big. If I reach even half of that (a more realistic expectation), I will be happy. However, I am aiming for the big number. My first step - PRAYER. I will ask God for guidance and discernment, and try to remember that even though I want something it may not be God's will for me. Therefore, maybe my goal won't be reached and/or in the time frame I've allotted, but whatever happens I am in God's care. Through Him, the impossible becomes possible. My second step - I have given myself until the end of this year (16 days) to brainstorm as many ways as possible of earning a total of $11K in 5 months. I started a list 2 days ago, and will continue to list my ideas until December 31st. My third step - Acting on the list will begin at the first of the year. Currently, I have a full time job, as well as a part time job. Beginning in January, the income I earn from the part time job will go towards my goal. I will then need an additional $1800 per month to reach my monthly goal. I am a member of several Yahoo groups that deal with finances, and there are a plethora of ideas on making extra money. The only restrictions I have on making extra money to reach my goal are: (1) it must be legal, (2) it must not go against my morals. That shouldn't be difficult. I received a "reward" yesterday of $10.00, not much but every little amount helps. So my goal now is $10,990. |
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
CANINE COOKIES RECIPE
| By Agatha Curtis Here’s a different kind of cookie for one of your best friends…your dog. If you’re looking for something to tuck into Fido’s Christmas stocking, this is it. Got this recipe from www.recipegoldmine.com, and this site is definitely a gold mine of ideas for any season or occasion. CANINE COOKIES RECIPE  1/2 cup dry milk powder 1 egg, well beaten 2 ½ cups all purpose flour 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar ½ cup water 6 tablespoons beef broth Baby food meat Combine and shape into ball and roll on floured board, using extra flour if needed. Cut. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool. These cookies should be hard. |
Monday, December 10, 2007
Saving Money...At Christmas?
By Lynn Forgy Over the past several years, as I have become more aware of my finances and how badly I was at managing them, I have become more and more "obsessed" with saving money. This year, I have taken it a step further and have tried to save money at Christmas. This is almost an oxymoron in our society at this time. The television advertisers are blaring at us constantly to SPEND, as are the advertisers on the radio, print, and the internet. Little Johnny must have the newest whatever, and even though he's only 4 his best friend at preschool has one and in order to fit in the little tike must have it! If we teach our children at an early age that material possessions are what defines a person, then of course they're going to want what Jimmy or Betsy has. Why do we do this to ourselves? The children might be happy for a little while, but then they'll move on and want something bigger and more expensive. And the parent definitely won't be happy when, if you've bought the item or items with your lovely plastic card, your bill comes in January. I have found that I do much better if I make a list of who I need to give presents to, and then budget the amounts I can spend. Having this piece of paper handy when you hit the mall or other stores can be a lifesaver - if you have something specific in mind, or at least a type of item (a finance book, etc.), you can save yourself a lot of time and money. Secondly, you could try to talk your other family members into "going frugal" this Christmas. Our gifts exchanged this year must be free, they cannot smell, be dead or alive. This leaves a lot of wiggle room. As I've mentioned before, BookMooch.com is a great way to get and give books - for free! There are many other venues in which to find free items - freecycle, coupons, buy one get one offers, even other people's trash (from the curb, of course - people are always throwing away perfectly good furniture). Homemade items, such as recipe books, purses, etc., can be great gift ideas, free and/or cheap. Food is a nice gift as well for co-workers, neighbors, church friends, etc. The internet has a plethora of information on frugal gifts - do your research! |
Friday, December 07, 2007
A Cookie A Day - Day 8 - Scotch Shortbread
