10 Best Debt-Busting Holiday Strategies for 2008!

November 28, 2008

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According to a Gallup poll, the average American family will spend $801 this year on Holiday gifts. Remember an average means that some people spend way more and some people spend a lot less. With economic times tough this year for most people, it’s a good chance to talk to your friends and family about cutting back on Holiday gift giving, seeking alternatives or even eliminating it altogether. Most people have more than enough “stuff” and that’s why they are so hard to buy for.

I’m going to be below that average number for several reasons. About 20 years ago, when the grandkids started arriving most of my extended family decided not to purchase Christmas gifts for each other with the exception of my sister and her husband who have no kids but are generous with the nieces and nephews. Even my Mom and Dad suggested that we not exchange gifts this year due because of the hit their retirement accounts have taken.

I’ll be buying wine from Phelps Creek Vineyards for my sister and hubby (Sh, don’t tell), my son gets a ski pass and my daughter a check because she’s saving to go to London for the Spring term. That’s it for me. How about you?

And remember, the Holiday isn’t all about buying and giving! Most people want more of the spirit of the season — friendship, music, love. Don’t be so obsessed with the buying and spending that you wind up with stress, hassle and shopper’s burnout. Plan to incorporate the things that really matter in life: spending time with family and friends, being part of a community, enjoying your faith and just plain having fun.

Doing some planning now along with a shift to the spirit of the season, can make the New Year much happier since you know massive credit card bills won’t be filling your mailbox.

Here are some specific ideas. Implement one or all!

1. Make a Spending Plan and Stick To It. Decide in advance how much you’re going to spend on each person AND the total amount you plan to spend on everyone. That way, if one gift is more expensive than you expected, review the rest of your list to find reductions so you don’t exceed your overall spending plan. Don’t forget decorations, cards, stamps, wrapping paper. Download my free Holiday Spending Plan resources (scroll down).

It can be tough to stick to a budget when those around you are big spenders. If you want to change the gift giving pattern, do it early before people start making purchase.

Posted by Cindy Morus | Filed Under Family | 1 Comment

Happy Thanksgiving

November 26, 2008

Here in the US, we’re officially celebrating Thanksgiving. While we’re spending this one day with friends and family being thankful for the bounty and abundance in our lives, I hope you’ll take the time every single day to express gratitude for what’s going on in your life.

We know how easy it is to be grateful for the good things but it’s not so easy to be grateful for what’s not going our way. I bet even in the midst of that, there’s at least one good thing going on.
A couple of years ago, I broke my leg and knee in a bike riding accident. It took 5 surgeries, a 2 week hospital stay and 4 months of pain killers and non-weight bearing. When I did start to walk again, I practically had to learn how all over again. But there were good things both then and now:

I had an excellent surgeon and today I have almost full use of my leg and knee
My church family provided meals for my family for over a month. Members stopped by to visit and sent cards.
I was able to keep working since I could still use the telephone and email!
I have wood floors downstairs so I was able to “scoot around” on my desk chair and be fairly mobile
My children and parents were really there for me. Mom and Dad spent 2 weeks at my house to take care of us. My kids provided daily massages to keep the circulation moving in my foot.
I had a great pain doctor who was willing to try different therapies until we found ones that worked
The friend who drove an hour at 10:00 pm to see me in the hospital when I freaked out.
Another friend who brought me my computer so I’d have something to do.
My chiropractor who kept things adjusted.
My friend who took me to the warm therapy pool to swim and stretch out.
The acupuncturists who came to my home for treatments and helped me totally relax - ahhhh!

Today, I’m going to be officially grateful that I’m healed from that injury, for my parents, kids, a warm house (with freshly painted doors and trims courtesy of my wonderful Dad), being alive and healthy, my dog, my friends and business partners and the opportunities that come my way every day.

I’m also especially grateful to each and every one of you because you are all helping me to fulfill my mission to help people get out of debt and have financial well-being and peace of mind. Thank you for allowing me into your Inbox and your life.

So, from me to you, Happy Thanksgiving - every day of your life!

Warmly, Cindy

Posted by Cindy Morus | Filed Under Current Events | Leave a Comment

Here are some great Thanksgiving freebies! Enjoy!

November 25, 2008

Thanks to Marie at MommyCommunity.com for “How To Create a Thanksgiving Holiday The Whole Family Will Love” ebook. Get your copy at: http://www.mendyourmoney.com/Thanksgiving-Holiday.pdf

And if you need a last minute recipe, check out “Thanksgiving Recipes” courtesy of Diane at Dine Without Whine at http://www.mendyourmoney.com/Thanksgiving-Handout-2008.pdf. (By the way, Dine Without Whine is a great menu planning service for busy families like yours!)

Posted by Cindy Morus | Filed Under Protect Yourself | Leave a Comment

Quicken Online Now Free

November 10, 2008

In these tough times, has Intuit, the maker of Quicken and Quickbooks, has the right idea. They are now offering their online version of Quicken for FREE.

If you have checking, savings and credit cards spread across several financial institutions, Quicken Online is just the product for you because it gathers all the accounts into one web site which saves you time and money.

Your home page shows balances for all your accounts plus how much money has come in and out and your savings. You can also see a pie chart of share you are spending your money on.