It’s My Imagination

Getting Finances in Order Without Government Bailout

January 19, 2009 on 5:16 pm | In Finance | Comments Off

I have to say, I’ve all but stopped watching the evening news because of all the negative news, particularly in regards to the economy. I receive my 401k statements in the mail and my retirement funds are taking a nose dive. The company my husband works for has stopped giving quarterly bonuses. I was laid off from my job in October (the good news is that I was just called back). I see on the news that people across the country are losing their homes and that mortgages, auto loans and credit card applications are being scrutinized in a way never before seen. I don’t need the nightly news to tell me things are bad, I see it every where I turn.

I think the one thing I’ve been able to take away from all that I’ve seen and heard is that it is crucial that we be our own financial advisors and seek help when we need to from the professionals. No matter how much professional help we get though, it’s up to us to get our finances in order and keep them there. There are of course many ways to do this such as diversifying our retirement portfolios and possibly even refinancing our mortgages to get lower rates and/or reduced monthly payments.

Another option that many people over look is reviewing our credit cards. Of course it’s important to review monthly statements for accuracy, but it’s also a good idea to review features of any credit card such as interest rate, annual fees and loyalty programs. These points are always good to review whether applying for a new card or considering what to do with a current account.

So, while I do have a professional reviewing my 401K and IRA, I am responsible for ALL of my financial decisions, including my credit cards. This really is an excellent time to get your finances in order and because we’re sure not getting any government bailout, but who knows, if we all get our finances cleaned up, maybe the economy will start to turn around.

Amazingly Simple Home Remedies

January 19, 2009 on 4:49 pm | In Entertainment | 2 Comments

I received the following in an email and thought I would share. 

1. Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by
getting someone else to hold the vegetables while
you chop.

2. Avoid arguments with the females about lifting the
toilet seat by using the sink.

3. For high blood pressure sufferers ~ simply cut
yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing
the pressure on your veins. Remember to use a timer.

4. A mouse trap placed on top of your alarm clock will
prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep
after you hit the snooze button.

5. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of
laxatives. Then you’ll be afraid to cough.

6. You only need two tools in life – wd-40 and duct
tape. If it doesn’t move and should, use the wd-40.
If it shouldn’t move and does, use the duct tape.

7. If you can’t fix it with a hammer, you’ve got an
electrical problem.

Daily thought: some people are like slinkies – not
really good for anything …..but they bring a smile
to your face when pushed down the stairs!