| By Agatha Curtis A Cookie A Day - Day 8 Scotch Shortbread ¾ cup margarine or butter, softened ½ cup sugar 2 cups all purpose flour (do not use self rising) Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix margarine and sugar. Work in flour with hands. (If dough is crumbly, mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons margarine or butter, softened.) Roll 1/2 to 1/3 inch thick on lightly floured cloth-covered board. Cut into small shapes (leaves, ovals, squares, triangles, etc. I like squares, less waste, less work). Place ½ inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake until set, about 20 minutes. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. About 2 dozen. This recipe comes from the 1981 Betty Crocker’s Cookie Book. It’s chock full of a variety of wonderful cookies recipes. These cookies are especially great for this time of year because they are so easy to make and taste so good, without being too rich. Fill up some of those decorative tins you’re storing in the cupboards and give a delicious gift to your co-workers, neighbors and friends. They also make a great snack with milk, coffee, or cocoa, just for you. |
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
A Cookie A Day - Day 7 - Peanut Crisps
| By Agatha Curtis A Cookie A Day - Day 7 - Peanut Crisps 1 cup finely chopped peanuts 1 cup sugar ½ cup sifted flour (since we’re adding salt, this would be all purpose) ½ teaspoon salt 3 egg whites ½ teaspoon almond extract Mix the peanuts, sugar, flour, and salt thoroughly. Beat the egg whites until stiff, add the flavoring, and fold into the first mixture. Drop by small spoonfuls well apart on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until lightly browned, in a very moderate oven (about 325 degrees.) This recipe comes from a wonderful Depression Era cookbook called “Aunt Sammy’s Radio Recipes”. I found my copy at a sale (library, I think) and have enjoyed trying out the sometimes strange sounding (but usually very tasty) recipes found there. The cookbook is composed of recipes that were part of a radio show during the years of the Depression and, as such, used the ingredients that were more readily available and also more common during that period. I don’t know anyone who eats beef tongue or tripe nowadays, though I have seen it for sale in the grocery store. These recipes bring back a time when most women did not work outside the home, but worked hard to provide good, nutritious meals with what was available to them. Money and often ingredients were scarce. It’s gives us a wonderful look at the way life was lived then, as it contains several pages of pictures and articles about life in the 30’s and 40’s. Some of the jokes were still pretty funny, too. Hope you enjoy this simple, easy recipe from the past! |
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
A Cookie A Day - Day 6 - CHOCOLATE OATMEAL COOKIES
| By Agatha Curtis A Cookie A Day - Day 6 - CHOCOLATE OATMEAL COOKIES  For those of us who need or want to watch the sugars, etc. in our sweets, here’s an easy cookie recipe that doesn’t require baking. It is a variation of the famous “No Bake Cookies” that were the staple of our Girl Scout leader years. This recipe comes from a cookbook titled “Delicious Decisions, Favorite Diabetic Recipes” from The Greater Atlanta Association of Diabetes Educators. This recipe is by Doris Schneider. 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa 1/8 cup margarine 1/8 cup skim milk ¾ cup uncooked oatmeal ¼ tsp vanilla 10 packages Equal sweetener 1/8 cup peanut butter Cook cocoa, margarine and milk for 1-1/2 minutes. Turn off heat and stir in remaining ingredients. Drop teaspoon balls of dough onto wax paper. Refrigerate. Yield: 15 cookies Serving Size: 3 cookies Calories: 104 Exchanges: ½ starch 1-1/2 fat CHO: 7 g PRO: 1 g FAT: 8 g |
Saturday, December 01, 2007
A Cookie A Day...Day 5 - Candy Canes
| By Lynn Forgy A Cookie A Day...Day 5 - Candy Canes  I found a great recipe in a 1977 Family Circle book. The book is chock full of gift ideas that you can make starting at just $.10 (of course, that was 30 years ago and the prices may have gone up somewhat, but are still very cheap to make). Recipes are included in the book, and I came across a Candy Cane recipe that I thought I would post since today is December 1st - only 24 days to go to Christmas!! Ingredients: 3 1/4 c sifted all purpose flour 4 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1/2 c butter or margarine, softened 1 1/4 c sugar 1 egg 1/2 tsp peppermint extract 1/4 c milk Red food coloring Directions: 1. Sift flour, baking powder and salt onto wax paper. 2. Beat butter or margarine and sugar until fluffy in a large bowl; beat in egg and peppermint extract. Stir in flour mixture alternately with milk. 3. Spoon half of dough into a medium-size bowl; tint pink with red food coloring. Leave remaining dough plain. 4. Pinch off about a teaspoonful of each dough; roll each into a pencil-thin strip 5 inches long. Place strips side by side, pressing ends together; twist. Place on ungreased cookie sheets, 1 inch apart, bending into cane shape. 5. Bake in moderate oven (350 degrees) 10 minutes, or until firm. Cool a few minutes on cookie sheets. Carefully remove to wire racks with spatula; cool. The recipe states that these are nice to hang on the tree - but why not make enough to eat too? How frugal can you get - not only do you have cute little candy canes to eat, but these are versatile enough to hang on the Christmas tree as ornaments! Enjoy! |
